Quantitative proteomic profile analysis of thyroid dysfunction effects on seminal vesicles and repercussions on male...

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology
• Proteomics and Molecular Biology

Background:

• Thyroid hormones significantly impact male reproductive health, yet their specific effects on seminal vesicle (SV) function remain largely unexplored.
• Existing knowledge links hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis to male reproductive disorders, but the precise mechanisms involving SV metabolism and function are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of experimentally induced hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis on seminal vesicle function and metabolism in adult male rats.
• To identify novel molecular targets regulated by thyroid hormones within the male reproductive system using advanced proteomic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Induction of hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis in adult Wistar male rats.
• Analysis of seminal vesicle morphology, seminal fluid volume, and key gene expression (Esr2, Dio1).
• Quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins (116 identified).

Main Results:

• Hypothyroidism led to reduced SV size, seminal fluid volume, and decreased expression of proteins crucial for sperm viability, capacitation, fertilization, antioxidant defense, and energy metabolism.
• Thyrotoxicosis was associated with increased expression of Esr2 and Dio1 in the SV.
• Hypothyroidism increased the expression of proteins linked to tissue damage in the SV.

Conclusions:

• Thyroid hormone imbalance during adulthood significantly impairs seminal vesicle morphology, molecular profiles, and overall function.
• The study identifies specific molecular pathways in the SV affected by thyroid dysfunction, highlighting potential targets for reproductive health interventions.
• Thyroid dysfunction negatively impacts critical aspects of male fertility, including sperm quality and seminal fluid composition.