Effect of nitroso-redox imbalance on male reproduction

Introduction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the byproducts of aerobic metabolism. Hydroxyl radical (OH⁻), superoxide radical (O₂⁻), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) are some of the isoforms of ROS (1). ROS are kept in balance through the redox environment and the antioxidant system (2). However, at increased levels, ROS lead to tissue damage through oxidative stress by damaging DNA, proteins and lipids. Increased levels of ROS can also trigger apoptosis in cells leading to cell death (3). Oxidative stress is associated with several disease states of increased inflammation like atherosclerosis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and aging (4-6). Given that ROS have enhanced chemical reactivity, the body has evolved several antioxidant defense mechanisms which considerably delay or inhibit oxidative stress (2). Cellular antioxidant pathways such as dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase enzymes function to neutralize or sequester ROS (2). During times of mildly elevated oxidative stress, tissues are able to respond with additional antioxidant defenses. However, during periods of severe oxidative stress, cell injury and death can occur (7).

In addition to ROS, there is a subset of ROS called reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are the byproducts of nitric oxide (NO) generation. Peroxynitrite anion (ONOO⁻), nitroxyl ion (NO⁻), nitrosyl-containing compounds, and NO are some of the isoforms of RNS (1). At physiologic levels, RNS and ROS are important for normal cellular functions such as gene activation, blood vessel modification, and enzyme activities. However, at pathologic levels RNS lead to tissue damage and cell death. Similar to ROS, RNS lead to tissue damage through nitrosative stress. Nitrosative stress is a phenomenon in which an imbalance in RNS produces a pathogenic response (8). Similar to oxidative stress, nitrosative stress also arises from dysfunction in the antioxidant defense system. Specifically, elevated levels of ROS/RNS can damage sperm DNA, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins (1,9,10). Nitroso-redox imbalance can affect male reproduction through its effects on sperm and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis (1,9,10). In this manuscript, we will review the effect ROS/RNS and their effect on male reproduction.

Synthesis of ROS/RNS

One of the major sources of ROS comes from the mitochondria due to the numerous electron transfer reactions. ROS are formed by the transformation of oxygen by free electrons whose major source in mitochondria is from cellular respiration [electron transport chain (ETC)] (11). It is estimated that 0.2–2% of all oxygen consumed is converted to ROS in the ETC (12). These redox reactions occur mainly at complex I and complex III in the ETC which catalyze reactions that directly react with oxygen to generate free radicals (13). Thus, mitochondrial dysfunction that impacts the ETC can lead to excess ROS production (14).

In addition to mitochondria, ROS are produced by other cytoplasmic organelles such as peroxisomes. Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a common source of ROS in the cytoplasm. XO is an important enzyme in the clearance of waste products by converting them to uric acid, however it contributes to high levels of ROS when strongly activated. XO is also found in peroxisomes which are cellular organelles that produce ROS (15). Peroxisomes’ primary role is to break down fatty acids and protein products, which produces hydrogen peroxide and ROS as byproducts. While it’s evident that enzymes and organelles are important for normal cellular functions, excessive activity of enzymes such as XO can lead to oxidative stress.

There are several sources of NO that contribute to nitrosative stress. NO is a commonly found biomolecule that has important roles throughout the body, such as vasodilatation, angiogenesis, inflammation, apoptosis and acts as a neurotransmitter. NO is able to impact several organ systems because its lipophilic nature allows it to diffuse easily through many cellular components (16). NO is biosynthesized from L-arginine via nitric oxide synthase (NOS). NOS catalyzes the oxidation of the terminal guanidino nitrogen of L-arginine to produce NO and L-citrulline. Three isoforms of NOS have been identified and these include, neuronal NOS (nNOS, NOS-1), endothelial NOS (eNOS, NOS-3) and inducible NOS (iNOS, NOS-2) (17). While NOS is a major contributor to NO formation, NOS-independent sources have also been identified. It is noted that dietary or exogenous sources of nitrate and nitrite are important contributors to NO production (18). Nitrate is often found in many vegetables and is reduced to nitrite by nitrate reductase which is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. Nitrite can be further reduced to NO by low pH, ascorbic acid, hemoglobin, myoglobin, polyphenols and xanthine oxidoreductase, thus contributing to RNS (19). Taken together, oxidative and nitrosative stress are induced by both cellular organelles and extracellular enzymes.

Effect of oxidative/nitrosative stress on sperm motility

Oxidative/nitrosative stress can impact sperm motility (Figure 1) by affecting mitochondrial function. Firstly, strong evidence demonstrates nitroso-redox’s impacts on sperm motility. Low concentrations of NO enhance motility (20) while medium/high concentrations impair motility (21). The most significant damage from NO occurs when it reacts with superoxide (O₂⁻) to produce peroxynitrite that can impact cell function and sustainability (22,23). The mechanism by which peroxynitrite can impact sperm motility may involve the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration (17), because peroxynitrite inhibits components of the ETC. Peroxynitrite causes cysteine oxidation, tyrosine nitration and damage to iron sulfur centers (22) that are critical components of the ETC and decreases the mitochondrial membrane potential which is crucial for energy generation. Consequently, energy synthesis is reduced and has a major impact on motility due to the spermatozoa’s high metabolic activity and heavy reliance on mitochondrial energy (24). Therefore, sperm motility is reduced by nitroso-redox imbalance’s effect on mitochondria.

Figure 1 Nitroso-redox imbalance impact on sperm motility. ETC, electron transport chain.

In addition to nitrosative/oxidative stress’ impact on sperm motility through inhibition of the ECT in mitochondria, free radicals also directly impact the sperm plasma membrane and its associated proteins. Peroxynitrite decreases Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺-ATPase activity which are necessary for maintaining osmotic balance, volume, pH, resting membrane potential and for transport of other coupled ions across the membrane (25,26). Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase plays a primary role in sperm motility. It can be largely found in the mid-piece of the sperm tail and balances the proton gradient in mitochondria (27). Moreover, the Ca²⁺-ATPase is responsible for regulating sperm motility because it activates the production of cAMP through the regulation of calmodulin, which is an essential factor for motility (28). Thus, inhibited activity in both these enzymes will result in reduced motility. These ATPases are susceptible to nitrosative stress because they have a sulfhydryl (SH)-containing enzymes and thiol groups which are depleted by NO and peroxynitrite (29). Consequently, an imbalance in the nitroso-redox environment can lead to reduced sperm motility by inhibiting these essential membrane proteins.

Nitroso-redox imbalance impairs testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) production

Leydig cells were first described as hormone-producing cells found within the testes in 1850 (30). They play an essential role in testicular development and male fertility by contributing to androgen synthesis and secretion (31). Their function is necessary for proper development, normal masculinization, spermatogenesis and male fertility in general (32). Leydig cells produce more than 95% of the testosterone in the body and are regulated by LH production in the anterior pituitary. Leydig cells utilize modified forms of cholesterol in the formation of testosterone. It has been shown that oxidative-nitrosative stress is able to alter mechanisms for steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Nitrosative/oxidative stress effect on LH and testosterone. LH, luteinizing hormone.

Nitrosative stress is an inhibitor of Leydig cell steroidogenesis function through NO. Experiments examining the impact of NO on steroid biosynthesis in Leydig cells demonstrate that NO administration has an inhibitory effect on steroidogenesis leading to suppressed testosterone levels in mice (10,33,34). Research suggests that NO impacts testosterone synthesis directly by inhibiting cholesterol modification, an important precursor to steroid products (33). However, the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis remains inducible because administration of GnRH and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) into nitrosatively stressed mice stimulated LH and testosterone, respectively (10). Thus, nitrosative stress in excess can inhibit testosterone production likely due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction.

While NO has demonstrated a strong impact on testosterone levels, it also appears to alter LH secretion. Studies using mice exposed to increased levels NO show decreased activity in the anterior pituitary’s ability to secrete LH. It is hypothesized that NO signal to terminate LH release in this region of the brain (34,35). Consequently, decreased LH levels may amplify the negative effects on testosterone production from the testicles because NO decreased the synthesis of testosterone from the Leydig cells directly. It is evident that nitrosative stress is an important factor in steroidogenesis and Leydig cell function.

Oxidative stress is also linked to reduced production of testosterone from Leydig cells (36). Several experiments have demonstrated the impact of oxidative stress on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells and spermatogenesis. Bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress in mice significantly decreased testosterone synthesis (37,38). In addition, researchers determined that the expression of a specific protein, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which is essential for cholesterol uptake for testosterone synthesis, was diminished in oxidatively stressed mice (37). It is suggested that a likely mechanism for this dysfunction is through the P450scc enzyme in the mitochondria which catalyzes cholesterol conversion as well as StAR protein expression (38). Accordingly, oxidative stress has indicated a significant inhibitory impact on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells.

Factors influencing oxidative/nitrosative stress

Exposures such as smoking, meat intake, pollution and obesity can lead to increased oxidative/nitrosative stress (Table 1).

Table 1 Sources of oxidative/nitrosative stress
Full table

Cigarette smoke promotes free radicals in circulation

Smoking is associated with an increase in ROS along with numerous adverse health conditions. Specifically, smoking is identified as a promoter of free radicals (4). Cigarette smoke as well as the tar phase contains particularly high levels of NO (39). Many ROS/RNS species are also produced in the lung by neutrophils, alveolar macrophages and eosinophils due to inflammation caused by smoking. It is well established that smokers have a higher number of alveolar macrophages due to chronic inflammation (40). Therefore, NO levels are significantly elevated in smokers when compared to nonsmokers (41). As a result, smoking is a major source of ROS/RNS and contributes to nitroso-redox imbalance.

Meat intake contributes to increased free radicals

Meat consumption is associated with an increase in free radicals in circulation. One method of inducing RNS is through consuming nitrites directly which have long been used in the preservation of meats. Nitrates/Nitrites offer protection against microbial growth and toxins in processed meats while also promoting the stability of color and freshness which is why they are commonly used (42,43). Nitrite in circulation is normally scavenged and sequestered through reactions with hemoglobin in erythrocytes or by a reaction in the catalase/H₂O₂ system to form nitrate (44,45). However, excess nitrite may react along another pathway and be reduced to NO by XO, other heme containing enzymes, and ascorbic acid (46-48). Thus, nitrite is able to yield RNS in a pro-oxidative environment which can lead to nitrosative stress (49).

Additionally, meat induces ROS production from byproducts that are formed while cooking them. During the cooking process of meat, heterocyclic amines (HCA) are produced in varying amounts depending on the method and duration. One study suggests that HCA intake contributes to increased oxidative stress independently of other lifestyle factors (50). Therefore, it is suggested that excessive meat consumption can be a source for oxidative stress.

Environmental pollution increases exposure to ROS/RNS

Over the years, many hazardous chemicals were produced and released into the environment. These chemicals may adversely impact the health of individuals. Toxic emissions from pollutants found in the air and our water supply such as radiations, pesticides and xenobiotics negatively impact cell structures and organelles. These emissions contain higher levels of molecules such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particle matter and ozone. These molecules produce ROS/RNS either through altering mitochondrial function, activation of ROS/RNS producing inflammatory cells, or by direct generation by the particles themselves (51). Many of these pollutants found their way into the water supply and contribute to heavy metal containing glutathione which alters redox reactions to produce excessive free radicals. These heavy metals also inhibit antioxidant enzymes by binding to and inactivating several functions, leading to weakened free radical protection mechanisms (52). Pollutants drive free radical reactions and promote oxidative/nitrosative stress.

Obesity and diet induce oxidative stress

Recently, evidence has shown that obesity can induce oxidative stress, leading to male sexual dysfunction (53). Obesity is characterized by an increase in body weight that results in excessive fat accumulation, beyond the limits of physical requirement that is a direct result of physical inactivity (54,55). A strong positive correlation has been demonstrated between BMI and oxidative stress (53). It is believed that conditions commonly associated with obesity such as hyperglycemia, elevated tissue lipid levels, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, chronic inflammation, and impaired mitochondrial function contribute to oxidative stress (56). While ROS production is elevated with obesity, reactive species sequestration is also diminished. Obese individuals have diminished activity in several antioxidant mechanisms such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (57,58). In addition to this, several studies have demonstrated that total antioxidant status is reduced in obese individuals (53,59,60). Therefore, obesity-induced oxidative stress is able to contribute to male sexual dysfunction.

Diet is another contributor to the generation of ROS. A diet high in fat and carbohydrates promotes oxidative stress and inflammation (61). In addition, inadequate consumption of foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, beans, nuts and broccoli, also contribute to oxidative stress by lessening defense capacities (61). An unbalanced diet will lead to nitroso-redox imbalance and contribute to male sexual dysfunction.

Strategies to decrease oxidative/nitrosative stress

The negative effects of ROS and RNS on the reproductive system can be accomplished through three strategies: (I) avoidance of elements that increase ROS/RNS (smoking, meat, pollution, fat, inactivity) and (II) improvement of lifestyle, (III) consumption of substances that scavenge ROS/RNS. Methods to avoid substances that increase oxidative stress include controlling smoking, meat intake, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution (Table 2). Each of these factors has demonstrated significant impacts on free radical levels in the body, thus the primary method of controlling the bodies’ oxidative environment should be through avoidance of these risk factors. Other strategies to control the oxidative environment are through the consumption of substances that have strong antioxidant potential.

Table 2 Strategies to reduce oxidative/nitrosative stress
Full table

Lifestyle strategies to decrease ROS/RNS

Dietary management is a robust and important method to combat ROS/RNS production. Diet specifically refers to monitoring the quantity of food consumed as well as the quality of food. Caloric restriction has been shown to enhance the overall antioxidant capacity and aid in maintain optimal intracellular environments (62). However, since long-term calorie restriction is difficult to maintain, several solutions can mimic the health benefits (63). Consumption of compounds such as plant-derived polyphenolic molecules (e.g., quercetin, butein, and piceatannol), insulin-action enhancers (e.g., metformin), or pharmacological agents that inhibit glycolysis (e.g., 2-deoxyglucose) have shown to be promising candidates in mimicking calorie restriction and reducing reactive species production (64). In addition to caloric restriction, consumption of a quality balanced diet reduced ROS production. Vegetables and plant-derived food has a positive impact on maintaining the nitroso-redox balance. Avoiding calorie-dense sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods and replacing them with nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and legumes is able to strengthen the antioxidant ability and reduce oxidative stress (65). It is important to maintain a well-balanced diet and avoid calorie-dense foods in order to reduce reactive species production (63).

While dietary management is an important component to managing the nitroso-redox environment, exercise also play a major role in ROS/RNS production (63). Physical inactivity is a major cause of obesity and its associated induction of oxidative stress. It is beneficial to maintain consistent physical activity to help prevent the onset of obesity and its associated conditions. Moderate physical activity elevated antioxidant activity, providing protection against oxidation of DNA, proteins and other cellular structures (66,67). Proper maintenance of regular physical activity will be beneficial in reducing ROS/RNS production.

Vitamin C and E

Vitamins are strong antioxidants and are useful in reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress. One of the strongest and most abundant antioxidants is ascorbate (vitamin C). The body is incapable of synthesizing ascorbate; thus, it must be acquired through diet. Ascorbate reacts with free radicals rendering them stable and unreactive (68). Ascorbate’s antioxidant actions are able to neutralize hydroxyl, superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide reactive species (69). Furthermore, α-tocopherol (vitamin E) also exhibits strong anti-oxidant potential. Vitamin E is able to inhibit lipid peroxidation by donating a hydrogen group onto free radicals making them non-reactive (70). Vitamin E also protects the HPG axis from elevated pituitary and testicular TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels caused by ethanol consumption. Vitamin E’s effects suggests it has the ability to be both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (71). Vitamins C and E have exhibited strong potential as potent anti-oxidants and can seamlessly be integrated into diets with multivitamins.

Alpha-lipoic acid (LA)

In addition to vitamins, LA has demonstrated its role as an antioxidant promoter. Diets high in LA, which is found in many vegetables, decrease levels of free radicals in areas of the brain, such as the hypothalamus. LA promotes the regeneration of antioxidants, such as glutathione, Vitamin E and vitamin C (72). In addition, another study explored the effect of LA on NO levels in mice. They suggest that LA is able to reduce NO synthesis by inhibiting iNOS. Inhibition of NO directly reduces nitrosative stress (73). Thus, LA promotes the body’s natural antioxidant infrastructure to control oxidative stress. Therefore, a LA rich diet is beneficial in reducing ROS/RNS.

Taurine

Taurine, one of the most abundant free amino acids in mammalian cells, also has antioxidant potential. Taurine reduces oxidative stress by directly scavenging free radicals. Results show that taurine significantly prevented experimentally induced oxidative stress in rats by sodium fluoride (NaF). Taurine also augments antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione levels in the brain, testes, and epididymis of treated rats. Moreover, taurine reversed NaF-induced elevation in inflammatory biomarkers and caspase-3 activity as well as histological damage in the brain, testes, and epididymis of the oxidatively stressed rats (74). In another study, Zhang et al. induced oxidative stress in men through the use of ergonomic exercises. Subsequently, these subjects were treated with taurine and results demonstrated that taurine attenuated exercise-induced oxidative stress. As a result, oxidative stress induced DNA damage was attenuated (75).

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. Quercetin diminished intracellular oxidative stress caused by exposure to manganese. Manganese exposure suppresses the brain-pituitary-testicular axis function and post-testicular events such as sperm function in rats. Manganese interferes with oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria leading to the generation of ROS (76). This suppression is likely mediated through persistent oxidative and endocrine disruption caused by manganese in the exposed rats (77). Quercetin is a natural flavonoid that is easily obtained in the diet trough the consumption of fruits and vegetables. When administered with manganese, quercetin significantly (P<0.05) inhibited manganese-induced elevation in biomarkers of oxidative stress. In addition, quercetin increased antioxidant enzymes activities and glutathione level in the brain, testes and epididymis of the treated rats. It also suppressed inflammatory indices such as caspase-3 activity which aided in preservation of functioning in the brain, testes, and epididymis in treated rats (78). Quercetin is used as a pharmacological agent in reducing oxidative stress along the brain-pituitary-testicular axis. Thus, quercetin can be a useful mediator of male sexual dysfunction due to nitroso-redox imbalance.

Conclusions

ROS and RNS are free radicals that in excess lead to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Recent research has implicated ROS/RNS as contributors to infertility and disruption of the HPG axis. Environmental exposures, through diet, contaminants and pollution are sources of ROS/RNS. Strategies to decrease ROS/RNS involve avoidance of exposures and increasing the consumption of antioxidants. At this time, there is limited information from human studies, but animal models conclude that ROS/RNS can impact male reproduction and fertility.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the American Urological Association Research Scholar Award and Stanley Glaser Award to R Ramasamy.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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