The Hydrogen Storage Nanomaterial MgH2 Improves Irradiation-induced Male Fertility Impairment by Suppressing Oxidative Stress

doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-1207725/v1

Download PDF

Research Article

The Hydrogen Storage Nanomaterial MgH2 Improves Irradiation-induced Male Fertility Impairment by Suppressing Oxidative Stress

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1207725/v1

This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License

You are reading this latest preprint version

Objective

This study aimed to reveal the protective effect of hydrogen storage nanomaterial MgH₂ on radiation-induced male fertility impairment.

Methods

The characterization of MgH₂ were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size analyzer. The safety of MgH₂ were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. The radioprotective effect of MgH₂on the reproductive system were analyzed in mice, including sperm quality, genetic effect, spermatogenesis, and hormone secretion. ESR, flow cytometry and western blotting assay were used to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Results

MgH₂ had an irregular spherical morphology and a particle size of approximately 463.2 nm, and the content of Mg reached 71.46%. MgH₂ was safe and nontoxic in mice and cells. After irradiation, MgH₂ treatment significantly protected testicular structure, increased sperm density, improved sperm motility, reduced deformity rates, and reduced the genetic toxicity. Particularly, the sperm motility were consistent with those in MH mice and human semen samples. Furthermore, MgH₂ treatment could maintain hormone secretion and testicular spermatogenesis, especially the generation of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and round sperm cells. In vitro, MgH₂ eliminated the [·OH], suppressed the irradiation-induced increase in ROS production, and effectively alleviated the increase in MDA contents. Moreover, MgH₂ significantly ameliorated apoptosis in testes and cells and reversed the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest induced by irradiation. In addition, MgH₂ inhibited the activation of radiation-induced inflammation and pyroptosis.

Conclusion

MgH₂ improved irradiation-induced male fertility impairment by eliminating hydroxyl free radicals.

Biomaterials

Nanomaterial

Irradiation damage

Male infertility

ROS

Hydroxyl radical

Total body irradiation due to accidental exposure or overexposure and abdominal irradiation during radiotherapy for bladder cancer or prostatic cancer can result in the accumulation of harmful irradiation in the testes [1, 2]. The testes are very sensitive to irradiation. Irradiation doses as low as 0.5 Gy can lead to infertility and spermatogenic dysfunction [3, 4]. In a follow-up survey of 666 bladder cancer patients who had undergone pelvic radiotherapy, 40% of men exhibited subnormal testosterone (T) levels, and T levels lower than 10 nM can serve as a marker of hypogonadism [3]. In an analysis of 18 patients treated with external prostatic irradiation, which is up to 3% of the prescribed dose for prostate cancer, a mean of 2.2 Gy (range, 1.2 Gy to 5.4 Gy) was measured in the testes [5]. At present, approximately 15% of couples of childbearing age suffer from infertility worldwide. In some developing countries, the infertility rate is even as high as approximately 30%. For more than 50% of couples, infertility is caused by decreased sperm quality and defects in sperm function, and irradiation exposure is an important risk factor for these defects [6]. In a retrospective study that analyzed the fertility of 67 cancer patients, 90% of the patients were treated with radiotherapy, and 57% of the patients were azoospermic after treatment [7]. Therefore, it is urgent to decrease the risks of male infertility associated with irradiation.

Radiation-induced damage to the male reproductive system mainly includes ultrastructural changes in the seminiferous epithelium of the testes, the epididymal epithelium, and the seminiferous tubule epithelium as well as dysfunction of testicular spermatogenesis [3]. Spermatogonia are uniquely sensitive to irradiation and can be completely destroyed by an irradiation dose of 3 Gy [8]. ROS in irradiated testicular tissue are mainly generated by hydrolytic dissociation, which can damage all biological molecules in mammals, including DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids [9]. In the male reproductive system, ROS lead to mutations in or apoptosis of spermatogenic cells, decreased sperm number and motility, and increased sperm deformity rate [10]. The generation of large amounts of ROS induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, ROS can also cause cell cycle arrest in the G1/S and G2/M phases [11] and can activate and mediate the secretion of cytokines to trigger pyroptosis [12].

Most strategies to preserve male fertility are still in clinical trials and cannot fundamentally address this issue. Therefore, more effective strategies for treating fertility impairment are needed. Protection against radiation damage is mainly based on free radical scavenging. Free radical scavengers can alleviate IR-induced oxidative damage by inhibiting free radical formation, removing free radicals, enhancing DNA repair, reducing postirradiation inflammatory responses, and even delaying cell division to allow cells more time for self-repair [13]. Most free radical scavengers are still in preclinical research; only WR-2721 has been approved by the FDA for use in the clinic to protect salivary glands in head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment [14], but it results in clear toxicity when administered clinically. Molecular hydrogen (H₂) has been reported to selectively scavenge [·OH] and has the potential to become a radioprotective agent [15]. H₂ inhibited IR-induced acute injury, reduced ROS levels and alleviated long-term fibrosis injury in mouse lungs [11]. Furthermore, treatment with H₂ has been proven to significantly increase sperm number and promote spermatogenesis after testis irradiation [16]. However, the rich hydrogen aqueous solution has some disadvantages, including inconvenient storage and transportation, low hydrogen concentration, and insufficient antioxidant capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more powerful free radical scavengers to protect male fertility during irradiation.

Recently, advanced nanomaterials have been applied in radiation biology [17]. Owing to their large specific surface area, micro- or nanomaterials accelerate biochemical reactions on their surfaces. Moreover, nanoparticles are light in weight, high in mass density, nontoxic and easy to store [18]. MgH₂ nanomaterials, which are used for hydrogen storage and release, have the advantages of good stability, high hydrogen storage capacity and smooth hydrogen release capacity [19]. In this study, we explored the structural characteristics of MgH₂ micro- and nanomaterials with excellent dispersion properties, confirmed the biosafety of MgH₂ for both liver and renal function and cell viability, verified the potential radioprotective effect of MgH₂ on male fertility, including the improvement in sperm motility and semen quality and the maintenance of spermatogenesis after ionizing radiation exposure, and revealed the mechanisms by which MgH₂ suppresses the inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis and cell cycle arrest induced by irradiation through ROS.

2.1 Characterization

The MgH₂ particle size was evaluated using Nano-ZS90 dynamic light scattering (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK), it was measured after particle dispersion with corn oil. The morphology and elemental composition of MgH₂ were analyzed by SEM (REGULUS-8230).

2.2 Animals, cells and Human samples

Male C57BL/6 mice, 8 weeks old, weighing 20 ± 2 g, were purchased from Speifu Biotechnology Co., Ltd (Beijing, China). All the experimental procedures were carried out in accordance with the ARRIVE Guidelines and the U.K. Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and associated the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

Mouse GC-2 spd spermatocytes purchased from procell life Science&Technology Co.,ltd (Wuhan, China), which were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco, USA), 100 U/mL penicillin and 100 mg/mL streptomycin (Gibco, USA). The cells were cultured in an incubator at 37°C in 5% CO₂.

We tested the effect of MgH₂ treatment on sperm motility after irradiation in human semen samples, followed the principles of the code of ethics of the World Medical Association (Helsinki Declaration) for experiments involving humans and approved by the ethics committee of the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center (KY2021037).

2.3 Treatment

MgH₂ is provided by Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: the Blank, MgH₂, IR, and IR+MgH₂ groups. The mice in the Blank and IR groups were administered deionized water, and the mice in the other groups were administered MgH₂ at a concentration of 10 µg/mL in 0.1 ml per mouse for 3 days via the intragastric route. Irradiation was performed on the third day after administration, and MgH₂ was administered immediately after irradiation. The mice in the IR and IR+MgH₂ groups were exposed to irradiation (KUBTEC XCELL 225, 225 KV 13.2 mA, 1 Gy/min). MgH₂-supplemented feed (0.5% in mass) was given to MH group mice; the corresponding control feed was given to MG group mice.

GC-2 spd cells were irradiated with a single dose of 10 Gy X-ray. Irradiation was carried out at room temperature, and unirradiated control cells were studied in parallel under the same conditions.

2.4 ESR assay

The Feton reaction was performed to generate [·OH]. Ten microliters of 400 mmol/L DMPO, 0.4 mmol/L ferrous sulfate, deionized water (pH 4.5), and 4% H₂O₂ were quickly mixed. The ESR spectrum was recorded between 330-340 mT. Ten microliters of different concentrations of MgH₂ were added to the Fenton reaction system, and the ESR spectrum was observed.

2.5 Body weight and testicular index assay

The testicular weight and body weight of the same mice were measured and recorded, and these values were used to calculate the testicular index as follows: testicular index=testicular weight/body weight (mg/g).

2.6 Sperm motility and count assay

Sperm suspensions were obtained according to the methods described in the literature [44]. The samples were analyzed with a sperm automatic analyzer (CASA, Zeiss Lab.Ai,GER). Then, the sperm counts were determined by counting under a microscope. The sperm suspensions were stained with eosin dye to observe sperm malformation. Abnormal spermatozoa were observed by optical microscopy (DMI8A, Leica, Germany) (200 X). A total of 200 sperms in each sample were observed.

2.7 Genetic effect assay

Twenty-one days after irradiation, male mice were caged with normal female mice in ratios of two females and one male per cage. The pregnancy duration, the number of offspring per litter and the number of stillbirths per litter were recorded. The mice in the F0 and F1 generations were killed 6 hours after colchicine injection. The testicles were removed and placed in 0.4% potassium chloride at 37°C. The fixing solution was added after 30 minutes. After 8 min, the samples were centrifuged at 1000 rpm/min for 8 min. This procedure was repeated once. The samples were adjusted to a volume of 0.5 ml, mixed thoroughly, dropped on a prechilled slide, allowed to dry, and then stained with Giemsa liquid. After washing with clear water, the samples were air dried, and the chromosome morphology was use Chromosome image analysis system observed under Metafer- Automated Slide Scanning Platform (zeiss,AXio Imager Z2, GER) (200 X).

2.8 Pathological assay

On the 1st, 29th and 35th days after irradiation, the testis and epididymis were separated, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, fixed on slides and analyzed according to the methods H&E, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining. Primary antibodies (Ki67, stra8,Crem and Sox9) and secondary antibodies were utilized to analyze the slides using an optical microscope. Slides were captured by a fluorescence microscope. The epithelial thickness (from basement membrane to lumen) and diameter of 30 seminiferous tubules in randomly selected mouse testes 35 days after IR were measured by Image-Pro Plus software. For Tunel staining, the slides were processed according to the protocol of the kit (Servicebio, Wuhan, China).

2.9 ROS assay

The level of ROS in GC2 cells was measured using a kit according to the manufacturer's instructions (A507, Gene Copoeia) and detected by flow cytometry (BD FACSCalibur, USA).

2.10 Hormone and biochemical assay

The mice were sacrificed before blood collection. After coagulation, the blood samples were centrifuged at 4 ℃ and 3000 g for 15 minutes. The supernatants were analyzed to measure the FSH, LH, T, AST and ALT levels. The MDA levels were measured according to the instructions of a kit (S0131S, Beyotime, China).

2.11 Western blotting assay

Mouse testis tissues or cells were lysed with RIPA lysis buffer. The protein concentrations were determined by a BCA protein detection kit (Beyotime, China). Western blotting was conducted following standard procedures. The antibodies used in this study were as follows: Caspase-3, Cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Puma, Cytochrome-c, Parp, Cleaved Parp, p21, p27, Cdk2, Cdk4, CyclinD1, TGF-β, IL-1β, IL-18, Caspase-1, Gapdh (CST), TNF-α, Caspase-1, and Gsdmd antibodies (Abcam).

2.12 CCK8 assay

GC2 cells were treated with different concentrations of MgH₂. Then, 100 µL of CCK8 working solution was added to each sample. After 1 h of incubation, the OD value at 450 nm was determined by a microplate reader (OA4209, Molecular Devices, China).

2.13 Statistical analysis

The data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad software, San Diego, Calif., US) and are expressed as the mean ± standard error (SEM). One-way ANOVA or two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data. All experiments were repeated at least three times. P < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

3.1 Characterization and safety evaluation of MgH₂.

The MgH₂ molecular stacking pattern was shown in the Fig. 1A. SEM showed that MgH₂ was composed of irregular particles with excellent dispersion properties, did not aggregate, and had a uniform particle size distribution, mainly in the range of 100-1000 nm with the main peak at 463.2 nm (Fig. 1B). Notably, there was a secondary peak at 19.02 nm, which indicated the existence of the Mg metal element. SEM also showed that the single MgH₂ particles had irregular spherical morphologies, with cracking on their surfaces (Fig. 1C). We also analyzed the elemental composition of MgH₂, and the proportion of Mg was approximately 71.46% (Fig. 1D). The biological toxicity analysis showed that there was no change in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or serum creatinine (CREM) in MH mice compared with MG mice (Fig. 1E). When the concentration of MgH₂ was less than 1000 µM, cell viability decreased with increasing drug dose, but the decrease in cell viability did not reach statistical significance (Fig. 1F). The results described above indicated that MgH₂ was safe and nontoxic.

3.2 MgH₂ protected the reproductive system from radiation-induced injury.

Compared with those in the blank group, the body weight (Fig. 2A), testicular size (Fig. 2B) and testicular index (Fig. 2C) of the mice in the IR group decreased significantly 29 d after irradiation, while MgH₂ treatment significantly ameliorated the IR-induced decreases in body weight, testicular size and testicular index. In the IR-treated mice, H&E staining of the testes revealed pathological damage, including darker eosin staining on the 1st day after IR treatment (Fig. 2D), increased vacuolization, aggravated atrophy, decreased seminiferous tubule thickness and diameter, increased interstitial space and cell number, and increased vacuolization (Fig. 2D) and decreased mature sperm counts in the seminiferous tubules of the epididymis on the 29th day (Fig. 2E-F); additionally, vacuolization of the seminiferous tubules, loose connections of the seminiferous tubules and poor morphology of the interstitial cells were still observed on the 35th day after IR exposure. Moreover, irradiation reduced the thickness of spermatogenic tubules, and MgH₂ ameliorated this damage (Fig. 2G). However, after MgH₂ treatment, the IR-induced pathological changes were attenuated. In vitro, 10 Gy irradiation significantly inhibited the viability of GC2 cells (Fig. 2H). However, MgH₂ treatment at doses ranging from 0 µM to 100 µM ameliorated the IR-induced decrease in cell viability in a dose-dependent manner.

3.3 MgH₂ improved the decrease in sperm motility and semen quality caused by irradiation

Sperm motility is one of the most important criteria for evaluating sperm quality. Exposure to radiation significantly decreased sperm motility, as shown by decreased VAP, VSL, WOB, total sperm activity (Fig. 3A, Fig. S2) and counts of sperm (Fig. 3B), while MgH₂ treatment alleviated these changes. Moreover, an increase in deformities, including head deformities, such as banana type (blue) and double head type (blank), and tail deformities, such as tail folding type (orange), were observed in the IR group (Fig. 3C), while MgH₂ treatment ameliorated these changes (Fig. 3D). Furthermore, experiments investigating genetic effects indicated that IR impaired the fertility of mice, as shown by a decreased litter size per fetus and increased stillbirth rate per fetus in the IR group compared to the blank group (Fig. 3E-F). However, IR-induced changes in fertility were significantly alleviated by MgH₂ treatment. After irradiation, chromosomal abnormalities were observed in irradiated mice in the F0 generation (Fig. 3H) and nonirradiated mice in the F1 generation (Fig. 3I); these chromosomal abnormalities included fragments (brown) and gaps (blue), and dicentrics (purple) and robertsonian translocations (green). However, MgH₂ treatment reduced incidence of chromosomal abnormalities. Compared with MG group, the testicular size (Fig. S3A) sperm deformity rate (Fig. S3B), sperm quantity (Fig. S3C), body weight (Fig. S3D) and testicular index (Fig. S3E) of MH group mice were improved. Moreover, the indices of sperm motility in the MH group were consistent with, even better than, those in the MgH₂ gavage group. Finally, Human sperm trajectories were detected (Fig. 3G), we assessed the protective effect of MgH₂ on the motility of human sperm exposed to irradiation at a dose of 10 Gy. Compared with IR exposure alone, MgH₂ treatment significantly improved human sperm motility including total sperm activity, MAD and the sperm counts of type A and B (Table.1).

3.4 MgH₂ maintained spermatogenesis in male mice after irradiation exposure

After irradiation exposure, a significantly decreased serum T levels (Fig. 4A) and increased serum LH and FSH levels were observed (Fig. 4B-C). Subsequently, spermatogenesis and development were assessed. The positive rates of spermatogonia (Stra8), Sertoli cells (Sox-9) and round sperm cells (Crem) were significantly decreased in the testes after irradiation exposure, but the numbers of these cells were rescued by MgH₂ treatment (Fig. 4D-E). The results indicated that MgH₂ could promote the recovery of spermatogenic function after ionizing radiation exposure, mainly by promoting hormone secretion and maintaining spermatogonia, Sertoli cell and round sperm cell populations.

3.5 MgH ₂ suppressed apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammation and alleviated cell cycle arrest by regulating ROS in IR-induced male infertility.

To detect the [·OH] scavenging ability of MgH₂, four characteristic ESR spectra with an intensity ratio of 1:2:2:1 were recorded (Fig. 5A). [·OH] levels gradually decreased with increasing MgH₂ concentration, which confirmed the ability of MgH₂ to scavenge free radicals (Fig. 5B). Furthermore, MgH₂ treatment obviously reversed the IR-mediated increase in ROS levels in GC2 cells (Fig. 5C-D). In addition, irradiation exposure resulted increased MDA contents in the testes, while MgH₂ treatment reversed these effects (Fig. 5E).

Apoptotic protein expression was further investigated. In testicular tissue, IR significantly increased the expression of Bax, Puma, Cyto-c and Caspase-3. Interestingly, MgH₂ administration significantly downregulated the expression of these proteins (Fig. 5F). Similar results were also observed in GC2 cells (Fig. 5G). In addition, Tunel staining confirmed that MgH₂ inhibited IR-induced apoptosis in the testes (Fig. 5H-I). Moreover, increased ROS levels also contribute to IR-induced cell cycle arrest. The expression of p21 and p27 in GC2 cells was increased 8 hours after treatment with MgH₂ alone (Fig. 5J), which indicated that the cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase by MgH₂. However, 48 h after irradiation, the expression of p21 and p27 was decreased while the expression of Cdk2 and CyclinD1 was increased in GC2 cells (Fig. 5K), which indicated that MgH₂ could cause irradiated spermatogonia to quickly progress past the GO/G1 phase, effectively alleviating the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest induced by irradiation. IR-induced ROS production can lead to inflammatory reactions through the pyroptosis pathway. The increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins, including Gsdmd, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18, was significantly increased after ionizing radiation exposure, and this effect was reversed after MgH₂ treatment. In addition, MgH₂ treatment significantly ameliorated the irradiation-induced increase in TGF-β and TNF-α expression, thus suppressing inflammation (Fig. S4).

Ionizing radiation has been generally applied in disease diagnosis and cancer treatment, but IR-induced damage to tissues that are adjacent to carcinoma tissues is inevitable. Testicular sensitivity to radiation makes this tissue more prone to damage during radiotherapy, leading to temporary or permanent gonadal toxicity in males [14]. Irradiation-induced ROS production has been proven to be the key process in the development of IR-induced testis damage [20]. However, few ROS-targeting agents have progressed to clinical trials for the treatment of IR-induced testis injury due to poor antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic agents remains necessary. In this study, we revealed the structure and biosafety of MgH₂; confirmed the potential radioprotective effect of MgH₂ in improving sperm motility, semen quality and spermatogenesis, and thus male fertility, after ionizing radiation exposure; and revealed the underlying mechanisms, including the suppression of the inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis and cell cycle arrest through inhibiting the oxidative stress induced by IR.

Nanobiology broadens strategies for disease diagnosis and treatment, and it can improve the effect of radiotherapy [17]. To avoid the shortcomings of the radiotherapeutic approaches currently used for cancer treatment, it is necessary to protect healthy tissues from irradiation-induced damage, and more effective treatments must be developed to reduce the harmful side effects caused by irradiation [18]. The most important feature of nanomaterials is their increased specific surface area, which means that a material in the form of a nanoparticle will be more active than in the form of a larger particle with the same mass [18]. We prepared MgH₂ in the form of a powdery solid, which could release H₂, and this preparation has not previously been reported in the biomedical field or used the context of ionizing radiation. MgH₂ is stable and has a hydrogen storage capacity of 7.6 wt% [19]. The storage of hydrogen in the form of MgH₂ is a promising technology that currently being used in the development of new energy vehicles and fuel cells and has achieved safer hydrogen transportation [21]. In this study, the size of MgH₂ micro/nanoparticles was mainly distributed in the range of 100-1000 nm, SEM showed that single MgH₂ particles had an irregular spherical morphology and a particle size of approximately 463.2 nm, and Mg accounted for approximately 71.46% of the particles (Fig. 1B-D).

At present, H₂ has been proven to be a safe and effective agent for protecting against radiation [15]. H₂ has many advantages in that it can effectively neutralize [·OH] in living cells; penetrate biofilms; diffuse to the cytoplasm, mitochondria and nucleus; and reduce cytotoxic free radicals [14]; thus, H₂ protects against radiation in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with H₂ before irradiation could significantly suppress the apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation and increase cell viability [16]. MgH₂, an excellent hydrogen storage material, released a large amount of H₂ into the aqueous phase, and MgH₂ exhibited inherent promise of becoming a radioprotective agent.

Radiation can arrest cell proliferation, deplete spermatogonia, and lead to testicular weight loss. Body weight and organ index are important parameters for evaluating the toxicity and efficacy of drugs in mammals [22]. MgH₂ is safe and nontoxic. The body weight and testicular index of mice exposed to IR decreased significantly, while MgH₂ treatment ameliorated this effect (Fig. 2A-C). On the other hand, we added MgH₂ into feed, in which the total dose of MgH₂ reached 150 mg/kg. 29 days after feeding, the indices related to liver and renal function were not changed, which indicated that MgH₂ was indeed safe and nontoxic (Fig. 1E). In addition, there were no significant differences in body weight, food intake, water intake and total food intake between MH group and MG group (Fig. S1). These results suggest that MgH₂ is safe and does not have long-term toxicity.

The generation of ROS impairs male reproductive function and leads to infertility. IR can generate ROS through the IR-induced decomposition, excitation and decay of water molecules [23]. ROS are a broad class of molecules, among which [·OH] is the most active product in cells and easily attacks cellular macromolecules, such as DNA, protein and lipids, exerting strong cytotoxic effects [24]. Sixty to seventy percent of IR-induced tissue damage is caused by [·OH] [13]. At present, an increasing number of free radical scavengers have been identified. On the other hand, the indirect effect of dissociated water produced after IR exposure can lead to testis injury [25]. Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between the generation and consumption of excessive ROS and the decreased activity of the antioxidant defense system [26]. ROS can cause lipid peroxidation in the cell and mitochondrial membranes the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) is one of the indices used to evaluate oxidative damage [27]. In this study, MgH₂ treatment significantly reversed the increase in MDA contents observed after irradiation. Therefore, MgH₂ can also act as an exogenous antioxidant to protect male fertility by effectively scavenging free radicals (Fig. 5E).

At present, ROS are considered an important cause of testicular dysfunction, as shown by the decrease in sperm motility and semen quality [28]. Sperm malformation is closely related to sperm function [24]. It was reported that among 134 health care workers exposed to ionizing radiation, abnormal sperm morphology and decreased sperm vitality were significantly increased [29]. In our study, sperm generation notably increased after MgH₂ treatment, and the motility and deformity rate were markedly improved (Fig. 3A-D). On the other hand, the sperm motility results in MH mice were consistent with those in mice treated with MgH₂ via intragastric administration (Fig. S2). Additionally, the effect of MH group was stronger. MgH₂ could not only improve sperm motility in mice but also promote semen quality in humans (Table.1). Sperm abnormalities significantly affect the development of offspring. MgH₂ could protect fertility by improving sperm motility and quality, and MgH₂ has the potential to be applied as a food additive or health care product.

A large amount of ROS can lead to meiosis inhibition, chromosome abnormalities and spindle microtubule deformation [30]. Paternal exposure to irradiation not only increases the rate of germ cell mutation in F0 male mice directly exposed to irradiation but also may lead to genetic instability in the unexposed F1 generation. Paternal exposure to irradiation significantly increases the rate of chromosome abnormalities observed in the F1 generation [31]. In our study, MgH₂ effectively removed excessive ROS levels in cells and maintained mitochondrial activity; thus, MgH₂ protected the normal morphology of spindles and chromosomes in F0 generation testes (Fig. 3H) and F1 generation bone marrow (Fig. 3I). Additionally, we found that MgH₂ could increase the number of offspring born in each litter, reduce the number of stillbirths, and ameliorate the IR-induced genetic aberration observed the F1 generation (Fig. 3E-F).

Spermatogenesis consists of three consecutive phases: the mitosis phase (proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia), the meiosis phase (generation of haploid sperm cells via meiosis of spermatocytes) and the spermatogenesis phase (elongation and maturation of sperm cells) [32]. This process is regulated by various hormones. Therefore, damage during any phase affects spermatogenesis. The spermatogenic cycle of male mice last approximately 35 days, at which time spermatogonia begin to recover and new spermatogenic cells appear [33]. In our study, the structure of the seminiferous tubules in IR-treated mice, including the widened interstitial space, the decreased number of interstitial cells, and the serious vacuolation, had not recovered on the 35th day. After MgH₂ treatment, the structure of the testis and seminiferous tubules was effectively improved, and new spermatogonia could be observed (Fig. 2D). In addition, atrophy of the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules and a decrease in spermatogenic cell counts can manifest as a decrease in seminiferous tubule thickness. MgH₂ improved the reduction in seminiferous tubule thickness induced by IR (Fig. 2G). T is a necessary prerequisite for spermatogenesis and plays an important role in male fertility and spermatogenesis, and T also maintains the structure and normal physiological function of seminiferous tubules [22, 34]. IR destroys the function of testicular interstitial cells via ROS generation, resulting in a decrease in T secretion, which eventually leads to disrupted spermatogenesis, sperm reduction and testicular atrophy. T is mainly secreted by interstitial cells, which originate in the hypothalamus and secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In turn, GnRH stimulates the pituitary gland to generate LH and FSH. In an early report, the testis had already sustained interstitial cell damage after exposure to radiation at a dose of approximately 200 cGy [35]. Additionally, there is a risk of permanent and persistent deficiency in T levels with the increase in LH levels, which may eventually lead to hypogonadism. MgH₂ treatment restored the T, LH and FSH levels to their normal control levels (Fig. 4A-C).

In the process of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells (SCs) provide structural support for sperm cells, determine the volume of the testes and seminiferous tubules, and produce a series of proteins involved in the proliferation, differentiation and metabolism of germ cells [36]. Active spermatogonia are most vulnerable to IR-induced germ cell apoptosis, while SCs are less sensitive; dosages as low as 0.1 Gy can damage spermatogonia, while damage to SCs only occurs with a larger dose [37]. In this study, we found that the expression of sox-9 in SCs, stra8 in spermatogonia and crem in round sperm cells was significantly increased (Fig. 4D-E). These results indicated that MgH₂ participated in spermatogenesis and protected sperm development in three stages: the generation of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and round sperm cells.

The irradiation-induced increase in ROS production is also related to the increase in apoptosis [38]. Mitochondria are an important organelle for the process of apoptosis, which is mainly triggered by the release of Cytochrome C from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm and is mainly mediated by Bcl2 family proteins [25]. Bax, an apoptosis-promoting factor, is located in the cytosol. However, during apoptosis, Bax translocates to mitochondria and releases Cytochrome C from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm to induce apoptosis [39]. In addition, Caspase-3 is a co-effector molecule of many apoptosis pathways, and its cleavage is considered the main terminal cleavage event in the apoptosis process. MgH₂ treatment inhibited the upregulation of Bax expression and the activation of Caspase-3 (Fig. 5F). In addition, Tunel staining showed that the apoptosis rate in seminiferous tubules increased significantly on the 1st day after IR exposure, while MgH₂ treatment significantly ameliorated the apoptosis induced by IR (Fig. 5H-I). Similarly, MgH₂ also exerted an antiapoptotic effect in GC-2 cells (Fig. 5G). Some studies have shown that ROS may promote inflammation by activating inflammasomes [40]. The imbalance of proinflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors aggravates damage to tissues and organs. Gsdmd is a key molecule in the pyroptosis pathway, and it mainly relies on Caspase-1/11 for cleavage and activation; the cleavage of Gsdmd leads to the maturation and release of the downstream inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and triggers inflammatory reactions. MgH₂ could treatment significantly reduce the expression of Gsdmd, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 after irradiation exposure, which indicated that MgH₂ could also reduce radiation-induced damage and protect fertility by targeting the pyroptosis pathway (Fig. S4).

Dysregulated cell cycle progression is also one of the most important biological effects caused by ionizing radiation, and cell cycle arrest after irradiation exposure is related to the increase in ROS levels in mitochondria. IR can induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S and G2/M phases, and of these phases, the G2/M phase is the most sensitive to ionizing radiation [41]. The cell cycle progression of irradiated human lung cancer cells can be inhibited by G2 arrest [42]. The ability of IR to cause G1-phase arrest depends on the accumulation of p53, which is mainly mediated by p21/p27, which belong to the Cip/Kip family and have specifically bind to and inhibit most Cdk/Cyclin complexes. In addition, the p21 protein can bind to the Cyclin-E-Cdk2 complex and inactivate it, resulting in cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase transition [43]. First, we found that after 8 h of MgH₂ treatment, p21 and p27 expression was significantly increased, causing cells to arrest at the G0/G1 phase before exposure to irradiation. After IR exposure, the expression of p21/p27 was increased, and MgH₂ reversed this trend and increased the levels of Cdk2 and CyclinD1 so that the cells quickly progressed from the G2/M phase (Fig. 5J-K). These results indicated that MgH₂ could effectively ameliorate ionizing radiation-induced cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase.

In this study, we revealed the structural characteristics and excellent dispersion properties of MgH₂; verified the biosafety of MgH₂ in vivo and in vitro; confirmed the potential radioprotective effects of MgH₂ on male fertility, including the improvement of sperm motility and the maintenance of spermatogenesis after ionizing radiation exposure; and revealed the mechanisms by which MgH₂ suppresses the inflammation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis and the ameliorates the cell cycle arrest induced by irradiation through mediating oxidative stress.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

All the experimental procedures were carried out in accordance with the ARRIVE Guidelines and the U.K. Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986 and associated the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. In addition, We tested the effect of MgH₂ treatment on sperm motility after irradiation in human semen samples, followed the principles of the code of ethics of the World Medical Association (Helsinki Declaration) for experiments involving humans and approved by the ethics committee of the PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center (KY2021037).

Consent for publication

All authors are consent for publication.

Availability of data and material

All data and materials are available.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Funding

This work was supported by Military Research Program (20JSZ06, AEP17J001), Foundation of Center of Hydrogen Science (WF510105001) and Foundation of Naval Medical University (2019QH001).

Authors' contributions

JM carried out all biology experiments and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. SD designed experiments and wrote the manuscript. HL provided the material and carried out the characterization. ZC, HY, XS analyzed and interpreted the data. RP, WL, QJ offered conceptual insight. SW provided critical reagents. FL and LM originally proposed the study and designed experiments. FL and LM provided intellectual support and supervised the project. All authors read and amended the draft, and gave final approval of the manuscript. JM, SD, and HL contributed equally to this work.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Xiaoli Lv, Dongshu, Liu, Shuhan Jia and Ziqing Zhang for their help with this experiment.

1. Rowley, M.J., et al., Effect of graded doses of ionizing radiation on the human testis. Radiat Res, 1974. 59(3): p. 665-78

2. Hahn, E.W., S.M. Feingold, and L. Nisce, Aspermia and recovery of spermatogenesis in cancer patients following incidental gonadal irradiation during treatment: a progress report. Radiology, 1976. 119(1): p. 223-5.http://dx.doi.org/10.1148/119.1.223

3. Bai, H., et al., CBLB502, a Toll-like receptor 5 agonist, offers protection against radiation-induced male reproductive system damage in mice. Biol Reprod, 2019. 100(1): p. 281-291.http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioy173

4. Ma, Y. and X. Jia, Polydatin Alleviates Radiation-Induced Testes Injury by Scavenging ROS and Inhibiting Apoptosis Pathways. Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2018. 24: p. 8993-9000.http://dx.doi.org/10.12659/MSM.913725

5. Pickles, T., P. Graham, and I. Members of the British Columbia Cancer Agency Prostate Cohort Outcomes, What happens to testosterone after prostate radiation monotherapy and does it matter? J Urol, 2002. 167(6): p. 2448-52

6. Barazani, Y., et al., Lifestyle, environment, and male reproductive health. The Urologic clinics of North America, 2014. 41(1): p. 55-66.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ucl.2013.08.017

7. Schmidt, K.L.T., et al., Assisted reproduction in male cancer survivors: fertility treatment and outcome in 67 couples. Human reproduction (Oxford, England), 2004. 19(12): p. 2806-2810

8. van Beek, M.E., J.A. Davids, and D.G. de Rooij, Variation in the sensitivity of the mouse spermatogonial stem cell population to fission neutron irradiation during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Radiation research, 1986. 108(3): p. 282-295

9. Bai, H., et al., CBLB502, a Toll-like receptor 5 agonist, offers protection against radiation-induced male reproductive system damage in mice. Biology of reproduction, 2019. 100(1): p. 281-291.http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/biolre/ioy173

10. Ding, J., et al., Protection of murine spermatogenesis against ionizing radiation-induced testicular injury by a green tea polyphenol. Biology of reproduction, 2015. 92(1): p. 6.http://dx.doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.114.122333

11. Du, C., et al., Mitochondrial ROS and radiation induced transformation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Cancer biology & therapy, 2009. 8(20): p. 1962-1971

12. Wu, X., et al., Nicotine promotes atherosclerosis via ROS-NLRP3-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis. Cell death & disease, 2018. 9(2): p. 171.http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41419-017-0257-3

13. Shirazi, A., G. Ghobadi, and M. Ghazi-Khansari, A radiobiological review on melatonin: a novel radioprotector. Journal of radiation research, 2007. 48(4): p. 263-272

14. Rakici, S.Y., et al., Pelvic Radiation-Induced Testicular Damage: An Experimental Study at 1 Gray. Syst Biol Reprod Med, 2020. 66(2): p. 89-98.http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19396368.2019.1679909

15. Chuai, Y., et al., Hydrogen-rich saline attenuates radiation-induced male germ cell loss in mice through reducing hydroxyl radicals. The Biochemical journal, 2012. 442(1): p. 49-56.http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/BJ20111786

16. Qian, L., et al., Radioprotective effect of hydrogen in cultured cells and mice. Free radical research, 2010. 44(3): p. 275-282.http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10715760903468758

17. Boateng, F. and W. Ngwa, Delivery of Nanoparticle-Based Radiosensitizers for Radiotherapy Applications. International journal of molecular sciences, 2019. 21(1).http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010273

18. Musielak, M., et al., The Role of Gold Nanorods in the Response of Prostate Cancer and Normal Prostate Cells to Ionizing Radiation-In Vitro Model. International journal of molecular sciences, 2020. 22(1).http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms22010016

19. Li, L., et al., Magnesium Hydride-Mediated Sustainable Hydrogen Supply Prolongs the Vase Life of Cut Carnation Flowers via Hydrogen Sulfide. Frontiers in plant science, 2020. 11: p. 595376.http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.595376

20. Minutoli, L., et al., ROS-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Brain, Heart, Kidney, and Testis Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2016. 2016: p. 2183026.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/2183026

21. Nogita, K., et al., Evidence of the hydrogen release mechanism in bulk MgH2. Scientific reports, 2015. 5: p. 8450.http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/srep08450

22. Karna, K.K., et al., Cross-talk between ER stress and mitochondrial pathway mediated adriamycin-induced testicular toxicity and DA-9401 modulate adriamycin-induced apoptosis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Cancer Cell Int, 2019. 19: p. 85.http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12935-019-0805-2

23. Nuszkiewicz, J., A. Woźniak, and K. Szewczyk-Golec, Ionizing Radiation as a Source of Oxidative Stress-The Protective Role of Melatonin and Vitamin D. International journal of molecular sciences, 2020. 21(16).http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21165804

24. Said, R.S., H.A. Mohamed, and D.H. Kassem, Alpha-lipoic acid effectively attenuates ionizing radiation-mediated testicular dysfunction in rats: Crosstalk of NF-ĸB, TGF-β, and PPAR-ϒ pathways. Toxicology, 2020. 442: p. 152536.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2020.152536

25. Liu, Z., et al., Monophosphoryl lipid A alleviated radiation-induced testicular injury through TLR4-dependent exosomes. Journal of cellular and molecular medicine, 2020. 24(7): p. 3917-3930.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.14978

26. Pisoschi, A.M. and A. Pop, The role of antioxidants in the chemistry of oxidative stress: A review. European journal of medicinal chemistry, 2015. 97: p. 55-74.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.04.040

27. Jiang, Z., et al., Protection by hydrogen against gamma ray-induced testicular damage in rats. Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 2013. 112(3): p. 186-191.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bcpt.12016

28. Amaral, A., et al., Mitochondria functionality and sperm quality. Reproduction (Cambridge, England), 2013. 146(5): p. R163-R174.http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/REP-13-0178

29. Kumar, D., et al., Semen abnormalities, sperm DNA damage and global hypermethylation in health workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. PloS one, 2013. 8(7): p. e69927.http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0069927

30. Leung, C.T., et al., Low-Dose Radiation Can Cause Epigenetic Alterations Associated With Impairments in Both Male and Female Reproductive Cells. Frontiers in genetics, 2021. 12: p. 710143.http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.710143

31. Vorobtsova, I.E., Irradiation of male rats increases the chromosomal sensitivity of progeny to genotoxic agents. Mutagenesis, 2000. 15(1): p. 33-38

32. Zheng, Y., et al., The influence of retinoic acid-induced differentiation on the radiation response of male germline stem cells. DNA repair, 2018. 70: p. 55-66.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.dnarep.2018.08.027

33. Wang, T.-Q., X. Zhang, and J. Yang, Dynamic Protective Effect of Chinese Herbal Prescription, Yiqi Jiedu Decoction, on Testis in Mice with Acute Radiation Injury. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2021. 2021: p. 6644093.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/6644093

34. Ji, H.-J., et al., Wuzi Yanzong pill, a Chinese polyherbal formula, alleviates testicular damage in mice induced by ionizing radiation. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 2016. 16(1): p. 509

35. Zagars, G.K. and A. Pollack, Serum testosterone levels after external beam radiation for clinically localized prostate cancer. International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics, 1997. 39(1): p. 85-89

36. Belling, K.C., et al., Transcriptome profiling of mice testes following low dose irradiation. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 2013. 11: p. 50.http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-11-50

37. Guitton, N., et al., Regulatory influence of germ cells on sertoli cell function in the pre-pubertal rat after acute irradiation of the testis. International journal of andrology, 2000. 23(6): p. 332-339

38. Ramalho-Santos, J., et al., Mitochondrial functionality in reproduction: from gonads and gametes to embryos and embryonic stem cells. Human reproduction update, 2009. 15(5): p. 553-572.http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmp016

39. Gross, A., J.M. McDonnell, and S.J. Korsmeyer, BCL-2 family members and the mitochondria in apoptosis. Genes & development, 1999. 13(15): p. 1899-1911

40. Qiu, X., et al., Hydrogen attenuates radiation-induced intestinal damage by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory response. International immunopharmacology, 2020. 84: p. 106517.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106517

41. Parshad, R., et al., Chromosomal radiosensitivity of human tumor cells during the G2 cell cycle period. Cancer research, 1984. 44(12 Pt 1): p. 5577-5582

42. Sak, A., et al., Effect of separase depletion on ionizing radiation-induced cell cycle checkpoints and survival in human lung cancer cell lines. Cell proliferation, 2008. 41(4): p. 660-670.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2184.2008.00540.x

43. Brugarolas, J., et al., Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 by p21 is necessary for retinoblastoma protein-mediated G1 arrest after gamma-irradiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1999. 96(3): p. 1002-1007

44. Luo, T., et al., Matrine compromises mouse sperm functions by a [Ca(2+)]i-related mechanism. Reprod Toxicol, 2016. 60: p. 69-75.http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.02.003

figS1.tif
The changes of food intake (A), water consumption (B) and body weight (C) of mice in MG group and MH group within 29 days after irradiation were recorded. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM.
figS2.tif
The analysis of mouse sperm motility (VCL, ALH, MAD, LIN and SRT) on the 29^th day after 5 Gy irradiation. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.
figS3.tif
Testicular characteristic diagram (A) of MG and MH mice on the 29^th day after irradiation, as well as the changes of deformity rate (B), sperm quantity (C), mouse body weight (D), testicular index (E) and sperm motility (F), including total sperm motility, ALH, VSL, VCL, VAP, LIN, MAD, WOB and SRT. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM, * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.
figS4.tif
Pyroptosis and inflammation related proteins in the testis of mice 12 hours after 5 Gy irradiation were analyzed with or without MgH₂ treatment.
Online1213P3.png
The hydrogen storage nanomaterial MgH₂ improved irradiation-induced male fertility impairment by suppressing oxidative stress. Mice fertility and function were evaluated with or without MgH₂treatment after 5 Gy irradiation. MgH₂ had the ability of hydroxyl radicals scavenging and MDA suppressing in testicular tissue induced by irradiation. Further, MgH₂ could participate in spermatogenesis and protect sperm development in three stages: the generation of Sertoli cells (Sox-9+), spermatogonia (Stra8+) and round sperm cells (Crem+). Moreover, MgH₂ alleviated the decrease of testosterone secreted by interstitial cells after irradiation. In addition, MgH₂ suppressed apoptosis, pyroptosis and inflammatory response and alleviated cell cycle arrest by mediating IR-induced ROS.

Download PDF

Reviews received at journal
17 Jan, 2022
Reviewers invited by journal
02 Jan, 2022
Editor assigned by journal
28 Dec, 2021
Submission checks completed at journal
27 Dec, 2021
Editor invited by journal
27 Dec, 2021
First submitted to journal
27 Dec, 2021

You are reading this latest preprint version

The Hydrogen Storage Nanomaterial MgH2 Improves Irradiation-induced Male Fertility Impairment by Suppressing Oxidative Stress

Status:

Version 1

Abstract

Figures

1. Introduction

2. Materials And Methods

2.1 Characterization

2.2 Animals, cells and Human samples

2.3 Treatment

2.4 ESR assay

2.5 Body weight and testicular index assay

2.6 Sperm motility and count assay

2.7 Genetic effect assay

2.8 Pathological assay

2.9 ROS assay

2.10 Hormone and biochemical assay

3. Results

3.1 Characterization and safety evaluation of MgH₂.

3.2 MgH₂ protected the reproductive system from radiation-induced injury.

3.3 MgH₂ improved the decrease in sperm motility and semen quality caused by irradiation

3.4 MgH₂ maintained spermatogenesis in male mice after irradiation exposure

4. Discussion

5. Conclusion

Declarations

References

Supplementary Files

Status:

Version 1

The Hydrogen Storage Nanomaterial MgH2 Improves Irradiation-induced Male Fertility Impairment by Suppressing Oxidative Stress

Status:

Version 1

Abstract

Figures

1. Introduction

2. Materials And Methods

2.1 Characterization

2.2 Animals, cells and Human samples

2.3 Treatment

2.4 ESR assay

2.5 Body weight and testicular index assay

2.6 Sperm motility and count assay

2.7 Genetic effect assay

2.8 Pathological assay

2.9 ROS assay

2.10 Hormone and biochemical assay

3. Results

3.1 Characterization and safety evaluation of MgH2.

3.2 MgH2 protected the reproductive system from radiation-induced injury.

3.3 MgH2 improved the decrease in sperm motility and semen quality caused by irradiation

3.4 MgH2 maintained spermatogenesis in male mice after irradiation exposure

4. Discussion

5. Conclusion

Declarations

References

Supplementary Files

Status:

Version 1

3.1 Characterization and safety evaluation of MgH₂.

3.2 MgH₂ protected the reproductive system from radiation-induced injury.

3.3 MgH₂ improved the decrease in sperm motility and semen quality caused by irradiation

3.4 MgH₂ maintained spermatogenesis in male mice after irradiation exposure