Resveratrol ameliorates spermatogenesis by increasing protamine 1, 2 and HSPA2 expression in experimental varicocele rat model / El resveratrol mejora la espermatogénesis al aumentar la expresión de protamina 1, 2 y HSPA2 en un modelo experimental de ratas con varicocele

Objectives: Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility associated with an elevated testicular temperature that induces apoptosis, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and affects sperm parameters. In this study, we investigate the probable therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RES), a natural phytoalexin, against varicocele. Materials and methods: In this study, 48 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 8 groups: normal, sham, normal+RES (20 and 50mg/kg), varicocele, varicocele+ethanol and varicocele+RES (20 and 50mg/kg). Incomplete closure of the left renal vein was used for varicocele induction and two months later, RES was administrated orally for 60 days. Then, sperm parameters, DNA fragmentations, chromatin density, and testis histopathology were analyzed. In addition, HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels were evaluated using real-time PCR. Results: According to our results, resveratrol treatment improved sperm parameters, testis histopathology, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin maturation which damaged follow varicocele (p≤0.05). Also, it increased HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels significantly in both doses (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Resveratrol potentially attenuates varicocele-induced spermatogenic impairments by its antioxidant features and regulates spermatogenic gene expression undergoing DNA fragmentation, so leads histopathological properties of tissues to physiological parameters. (AU)

Objetivos: El varicocele es una causa común de infertilidad masculina asociada con una temperatura testicular elevada que induce apoptosis, disfunción de la espermatogénesis y afecta los parámetros espermáticos. En este estudio, investigamos los probables efectos terapéuticos del resveratrol (RES), una fitoalexina natural, contra el varicocele. Materiales y métodos: En este estudio, 48 ratas Wistar macho se dividieron aleatoriamente en 8 grupos: normal, simulado, normal+ RES (20 y 50mg/kg), varicocele, varicocele+ etanol y varicocele+ RES (20 y 50mg/kg). Se utilizó el cierre incompleto de la vena renal izquierda para la inducción del varicocele y dos meses después se administró RES por vía oral durante 60 días. Luego se analizaron los parámetros espermáticos, las fragmentaciones de ADN, la densidad de cromatina y la histopatología testicular. Además, los niveles de expresión de HSPA2, protamina 1 y 2 se evaluaron mediante PCR en tiempo real. Resultados: Según nuestros resultados, el tratamiento con resveratrol mejoró los parámetros espermáticos, la histopatología testicular, la fragmentación del ADN y la maduración de la cromatina que dañó el varicocele posterior (p≤0,05). Además, aumentó significativamente los niveles de expresión de HSPA2, protamina 1 y 2 en ambas dosis (p≤0,05). Conclusión: El resveratrol atenúa potencialmente las deficiencias espermatogénicas inducidas por varicocele por sus características antioxidantes y regula la expresión de genes espermatogénicos que sufren fragmentación del ADN, por lo que conduce las propiedades histopatológicas de los tejidos a parámetros fisiológicos. (AU)

Resveratrol ameliorates spermatogenesis by increasing protamine 1, 2 and HSPA2 expression in experimental varicocele rat model.

OBJECTIVES: Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility associated with an elevated testicular temperature that induces apoptosis, spermatogenesis dysfunction, and affects sperm parameters. In this study, we investigate the probable therapeutic effects of resveratrol (RES), a natural phytoalexin, against varicocele. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 48 male Wistar rats randomly divided into 8 groups: normal, sham, normal+RES (20 and 50mg/kg), varicocele, varicocele+ethanol and varicocele+RES (20 and 50mg/kg). Incomplete closure of the left renal vein was used for varicocele induction and two months later, RES was administrated orally for 60 days. Then, sperm parameters, DNA fragmentations, chromatin density, and testis histopathology were analyzed. In addition, HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels were evaluated using real-time PCR. RESULTS: According to our results, resveratrol treatment improved sperm parameters, testis histopathology, DNA fragmentation, and chromatin maturation which damaged follow varicocele (p≤0.05). Also, it increased HSPA2, protamine 1, and 2 expression levels significantly in both doses (p≤0.05). CONCLUSION: Resveratrol potentially attenuates varicocele-induced spermatogenic impairments by its antioxidant features and regulates spermatogenic gene expression undergoing DNA fragmentation, so leads histopathological properties of tissues to physiological parameters.

Is there any relationship between human sperm parameters and protamine deficiency in different groups of infertile men?

OBJECTIVE: Abnormality in Histone-Protamine replacements has been indicated to cause sperm DNA damage and infertility. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationships between sperm parameters in oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia with protamine deficiency in infertile men. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this case-control study, we had three experimental groups including oligospermia (n=100), asthenospermia (n=100), and teratospermia (n=100) as well as normospermia (n=100) as controls. Sperm analyses were performed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO, 2010) and sperm chromatin quality was assessed using Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining for each sample. RESULTS: The comparison of the data between groups indicated that the percentage of spermatozoa with protamine deficiency was significantly different in patients with oligospermia, asthenospermia, and teratospermia when compared with control ones. However, there was no significant correlation between sperm nuclear protamine deficiency and their parameters of the men with teratospermia using CMA3 test. Regarding the oligospermia and asthenospermia semen samples, the findings showed the negative correlations between the sperm nuclear protamine deficiency and progressive motility as well as immobility (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The higher proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal chromatin packaging was observed in asthenospermic samples than those from other experimental groups as well as controls. It seems that normal morphology cannot have a valuable predictive value for good chromatin quality of spermatozoa, as much as normal motility characteristics, since samples with high mobility rates often have lower protamine deficiencies. The findings may provide a supportable promoting the future wider clinical application of chromatin/DNA integrity testing along with the semen analysis in male infertility.

Polymorphisms of sperm protamine genes and CMA3 staining in infertile men with varicocele.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate polymorphisms of sperm protamine genes and their effects on the result of CMA3 staining in varicocele men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a case control study, 128 patients with male infertility due to varicocele and 128 controls were recruited. Polymorphisms of PRM1 and PRM2 genes in extracted DNA samples were assessed by PCR-SSCP and sequencing. Protamine deficiency was also indirectly estimated by CMA3 staining. RESULT: Nine different variants including six variants in PRM1 gene and three variants in PRM2 gene were found among varicocele patients. The results showed that sperm count, motility and morphology were significantly different between control group without gene variations and varicocele group who had several variations in their protamine genes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Therefore, PRM1 and PRM2 variations in varicocele patients are associated with the production of spermatozoa with more protamine deficiency and this is one of the possible causes of infertility due to varicocele.

Impaired protamination and sperm DNA damage in a Nellore bull with high percentages of morphological sperm defects in comparison to normospermic bulls / Deficiências de protaminação e danos de DNA no sêmen de um touro Nelore com elevada porcentagem de patologias espermáticas em comparação a touros normospérmicos

The routine semen evaluation assessing sperm concentration, motility and morphology, does not identify subtle defects in sperm chromatin architecture. Bulls appear to have stable chromatin, with low levels of DNA fragmentation. However, the nature of fragmentation and its impact on fertility remain unclear and there are no detailed reports characterizing the DNA organization and damage in this species. The intensive genetic selection, the use of artificial insemination and in vitro embryo production associated to the cryopreservation process can contribute to the chromatin damage and highlights the importance of sperm DNA integrity for the success of these technologies. Frozen-thawed semen samples from three ejaculates from a Nellore bull showed high levels of morphological sperm abnormalities (55.8±5.1%), and were selected for complementary tests. Damage of acrosomal (76.9±8.9%) and plasma membranes (75.7±9.3%) as well as sperm DNA strand breaks (13.8±9.5%) and protamination deficiency (3.7±0.6%) were significantly higher compared to the values measured in the semen of five Nellore bulls with normospermia (24.3±3.3%; 24.5±6.1%; 0.6±0.5%; 0.4±0.6% for acrosome, plasma membrane, DNA breaks and protamine deficiency, respectively) (P<0.05). Motility and percentage of spermatozoa with low mitochondrial potential showed no differences between groups. This study shows how routine semen analyses (in this case morphology) may point to the length and complexity of sperm cell damage emphasizing the importance of sperm function testing.(AU)

O exame de rotina de sêmen, o qual avalia a concentração de espermatozoides, a motilidade e a morfologia, pode não identificar defeitos sutis na arquitetura da cromatina de espermatozoides. Os touros parecem ter cromatina estável com baixos níveis de fragmentação do DNA. No entanto, a natureza da fragmentação e o seu impacto sobre a fertilidade ainda não estão claros e não há relatos que caracterizam a organização do DNA e os danos nessa espécie com mais detalhes. A seleção genética intensiva e o uso da inseminação artificial e da produção in vitro de embriões, além do processo de criopreservação, podem contribuir para o dano da cromatina, e sabe-se a importância da integridade do DNA espermático para o sucesso dessas tecnologias. Amostras de sêmen de três ejaculados de um touro Nelore com altos níveis de alterações morfológicas (55,8±5,1%) foram selecionadas para realização de exames complementares. Os danos de acrossoma (76,9±8,9%) e das membranas plasmáticas (75,7±9,3%), bem como quebras de fita de DNA de espermatozoides (13,8±9,5) e deficiência de protamina (3,7±0,6) foram significativamente maiores em comparação aos valores avaliados no sêmen de cinco touros Nelore com normospermia (24,3±3,3%; 24,5±6,1%; 0,6±0,5%; 0,4±0,6% para acrossoma, membrana plasmática, quebras de DNA e deficiência de protamina, respectivamente) (p<0,05). Motilidade e porcentagem de espermatozoides com baixo potencial mitocondrial não diferiram estatisticamente. Essas avaliações mostram que análises de sêmen de rotina (neste caso, morfologia) podem apontar para a extensão e a complexidade dos danos na célula espermática, o que indica que a deficiência de protamina e os danos no DNA podem ocorrer simultaneamente a defeitos morfológicos. Tal ocorrência enfatiza a importância das análises de sêmen clássicas e dos testes complementares.(AU)

Gene expression profile of Protamines and Transition Nuclear Proteins in bovine testis / Expressão gênica de protaminas e proteínas nucleares de transição em testículos bovinos

Protamines (PRM) are the major DNA-binding proteins in the sperms nucleus and can pack the DNA into than 5% of the volume of a somatic cell nucleus. It is already know that bulls only have the PRM1 protein on mature spermatozoa while most mammals also have the PRM2. Transition nuclear proteins (Tnps) and PRMs are fundamental to DNA integrity. It has already been reported the influence of PRM on chromatin structures, generating low fertility. However, molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not known. The relative expression of PRM1, PRM2, PRM3, Tnp1 and Tnp2 was determined by real time RT-PCR, using bovine specific primers and β-actin as endogenous control. Quantification of mRNA relative expression showed a higher expression of PRM1 compared to the other genes. The PRM3 mRNA had the lowest relative expression. A significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation was found between PRM1 and PRM2 (r = 0.518), PRM2 and Tnp1 (r = 0.750), PRM2 and Tnp2 (r = 0.706), PRM3 and Tnp1 (r = 0.542), PRM3 and Tnp2 (r = 0.731) and between Tnp1 and Tnp2 (r = 0.820). Since most of the knowledge about protamine 2 in bovine is based on a work from 1990 and according to new studies we know that PRM1 and PRM2 are important to bull fertility, more research is needed to elucidate the real function of protamines on bovines.

Protaminas (PRM) são as principais proteinas ligantes do DNA espermático e podem compactar o núcleo do espermatozóides em menos de 5% do volume de uma célula somática. Ká se sabe que o touro produz apenas a PRM1 em espermatozoide maduro, enquanto a maioria dos mamíferos também produz a PRM2. As proteínas nucleares de transição (Tnps) e as PRMs são fundamentais para a integridade do DNA. Já foi descrita a influência das protaminas na estrutura da cromatina e a associação destas com a fertilidade. Entretanto, os mecanismos moleculares que geram mudanças na cromatina espermática são desconhecidos. A expressão relativa da PRM1, PRM2, Tnp1 e Tnp2 foi determinada para dez testículos de touros oriundos de matadouros comerciais, utilizando a técnica de RT-PCR em tempo real, com primers específicos para bovinos e a B-actina como controle endogeno. Ao quantificar a expressão relativa do RNAm, detectou-se alta expressão relativa da PRM1, em comparação aos outros genes. A expressão relativa da PRM3 foi a menor de todos os genes. Foram encontradas correlações positivas e significantes (p < 0,05) entre PRM1 e PRM2 (r = 0,518), PRM2 e Tnp1 (r = 0,750), PRM2 e Tnp2 (r = 0,706), PRM3 e Tnp1 (r = 0,542), PRM3 e Tnp2 (r = 0,731) e entre Tnp1 e Tnp2 (r = 0,820). Visto que a maioria dos conhecimentos sobre a PRM2 estão baseados em um trabalho de 1990 e, de acordo com recentes estudos se sabe que a PRM1 e a PRM2 são importantes para a fertilidade do touro, mais estudos são necessários para determinar a real função das protaminas em touros.

Trombocitopenia induzida por heparina: revisão da literatura / Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a literature review

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar revisão literária a fim de obter informações atualizadas sobre a trombocitopenia induzida por heparina, alteração que acomete cerca de 1 a 5% dos pacientes expostos à heparina, por período de 5 a 21 dias. O estudo baseou-se em pesquisa bibliográfica sobre a patogenia com ênfase nas manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico e manejo terapêutico. Tal doença é classificada em tipos I e II, clássica e imune, respectivamente. Normalmente não apresenta sintomatologia, apenas raras manifestações hemorrágicas. O diagnóstico inicial é clínico, confirmado por testes laboratoriais, como o teste de ELISA. O tratamento para a trombocitopenia, tipo I, se resume à suspensão da terapia heparínica e monitorização do paciente. Já no tipo II, deve-se administrar ao paciente protamina, agente que neutraliza a ação da heparina. Pode-se administrar também inibidor da trombina, o qual reverte a geração exacerbada de trombina, contribuindo para que o paciente não desenvolva complicações trombóticas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a trombocitopenia induzida por heparina é uma complicação comum em pacientes submetidos à heparinização, indiferentemente da doença de base e que, se houver suspeita de trombocitopenia, é aconselhada abordagem adequada, incluindo a suspensão precoce da heparina.

This study aimed to perform a literary review in order to obtain updated information on the heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an alteration that affects approximately 1-5% of patients exposed to heparin within a period of 5 to 21 days. The study was based on a literature review on that pathogenesis emphasizing its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and therapeutic management. Such disease is classified as type I and II, classical and immune, respectively. There are usually no symptoms, only rare hemorrhagic manifestations. The initial diagnosis is clinical, confirmed by laboratory tests such as ELISA. Treatment for thrombocytopenia type I is based on suspension of heparin therapy and patient monitoring. On the other hand, in type II, protamine must be administered to the patient, once it is an agent that counteracts the heparin action. An inhibitor of thrombin can also be administered, which reverses the exaggerated generation of thrombin, and avoids the development of thrombotic complications for the patient. Therefore, we conclude that the heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a common complication in patients who were submitted to heparinization, regardless of the underlying disease, and if there is any suspicion of thrombocytopenia, an adequate approach should be taken, including early suspension of heparin.

Biological potency evaluation and physicochemical characterization of unfractionated heparins

Unfractionated heparins are used clinically as anticoagulants. The biological potency of thirteen samples of raw material and pharmaceutical formulations were assessed utilizing the 5th International Standard of heparin using the sheep plasma coagulation inhibition assay, activated partial thromboplastin time, anti-factor Xa assay, and anti-factor IIa assay, resulting in mean potencies of 101.15 percent, 96.15 percent, 98.15 percent and 99.37 percent, respectively. The samples were also evaluated by the protamine neutralization test giving results within the range of 92 - 138 IU/mg. The anti-factor IIa assay was performed showing reproducibility and significant correlation with the pharmacopoeial assays, thus demonstrating it to be a feasible alternative to the sheep plasma coagulation inhibition assay. Moreover, an analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance and capillary electrophoresis showed some peaks attributable to oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. The results show that batch-to-batch variations and the quality of samples contributed to improvements in the quality control of pharmaceutical products and to assure the safe use and clinical efficacy of this biological medicine.

As heparinas não fracionadas são utilizadas clinicamente como anticoagulantes. A potência biológica de 13 amostras de matérias-primas e produtos farmacêuticos foram avaliadas em relação ao 5ª Padrão Internacional de heparina pelos ensaios da inibição da coagulação do plasma ovino, tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada, anti-fator Xa e anti-fator IIa, que forneceram potências médias de 101,15 por cento, 96,15 por cento, 98,15 por cento e 99,37 por cento, respectivamente. As amostras foram também submetidas ao teste de neutralização pela protamina que apresentou resultados entre 92-138 UI/mg. Demonstrou-se reprodutibilidade e correlação significativa do ensaio do anti-fator IIa com os farmacopeicos, constituindo-se em alternativa ao ensaio da inibição da coagulação do plasma ovino. Além disso, as análises realizadas por ressonância magnética nuclear e eletroforese capilar mostraram picos correspondentesà condroitina supersulfatada. Os resultados mostraram variações lote-a-lote e a qualidade das amostras contribuindo para aprimorar o controle de qualidade dos produtos farmacêuticos e garantir a segurança e eficácia terapêutica desses produtos biológicos.