NGF, EPO, and IGF-1 in the Male Reproductive System.

Several studies have demonstrated interesting results considering the implication of three growth factors (GFs), namely nerve growth factor (NGF), erythropoietin (EPO), and the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) in the physiology of male reproductive functions. This review provides insights into the effects of NGF, EPO, and IGF-1 on the male reproductive system, emphasizing mainly their effects on sperm motility and vitality. In the male reproductive system, the expression pattern of the NGF system varies according to the species and testicular development, playing a crucial role in morphogenesis and spermatogenesis. In humans, it seems that NGF positively affects sperm motility parameters and NGF supplementation in cryopreservation media improves post-thaw sperm motility. In animals, EPO is found in various male reproductive tissues, and in humans, the protein is present in seminal plasma and testicular germ cells. EPO receptors have been discovered in the plasma membrane of human spermatozoa, suggesting potential roles in sperm motility and vitality. In humans, IGF-1 is expressed mainly in Sertoli cells and is present in seminal plasma, contributing to cell development and the maturation of spermatozoa. IGF-1 seems to modulate sperm motility, and treatment with IGF-1 has a positive effect on sperm motility and vitality. Furthermore, lower levels of NGF or IGF-1 in seminal plasma are associated with infertility. Understanding the mechanisms of actions of these GFs in the male reproductive system may improve the outcome of sperm processing techniques.

The effects of cetrorelix and triptorelin on the viability and steroidogenesis of cultured human granulosa luteinized cells.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist triptorelin as well the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix those of on the viability and steroidogenesis in human granulosa luteinized (hGL) cell cultures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hGL cells were obtained from 34 women undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF treatment. The cells were cultured for 48 h with or without 1 nM or 3 nM of cetrorelix or triptorelin in serum-free media. The cell viability was evaluated by the MTT [3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. The concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in culture supernatants were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Treatment with triptorelin slightly increased cell viability, whereas treatment with 3 nM cetrorelix led to a significant decrease. Estradiol concentrations were reduced with 3 nM triptorelin. Cultures treated with high-dose of either cetrorelix or triptorelin tended to secrete less progesterone than controls. CONCLUSION: Cetrorelix significantly reduces the viability of hGL cells. Triptorelin and cetrorelix may have minor effects on steroidogenesis. These results suggest that GnRH analogues may influence ovarian functions.

Comparison of nine media in the culture of human ovarian granulosa lutein cells.

BACKGROUND: Cultures of human ovarian granulosa lutein (hGL) cells are broadly used in experimental studies. The choice of the culture medium is important for the optimization of the conditions for culture of hGL cells. AIM: To compare the efficiency of a basic salt solution and eight different defined media on the culture of hGL cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultures of the HGL-5 cell line were maintained for 72 hours with DMEM/F12, RPMI-1640, Ham'sF10, Modified Ham'sF10®, HTFXtra®, Global®, Complete Multiblast®, Universal® or Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS). At the end of the culturing period, the attachment, the viability and the total number of cells were measured. RESULTS: Culture in DMEM/F12 led to the highest score of all studied parameters, followed by RPMI-1640. The lowest performance was recorded with Complete Multiblast® and EBSS. The use of the other media gave mediocre results. CONCLUSION: Among the media tested, DMEM/F12 appears to be the best choice for the culture of hGL cells.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the ovary.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) plays a pivotal role in the physiology of reproduction in mammals. GnRH acts by binding to the GnRH receptor (GnRHR). In humans, only 1 conventional GnRH receptor subtype (type I GnRH receptor) has been found. In the human genome, 2 forms of GnRH have been identified, GnRH-I (mammal GnRH) and GnRH-II (chicken GnRH II). Both forms and their common receptor are expressed, apart from the hypothalamus, in various compartments of the human ovary. Gonadal steroids, gonadotropins, and GnRH itself controls the regulation of the GnRH/GnRHR system gene expression in the human ovary. The 2 types of GnRH acting paracrinally/autocrinally influence ovarian steroidogenesis, decrease the proliferation, and induce apoptosis of ovarian cells. In this review, the biology of GnRH/GnRHR system in humans, the potential roles of GnRH, and the direct effects of GnRH analogues in ovarian cells are discussed.