Image_5_Infertility in Fabry’s Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage.jpeg

IntroductionFabry’s disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD).ResultsOM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli’s and Leydig’s cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells.</p

Image_2_Infertility in Fabry’s Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage.jpeg

IntroductionFabry’s disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD).ResultsOM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli’s and Leydig’s cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells.</p

Synthesis and Characterization of Triosmium Clusters Containing the Bidentate Ligand Ph₂PCH₂CH₂SMe: Detection of an Isomerization Reaction Involving Bridging and Chelating Ligand Coordination Modes

Diphenylphosphinoethylene methyl sulfide, Ph2PCH2CH2SMe, reacts with [Os3(CO)11(NCMe)] yielding [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)]. Treatment of [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2] with 1 equiv of the P,S ligand initially yields the cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the phosphine and the thioether moieties coordinate to different metal atoms of the metal triangle; addition of two or more equivalents of the ligand yields 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] and [Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)2]. The cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] is metastable and undergoes a slow isomerization reaction at room temperature to form 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the ligand chelates one Os atom. Computational modeling of 1,2- and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] indicates that the two clusters are of similar stability, with the latter isomer being of slightly lower energy. The dynamic behavior of the clusters have been investigated by variable-temperature 13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR, and the kinetics of the isomerization reaction have been measured. The latter indicate that the isomerization proceeds via an associative mechanism which is proposed to involve an intramolecular nucleophilic attack by the coordinated sulfur on an osmium atom. The solid state structures of [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] are reported

Image_4_Infertility in Fabry’s Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage.jpeg

IntroductionFabry’s disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD).ResultsOM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli’s and Leydig’s cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells.</p

Image_3_Infertility in Fabry’s Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage.jpeg

IntroductionFabry’s disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD).ResultsOM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli’s and Leydig’s cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells.</p

Image_1_Infertility in Fabry’s Disease: role of hypoxia and inflammation in determining testicular damage.jpeg

IntroductionFabry’s disease (FD) is a genetic X-linked systemic and progressive rare disease characterized by the accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (GB3) into the lysosomes of many tissues. FD is due to loss-of-function mutations of α-galactosidase, a key-enzyme for lysosomal catabolism of glycosphingolipids, which accumulate as glycolipid bodies (GB). In homozygous males the progressive deposition of GB3 into the cells leads to clinical symptoms in CNS, skin, kidney, etc. In testis GB accumulation causes infertility and alterations of spermatogenesis. However, the precise damaging mechanism is still unknown. Our hypothesis is that GB accumulation reduces blood vessel lumen and increases the distance of vessels from both stromal cells and seminiferous parenchyma; this, in turn, impairs oxygen and nutrients diffusion leading to subcellular degradation of seminiferous epithelium and sterility.MethodsTo test this hypothesis, we have studied a 42-year-old patient presenting a severe FD and infertility, with reduced number of spermatozoa, but preserved sexual activity. Testicular biopsies were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Activation and cellular localization of HIF-1α and NFκB was analyzed by immunofluorescence (IF) and RT-PCR on homogeneous tissue fractions after laser capture microdissection (LCMD).ResultsOM and TEM showed that GB were abundant in vessel wall cells and in interstitial cells. By contrast, GB were absent in seminiferous epithelium, Sertoli’s and Leydig’s cells. However, seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells showed reduced diameter, thickening of basement membrane and tunica propria, and swollen or degenerated spermatogonia. IF showed an accumulation of HIF-1α in stromal cells but not in seminiferous tubules. On the contrary, NFκB fluorescence was evident in tubules, but very low in interstitial cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis on LCMD fractions showed the expression of pro-inflammatory genes connected to the HIF-1α/NFκB inflammatory-like pathway.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that infertility in FD may be caused by reduced oxygen and nutrients due to GB accumulation in blood vessels cells. Reduced oxygen and nutrients alter HIF-1α/NFκB expression and localization while activating HIF-1α/NFκB driven-inflammation-like response damaging seminiferous tubular epithelium and Sertoli’s cells.</p

Table_1_Associations between hypertension and cognitive, mood, and behavioral parameters in very old adults: results from the IlSIRENTE study.docx

IntroductionStudies on the associations between hypertension-related parameters and cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms in older adults have produced mixed findings. A possible explanation for these divergent results is that investigations have not adequately adjusted their analyses according to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Therefore, the present study examined the cross-sectional associations between hypertension-related parameters, ACEI use, and cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms in very old adults.MethodsThis study was conducted by analyzing the IlSIRENTE database, a prospective cohort study that collected data on all individuals aged 80 years and older residing in the Sirente geographic area (n = 364). Blood pressure (BP) was assessed after 20 to 40 min of rest, while participants sat in an upright position. Drugs were coded according to the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical codes. Cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms were recorded using the Minimum Data Set Home Care instrument. Blood inflammatory markers were measured.ResultsHypertension-related parameters were significantly associated with many cognitive, mood, and behavioral parameters after adjustment for covariates. However, only the inverse association between hypertension and lesser problems with short-term memory remained significant. Participants with hypertension had lower blood concentrations of inflammatory markers in comparison to their normotensive peers.ConclusionFindings from the present study indicate that high BP values are associated with fewer complaints about memory problems in very old adults. Furthermore, a lower concentration of inflammatory markers was found in hypertensive participants. ACEI use might affect this scenario.</p

Synthesis and Characterization of Triosmium Clusters Containing the Bidentate Ligand Ph₂PCH₂CH₂SMe: Detection of an Isomerization Reaction Involving Bridging and Chelating Ligand Coordination Modes

Diphenylphosphinoethylene methyl sulfide, Ph2PCH2CH2SMe, reacts with [Os3(CO)11(NCMe)] yielding [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)]. Treatment of [Os3(CO)10(NCMe)2] with 1 equiv of the P,S ligand initially yields the cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the phosphine and the thioether moieties coordinate to different metal atoms of the metal triangle; addition of two or more equivalents of the ligand yields 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] and [Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)2]. The cluster 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] is metastable and undergoes a slow isomerization reaction at room temperature to form 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], in which the ligand chelates one Os atom. Computational modeling of 1,2- and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] indicates that the two clusters are of similar stability, with the latter isomer being of slightly lower energy. The dynamic behavior of the clusters have been investigated by variable-temperature 13C{1H} and 31P{1H} NMR, and the kinetics of the isomerization reaction have been measured. The latter indicate that the isomerization proceeds via an associative mechanism which is proposed to involve an intramolecular nucleophilic attack by the coordinated sulfur on an osmium atom. The solid state structures of [Os3(CO)11(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], 1,2-[Os3(CO)10(μ-Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)], and 1,1-[Os3(CO)10(Ph2PCH2CH2SMe)] are reported

Table_2_Associations between hypertension and cognitive, mood, and behavioral parameters in very old adults: results from the IlSIRENTE study.docx

IntroductionStudies on the associations between hypertension-related parameters and cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms in older adults have produced mixed findings. A possible explanation for these divergent results is that investigations have not adequately adjusted their analyses according to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Therefore, the present study examined the cross-sectional associations between hypertension-related parameters, ACEI use, and cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms in very old adults.MethodsThis study was conducted by analyzing the IlSIRENTE database, a prospective cohort study that collected data on all individuals aged 80 years and older residing in the Sirente geographic area (n = 364). Blood pressure (BP) was assessed after 20 to 40 min of rest, while participants sat in an upright position. Drugs were coded according to the Anatomical Therapeutic and Chemical codes. Cognitive function, mood, and behavioral symptoms were recorded using the Minimum Data Set Home Care instrument. Blood inflammatory markers were measured.ResultsHypertension-related parameters were significantly associated with many cognitive, mood, and behavioral parameters after adjustment for covariates. However, only the inverse association between hypertension and lesser problems with short-term memory remained significant. Participants with hypertension had lower blood concentrations of inflammatory markers in comparison to their normotensive peers.ConclusionFindings from the present study indicate that high BP values are associated with fewer complaints about memory problems in very old adults. Furthermore, a lower concentration of inflammatory markers was found in hypertensive participants. ACEI use might affect this scenario.</p

A forest plot showing the rate of recurrence of retinal detachment following ILM peeling and non-ILM peeling vitrectomy.

A forest plot showing the rate of recurrence of retinal detachment following ILM peeling and non-ILM peeling vitrectomy.</p