Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Extra Cellular Matrix-Based and Extra Cellular Matrix-Free Generation of Murine Testicular Organoids
Published on: October 7, 2020
Multiple omics integration analysis reveals the regulatory effect of chitosan oligosaccharide on testicular
Pei-Yu Dong1, Yu-Mei Chen Yan1, Yu Chen1
1College of Veterinary medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266100, China.
Abstract:
Infertility is a global health problem affecting millions of people of reproductive age worldwide, with approximately half caused by males. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has strong antioxidant capacity, but its impact on the male reproductive system has not been effectively evaluated. To address this, we integrated RNA-seq, serum metabolomics and intestinal 16 S rDNA analysis to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the male reproductive system. The results showed that COS has potential targets for the treatment of oligospermia, which can promote the expression of meiotic proteins DDX4, DAZL and SYCP1, benefit germ cell proliferation and testicular development, enhance antioxidant capacity, and increase the expression of testicular steroid proteins STAR and CYP11A1. At the same time, COS can activate PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in testis and TM3 cells. Microbiome and metabolomics analysis suggested that COS alters gut microbial community composition and cooperates with serum metabolites to regulate spermatogenesis. Therefore, COS promotes male reproduction by regulating intestinal microorganisms and serum metabolism, activating PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, improving testicular antioxidant capacity and steroid regulation.
Insights
Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) shows promise for male infertility treatment. It enhances sperm production and testicular function by improving antioxidant capacity and activating key signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Male infertility affects millions globally, with limited treatment options.
- Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) possesses antioxidant properties but its reproductive effects are unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of COS on the male reproductive system.
- To explore COS's potential in treating oligospermia (low sperm count).
Main Methods:
- Integrated analysis of RNA sequencing, serum metabolomics, and intestinal 16S rDNA sequencing.
- Investigated protein expression, cell proliferation, and signaling pathways in testicular cells.
Main Results:
- COS promoted expression of meiotic and steroidogenic proteins (DDX4, DAZL, SYCP1, STAR, CYP11A1).
- COS enhanced testicular antioxidant capacity and activated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
- COS modulated gut microbiota composition and serum metabolites, correlating with improved spermatogenesis.
Conclusions:
- COS demonstrates potential for treating male infertility and oligospermia.
- COS acts through regulating gut microbiota, serum metabolism, testicular antioxidant capacity, and steroidogenesis.
- COS activates the PI3K-Akt pathway, promoting germ cell proliferation and testicular development.
