Prohibitin (PHB) interacts with AKT in mitochondria to coordinately modulate sperm motility.

Prohibitin (PHB), an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial inner membrane protein, is highly expressed in cells that require strong mitochondrial function. Recently, we demonstrated that the deletion of Phb in spermatocytes results in impaired mitochondrial function. In addition, PHB expression in the mitochondrial sheath of human sperm has a significantly negative correlation with mitochondrial reactive oxygen species levels, but a positive one with mitochondrial membrane potential and sperm motility.

PHB regulates meiotic recombination via JAK2-mediated histone modifications in spermatogenesis.

Previously, we have shown that human sperm Prohibitin (PHB) expression is significantly negatively correlated with mitochondrial ROS levels but positively correlated with mitochondrial membrane potential and motility. However, the possible role of PHB in mammalian spermatogenesis has not been investigated. Here we document the presence of PHB in spermatocytes and its functional roles in meiosis by generating the first male germ cell-specific Phb-cKO mouse.

Adrenomedullin insufficiency alters macrophage activities in fallopian tube: a pathophysiologic explanation of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy is the major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the first trimester of pregnancy. Tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP) accounts for nearly 98% of all ectopic pregnancies. TEP is usually associated with salpingitis but the underlying mechanism in salpingitis leading to TEP remains unclear.

Prohibitin involvement in the generation of mitochondrial superoxide at complex I in human sperm.

Prohibitin (PHB), a major mitochondrial membrane protein, has been shown earlier in our laboratoryto regulate sperm motility via an alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in infertile men with poor sperm quality. To test if PHB expression is associated with sperm mitochondrial superoxide (mROS) levels, here we examined sperm mROS levels, high MMP and lipid peroxidation in infertile men with poor sperm motility (asthenospermia, A) and/or low sperm concentrations (oligoasthenospermia, OA). The diaphorase-type activity of sperm mitochondrial complex I (MCI) and PHB expression were also determined.

Effects of adrenomedullin on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in oviducts from women with tubal ectopic pregnancy: an in-vitro experimental study.

Background: The occurrence of tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP) is related to the inflammation of the oviduct. Recently, Adrenomedullin (ADM) was found highly expression in human oviduct. The current study is to investigate whether ADM have a modulatory action on inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in oviductal tissue from women with tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP).

Ulipristal acetate resembles mifepristone in modulating human fallopian tube function.

Study Question: Do ulipristal acetate (UPA) and mifepristone have an effect on ciliary beat frequency and muscular contractions in the human Fallopian tube?

Summary Answer: UPA, in resemblance to mifepristone, inhibits ciliary beat and muscular contraction of the human Fallopian tube, probably through an agonistic effect on the tubal progesterone receptor.

What Is Known Already: UPA, like mifepristone, acts as an emergency contraceptive mainly by inhibiting ovulation. Little is known about its effects on tubal function.

The ubiquitin specific protease USP34 promotes ubiquitin signaling at DNA double-strand breaks.

Ubiquitylation plays key roles in DNA damage signal transduction. The current model envisions that lysine63-linked ubiquitin chains, via the concerted action of E3 ubiquitin ligases RNF8-RNF168, are built at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to effectively assemble DNA damage-repair factors for proper checkpoint control and DNA repair. We found that RNF168 is a short-lived protein that is stabilized by the deubiquitylating enzyme USP34 in response to DNA damage.

Intermedin attenuates LPS-induced inflammation in the rat testis.

First reported as a vasoactive peptide in the cardiovascular system, intermedin (IMD), also known as adrenomedullin 2 (ADM2), is a hormone with multiple potent roles, including its antioxidant action on the pulmonary, central nervous, cardiovascular and renal systems. Though IMD may play certain roles in trophoblast cell invasion, early embryonic development and cumulus cell-oocyte interaction, the role of IMD in the male reproductive system has yet to be investigated. This paper reports our findings on the gene expression of IMD, its receptor components and its protein localization in the testes.

Decreases in adrenomedullin expression and ciliary beat frequency in the nasal epithelium in tubal pregnancy.

Objective: To study adrenomedullin (ADM) expression and its relation to ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the nasal mucociliated epithelium in tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP).

Design: Experimental study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Intermedin in rat uterus: changes in gene expression and peptide levels across the estrous cycle and its effects on uterine contraction.

Background: The present study demonstrates the expression of intermedin (IMD) and its receptor components in the uterus of the female rat during the estrous cycle and its effect on uterine contraction.

Methods: The gene expression level of intermedin and its receptor components and the peptide level of intermedin were studied by real-time RT-PCR and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) respectively. The separation of precursor and mature IMD was studied by gel filtration chromatography and EIA.

Possible functions of adrenomedullin from the seminal fluid in the female reproductive tract of the rat.

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is found in male accessory sex glands and is part of the seminal secretion. It plays an important role in protecting the sperm in the female reproductive tract. In this study, we investigated the roles of ADM in inflammation and oxidative stress in the endometrium and in leukocyte and macrophage infiltration in the endometrial stroma.

Effects of sperm DNA damage on the levels of RAD51 and p53 proteins in zygotes and 2-cell embryos sired by golden hamsters without the major accessory sex glands.

We previously reported that the male accessory sex gland (ASG) secretion is the main source of antioxidants to safeguard sperm genomic integrity and functional competence. Removal of all ASGs in the golden hamster can reduce male fertility by increasing embryo wastage. This study aims to investigate whether the oxidative DNA-damaged sperm from hamsters without all ASGs (TX) could successfully fertilize oocytes and to qualify the status of DNA repair by the expression of RAD51 and p53 proteins.

Adrenomedullin inhibits norepinephrine-induced contraction of rat seminal vesicle.

Objective: To investigate the effect of adrenomedullin (ADM) on seminal vesicle smooth muscle contractions in the rat and the specific receptor involved. Whether it was dependent on the nitric oxidant pathway was also investigated.

Methods: The seminal vesicles from Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8-10 weeks were incubated in Kreb's solution.

Preimplantation antagonism of adrenomedullin action compromises fetoplacental development and reduces litter size.

Concentrations of adrenomedullin (ADM) in circulation, the uterus, and corpora lutea (CL) increase during pregnancy. We previously reported a temporal-spatial pattern of ADM level and gene expression of Adm and its receptor components, from early pregnancy through midpregnancy to late pregnancy in rats. Two earlier reports using an in vivo model of ADM antagonism demonstrated the important roles of ADM in the post-implantation period.

Does prohibitin expression regulate sperm mitochondrial membrane potential, sperm motility, and male fertility?

Prohibitin (PHB) is a highly conserved major sperm mitochondrial membrane protein whose absence in somatic cells is associated with mitochondrial membrane depolarization and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our recent findings suggest that high levels of oxidants in human semen may contribute to male infertility and that sperm motility could be the earliest and most sensitive indicator of oxidative damage. Based on PHB's roles in mitochondrial sub-compartmentalization and respiratory chain assembly, we examine sperm PHB expression and mitochondrial membrane potential (MITO) in infertile men with poor sperm motility (asthenospermia, A) and/or low sperm concentrations (oligoasthenospermia, OA).

Adrenomedullin in rat follicles and corpora lutea: expression, functions and interaction with endothelin-1.

Background: Adrenomedullin (ADM), a novel vasorelaxant peptide, was found in human/rat ovaries. The present study investigated the interaction of ADM and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in follicles and newly formed corpora lutea (CL) and the actions of ADM on progesterone production in CL during pregnancy.

Methods: The peptide and gene expression level of adrenomedullin in small antral follicles, large antral follicles and CL was studied by real-time RT-PCR and EIA.

Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component proteins in the reproductive system of the rat during gestation.

Background: Adrenomedullin (ADM), a novel vasorelaxant peptide, was found in human/rat ovaries and uteri. Plasma ADM level increases in pregnant women and pregnant rats.

Methods: The gene expression levels of Adm and its receptor components - Crlr, Ramp1, Ramp2 and Ramp3, the ADM peptide concentration and localization in the rat female reproductive system during gestation were studied by real-time RT-PCR, EIA and immunohistochemical techniques.

Expression of adrenomedullin in human oviduct, its regulation by the hormonal cycle and contact with spermatozoa, and its effect on ciliary beat frequency of the oviductal epithelium.

Context: Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been found expressed in the mouse oviduct and might play a role in reproduction.

Objective: The objective of the study was to demonstrate the expression of ADM in the human oviduct, investigate its regulation by steroidal hormones and spermatozoa contact, and study its effect on ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the human oviduct. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: Oviducts from women undergoing hysterectomy for benign diseases in a university hospital were collected.

Growth-differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) in the uterus: its identification and functional significance in the golden hamster.

Transforming growth factor-beta superfamily regulates many aspects of reproduction in the female. We identified a novel member of this family, growth-differentiation factor 8 (GDF-8) in the 72 h post coital uterine fluid of the golden hamster by proteomic techniques. Uterine GDF-8 mRNA decreased as pregnancy progressed while its active protein peaked at 72 h post coitus (hpc) and thereafter stayed at a lower level.

Increased fetal abortion rate in autoimmune thyroid disease is related to circulating TPO autoantibodies in an autoimmune thyroiditis animal model.

Objective: To determine the fertility and abortion rates in a mouse model of autoimmune thyroiditis and its relationship with circulating anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody.

Design: Experimental animal study.

Setting: University research laboratory.

Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptors in the reproductive system of the rat: effects on steroid secretion in rat ovary.

The present study demonstrates the expression of adrenomedullin (ADM) in the reproductive system of the female rat and its effect on the secretion of estradiol and progesterone. Ovarian ADM and Adm mRNA levels were decreased at estrus, whereas oviductal Adm mRNA levels were low at proestrus. Both tissues were shown to coexpress mRNAs encoding the calcitonin receptor-like receptor and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (Ramp1), Ramp2, and Ramp3.

In vitro-matured rat oocytes have low mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid and adenosine triphosphate contents and have abnormal mitochondrial redistribution.

Objective: To study the development and function of mitochondria in in vitro-matured rat oocytes derived from follicles of different sizes.

Design: Experimental animal study.

Setting: Department of Anatomy at the University of Hong Kong.

Effect of aging on the expression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component proteins in the male reproductive system of the rat.

This study investigated the levels of adrenomedullin (AM) and the gene expression of AM, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs), and receptor-coupling protein (RCP) in the testis, ventral prostate, seminal vesicle, and epididymis in rats aged 3, 12, and 20 months by radioimmunoassay and semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicate an age-related increase in AM and its messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the testis and decrease in the sex accessory glands. The gene expression of CRLR and RCP decreased only in the sex accessory glands.