Differential activities of malate and isocitrate NAD(P)-dependent dehydrogenases are involved in the induction of capacitation and acrosome reaction in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa

Sperm catabolic processes produce energy for capacitation and acrosome reaction induction required for oocyte fertilization. The aim was to determine metabolic enzymes' activities and their participation in the supply of energy and generation of the redox state to acquire fertilizing capacity. Capacitation was induced with heparin and quercetin, and the acrosome reaction with progesterone. Enzymatic activities were determined spectrophotometrically. The chlortetracycline and differential-interferential contrast microscopy/tryptan blue techniques were used to evaluate capacitation and acrosome reaction, acrosomal integrity and sperm viability respectively. A 2 : 1 and 3 : 1 ratio were obtained for isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-NADP/NAD and malate dehydrogenase (MDH)-NADP/NAD activities respectively. MDH-NADP activity remained constant with different treatments, unlike MDH-NAD activity, which diminished with both capacitation inducers and in acrosome-reacted spermatozoa previously treated with heparin (P < 0.05). IDH-NADP decreased its activity 50% in spermatozoa capacitated with heparin and acrosome reacted with progesterone (P < 0.05). Capacitation and acrosome reaction processes induced with heparin and progesterone, respectively, involve a differential oxidative metabolism, with the participation of MDH-NAD(P) and IDH-NAD(P) enzymes, whose activities would be linked to the malate-aspartate, lactate-pyruvate and isocitrate cytosolic-mitochondrial shuttles. These enzymes play a major role in supplying reduction equivalents and/or energy required for capacitation and acrosome reaction in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa.     

Participation of superoxide anion in the capacitation of cryopreserved bovine sperm

Mammalian spermatozoa must undergo a preparation period known as capacitation to become capable of fertilizing oocytes. Controlled amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anion (O2.-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been shown essential for capacitation and acrosome reaction. The presence of an oxidase in the sperm plasma membrane has been suggested. The objective of the present study was to provide evidence for the production of O2.- by capacitating cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Percentages of capacitation and acrosome reaction were determined by the chlortetracycline assay. The effect of several nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase inhibitors on capacitation was also studied. H2O2 production was determined by the fluorometric assay using the p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid-horseradish peroxidase system. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was determined spectrophotometrically at 480 nm. Heparin-dependent capacitation was inhibited by all NADPH oxidase inhibitors tested (p < 0.05). Significant levels of H2O2 were produced during capacitation with heparin; such production was inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium, one of the NADPH oxidase inhibitors. The addition of catalase to the incubation medium failed to modify the capacitation rate; inhibition was only observed when SOD was present (p < 0.05). Endogenous SOD activity was diminished during heparin-dependent capacitation (p < 0.05). Similar levels of acrosome reaction induced by lysophosphatidylcholine were obtained in both heparin and O2.--dependent capacitation. Overall results suggest the participation of a sperm oxidase in bovine sperm capacitation. H2O2, generated by O2.- dismutation, failed to participate in capacitation, although this ROS may have been able to decrease endogenous SOD activity. Exogenous O2.- promotes physiological capacitation in cryopreserved bovine sperm, thus allowing the acquisition of fertilizing capacity.     

The Possible Protective effect of L‐carnitine on Tilmicosin‐induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice

The protective effect of l ‐carnitine was investigated against tilmicosin‐induced cardiotoxic effects including blood creatine kinase (CK), CK‐MB, total sialic acid as well as the alterations in glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations in mice. Thirty‐two Balb/C mice were divided into four groups including group 1 (control), group 2 (l ‐carnitine, s.c., 500 mg/kg for 5 days), group 3 (tilmicosin, s.c., single dose of 75 mg/kg) and group 4 (l ‐carnitine plus tilmicosin). Serum CK, CK‐MB and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group 3 compared with those of other groups. Total sialic acid level in group 3 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in groups 1 and 2, as well. Contrary to these results, glutathione level in group 3 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in groups 1 and 2. In group 4, serum CK, CK‐MB, MDA and total sialic acid levels were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in group 3. These results suggest that tilmicosin is cardiotoxic in mice as evidenced by higher total sialic acid, CK and CK‐MB. In addition, tilmicosin caused the decrease in glutathione and increase in MDA levels. However, administration of l ‐carnitine could ameliorate these adverse toxic effects of tilmicosin in mice.     

In vitro incubation of human spermatozoa promotes reactive oxygen species generation and DNA fragmentation

The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative process associated with sperm capacitation and its impact on DNA fragmentation and sperm function. Redox activity and lipid peroxidation were analysed in human spermatozoa after 3, 6 and 22 h of incubation in Ham′s F10 medium plus bovine albumin at 37° and 5% CO₂ for capacitation. DNA status, tyrosine phosphorylation pattern and induced acrosome reaction were evaluated after capacitating conditions. At 22 h of incubation, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in oxygen‐free radicals and lipid peroxidation, with no effect on sperm viability. There also was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in fragmented DNA in capacitated spermatozoa compared to semen values with higher rates being found after the occurrence of the induced acrosome reaction. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation pattern confirms that capacitation took place in parallel with the occurrence of DNA fragmentation. These results indicate that when spermatozoa are incubated for several hours (22 h), a common practice in assisted reproductive techniques, an increase in oxidative sperm metabolism and in the proportion of fragmented DNA should be expected. However, there was no effect on any of the other functional parameters associated with sperm fertilising capacity.     

Participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin‐induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa

The aim of this work was to study the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase in heparin‐induced capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa. Sperm suspensions were incubated in Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium in the presence of heparin (10 IU ml^?1) or forskolin (1–75 μm ), a well‐known membrane adenylyl cyclase activator. The participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase was confirmed using a specific inhibitor, 2′,5′‐dideoxyadenosine (6–25 μm ). Spermatozoa capacitated with forskolin (25 μm ) were incubated with bovine follicular fluid to evaluate their ability to undergo acrosome reaction. Capacitation percentages were determined by the fluorescence technique with chlortetracycline, and true acrosome reaction was determined by trypan blue and differential interferential contrast. The forskolin concentrations employed had no effect on progressive motility or sperm viability. Capacitation values induced by 25‐μm forskolin treatment (27.80 ± 2.59%) were significantly higher respect to the control (4.80 ± 1.30%). The inhibitor 2′,5′‐dideoxyadenosine prevented forskolin‐induced capacitation and significantly diminished capacitation induced by heparin. Follicular fluid induced physiological acrosome reaction in spermatozoa previously capacitated with 25‐μm forskolin (P < 0.05). Forskolin acts as a capacitation inducer and involves the participation of membrane adenylyl cyclase as part of the intracellular mechanisms that lead to capacitation in cryopreserved bovine spermatozoa.     

Caffeine increased progressive motility of human spermatozoa in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples and enhanced activity of seminal creatine kinase

Even though the effect of caffeine on humans' health has been revealed in various research studies, its effect on semen quality has yet to be well explained. Here, we measured the effect of caffeine at 1, 5, 10 and 20 mM on motility of human spermatozoa in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples, level of seminal nitric oxide, chelation of seminal calcium ions and activity of seminal creatine kinase. Fifty-one normozoospermic and ten asthenozoospermic semen samples were recruited in this study. Sperm motility was evaluated by Makler counter, and seminal nitric oxide, seminal-free calcium and activity of seminal creatine kinase were measured spectrophotometrically. Caffeine at 10 mM significantly (p < .05) increased progressive motility of spermatozoa in both tested groups. Also, caffeine significantly increased (p < .05) activity of creatine kinase and insignificantly (p > .05) altered nitric oxide and free calcium levels in seminal plasma. In conclusion, progressive motility of human spermatozoa was found to be higher in the presence of caffeine at 10 mM in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic semen samples; this increase, albeit partially, could be due to increased activity of seminal creatine kinase, but not to increased production of nitric oxide or chelation of free calcium ions.     

Relationship of glomerular filtration rate and serum CK activity after resistance exercise in women

The aim of study was to assess the correlation between the changes in serum CK activity after a resistance exercise and renal function measured by glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Twenty-nine trained women (32 ± 10 years; 157 ± 4 cm; 58.8 ± 6.4 kg) performed a resistance exercise session with 17 exercises with 3 × 12 repetitions in a circuit training fashion. Subjects provided blood samples prior to exercise session (PRE), and at 24, 48, and 72 h following exercise session for creatine kinase (CK) and creatinine. 24-Urine samples were collected before and 72 h after exercises. eGFR was obtained by the three most recommended methods (MDRD; MCQE; Cockcroft-Gault). After the exercise session, serum CK activity increase up 1.68 times (P < 0.01). Serum creatinine increased 25.5% (P = 0.0000) while urinary creatinine decreased on average 6.4% (P = 0.0422). eGFR decreased in all formulas: MDRD by 21.5%, MCQE by 14.2%, and C-G by 17% (all with P < 0.01). Ccr also decreased (−22.9%, P < 0.01). The index of correlation was significant for MDRD (r = −0.924; P < 0.01), C-G (r = −0.884; P < 0.01), and MQCE (r = −0.644; P < 0.05). In conclusion, we observed a significant negative correlation between CK activity and the eGFR indices of renal function.     

Redox regulation of mammalian sperm capacitation

Capacitation is a series of morphological and metabolic changes necessary for the spermatozoon to achieve fertilizing ability. One of the earlier happenings during mammalian sperm capacitation is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that will trigger and regulate a series of events including protein phosphorylation, in a time-dependent fashion. The identity of the sperm oxidase responsible for the production of ROS involved in capacitation is still elusive, and several candidates are discussed in this review. Interestingly, ROS-induced ROS formation has been described during human sperm capacitation. Redox signaling during capacitation is associated with changes in thiol groups of proteins located on the plasma membrane and subcellular compartments of the spermatozoon. Both, oxidation of thiols forming disulfide bridges and the increase on thiol content are necessary to regulate different sperm proteins associated with capacitation. Reducing equivalents such as NADH and NADPH are necessary to support capacitation in many species including humans. Lactate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phospohate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase are responsible in supplying NAD (P) H for sperm capacitation. Peroxiredoxins (PRDXs) are newly described enzymes with antioxidant properties that can protect mammalian spermatozoa; however, they are also candidates for assuring the regulation of redox signaling required for sperm capacitation. The dysregulation of PRDXs and of enzymes needed for their reactivation such as thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system and glutathione-S-transferases impairs sperm motility, capacitation, and promotes DNA damage in spermatozoa leading to male infertility.     

Semen quality in men with chronic kidney disease and its correlation with chronic kidney disease stages

The aim of this study was to assess whether chronic kidney disease (CKD) has any impact on semen quality parameters in men with CKD stage 1–5. Results were collected from 66 men with different CKD stages (age 18–50 years). Age and BMI (body mass index) were recorded for each male. Higher CKD stage had a significant negative linear trend on semen volume (P < 0.05), progressive motility (P < 0.01), nonprogressive motility (P < 0.001), sperm concentration (P < 0.01), total sperm number (P < 0.01), cytoplasmic droplets (P < 0.01), teratozoospermia index (P < 0.05) and accessory gland markers, α‐glucosidase activity (P < 0.05), zinc (P < 0.01) and fructose (P < 0.01). BMI per se had no significant effect on semen volume, sperm number, sperm concentration, morphology, α‐glucosidase activity, fructose concentration or zinc level. A significant negative correlation between BMI and sexual‐hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) (P < 0.01) was observed but not with other sex hormones. Age per se was related to a significant decrease of sperm concentration (P < 0.05), normal forms (P < 0.01) and testosterone level (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that CKD stage per se is a factor determining the number of spermatozoa available in the epididymis for ejaculation, in part independent of age‐related decrease of testosterone level and BMI.     

Rhabdomyolysis after Gastric Bypass: Severity and Outcome Patterns

Background: Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a recently recognized complication of bariatric operations, but it is not known whether creatine kinase (CK) levels along with clinical markers are able to define the course and outcome. Methods: Bariatric patients (n=324) were reviewed retrospectively. Substantially elevated plasma CK after operation was identified in 4.9% (16/324). The affected population was divided into Group I (n=11, 68.8%) with CK 1050-8000 IU/L and no conspicuous muscle pain, weakness or swelling, and Group II (n=5, 31.2%) displaying CK >8000 IU/L and severe pain and dysfunction. The main outcome measures were CK concentration, frequency of renal failure, need for hemodialysis and mortality. Results: Group I subjects compared to Group II were younger (37.7 ± 10.9 vs 44.0 ± 5.5 years, P<0.05) and predominantly females (72.7% vs 40.0%, P<0.05). Peak CK values were definitely lower (2811 ± 952 vs 28136 ± 19000 IU/L, P<0.001), and none progressed to renal failure (0% vs 40.0%, P<0.05). No difference was detected regarding preoperative BMI (50.8 ± 8.1 vs 54.6 ± 7.0 kg/m², NS), duration of operation (5.3 ± 1.6 vs 5.6 ± 2.1 hours, NS) or types of anesthetic drugs (basically fentanyl, nitrogen oxide and halothane/isoflurane). Conclusions: 1) Demographic features, nominally gender and age, were different between the two degrees of RML; 2) Renal failure and hemodialysis were a danger only in patients with massive CK elevation and muscle pain; 3) Moderate CK increase was very well tolerated and rarely entailed major clinical symptoms; 4) Early diagnosis, fluid replenishment and general supportive therapy probably contributed to avert mortality.     

Effect of cysteine and glutamine added to extender on post‐thaw sperm functional parameters of buffalo bull

Amino acids seem to be crucial components for semen freezing extender due to antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study aimed to assess motility parameters, membrane integrity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and DNA damage to detect the optimum concentrations of cysteine and glutamine for buffalo semen cryopreservation. Twenty ejaculates of four buffalo bulls were diluted in tris‐egg yolk extender and divided into seven equal groups consisting of cysteine (5, 7.5 and 10 mmol), glutamine (10, 15 and 20 mmol) and no additive. Supplementation of 5 and 7.5 mmol cysteine and 15 mmol glutamine in cryopreservation extender significantly increased post‐thaw motility and plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa with significant reduction in intracellular ROS when compared with control groups (P < 0.05). Cysteine at 7.5 mmol concentration elevated progressive motility and MMP, compared with control (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for motion patterns and DNA damage of frozen–thawed buffalo spermatozoa in extender containing amino acids. The findings of this study showed that supplementation of 7.5 mmol cysteine and 15 mmol glutamine in semen cryopreservation extender has more potential to decrease intracellular ROS, and subsequently elevate motility and membrane integrity of buffalo frozen–thawed spermatozoa.     

Lactate dehydrogenase-C4 is involved in heparin- and NADH-dependent bovine sperm capacitation

Lactate dehydrogenase C4 isoenzyme (LDH-C4) is involved in the energy metabolism of spermatozoa. Sperm capacitation is considered part of an oxidative process; an NADH oxidase of plasma membrane could be responsible for superoxide anion generation which is required for capacitation. The role of LDH-C4 and the requirements of NADH in cryopreserved bovine sperm capacitation were studied. LDH-C4 activity was 5.52 +/- 3.41, 15.72 +/- 6.04 and 15.22 +/- 1.92 Units 1010 spermatozoa-1 in plasma membrane, sperm suspension and cytosol fraction, respectively; these activities were inhibited by sodium oxamate. To study the influence of oxidative substrates in capacitation, three different TALP (T) media were used: TP (pyruvate); TL (lactate) and TC (citrate); heparin or NADH was then added. There were no significant differences in the percentage of capacitation induced by heparin or NADH in TALP medium; similar levels of capacitation were achieved with TL alone or TL +heparin and TP +NADH; capacitation was inhibited with sodium oxamate in all treatments used. Cytosolic NADH may be required as a substrate for sperm oxidase. Lactate influx through plasma membrane may be utilized by cytosolic LDH-C4, increasing reduced coenzymes required for capacitation. Plasma membrane LDH-C4 may participate in the production of lactate to obtain intracellular reducing equivalents to be used by sperm oxidase for in vitro sperm capacitation.     

Altered Plasma Antigen Levels of Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor During Open-Heart Surgery

r = 0.96, P < 0.0001) which increased significantly after heparin injection (P < 0.0001), and increased further during the bypass period (P < 0.005). The increased free TFPI antigen level during CPB correlated with the duration of bypass (r = 0.65, P = 0.02). When heparin was neutralized by protamine, the free TFPI antigen level decreased immediately, but remained higher than the preoperative level (P < 0.005). These results suggest that plasma TFPI antigen levels increase during CPB. (Received for publication on Dec. 14, 1998; accepted on July 13, 1999)     

Skeletal troponin-I release in orthopedic and soft tissue injuries

The skeletal isoform of troponin-I (sTnI) is a myofibrillar protein highly specific for myoskeletal injury. We used an indirect immunoenzymometric assay method with high analytical sensitivity to measure sTnI in patients with soft-tissue injury and in orthopedic patients. We assessed 20 soft-tissue injury patients and 16 orthopedic patients for sTnI, cardiac troponin-I (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, and elastase within 24 h of injury, in comparison with 17 control subjects. The mean (SD) ng/ml value for sTnI was higher in orthopedic patients (15.25 ± 2.4) and in soft-tissue injury patients (10.41 ± 1.8) than that in controls (2.5 ± 0.9) P < 0.001, P < 0.05 respectively. Cardiac TnI was not detectable in any subjects (below the assay detectable limit of 0.3 ng/ml). CK was significantly higher in orthopedic patients than in controls (P < 0.005) and myoglobin and elastase were not significantly changed in patients samples. The assay appeared to be suitable as a supplementary tool of reliability and relevance, for the study, identification, and diagnosis of skeletal muscle specific injuries in humans. Received: June 12, 2000 / Accepted: September 11, 2000     

Blood Biochemical Profiles of Thai Indigenous and Simmental × Brahman Crossbred Cattle in the Central Thailand

Plasma biochemical profiles were studied in 112 mature (3 to 5‐year‐old) healthy cattle comprised of 61 Thai indigenous and 51 Simmental × Brahman crossbred male and cyclic female cattle at Nongkwang (Central Thailand) Livestock Research and Breeding Center, Thailand. Data were analysed for the effect of breed and sex. The results showed that the plasma glucose and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the two breeds were significantly (P < 0.05) different. Furthermore, the urea, creatinine, albumin, total protein, aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in Thai indigenous were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than in crossbred cattle. However, creatine kinase did not significantly differ in crossbred and indigenous animals. A sex difference was found in glucose level with male Thai indigenous having significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) than the other three groups. Plasma urea concentration in male crossbred cattle was lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Female crossbred cattle had significantly (P < 0.05) lower plasma creatinine levels than the other animals. Furthermore, levels of albumin in male and total protein in female crossbred were the lowest (P < 0.05) among the groups. The AST, ALT, ALP and GGT levels were significantly (P < 0.05) different between male and female. Female crossbred cattle had the lowest (P < 0.05) AST and GGT levels, whereas lowest (P < 0.05) ALT and ALP concentration was determined in male individuals of these breeds.     

NADPH氧化酶在转化生长因子β1诱导大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化中的作用

目的探讨NADPH氧化酶在转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）诱导大鼠肾小管上皮细胞（NRK-52E）转分化中的作用。方法用TGF-β1（10μg/L）刺激NRK-52E细胞不同时间,观察α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）、E-钙黏蛋白（E-cadherin）、纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1（PAI- 1）及Ⅰ型胶原（Col-Ⅰ）的表达。部分实验中细胞在TGF-β1刺激前用NADPH氧化酶抑制剂DPI预处理1 h。用激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞内活性氧（ROS）的产生。用RT-PCR方法检测NADPH氧化酶p22phox、gp91phox、p47phox和p67phox亚单位mRNA的表达。α-SMA、E-cadherin、PAI-1及Col-ⅠmRNA及蛋白的表达分别采用RT-PCR、Western印迹和细胞免疫化学检测。结果TGF-β1可显著上调NADPH氧化酶p67phox亚单位mRNA的表达,8 h及24 h时分别为对照组的2.43倍及3.59倍（P〈0.01）。TGF-β1可显著促进细胞ROS的产生,5 min时已是对照组的2.5倍（P〈0.05）。DPI预处理同时可显著逆转TGF-β1诱导NRK-52E细胞ROS的产生（P〈0.05）、α-SMA的表达上调、E-cadherin的表达下调以及PAI-1和Col-Ⅰ的表达上调。结论TGF-β1可促进NRK-52E细胞增加ROS的产生。ROS介导了TGF-β1诱导NRK-52E细胞的转分化,促进肾脏纤维化。     

Protective effect of butylated hydroxytoluene on sperm function in human spermatozoa cryopreserved by vitrification technique

Butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), a synthetic analogue of vitamin E, shows antioxidant and antiviral properties and has been successfully used for mammalian sperm cryopreservation. In this study, BHT was included in a vitrification solution to determine its cryoprotective effect on human spermatozoa. Spermatozoa were selected by swim‐up and vitrified in close sealed straw using either a combination of human tubal fluid (HTF), sucrose and BHT 1 mm (VMBHT), or only HTF and sucrose (VM). The optimal concentration of BHT was determined by the observation of preserved progressive sperm motility (PSM) after warming and detection of plasma membrane (PMI), membrane mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm) and DNA integrity. The presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also detected. The PSM was significantly higher in the VMBHT group (80.86 ± 5.41%) compared with the VM group (68.9 ± 3.67%) (P < 0.05). Butylhydroxytoluene significantly preserved DNA integrity (4.0 ± 0.1% versus 6.1 ± 1.6%; P < 0.05) and reduced ROS production (5.5 ± 2.2 versus 8.6 ± 1.8%; P < 0.05). Plasma membrane and ΔΨm showed no statistical differences. One millimolar BHT effectively maintained cell function and due to its antioxidant and antiviral properties could be used in semen cryopreservation of patients with viral infections transmitted by seminal plasma.     

NADPH氧化酶介导血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的腹膜间皮细胞转分化及细胞外基质积聚

目的 探讨NADPH氧化酶在血管紧张素(Ang)Ⅱ诱导的腹膜间皮细胞转分化以及细胞外基质积聚中的作用。 方法 体外培养SD大鼠原代腹膜间皮细胞，静止24 h后，随机分为以下4组：正常对照组，AngⅡ（10^-7 mol/L）组，AngⅡ+ Los(洛沙坦,10 μmol/L)组及AngⅡ+DPI（NADPH氧化酶活性抑制剂，10 μmol/L）组。应用荧光染料（DCF）及激光共聚焦显微镜检测细胞内活性氧（ROS）的产生。RT-PCR检测NADPH氧化酶亚单位p47phox以及纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂（PAI）1、α平滑肌肌动蛋白（SMA）、E钙黏蛋白（cadherin） mRNA的表达。Western印迹检测p47phox、α-SMA的蛋白表达。 结果 （1）外源性AngⅡ可显著增加大鼠腹膜间皮细胞ROS的产生，刺激15 min后，ROS 的表达较对照组上升了(3.64±0.53)倍。DPI和洛沙坦可显著抑制AngⅡ刺激后ROS的产生（P < 0.05）。（2）AngⅡ刺激腹膜间皮细胞后， NADPH氧化酶亚单位p47phox mRNA和蛋白的表达均呈上升趋势。洛沙坦和DPI可阻断由AngⅡ诱导的p47phox表达上调（P < 0.05）。（3） AngⅡ诱导α-SMA表达的上调以及 E-cadherin mRNA的下调, 洛沙坦和DPI可部分逆转AngⅡ的这种作用。（4）AngⅡ刺激8 h后可明显上调PAI-1的mRNA表达，为正常对照组的（3.06±0.77）倍。 洛沙坦和DPI可明显阻断PAI-1的表达上调（P < 0.05）。 结论 NADPH氧化酶依赖产生的ROS介导了AngⅡ诱导的腹膜间皮细胞转分化及细胞外基质积聚。阻断AngⅡ的作用及抑制NADPH氧化酶的表达和活性可作为防治腹膜纤维化的潜在治疗靶点。     

Activity of nitric oxide synthase in mature and immature human spermatozoa

Nitric oxide (NO) is known to be involved in multiple signal transduction pathways of male germ cells, including sperm capacitation. In somatic cells, NO production was found to be part of apoptosis signalling. The aim of our study was to further clarify the role of NO in spermatozoa by investigation of NO synthase activity with regard to sperm maturity and sperm apoptosis signalling. Semen specimens from 19 healthy donors were subjected to density gradient centrifugation to separate the predominantly mature and immature sperm fraction. NO synthase activity was evaluated using diaminofluoresceine‐2‐diacetate by FACS. Apoptosis signalling was monitored by flowcytometric analyses of caspase‐3 (CP3) and integrity of the transmembrane mitochondrial potential (TMP). TUNEL assay was used to detect DNA fragmentations. Maturity of human spermatozoa was associated with increased NO synthase activity and inactivated apoptosis signalling (lower levels of disrupted TMP, active CP3 and DNA fragmentations, P < 0.05). Activation of apoptosis signalling was significantly negatively correlated to NO production, indicating a rather anti‐apoptotic effect of NO. This might underline the recently proposed role of NO in physiological sperm signal transduction, e.g. during capacitation.