|
Abstract
|
Numerous variables that regulate the metabolism of Sertoli cells and sperm have been identified,
one of which is sex steroid hormones. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining energy
homeostasis, influencing the overall metabolic balance of the human body. The proper functioning
of the reproductive system is closely linked to energy status, as the reproductive axis responds to
metabolic signals. The aim of this study was to investigate the gene expression patterns of metabolite
interconversion enzymes in testicular cells (Sertoli cells and spermatogonia) of non-obstructive
azoospermia (NOA) patients, as compared to normal controls, to understand the molecular
mechanisms contributing to NOA. We used microarray and bioinformatics techniques to analyze 2912
genes encoding metabolite interconversion enzymes, including methyltransferase, monooxygenase,
transmembrane reductase, and phosphohydrolase, in both testicular cells and normal samples. In
sperm, the upregulation of MOXD1, ACAD10, PCYT1A, ARG1, METTL6, GPLD1, MAOA, and CYP46A1
was observed, while ENTPD2, CPT1C, ADC, and CYB5B were downregulated. Similarly, in the Sertoli
cells of three NOA patients, RPIA, PIK3C3, LYPLA2, CA11, MBOAT7, and HDHD2 were upregulated,
while NAA25, MAN2A1, CYB561, PNPLA5, RRM2, and other genes were downregulated. Using
STRING and Cytoscape, we predicted the functional and molecular interactions of these proteins and
identified key hub genes. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted significant roles for G1/S-specific
transcription, pyruvate metabolism, and citric acid metabolism in sperm, and the p53 signaling
pathway and folate metabolism in Sertoli cells. Additionally, Weighted Gene Co-expression Network
Analysis (WGCNA) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed to validate these
findings, revealing significant alterations in gene expression and cellular distribution in NOA patients.
Together, these results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underly
|