Effect of high intratesticular estrogen on global gene expression and testicular cell number in rats

Estrogen has often been referred to as a traditionally female hormone. However, there is a growing interest in studying this hormone in males due to the following two main reasons: 1) the discovery of estrogen receptors alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and aromatase in the testis; 2) the influences of estrogen or estrogen like compounds on male fertility. In the adult rat testis, ERα is localized to Leydig cells, whereas ERβ is localized to Sertoli cells and most germ cells. Aromatase is expressed in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells from pachytene spermatocytes to elongated spermatids (reviewed in [1]). In the ERα knockout mice, both sperm morphology and function are affected due to the epididymal hypo-osmolality [2‐4]. The inability to absorb fluids in the ERα knockout mice resulted in a generation of backpressure, which affected the seminiferous tubule architecture and function [5]. Loss of fertility in humans was also observed with mutations in ERα [6]. On the other hand, ERβ knockout mice were fertile [7]. The role of estrogens in spermatogenesis was also highlighted by the observations of impaired fertility in aromatase knockout mice. Notably, a progressive decrease in fertility with age was observed in the aromatase knockout mice. Mice deficient in aromatase developed disruptions to spermatogenesis between 4.5 months and 1 year. Spermatogenesis was arrested primarily at early spermiogenic stages, as characterized by an increase in apoptosis and the appearance of multinucleated cells, and a significant reduction in round and elongated spermatids, but no changes were observed in Sertoli cells or earlier germ cells, reflecting the requirement of estrogen for later stages of spermatogenesis [8].

There is growing evidence suggesting a decline in fertility in humans and also an increased incidence of testicular cancer after exposure to environmental estrogen and endocrine disruptors (reviewed in [9]). Studies on boys born from mothers treated with diethylstilbestrol, a very potent estrogen agonist from 1950 to 1970, have reported alterations in sperm quality and higher incidence of genital malformations, cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer compared to the control population [10, 11].

Subsequently, in an attempt to decipher the cause of these effects on the testis, several studies were initiated in animal models where they were treated with estrogen or estrogen like compounds in fetal or neonatal life. These estrogenic drugs were administered by injections, gavage, or via drinking water resulting in varied effects, such as a decrease in Sertoli cell number, Leydig cell hyperplasia, a decreased sperm count, and a decrease in testicular weight [12, 13]. Most of these studies focused on the administration of estrogens/xenoestrogens during fetal or neonatal life, and subsequent effects in adult animals were observed. Gill-Sharma et al. observed that 17β-estradiol treatment at a dose of 100-1,000 μg/kg/day to adult male rats for 60 days resulted in complete azoospermia [14]. Similarly, Toyama et al. showed that administration of estradiol benzoate at a dose of 10-160 μg/kg/day for different periods (2 days - 8 weeks) resulted in a loss of spermatids beyond step 6 with an effect on the ectoplasmic specializations [15]. In an attempt to study the possible effects of estrogen on spermatogenesis in adult rats, we administered 17β-estradiol to adult male rats for ten days at a dose of 100 μg/kg/day. This dose has been previously shown to cause a four-fold increase in intratesticular estrogen levels and a concomitant suppression of intratesticular testosterone to below 10% of control values; circulating follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) fell to below 50% of control values [16, 17]. Principally, we observed a stage specific effect of treatment where germ cells in stages I-V of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium remained unaffected [16, 17]. However, in stages VII-VIII of the cycle, spermatids were seen in deep recesses of the epithelium and those that moved to the lumen failed to be released [16, 17]. Failure of spermiation was attributed to the absence of tubulobulbar complexes, a testis specific cell junction involved in sperm release [16, 17]. In addition, an effect on the Sertoli cell cytoskeleton was observed. A significant increase in TUNEL positive germ cells in stages VII-XIV of the cycle was also observed [16, 17].

To our knowledge there are no studies showing the effects of estrogen on changes in global gene expression in adult mammalian spermatogenesis in vivo. Given the fact that environmental estrogens could affect the process of germ cell maturation either by affecting Sertoli cell function or germ cells directly, the objective of this study was to identify changes in gene expression and testicular cell number directly affected by high intratesticular estrogens. This study could provide a novel insight into the molecular basis for spermiation failure and germ cell apoptosis caused by estradiol.

The identification of aromatase and estrogen receptors on testicular germ cells has aroused great interest in the traditionally female hormone in spermatogenesis (reviewed in [1]). Our previous studies revealed that the administration of exogenous 100 μg/kg/day 17β-estradiol for 10 days in rats resulted in a high level of intratesticular estrogen [17]. An increase in germ cell apoptosis and the presence of spermatids in the deep recess at stages VII-VIII culminating in failure of spermiation were observed [16, 17], which is directly due to a high level of intratesticular estrogen in rats induced by exogenous 17β-estradiol for 10 days. The present study was designed to identify global gene transcripts affected by a high level of intratesticular estrogen so as to elucidate the molecular basis of the early observed effects. Gene ontology grouping analysis of the differentially expressed genes revealed that a number of genes involved in metabolism, iron binding and transport, cytoskeletal maintenance, intracellular transport, endocytosis, and cell apoptosis, were affected by 17β-estradiol. Specifically, we found that a number of genes involved in androgen metabolism were down-regulated. These genes include steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), hydroxysteroid 11-beta dehydrogenase 1 (Hsd11b1), and alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1). The decrease in the expression of these genes could lead to the decrease in androgen synthesis and thus results in the earlier observed decrease in intratesticular and serum testosterone. Strauss et al. [25] have reported similar observations in aromatase over-expressing mice.

17β-estradiol treatments also significantly decreased the expression of carboxylesterase 3 (Ces3), which is related to testosterone synthesis and the protection of Leydig cells from damage by toxins [26]. Two other genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism were down regulated, namely cytochrome P450, family 1, subfamily b, polypeptide 1 (Cyp1b1) and sulfotransferase family 1A, phenol-preferring, member 1 (Sult1a1). Recently Cyp1b1 was shown to be abundantly expressed in the testis specifically in Leydig cells [27]. ERE analysis on promoter sequences revealed the presence of EREs for Star, Hspd11b1, Acat 2, Cyp1b1, and Sult1a1, suggesting a direct effect of estrogens on these genes.

Beside androgen metabolism, type 1 alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes (Adh1) is also involved in the conversion of retinol to retinoic acid, and in situ hybridization studies have revealed that the mRNA for this gene is selectively expressed in Sertoli and Leydig cells [28]. Spermiation failure has been observed in rats fed on Vitamin A deficient diet [29]. Interestingly in our array data, Adh1 was down-regulated, suggesting its possible influence on spermiation.

Several genes required to maintain cytoskeletal integrity were down-regulated by estradiol treatment. Our earlier study demonstrated that the process of spermiation was affected due to an influence on the cytoskeletal network [16]. These genes can be grouped into two categories based on their function in affecting microfilament or microtubules. The first category represents those whose protein products affect microfilament stability and include genes such as actin related protein 2/3 complex, subunit 1B (Arc 1B), actin related protein 2/3 complex, subunit 5-like (predicted) (Arpc5L), ENA Vasodilator Phosphoprotein (Evl), and capping protein gelsolin like (Capg). The Arc 1B and Arpc 5 proteins form a part of the Arp2/3 complex which is involved in the de novo polymerization of actin [30]. Both the Arc1B and Arpc 5 play a crucial role in contributing to the stability of the Arp2/3 complex [31]. Vaid et al. [32] have reported that the Arp2/3 complex plays an essential role in the reorganization of actin during tubulobulbar complex (TBC) formation. The down regulation of two crucial proteins of the Arp2/3 complex could result in the destabilization of this complex and improper targeting of this complex to sites of TBC formation. This would eventually affect the formation of TBC during spermiation and lead to failure of spermiation as observed in our previous study [16]. In addition, gelsolin, an actin severing protein with a role in actin filament-containing adhesion complexes known as ectoplasmic specialization [33] and in podosome (structures similar to TBC) formation along with Arp3 in endothelial cells [34], is down-regulated in the present study. The second category includes genes that contribute to microtubule stability or associate with microtubule networks, namely tubulin beta 5 (tubb5), dynein cytoplasmic light intermediate polypeptide (Dncli2), and casein kinase 2 beta subunit (Csnk2b). Casein kinase 2 is an oligomeric protein that has two alpha and two beta subunits and targeted disruption of its alpha subunits results in globozoospermia and retention of defective spermatids [35]. In other cellular systems, the alpha subunit of Casein kinase II is known to bind to microtubules and tubulin heterodimers, exerting a potent effect on microtubule assembly and bundling [36]. Down-regulation of genes coding for the casein kinase beta subunit can be seen as a contributing factor that could lead to our earlier observed disruption in microtubule bundling in the Sertoli cells [16]. Among the genes grouped under this category, Arc1B, Evl, and Capg have an ERE sequence on their promoters, suggesting estrogen regulated genes although their function remains to be determined in the testis.

Several other genes involved in intracellular transport and endocytosis were differentially regulated by estradiol. The majority of these genes, namely syntaxin 5a (Stx5a), syntaxin 8 (Stx8), Ap2S1, Ral A binding protein (Ralbp1), trafficking protein particle complex 1 (predicted) (Trappc1), and lysosomal membrane glycoprotein 2 (Lamp 2), were down-regulated by estradiol. The only up-regulated gene in this group was phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein (PiCalm). Among these genes, Ap2s1 and PiCalm are known to play a significant role in cell mediated endocytosis. Ap2s1 encodes the sigma subunit of the Adaptor Protein 2 (AP2) complex and helps in targeting the AP2 complex to membranes. The AP2 complex is known to trigger the start of the formation of the clathrin lattice machinery at the plasma membrane [37]. PiCalm is a non-neuronal homologue of the AP180 protein and may play a significant role in the clathrin internalization machinery [38]. Lamp proteins are transmembrane proteins that form important components of the lysosomal membrane. These proteins play an essential role in lysosome biogenesis, autophagy, and cholesterol homeostasis. There are two isoforms of Lamp proteins called Lamp 1 and 2. Based on double knock out studies for both Lamp 1 and Lamp 2, it has been proposed that these proteins have partially overlapping functions [39]. In the testis, only the Lamp 1 protein is localized to the TBC, which might be involved in endocytosis and internalization of junctions [40]. Tubulobulbar complexes are also involved in elimination of excess spermatid cytoplasm and recycling of junctions by endocytosis [40]. In our previous study, we observed absence of endocytic vesicles and retention of junctional molecules such as α6β1 integrin along with the failed spermatids in the estradiol-treated group [16], suggesting an effect on endocytosis. ERE elements have been identified on the promoters of the following genes, including Stx5a, Ralbp1, and PiCalm. The present study suggests that high levels of intratesticular estrogen could inhibit the formation of clathrin-coated pits that is the initial event in formation of the tubulobulbar complexes leading to the observed absence of TBC.

Iron is required by all organisms and male fertility is affected by disruptions in iron balance [41]. In the testis, the transport and delivery of iron to the germ cells from Sertoli cells is mediated by transferrin [42]. In the present study, no change in expression of transferrin was seen; however, several iron binding protein, namely haptoglobin (Hp), hemoglobin alpha adult chain 1 (Hba-a1), and hemoglobin beta chain complex (Hbb), were significantly down-regulated. Hp protein has been identified in the testis specifically in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and germ cells, and it is speculated to be involved in the recycling of heme groups, suggesting that it is involved in the maintenance of Sertoli cell function rather than directly in the process of spermatogenesis [43]. Both Hba-a1 and Hbb have been identified to be significantly expressed in spermatogonial cells [44], reflecting their possible influence on maintaining spermatogonial number. Another gene of significance that was up-regulated was the solute carrier family 39 (iron-regulated transporter), member 1 (Slc40a1). This protein belongs to the basolateral iron transporter family [45] and its up-regulation can be seen as a means to salvage loss of iron due to the down regulation of other iron binding proteins. It is interesting to note that Slc40a1 was down-regulated when FSH was administered to hpg mice [46] suggesting that this gene could be negatively regulated by FSH. EREs were identified in the Hp and Hbb genes promoters. Iron was also reported to be involved in spermiation. Deficiencies in testicular transferrin resulted in reduced levels of spermiation and a decrease in the number of epididymal spermatozoa (Reviewed in [42]). Since we have previously observed spermiation failure with estradiol treatment, it is tempting to speculate an indirect influence of high levels of intratesticular estrogen on factors promoting failure of spermiation.

Of note, several genes that eventually drive germ cells to undergo apoptosis were differentially regulated after estradiol treatment. Among them, Nos3, Rb1, and Tgfbr3 were up-regulated. On the other hand, Peroxiredoxin 3 and 6 (Prdx3 and Prdx6) were down-regulated. Nos3 has been shown to be significantly expressed in degenerating germ cells in human testis [47]. When transgenic mice overexpressing Nos3 and wild type mice were both subjected to unilateral cryptorchidism, the number of spermatocytes and spermatids undergoing apoptosis in the transgenic mice was much higher than the wild type cryptorchid mice, suggesting a role for Nos3 in apoptosis [48]. Tgfbr3 is known to be expressed in all testicular cell types [49]. Olaso et al. [50] suggested that TGF induces apoptosis in gonocytes of the fetal testis as a means to control germ cell numbers during fetal life. The Rb1 gene is known to be expressed in Sertoli cells and spermatogonia in all stages of spermatogenesis, however maximum levels are in stages VII and VIII of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Studies using methoxyacetic acid to induce apoptosis have shown an increase of retinoblastoma protein [51]. Peroxiredoxin are oxidative stress related proteins that are cytoprotective and maintain mitochondrial integrity. A significant decrease in peroxiredoxin 3 sensitizes cells to apoptotic stimulus. Localization studies have shown the presence of peroxiredoxin 3 in spermatogonia and spermatocytes with maximal expression in pachytene spermatocytes [52]. EREs were identified on the promoters for Prdrx3 and Nos3 genes, suggesting a direct effect of estrogen on apoptosis. Collectively, up-regulation of genes (Nos3, Rb1, Tgfbr3) involved in germ cell apoptosis, together with down-regulation of genes (Prdrx3) to sensitize cells to apoptotic stimulus, accounts for male germ cell apoptosis as we observed previously [16, 17].

Our earlier study revealed a significant increase of TUNEL-positive cells in stages VII-XIV with stages VII-VIII showing maximum effect following exogenous estradiol treatment [17]. Administration of 20 μg/kg/day of estradiol results in more than a 2-fold increase of rat intratesticular estrogen (135.2 ± 35.9 pg/gm) compared to that of the control (55.8 ± 7 pg/gm) [17], while administration of 100 μg/kg/day of estradiol leads to more than a 4-fold increase of rat intratesticular estrogen (246.7 ± 34 pg/gm) compared to that of the control [17]. Flow cytometry experiments in the present study indicate a significant decrease in the 2n cells (somatic and germ cells) and 4n cells (pachytene spermatocytes) by both 20 and 100 μg/kg/day of estradiol. This is consistent with our previous observations showing that estradiol induces cell apoptosis in the testis [16, 17]. Notably we also found that estradiol caused a marked increase in the number of elongated spermatids, which is in agreement with our previous finding that spermiation failure occurred in rat testis exposed to estradiol [16, 17]. In contrast, 20 and 100 μg/kg/day of estradiol have a different effect on the number of rat elongating and round spermatids. Physiological studies to demonstrate the involvement of estradiol in spermatogenesis and/or in its regulatory mechanisms need to be explored further.

We have for the first time established a global gene database in the testes of rats following exposure to estradiol and found that numerous genes are involved in androgen and xenobiotic metabolism, maintenance of the cytoskeleton, intracellular transport, iron metabolism, endocytosis, and germ cell apoptosis. We have identified a list of genes that are regulated by estradiol and possess estrogen responsive elements. We also revealed that estradiol induced significant changes in testicular cell number. This study has thus dissected the molecular basis for spermiation failure and apoptosis seen after exogenous estradiol administration. The present study suggests involvement of estrogen in spermiation and phagocytic clearance of apoptotic germ cells. The study also highlights possible mechanisms through which adult exposure to environmental estrogen could affect fertility.