Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma is expressed by human spermatozoa: its potential role on the sperm physiology.
The peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is mainly expressed in the adipose tissue and integrates the control of energy, lipid, and glucose homeostasis. The present study, by means of RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques, demonstrates that human sperm express the PPARgamma. The functionality of the receptor was evidenced by 15-deoxy-12,14-prostaglandin J(2) (PGJ2) and rosiglitazone (BRL) PPARgamma-agonists that were tested on capacitation, acrosome reaction, and motility. Both treatments also increase AKT phosphorylations and influence glucose and lipid metabolism in sperm. The specificity of PGJ2 and BRL effects through PPARgamma on human sperm was confirmed by an irreversible PPARgamma antagonist, GW9662. Our findings provide evidence that human sperm express a functional PPARgamma whose activation influences sperm physiology. In conclusion, the presence of PPARgamma in male gamete broadens the field of action of this nuclear receptor, bringing us to look towards sperm as an endocrine mobile unit independent of the systemic regulation.
Aquila
Saveria
S
Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (Cosenza) 87036, Italy.
Bonofiglio
Daniela
D
Gentile
Mariaelena
M
Middea
Emilia
E
Gabriele
Sabrina
S
Belmonte
Maria
M
Catalano
Stefania
S
Pellegrino
Michele
M
Andò
Sebastiano
S
D020101:Acrosome Reaction / Q000502:physiology; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008297:Male; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010427:Pentose Phosphate Pathway / Q000502:physiology; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D015230:Prostaglandin D2 / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000378:metabolism; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D013075:Sperm Capacitation / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology*
D047495:PPAR gamma; C037112:9-deoxy-delta-9-prostaglandin D2; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; D005947:Glucose; D015230:Prostaglandin D2