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Dimas A, Goussia A, Papoudou-Bai A, Politi A, Paschopoulos M, Navrozoglou I, Makrigiannakis A, Vrekoussis T. The expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone family peptides in premalignant and malignant vulvar lesions. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:260-268. [PMID: 37382757 PMCID: PMC10761541 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03249-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides with inflammatory processes and oncogenesis, emphasizing in vulvar inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions, as well as to investigate the possibility of lesion cells immunoescaping, utilizing FAS/FAS-L complex. METHODS Immunohistochemical expression of CRH, urocortin (UCN), FasL and their receptors CRHR1, CRHR2 and Fas was studied in vulvar tissue sections obtained from patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lichen, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). The patient cohort was selected from a tertiary teaching Hospital in Greece, between 2005 and 2015. For each of the disease categories, immunohistochemical staining was evaluated and the results were statistically compared. RESULTS A progressive increase of the cytoplasmic immunohistochemical expression of CRH and UCN, from precancerous lesions to VSCC was observed. A similar increase was detected for Fas and FasL expression. Nuclear localization of UCN was demonstrated in both premalignant and VSCC lesions, with staining being significantly intensified in carcinomas, particularly in the less differentiated tumor areas or in the areas at invasive tumor front. CONCLUSIONS Stress response system and CRH family peptides seem to have a role in inflammation maintenance and progression of vulvar premalignant lesions to malignancy. It seems that stress peptides may locally modulate the stroma through Fas/FasL upregulation, possibly contributing to vulvar cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Goussia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Alexandra Papoudou-Bai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Anastasia Politi
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Andreas Syggros Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 16121, Athens, Greece
| | - Minas Paschopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iordanis Navrozoglou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Science, University of Crete, 71500, Iraklio, Greece
| | - Thomas Vrekoussis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Health Science, University of Crete, 71500, Iraklio, Greece
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2
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Pant A, Moar K, K Arora T, Maurya PK. Biomarkers of endometriosis. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 549:117563. [PMID: 37739024 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is one of the most severe female reproductive disorders, affecting 6-10% of women between 18 and 35. It is a gynaecological condition where endometrial tissue develops and settles outside the uterus. The aetiology of endometriosis is primarily influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and non-genetic variables, making it highly challenging to create a therapeutic therapy explicitly targeting the ectopic tissue. The delay in the treatment is due to the limitations in the diagnostic approaches, which are restricted to invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or laparotomy. This accords to 70% of the women being diagnosed at later stages. By understanding the subject, several treatment medications have been produced to lessen the disease's symptoms. Nevertheless, endometriosis cannot be permanently cured. A viable or persuasive standard screening test for endometriosis must be utilized in a clinical context. A helpful assessment method for the early identification of endometriosis could be biomarkers. A major research priority is the identification of a biomarker that is sensitive and specific enough for detecting endometriosis. The present article has reviewed studies published on the expression of biomarkers of endometriosis. It outlines various biomarkers from different sample types, such as serum/plasma and urine, in addition to tissue. This would provide a non-invasive approach to diagnosing the disease at the initial stages without any harmful repercussions. Future high-throughput advances in science and technology are anticipated to result in the creation of a potent remedy for endometriosis. To achieve successful outcomes, it is necessary to research the discussed biomarkers that demonstrate substantial results extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Pant
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh 123031, India
| | - Kareena Moar
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh 123031, India
| | - Taruna K Arora
- Reproductive Biology and Maternal Child Health Division, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh 123031, India.
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3
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Pagán-Busigó JE, López-Carrasquillo J, Appleyard CB, Torres-Reverón A. Beyond depression and anxiety; a systematic review about the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in diseases of the pelvic and abdominal organs. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264909. [PMID: 35275963 PMCID: PMC8916623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence for beneficial effects of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) antagonists in abdominal and pelvic organs is emerging in preclinical studies. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement a compilation of preclinical studies using CRH receptor antagonists as a treatment for abdominal and pelvic disease was carried out. The Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) essential 10 guidelines were used to determine quality of the included studies. A total of 40 studies from the last 15 years studying irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, enteritis, stress impact on gastrointestinal processes and exogenous CRH administration effects were included. Blockage of the CRH receptor 1 was mainly associated with beneficial effects while that of CRH receptor 2 worsened studied effects. However, time of administration, route of administration and the animal model used, all had an impact on the beneficial outcomes. Frequency of drugs administered indicated that astressin-2B, astressin and antalarmin were among the most utilized antagonists. Of concern, studies included were predominantly carried out in male models only, representing a gender discrepancy in preclinical studies compared to the clinical scenario. The ARRIVE score average was 13 with ~60% of the studies failing to randomize or blind the experimental units. Despite the failure to date of the CRH antagonists in moving across the clinical trials pipeline, there is evidence for their beneficial effects beyond mood disorders. Future pre-clinical studies should be tailored towards effectively predicting the clinical scenario, including reduction of bias and randomization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E. Pagán-Busigó
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Jonathan López-Carrasquillo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico, United States of America
| | - Caroline B. Appleyard
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- Sur180 Therapeutics, LLC, McAllen, Texas, United States of America
| | - Annelyn Torres-Reverón
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce, Puerto Rico, United States of America
- Sur180 Therapeutics, LLC, McAllen, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
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4
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Tillinger A, Mravec B. Vagotomy Affects Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Changes of Urocortin 2 Gene Expression in the Brain and on the Periphery. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:159-164. [PMID: 33170479 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing hormone family of peptides is involved in regulating the neuroendocrine stress response. Also, the vagus nerve plays an important role in the transmission of immune system-related signals to brain structures, thereby orchestrating the neuroendocrine stress response. Therefore, we investigated gene expression of urocortin 2 (Ucn2) and c-fos, a markers of neuronal activity, within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a brain structure involved in neuroendocrine and neuroimmune responses, as well as in the adrenal medulla and spleen in vagotomized rats exposed to immune challenge. In addition, markers of neuroendocrine stress response activity were investigated in the adrenal medulla, spleen, and plasma. Intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced a significant increase of c-fos and Ucn2 gene expression in the PVN, and adrenal medulla as well as increases of plasma corticosterone levels. In addition, LPS administration induced a significant increase in the gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT) in the adrenal medulla. In the spleen, LPS administration increased gene expression of c-fos, while gene expression of TH and PNMT was significantly reduced, and gene expression of Ucn2 was not affected. Subdiaphragmatic vagotomy significantly attenuated the LPS-induced increases of gene expression of c-fos and Ucn2 in the PVN and Ucn2 in the adrenal medulla. Our data has shown that Ucn2 may be involved in regulation of the HPA axis in response to immune challenge. In addition, our findings indicate that the effect of immune challenge on gene expression of Ucn2 is mediated by vagal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Tillinger
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Boris Mravec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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5
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Frkatovic A, Zaytseva OO, Klaric L. Genetic Regulation of Immunoglobulin G Glycosylation. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2021; 112:259-287. [PMID: 34687013 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-76912-3_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Defining the genetic components that control glycosylation of the human immunoglobulin G (IgG) is an ongoing effort, which has so far been addressed by means of heritability, linkage and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Unlike the synthesis of proteins, N-glycosylation biosynthesis is not a template-driven process, but rather a complex process regulated by both genetic and environmental factors. Current heritability studies have shown that while up to 75% of the variation in levels of some IgG glycan traits can be explained by genetics, some glycan traits are completely defined by environmental influences. Advances in both high-throughput genotyping and glycan quantification methods have enabled genome-wide association studies that are increasingly used to estimate associations of millions of single-nucleotide polymorphisms and glycosylation traits. Using this method, 18 genomic regions have so far been robustly associated with IgG N-glycosylation, discovering associations with genes encoding glycosyltransferases, but also transcription factors, co-factors, membrane transporters and other genes with no apparent role in IgG glycosylation. Further computational analyses have shown that IgG glycosylation is likely to be regulated through the expression of glycosyltransferases, but have also for the first time suggested which transcription factors are involved in the process. Moreover, it was also shown that IgG glycosylation and inflammatory diseases share common underlying causal genetic variants, suggesting that studying genetic regulation of IgG glycosylation helps not only to better understand this complex process but can also contribute to understanding why glycans are changed in disease. However, further studies are needed to unravel whether changes in IgG glycosylation are causing these diseases or the changes in the glycome are caused by the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azra Frkatovic
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Olga O Zaytseva
- Glycoscience Research Laboratory, Genos Ltd., Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Klaric
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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6
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Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid biosynthesis: implications for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Genes Immun 2020; 21:150-168. [PMID: 32203088 PMCID: PMC7276297 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-020-0096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid synthesis is a complex, multistep process that starts with cholesterol being delivered to the inner membrane of mitochondria by StAR and StAR-related proteins. Here its side chain is cleaved by CYP11A1 producing pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is converted to cortisol by the enzymes 3-βHSD, CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11B1. Glucocorticoids play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system and exert their action through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Although corticosteroids are primarily produced in the adrenal gland, they can also be produced in a number of extra-adrenal tissue including the immune system, skin, brain, and intestine. Glucocorticoid production is regulated by ACTH, CRH, and cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα. The bioavailability of cortisol is also dependent on its interconversion to cortisone which is inactive, by 11βHSD1/2. Local and systemic glucocorticoid biosynthesis can be stimulated by ultraviolet B, explaining its immunosuppressive activity. In this review, we want to emphasize that dysregulation of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid production can play a key role in a variety of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and skin inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). Further research on local glucocorticoid production and its bioavailability may open doors into new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
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7
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Stressors affect urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 gene expression in rat spleen: The role of glucocorticoids. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 336:577030. [PMID: 31473519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying stress-related modulation of immune function via urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 have been only vaguely described. Therefore, we investigated the effect of LPS injection or immobilization stress on gene expression of urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 in the rat spleen, along with the potential involvement of glucocorticoids. Our data showed: a) different regulation of urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 gene expression in the rat spleen under different stressful conditions (LPS vs. immobilization stress) and b) diverse effects of stress-induced adrenal glucocorticoids on this process. Our findings indicate a specific, rather than general regulation of splenic immune function by urocortins during stressful conditions.
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8
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Romero A, García-Carmona JA, Laorden ML, Puig MM. Role of CRF1 receptor in post-incisional plasma extravasation and nociceptive responses in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 332:121-128. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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9
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Burnley B, P Jones H. Corticotropin-releasing hormone improves survival in pneumococcal pneumonia by reducing pulmonary inflammation. Physiol Rep 2017; 5:5/1/e13000. [PMID: 28057851 PMCID: PMC5256152 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of glucocorticoids to reduce inflammatory responses is largely based on the knowledge of the physiological action of the endogenous glucocorticoid, cortisol. Corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) is a neuropeptide released from the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis of the central nervous system. This hormone serves as an important mediator of adaptive physiological responses to stress. In addition to its role in inducing downstream cortisol release that in turn regulates immune suppression, CRH has also been found to mediate inflammatory responses in peripheral tissues. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a microorganism commonly present among the commensal microflora along the upper respiratory tract. Transmission of disease stems from the resident asymptomatic pneumococcus along the nasal passages. Glucocorticoids are central mediators of immune suppression and are the primary adjuvant pharmacological treatment used to reduce inflammatory responses in patients with severe bacterial pneumonia. However, controversy exists in the effectiveness of glucocorticoid treatment in reducing mortality rates during S. pneumoniae infection. In this study, we compared the effect of the currently utilized pharmacologic glucocorticoid dexamethasone with CRH. Our results demonstrated that intranasal administration of CRH increases survival associated with a decrease in inflammatory cellular immune responses compared to dexamethasone independent of neutrophils. Thus, providing evidence of its use in the management of immune and inflammatory responses brought on by severe pneumococcal infection that could reduce mortality risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Burnley
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Harlan P Jones
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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10
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Yuan PQ, Wu SV, Pothoulakis C, Taché Y. Urocortins and CRF receptor type 2 variants in the male rat colon: gene expression and regulation by endotoxin and anti-inflammatory effect. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 310:G387-98. [PMID: 26744472 PMCID: PMC4796293 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00337.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns) 1, 2, and 3 and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF2) mRNA are prominently expressed in various layers of the upper gut. We tested whether Ucns and CRF2 variants are also expressed in the different layers of the rat colon, regulated by LPS (100 μg/kg ip) and play a modulatory role in the colonic immune response to LPS. Transcripts of Ucns and CRF2b, the most common isoform in the periphery, were detected in all laser microdissected layers, including myenteric neurons. LPS increased the mRNA level of Ucn 1, Ucn 2, and Ucn 3 and decreased that of CRF2b in both the colonic mucosa and submucosa + muscle (S+M) layers at 2, 6, and 9 h after injection with a return to basal at 24 h. In addition, CRF2a, another variant more prominent in the brain, and a novel truncated splice variant CRF2a-3 mRNA were detected in all segments of the large intestine. LPS reciprocally regulated the colonic expression of these CRF2 variants by decreasing both CRF2a and CRF2b, while increasing CRF2a-3 in the mucosa and S+M. The CRF2 antagonist astressin2-B further enhanced LPS-induced increase of mRNA level of interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in S+M layers and IL-1β in the mucosa and evoked TNF-α expression in the mucosa. These data indicate that Ucns/CRF2 variants are widely expressed in all colonic layers and reciprocally regulated by LPS. CRF2 signaling dampens the CD14/TLR4-mediated acute inflammatory response to Gram-negative bacteria in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Qing Yuan
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - S Vincent Wu
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Charalabos Pothoulakis
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yvette Taché
- Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Division, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California
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11
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P7, a novel antagonist of corticotropin releasing factor receptor type 1 (CRFR1) screened from phage display library. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:200-4. [PMID: 25998380 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in regulating the activities of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the presence of a variety of stressful stimuli via binding to its type 1 receptors (CRFR1). Despite that many peptidic or non-peptidic antagonists of CRFR1 have been developed to serve as therapeutic tools to CRF-related pathologies, none of them have been utilized clinically. Targeting the extracellular domain 1 (EC1) of CRFR1, the CRF-binding site, represents a new strategy to inhibit the function of the receptor. However, no such agents have been identified up to now. Herein, by using an 87-amino acid fragment corresponding to the EC1 region as the bait, we screened the binding polypeptides from a phage display (Ph.D.-12) peptide library. After 3-round biopanning, positive clones were selected and the polypeptides carried by them were identified. 5 polypeptides were found to bind with the target specifically. Among them, the P7 exhibited the highest affinity. By evaluating the cAMP accumulation in the CRFR1 or CRFR2-expressing HEK293 cells, we demonstrated that P7 blocking the function of CRFR1, but not CRFR2. In addition, we also found that P7 and CRF act on CRFR1 competitively. Taken together, we reveal that P7, a novel polypeptide identified from phage display library, inhibits the function of CRFR1 effectively and specifically by binding at its EC1 domain. The new polypeptide might provide a promising agent for diagnostic or therapeutic utilities in CRF-related disorders.
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12
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Urocortin-2 suppression of p38-MAPK signaling as an additional mechanism for ischemic cardioprotection. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 398:135-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2213-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Liu Y, Fang X, Yuan J, Sun Z, Li C, Li R, Li L, Zhu C, Wan R, Guo R, Jin L, Li S. The role of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 in the development of colitis-associated cancer in mouse model. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:639-51. [PMID: 25015995 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Patients with ulcerative colitis are at a very high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides and their receptors (CRHRs) are found to modulate inflammation and tumor cell growth. However, the role of CRH family peptides and their receptors in the inflammation-related colon cancer is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the functions of CRHR1 signaling on the development of colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Crhr1-deficient (Crhr1(-/-)) mice were used to explore the role of CRHR1 in the development of azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced CAC. WT (Crhr1(+/+)) littermates were set as control. We found that the expression of CRHR1 and its endogenous ligands: urocortin and CRH were enhanced in the colon of Crhr1(+/+) mice during treatment with AOM and DSS. Tumorigenesis was significantly reduced in Crhr1(-/-) mice, determined by analysis of survival rate (increased by 20%), weight loss (decreased by 10%), tumor formation (decreased by 60% in tumor number), histological scores (decreased by 58%), and cytokine production. During early CAC tumorigenesis, Crhr1(-/-) mice exhibited much less tumorigenesis, accompanied by lower inflammatory response, including decreased IL1β, IL6 and TNFα expression and macrophage infiltration and increased IL10 expression. Moreover, Crhr1(-/-) mice displayed a reduced activation of NFκB and STAT3 phosphorylation with decreased proliferating and enhanced apoptotic cells in the colon. In conclusion, CRHR1 has a proinflammatory and therefore a protumorigenesis effect in terms of CAC, which may be helpful to develop new therapeutic approaches for inflammation and cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianjun Fang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongxing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wan
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Lai Jin
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Molecular InterventionDepartment of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, People's Republic of China
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14
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Urocortin affects migration of hepatic cancer cell lines via differential regulation of cPLA2 and iPLA2. Cell Signal 2014; 26:1125-34. [PMID: 24518041 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN) is a member of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family, which has been reported to play a role in many biological processes, including inflammation and cancer development. Growing evidence shows that PLA2 (phospholipase A2) enzymes also participate in inflammation and tumor development. The primary aim of the present study was to identify a novel signaling pathway of CRF receptor activation leading to migration of two kinds of hepatoma carcinoma cell lines, HepG2 and SMMC-7721, linking the stimulation of PLA2 expression by UCN to UCN-induced tumor cell migration. Pharmacological inhibitors and genetic approaches (such as stable transfection and siRNAs) were used in this study. Unlike HepG2 cells which express both CRF receptors themselves, SMMC-7721 cells which hardly express these two CRF receptors needed stable transfection with CRFR1 or CRFR2 to observe the effect of UCN. Two types of PLA2 enzymes, cPLA2 and iPLA2, were found to be regulated by UCN. Our data showed that UCN raised cPLA2 expression but lowered iPLA2 expression. Moreover, UCN was found to act on the certain region of iPLA2 promoter to reduce its transcription. UCN promoted tumor cell migration by up-regulating cPLA2 expression via CRFR1 whereas it suppressed tumor cell migration by down-regulating iPLA2 expression via CRFR2. These results indicate the dual roles for UCN in the hepatoma carcinoma cell migration, which involve the regulation of both cPLA2and iPLA2.
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Slominski AT, Zmijewski MA, Zbytek B, Tobin DJ, Theoharides TC, Rivier J. Key role of CRF in the skin stress response system. Endocr Rev 2013; 34:827-84. [PMID: 23939821 PMCID: PMC3857130 DOI: 10.1210/er.2012-1092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) or CRH defining the upper regulatory arm of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, along with the identification of the corresponding receptors (CRFRs 1 and 2), represents a milestone in our understanding of central mechanisms regulating body and local homeostasis. We focused on the CRF-led signaling systems in the skin and offer a model for regulation of peripheral homeostasis based on the interaction of CRF and the structurally related urocortins with corresponding receptors and the resulting direct or indirect phenotypic effects that include regulation of epidermal barrier function, skin immune, pigmentary, adnexal, and dermal functions necessary to maintain local and systemic homeostasis. The regulatory modes of action include the classical CRF-led cutaneous equivalent of the central HPA axis, the expression and function of CRF and related peptides, and the stimulation of pro-opiomelanocortin peptides or cytokines. The key regulatory role is assigned to the CRFR-1α receptor, with other isoforms having modulatory effects. CRF can be released from sensory nerves and immune cells in response to emotional and environmental stressors. The expression sequence of peptides includes urocortin/CRF→pro-opiomelanocortin→ACTH, MSH, and β-endorphin. Expression of these peptides and of CRFR-1α is environmentally regulated, and their dysfunction can lead to skin and systemic diseases. Environmentally stressed skin can activate both the central and local HPA axis through either sensory nerves or humoral factors to turn on homeostatic responses counteracting cutaneous and systemic environmental damage. CRF and CRFR-1 may constitute novel targets through the use of specific agonists or antagonists, especially for therapy of skin diseases that worsen with stress, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej T Slominski
- MD, PhD, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center; 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 500, Memphis, Tennessee 38163.
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Sherlock L, McKeegan DEF, Cheng Z, Wathes CM, Wathes DC. Effects of contact dermatitis on hepatic gene expression in broilers. Br Poult Sci 2013; 53:439-52. [PMID: 23130578 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2012.707310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
1. Severe foot and hock dermatitis in broiler chickens can reduce growth rate and increase susceptibility to bacterial infection, affecting both profitability and welfare. However, little is known about the underlying physiological changes associated with foot and hock lesions. 2. This study compared global hepatic gene expression in control birds and those with ammonia-induced foot and hock lesions using Agilent 44 K chicken oligonucleotide microarrays (8 birds per group). 3. In total, 417 genes were differentially expressed of which 174 could be mapped onto the genome. Genes associated with energy metabolism, thyroid hormone activity and cellular control were affected, while there was also evidence of an up-regulation of genes linked to a pro-inflammatory response. 4. It is conceivable that pain is the underlying cause for the observed changes in energy metabolism genes. 5. Changes in hepatic gene expression provide new information on how a chicken's physiological mechanisms alter to cope with foot and hock lesions. The findings support other data indicating that birds with increased severity of lesions are likely to be in pain and that growth will be compromised. Reduction of the incidence of dermatitis by improved husbandry should therefore benefit both welfare and commercial performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sherlock
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, AL9 7TA.
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Gangestad SW, Caldwell Hooper AE, Eaton MA. On the function of placental corticotropin-releasing hormone: a role in maternal-fetal conflicts over blood glucose concentrations. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2012; 87:856-73. [PMID: 22564253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2012.00226.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the second and third trimesters, the human placenta (and the placenta in other anthropoid primates) produces substantial quantities of corticotropin-releasing hormone (placental CRH), most of which is secreted into the maternal bloodstream. During pregnancy, CRH concentrations rise over 1000-fold. The advantages that led selection to favour placental CRH production and secretion are not yet fully understood. Placental CRH stimulates the production of maternal adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, leading to substantial increases in maternal serum cortisol levels during the third trimester. These effects are puzzling in light of widespread theory that cortisol has harmful effects on the fetus. The maternal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes less sensitive to cortisol during pregnancy, purportedly to protect the fetus from cortisol exposure. Researchers, then, have often looked for beneficial effects of placental CRH that involve receptors outside the HPA system, such as the uterine myometrium (e.g. the placental clock hypothesis). An alternative view is proposed here: the beneficial effect of placental CRH to the fetus lies in the fact that it does stimulate the production of cortisol, which, in turn, leads to greater concentrations of glucose in the maternal bloodstream available for fetal consumption. In this view, maternal HPA insensitivity to placental CRH likely reflects counter-adaptation, as the optimal rate of cortisol production for the fetus exceeds that for the mother. Evidence pertaining to this proposal is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87111, USA.
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