Livia Lustig - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Livia Lustig
International Journal of Andrology, 2011
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2009
A wide spectrum of data in the literature shows the relevance of cytokines as paracrine regulator... more A wide spectrum of data in the literature shows the relevance of cytokines as paracrine regulators of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the normal testis. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of cytokines in the testis during inflammation. This phenomenon involves complex and multiple interactions among immune and germ cells generally resulting in the alteration of spermatogenesis. The complexity of these cell interactions is multiplied because Sertoli and Leydig cells are also producers of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Also, cytokines are pleiotropic and they exert opposite and/or redundant effects in different conditions. However, in spite of this bidirectional immunoregulatory function of cytokines, the mass of the data, reported from experiments of acute testicular inflammation, shows upregulation of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which induce adverse effects on germ cells. In autoimmune orchitis, a chronic testicular inflammation, chemokines such as CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 induce attraction and extravasation of immune cells within the testicular interstitium. These cells alter the normal immunosuppressor microenvironment principally through the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma initially, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha thereafter. Germ cells expressing TNFR1, IL-6R, and Fas increase in number and undergo apoptosis, through the TNF-alpha/TNFR1, IL-6/IL-6R, and Fas/Fas L systems. The knowledge of immune-germ and somatic testicular cell interactions will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which chronic inflammatory conditions of the testis can disrupt the process of spermatogenesis.
Molecular Human Reproduction, 2020
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and... more Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and chronic testicular inflammation. This model reflects testicular pathological changes reported in immunological infertility in men. Progression of EAO in rodents is associated with a significantly increased percentage of testicular endothelial cells and interstitial testicular blood vessels, indicating an ongoing angiogenic process. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the main regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, can stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis and vascular permeability. The aim of this study was to explore the role of VEGFA in the pathogenesis of testicular inflammation. Our results found VEGFA expression in Leydig cells, endothelial cells and macrophages in testis of rats with autoimmune orchitis. VEGFA level was significantly higher in testicular fluid and serum of rats at the end of the immunization period, preceding testicular ...
Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a beta galactoside-binding lectin, is involved in multiple biological functio... more Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a beta galactoside-binding lectin, is involved in multiple biological functions, such as cell adhesion, apoptosis, and metastasis. On the basis of its ability to interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins, we investigated the Gal-1 effect on Leydig cells, which express and are influenced by ECM proteins. In this study, Gal-1 was identified in Leydig cell cultures by immunofluorescence. To gain insight into its biological role, Gal-1 was added to purified rat Leydig cells, under both basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin±stimulated conditions. Substantial morphological changes were observed, and cell viability showed an 80 % decrease after 24 h culture. As a functional consequence of Gal-1 addition, testosterone production was reduced in a dose-dependent fashion, reaching a minimum of 26 % after 24 h compared with basal values. cAMP showed a similar
Asian Journal of Andrology
Reproduction (Cambridge, England), Aug 1, 2018
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissue... more Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissues, where they regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility and apoptosis. Although FGF2/FGFRs expression in the male reproductive tract has been reported, there is scarce evidence on their presence in the female reproductive tract and their involvement in the modulation of sperm function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in the female reproductive tract and to assess the role of the FGF2/FGFRs system in the regulation of sperm physiology using the murine model. FGF2 was detected in uterus and oviduct protein extracts, and it was immunolocalized in epithelial cells of the uterus, and , as well as in the -oocyte complex. The receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 were immunodetected in the flagellum and acrosomal region of sperm recovered from the epididymis. Analysis of testis sections showed the expression of FGFRs in germ cell...
Journal of cellular physiology, Jan 27, 2018
In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its rece... more In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its receptors (FGFRs) in human testis and sperm, which are involved in spermatogenesis and in motility regulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of FGF-2 in the maintenance of sperm physiology using FGF-2 knockout (KO) mice. Our results showed that in wild-type (WT) animals, FGF-2 is expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium, in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the flagellum and acrosomal region of epididymal sperm. In the FGF-2 KO mice, we found alterations in spermatogenesis kinetics, higher numbers of spermatids per testis, and enhanced daily sperm production compared with the WT males. No difference in the percentage of sperm motility was detected, but a significant increase in sperm concentration and in sperm head abnormalities was observed in FGF-2 KO animals. Sperm from KO mice depicted reduced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues (a phenomeno...
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology, 1987
Sixty-six percent of rats immunized with laminin isolated from a mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS... more Sixty-six percent of rats immunized with laminin isolated from a mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma developed moderate lesions in the testis characterized by multiple foci of seminiferous tubules with different degrees of sloughing of the germinal epithelium or atrophy intermingled with normal histological areas. Interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrates were seen in the epididymis. By electron microscopy, pathological changes in the basement membranes of the seminiferous tubules, such as splitting and focal thickenings of knob-like projections toward the epithelium, were observed. Moreover, Sertoli cell cytoplasm showed dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum and large vacuoles. By electron microscopy with the immunoperoxidase technique, staining for in vivo-bound rat IgG was detected along the walls of the seminiferous tubules as a bright linear immunofluorescence and as a dense reaction product on the basal lamina. High titers of circulating antilaminin antibodies were detected by ELISA in all the rats immunized with laminin. As revealed by the skin test, a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to laminin was observed in these rats.
International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 1992
Revista de la Sociedad Argentina de Biología
Acta Europaea fertilitatis, 1977
A pepsin-solubilized collagen was isolated from the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Intrinsic vis... more A pepsin-solubilized collagen was isolated from the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Intrinsic viscosity, amino acid and carbohydrate composition were similar to data reported for other soluble collagens. An antiserlm to the pepsin-solubilized collagen was obtained and by indirect immunofluorescence an antigen-antibody reaction was observed in the collagen fibers of the tunica albuginea and in the intertubular collagen fibers of rat testis. By serological and immunofluorescence techniques, cross-reactions with other collagens indicates a lack of organ specificity. A strong cross-reaction between this antiserum and basement membranes from different organs of the rat was also found.
International journal of fertility, 1977
An antiserum was obtained in rabbits using as antigen a preparation rich in basement membranes is... more An antiserum was obtained in rabbits using as antigen a preparation rich in basement membranes isolated from normal rat testis. By passive hemagglutination test a titer of 1/20,000 was obtained when the antiserum was reacted with the specific antigen; no cross reactions were detected with other fractions extracted from the germinal cells of rat testis. A weak cross reaction was obtained when the antiserum was reacted with collagen extracted from rat testis. Moreover, the antiserum cross reacted with other isolated basement membranes such as glomerular basement membrane of rat kidney and sheep lens capsule. By the indirect immunofluorescent technique the localization of the antigen antibody reaction was detected at the seminiferous tubular wall and vessels. No reaction was observed in other structures of the testis except for a faint reaction at the interstitial collagen fibers. Both, serological and immunohistochemical techniques demonstrated: (1) the existence of common antigenic d...
International Journal of Andrology, 2011
Microscopy Research and Technique, 2009
A wide spectrum of data in the literature shows the relevance of cytokines as paracrine regulator... more A wide spectrum of data in the literature shows the relevance of cytokines as paracrine regulators of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in the normal testis. In this brief review, we highlight the relevance of cytokines in the testis during inflammation. This phenomenon involves complex and multiple interactions among immune and germ cells generally resulting in the alteration of spermatogenesis. The complexity of these cell interactions is multiplied because Sertoli and Leydig cells are also producers of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Also, cytokines are pleiotropic and they exert opposite and/or redundant effects in different conditions. However, in spite of this bidirectional immunoregulatory function of cytokines, the mass of the data, reported from experiments of acute testicular inflammation, shows upregulation of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-1alpha, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which induce adverse effects on germ cells. In autoimmune orchitis, a chronic testicular inflammation, chemokines such as CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 induce attraction and extravasation of immune cells within the testicular interstitium. These cells alter the normal immunosuppressor microenvironment principally through the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma initially, and IL-6 and TNF-alpha thereafter. Germ cells expressing TNFR1, IL-6R, and Fas increase in number and undergo apoptosis, through the TNF-alpha/TNFR1, IL-6/IL-6R, and Fas/Fas L systems. The knowledge of immune-germ and somatic testicular cell interactions will contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms by which chronic inflammatory conditions of the testis can disrupt the process of spermatogenesis.
Molecular Human Reproduction, 2020
Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and... more Experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) is a useful model to study organ-specific autoimmunity and chronic testicular inflammation. This model reflects testicular pathological changes reported in immunological infertility in men. Progression of EAO in rodents is associated with a significantly increased percentage of testicular endothelial cells and interstitial testicular blood vessels, indicating an ongoing angiogenic process. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), the main regulator of physiological and pathological angiogenesis, can stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, chemotaxis and vascular permeability. The aim of this study was to explore the role of VEGFA in the pathogenesis of testicular inflammation. Our results found VEGFA expression in Leydig cells, endothelial cells and macrophages in testis of rats with autoimmune orchitis. VEGFA level was significantly higher in testicular fluid and serum of rats at the end of the immunization period, preceding testicular ...
Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a beta galactoside-binding lectin, is involved in multiple biological functio... more Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a beta galactoside-binding lectin, is involved in multiple biological functions, such as cell adhesion, apoptosis, and metastasis. On the basis of its ability to interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins, we investigated the Gal-1 effect on Leydig cells, which express and are influenced by ECM proteins. In this study, Gal-1 was identified in Leydig cell cultures by immunofluorescence. To gain insight into its biological role, Gal-1 was added to purified rat Leydig cells, under both basal and human chorionic gonadotrophin±stimulated conditions. Substantial morphological changes were observed, and cell viability showed an 80 % decrease after 24 h culture. As a functional consequence of Gal-1 addition, testosterone production was reduced in a dose-dependent fashion, reaching a minimum of 26 % after 24 h compared with basal values. cAMP showed a similar
Asian Journal of Andrology
Reproduction (Cambridge, England), Aug 1, 2018
Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissue... more Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and its receptors (FGFRs) have been described in several tissues, where they regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility and apoptosis. Although FGF2/FGFRs expression in the male reproductive tract has been reported, there is scarce evidence on their presence in the female reproductive tract and their involvement in the modulation of sperm function. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the expression of FGF2 in the female reproductive tract and to assess the role of the FGF2/FGFRs system in the regulation of sperm physiology using the murine model. FGF2 was detected in uterus and oviduct protein extracts, and it was immunolocalized in epithelial cells of the uterus, and , as well as in the -oocyte complex. The receptors FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 and FGFR4 were immunodetected in the flagellum and acrosomal region of sperm recovered from the epididymis. Analysis of testis sections showed the expression of FGFRs in germ cell...
Journal of cellular physiology, Jan 27, 2018
In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its rece... more In previous studies, we described the presence of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and its receptors (FGFRs) in human testis and sperm, which are involved in spermatogenesis and in motility regulation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the role of FGF-2 in the maintenance of sperm physiology using FGF-2 knockout (KO) mice. Our results showed that in wild-type (WT) animals, FGF-2 is expressed in germ cells of the seminiferous epithelium, in epithelial cells of the epididymis, and in the flagellum and acrosomal region of epididymal sperm. In the FGF-2 KO mice, we found alterations in spermatogenesis kinetics, higher numbers of spermatids per testis, and enhanced daily sperm production compared with the WT males. No difference in the percentage of sperm motility was detected, but a significant increase in sperm concentration and in sperm head abnormalities was observed in FGF-2 KO animals. Sperm from KO mice depicted reduced phosphorylation on tyrosine residues (a phenomeno...
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology and Microbiology, 1987
Sixty-six percent of rats immunized with laminin isolated from a mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS... more Sixty-six percent of rats immunized with laminin isolated from a mouse Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) sarcoma developed moderate lesions in the testis characterized by multiple foci of seminiferous tubules with different degrees of sloughing of the germinal epithelium or atrophy intermingled with normal histological areas. Interstitial mononuclear cell infiltrates were seen in the epididymis. By electron microscopy, pathological changes in the basement membranes of the seminiferous tubules, such as splitting and focal thickenings of knob-like projections toward the epithelium, were observed. Moreover, Sertoli cell cytoplasm showed dilated smooth endoplasmic reticulum and large vacuoles. By electron microscopy with the immunoperoxidase technique, staining for in vivo-bound rat IgG was detected along the walls of the seminiferous tubules as a bright linear immunofluorescence and as a dense reaction product on the basal lamina. High titers of circulating antilaminin antibodies were detected by ELISA in all the rats immunized with laminin. As revealed by the skin test, a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to laminin was observed in these rats.
International Journal of Immunopharmacology, 1992
Revista de la Sociedad Argentina de Biología
Acta Europaea fertilitatis, 1977
A pepsin-solubilized collagen was isolated from the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Intrinsic vis... more A pepsin-solubilized collagen was isolated from the tunica albuginea of rat testis. Intrinsic viscosity, amino acid and carbohydrate composition were similar to data reported for other soluble collagens. An antiserlm to the pepsin-solubilized collagen was obtained and by indirect immunofluorescence an antigen-antibody reaction was observed in the collagen fibers of the tunica albuginea and in the intertubular collagen fibers of rat testis. By serological and immunofluorescence techniques, cross-reactions with other collagens indicates a lack of organ specificity. A strong cross-reaction between this antiserum and basement membranes from different organs of the rat was also found.
International journal of fertility, 1977
An antiserum was obtained in rabbits using as antigen a preparation rich in basement membranes is... more An antiserum was obtained in rabbits using as antigen a preparation rich in basement membranes isolated from normal rat testis. By passive hemagglutination test a titer of 1/20,000 was obtained when the antiserum was reacted with the specific antigen; no cross reactions were detected with other fractions extracted from the germinal cells of rat testis. A weak cross reaction was obtained when the antiserum was reacted with collagen extracted from rat testis. Moreover, the antiserum cross reacted with other isolated basement membranes such as glomerular basement membrane of rat kidney and sheep lens capsule. By the indirect immunofluorescent technique the localization of the antigen antibody reaction was detected at the seminiferous tubular wall and vessels. No reaction was observed in other structures of the testis except for a faint reaction at the interstitial collagen fibers. Both, serological and immunohistochemical techniques demonstrated: (1) the existence of common antigenic d...