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Murillo Ramos AM, Wilson JY. Is there potential for estradiol receptor signaling in lophotrochozoans? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 354:114519. [PMID: 38677339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are thought to be the ancestor of all steroid receptors and are present in most lophotrochozoans studied to date, including molluscs, annelids, and rotifers. A number of studies have investigated the functional role of estrogen receptors in invertebrate species, although most are in molluscs, where the receptor is constitutively active. In vitro experiments provided evidence for ligand-activated estrogen receptors in annelids, raising important questions about the role of estrogen signalling in lophotrochozoan lineages. Here, we review the concordant and discordant evidence of estradiol receptor signalling in lophotrochozoans, with a focus on annelids and rotifers. We explore the de novo synthesis of estrogens, the evolution and expression of estrogen receptors, and physiological responses to activation of estrogen receptors in the lophotrochozoan phyla Annelida and Rotifera. Key data are missing to determine if de novo biosynthesis of estradiol in non-molluscan lophotrochozoans is likely. For example, an ortholog for the CYP11 gene is present, but confirmation of substrate conversion and measured tissue products is lacking. Orthologs CYP17 and CYP19 are lacking, yet intermediates or products (e.g. estradiol) in tissues have been measured. Estrogen receptors are present in multiple species, and for a limited number, in vitro data show agonist binding of estradiol and/or transcriptional activation. The expression patterns of the lophotrochozoan ERs suggest developmental, reproductive, and digestive roles but are highly species dependent. E2 exposures suggest that lophotrochozoan ERs may play a role in reproduction, but no strong dose-response relationship has been established. Therefore, we expect most lophotrochozoan species, outside of perhaps platyhelminths, to have an ER but their physiological role remains elusive. Mining genomes for orthologs gene families responsible for steroidogenesis, coupled with in vitro and in vivo studies of the steroid pathway are needed to better assess whether lophotrochozoans are capable of estradiol biosynthesis. One major challenge is that much of the data are divided across a diversity of species. We propose that the polychaetes Capitella teleta or Platyneris dumerilii, and rotifer Brachionus manjavacas may be strong species choices for studies of estrogen receptor signalling, because of available genomic data, established laboratory culture techniques, and gene knockout potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Murillo Ramos
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - J Y Wilson
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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Immunoendocrine abnormalities in the female reproductive system, and lung steroidogenesis during experimental pulmonary tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 138:102274. [PMID: 36463716 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs, but can spread to other organs. TB chronically activates the immune and endocrine systems producing remarkable functional changes.So far, it is unknown whether pulmonary non-disseminated TB cause changes in the female reproductive system and lung endocrinology. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether pulmonary TB produces immunoendocrine alterations of the female mice reproductive organs, and lung estradiol synthesis. METHODS BALB/c mice were infected intratracheally with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain H37Rv. Groups of six non-infected and infected animals were euthanized on different days. Bacillary loads were determined in the lungs, ovaries and uterus. Immunohistochemistry and morphometry studies were performed in histological sections. Serum estradiol wasassayed, and supernatantfrom cultured lung cells was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). RESULTS Mtb only grew in lung tissue. Histopathology revealed abnormal folliculogenesis and decreased corpora lutea. Altered ovarian expression of IL-6, IL-1β was found. The infection increased serum estradiol. Estradiol synthesis by infected lung cells triplicate after 30 pi days.Aromatase immunostaining was found in the alveolar and bronchial epithelium, being stronger in the infected lungs, mainly in macrophages. CONCLUSION Pulmonary TB affects the histophysiology of the female reproductive system in absence of its local infection, and disturbslung endocrinology.
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Gao H, Cheng G, Wang H, Chen T, Xu C, Lv H, Zhang H, Hou R, Wang Y, Peng D, Yuan Z. Development of a broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody-based indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for screening of androgens in animal edible tissues. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Veloz A, Reyes-Vázquez L, Patricio-Gómez JM, Romano MC. Effect of mice Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci infection on the ovarian folliculogenesis, enzyme expression, and serum estradiol. Exp Parasitol 2019; 207:107778. [PMID: 31629698 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The murine infection with Taenia crassiceps WFU (T. crassiceps WFU) cysticerci has been widely used as an experimental model to better understand human cysticercosis. Several reports have established that the host hormonal environment determines the susceptibility and severity of many parasite infections. Female mice are more susceptible to infection with T. crassiceps cysticerci suggesting that a rich estrogen environment facilitates their reproduction. Ovarian androgens and estrogens are synthesized by key enzymes as P450-aromatase and 17α-hydroxilase/17, 20 lyase (P450C17). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chronic intraperitoneal infection of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci on mice ovarian follicular development, ovulation, the expression of ovarian P450-aromatase and P450C17, and serum 17β-estradiol, key enzymes of the ovarian steroidogenic pathway. To perform this study ovaries and serum were obtained at two, four and six months from T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci infected mice, and compared to those of healthy animals. The ovaries were fixed and processed for histology or lysed in RIPA buffer for Western blot using specific antibodies for P450C17 and P450-aromatase. 17β-estradiol serum concentration was measured by ELISA. The results showed that the infection with T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci significantly reduced the number of primordial and primary follicles after two months of infection. Through the course of the study, the corpus luteum number began to decrease, whereas atretic follicles increased. The expression of ovarian P450C17 and P450-aromatase as well as serum E2 concentration were significantly increased in the infected group compared to control. These findings show that chronic infection with Taenia crassiceps WFU may alter the reproductive functions of the female mice host.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Veloz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N, México CdMx, Mexico
| | - Liliana Reyes-Vázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N, México CdMx, Mexico; Departamento de Toxicología, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., CdMx, Mexico
| | - J M Patricio-Gómez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N, México CdMx, Mexico
| | - M C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N, México CdMx, Mexico.
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Patricio-Gómez JM, Valdez RA, Veloz A, Aguilar-Vega L, Zurabian R, Romano MC. The synthesis of steroids by Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci and tapeworms is related to the developmental stages of the parasites. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 259:154-160. [PMID: 29174867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Taeniids tapeworms are hermaphroditic helminths that gradually develop testis and ovaries in their reproductive units. The larval stage of the tapeworms named cysticercus is a vesicle that contains the scolex and proliferates asexually in the abdominal cavity of mice. Once in the host, they evaginate, attach to the gut and develop into an adult organism, the tapeworm. We have previously reported reported that T. crassiceps ORF and solium cysticerci transform steroid precursors to androgens and estrogens. Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci can also synthesize corticosteroids. The aim of the present work is to investigate the relationship between steroid synthesis ability and the developmental stage of the parasite T. crassiceps WFU. To this purpose, cysticerci were obtained from the abdominal cavity of female mice, manually separated in invaginated (IC) and evaginated parasites (EC) and preincubated for 24 h in DMEM plus antibiotics/antimycotics. Next step consisted in incubation for different periods in the fresh media added with tritiated androstenedione (3H-A4) or progesterone (3H-P4) and incubated for different periods. Taenia crassiceps WFU tapeworms were recovered from the intestine of golden hamsters that had been orally infected with cysticerci. The worms were pre-cultured in DMEM plus FBS and antibiotics, and then incubated without FBS for different time periods, in the presence of 3H-A4 or 3H-P4. At the end of the experiments the media from cysticerci and tapeworms were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. Results showed that testosterone synthesis was significantly higher in the evaginated cysticerci and increased with time in culture. The invaginated and evaginated cysticerci also synthesized small quantities of 17ß-estradiol (E2) and estrone. The evaginated cysticerci synthesized twice more 3H-deoxycorticosterone (3H-DOC) than the invaginated parasites, the production increased significantly with time in culture. Taenia crassiceps WFU tapeworms synthesized significant quantities of 3H-testosterone and small amounts of estrone after only 3 h of culture in the presence of 3H-A4. The tapeworms also transformed 3H-P4 to 3H-DOC and increased its synthesis after 24 h in culture. In summary, our data show the pathways that T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci use to synthesize sexual steroids in both larval developmental stages and reveals the steroidogenic capacity of the tapeworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Patricio-Gómez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., México CdMx, Mexico
| | - R A Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., México CdMx, Mexico
| | - A Veloz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., México CdMx, Mexico
| | - L Aguilar-Vega
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, México CdMx, Mexico
| | - R Zurabian
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, México CdMx, Mexico
| | - M C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., México CdMx, Mexico.
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Zhang X, Liu J, Li M, Fu Y, Zhang T, Han Q, Liu Q. Role of an estradiol regulatory factor-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) in Toxoplasma gondii infection and pathogenicity. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:176-182. [PMID: 28887145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that infects most species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and causes abortions and severe damage to the fetal central nervous system. During pregnancy, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis increases throughout the second and third quarter of gestation, while the hormones progesterone and estradiol simultaneously increase. Thus, it has been suggested that these hormones could affect parasite reproduction. This study was mainly focused on an estradiol regulatory factor-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) gene in T. gondii. Our data showed that estradiol promoted Pru (Type II) and VEG (Type III) infection and thus significantly contributed to the pathogenicity of T. gondii in mice. Subsequently, we found that this phenomenon may relate to the interplay of T. gondii and estradiol. We reported that estradiol can enter T. gondii tachyzoites. Bioinformatics analysis showed that T. gondii may have a residual estradiol metabolism-related gene HSD. To verify the gene function, HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with Tg-HSD and gene expression was induced. Then, HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis showed that Tg-HSD can efficiently transform estrone into estradiol. Moreover, Tg-HSD -overexpressing parasites showed significantly enhanced pathogenicity and upregulation of estradiol levels in mice. In conclusion, estradiol can promote T. gondii infection in vitro and in vivo, and this may be related to its Tg- HSD gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China
| | - Muzi Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China
| | - Yong Fu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China
| | - Taotao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, and Hainan Key Laboratory of Sustainable Utilization of Tropical Bioresources, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China; National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, China.
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Trevisan C, Montillo M, Prandi A, Mkupasi EM, Ngowi HA, Johansen MV. Hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations in naturally Taenia solium infected pigs in Tanzania. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:23-28. [PMID: 28322765 PMCID: PMC5396532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to measure hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations in naturally Taenia solium infected and non-infected control pigs and assess the effect of an environmental change on the aforementioned parameters. Three hair patches were obtained from 13 T. solium infected and 15 non-infected controls sows, respectively corresponding to 3 time points (prior to, at and approximately two weeks after arrival at the research facility). Cortisol and DHEA were extracted using methanol and analysed by radio immune assay. Mean hair cortisol concentrations were significantly lower (p<0.001) in T. solium infected (4.7±3.0pg/mg) compared to control pigs (9.0±3.7pg/mg) prior to arrival at the research facility, however no significant difference was observed between the two groups at arrival and after approximately two weeks. Similar patterns were also observed for DHEA concentrations (infected pigs 253.9±82.3pg/mg, control pigs 387.7±116.4pg/mg) (p<0.001). Results showed that lean animals had significantly higher cortisol concentrations in both groups, infected and controls pigs, while DHEA was not significantly different between lean and normal animals. Results of this study have shown that an environmental change could have an effect on pigs' hormonal levels suggesting an undergoing adaptation process. After the pigs were kept under the same conditions, fed and watered ad libitum, no significant differences were observed between the groups, but a drop in DHEA concentrations was observed in all the pigs. Weight however had an effect on cortisol levels as lean animals had significantly higher cortisol concentrations in both groups, compared to normal pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Trevisan
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Marta Montillo
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Alberto Prandi
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/A, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Ernatus M Mkupasi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Helena A Ngowi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Maria V Johansen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 100, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Ortiz-Carrera L, Valdez R, Mondragón J, Gariglio P, Zarco L, Valencia J, Romano M. Estrogen synthesis and secretion during postnatal testicular development in male goats: In situ aromatase mRNA expression. Small Rumin Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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9
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Dlugovitzky DG, Fontela MS, Martinel Lamas DJ, Valdez RA, Romano MC. Mycobacterium smegmatis synthesizes in vitro androgens and estrogens from different steroid precursors. Can J Microbiol 2015; 61:451-5. [DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2015-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fast-growing mycobacteria such as Mycobacterium sp. and Mycobacterium smegmatis degrade natural sterols. They are a model to study tuberculosis. Interestingly, M. smegmatis has been found in river effluents derived from paper production, and therefore, it would be important to gain further insight into its capacity to synthesize steroids that are potential endocrine disruptors affecting the development and reproduction of fishes. To our knowledge, the capacity of M. smegmatis to synthesize estrogens and even testosterone has not been previously reported. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of M. smegmatis to synthesize in vitro testosterone and estrogens from tritiated precursors and to investigate the metabolic pathways involved. Results obtained by thin-layer chromatography showed that 3H-progesterone was transformed to 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone, estrone, and estradiol after 6, 12, or 24 h of incubation. 3H-androstenedione was transformed into testosterone and estrogens, mainly estrone, and 3H-testosterone was transformed to estrone and androstenedione. Incubation with 3H-dehydroepiandrosterone rendered androstenediol, testosterone, and estrogens. This ability to transform less potent sex steroids like androstenedione and estrone into other more active steroids like testosterone and estradiol or vice versa suggests that M. smegmatis can influence the amount of self-synthesized strong androgens and estrogens and can transform those found in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana G. Dlugovitzky
- Sección Inmunología, Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - María Sol Fontela
- Sección Inmunología, Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - Diego J. Martinel Lamas
- Sección Inmunología, Cátedra de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ricardo A. Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México D.F., Mexico
| | - Marta C. Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, México D.F., Mexico
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Romano MC, Jiménez P, Miranda-Brito C, Valdez RA. Parasites and steroid hormones: corticosteroid and sex steroid synthesis, their role in the parasite physiology and development. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:224. [PMID: 26175665 PMCID: PMC4484981 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In many cases parasites display highly complex life cycles that include the penetration and permanence of the larva or adults within host organs, but even in those that only have one host, reciprocal, intricate interactions occur. Evidence indicates that steroid hormones have an influence on the development and course of parasitic infections. The host gender's susceptibility to infection, and the related differences in the immune response are good examples of the host-parasite interplay. However, the capacity of these organisms to synthesize their own steroidogenic hormones still has more questions than answers. It is now well-known that many parasites synthesize ecdysteroids, but limited information is available on sex steroid and corticosteroid synthesis. This review intends to summarize some of the existing information in the field. In most, but not all parasitosis the host's hormonal environment determines the susceptibility, the course, and severity of parasite infections. In most cases the infection disturbs the host environment, and activates immune responses that end up affecting the endocrine system. Furthermore, sex steroids and corticosteroids may also directly modify the parasite reproduction and molting. Available information indicates that parasites synthesize some steroid hormones, such as ecdysteroids and sex steroids, and the presence and activity of related enzymes have been demonstrated. More recently, the synthesis of corticosteroid-like compounds has been shown in Taenia solium cysticerci and tapeworms, and in Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci. In-depth knowledge of the parasite's endocrine properties will contribute to understand their reproduction and reciprocal interactions with the host, and may also help designing tools to combat the infection in some clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-UAT Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Carolina Miranda-Brito
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN Mexico city, Mexico
| | - Ricardo A Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del IPN Mexico city, Mexico
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Valdez RA, Jiménez P, Fernández Presas AM, Aguilar L, Willms K, Romano MC. Taenia solium tapeworms synthesize corticosteroids and sex steroids in vitro. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:62-7. [PMID: 24793221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cysticercosis is a disease caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium cestodes that belongs to the family Taeniidae that affects a number of hosts including humans. Taeniids tapeworms are hermaphroditic organisms that have reproductive units called proglottids that gradually mature to develop testis and ovaries. Cysticerci, the larval stage of these parasites synthesize steroids. To our knowledge there is no information about the capacity of T. solium tapeworms to metabolize progesterone or other precursors to steroid hormones. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate if T. solium tapeworms were able to transform steroid precursors to corticosteroids and sex steroids. T. solium tapeworms were recovered from the intestine of golden hamsters that had been orally infected with cysticerci. The worms were cultured in the presence of tritiated progesterone or androstenedione. At the end of the experiments the culture media were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. The experiments described here showed that small amounts of testosterone were synthesized from (3)H-progesterone by complete or segmented tapeworms whereas the incubation of segmented tapeworms with (3)H-androstenedione, instead of (3)H-progesterone, improved their capacity to synthesize testosterone. In addition, the incubation of the parasites with (3)H-progesterone yielded corticosteroids, mainly deoxicorticosterone (DOC) and 11-deoxicortisol. In summary, the results described here, demonstrate that T. solium tapeworms synthesize corticosteroid and sex steroid like metabolites. The capacity of T. solium tapeworms to synthesize steroid hormones may contribute to the physiological functions of the parasite and also to their interaction with the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Valdez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-745, 07360 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - P Jiménez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-745, 07360 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - A M Fernández Presas
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - L Aguilar
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - K Willms
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM, Ciudad Universitaria, México 04510, D.F., Mexico
| | - M C Romano
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-745, 07360 México, D.F., Mexico.
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12
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Aceves-Ramos A, de la Torre P, Hinojosa L, Ponce A, García-Villegas R, Laclette JP, Bobes RJ, Romano MC. Cloning, characterization and functional expression of Taenia solium 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:186-92. [PMID: 24698785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSD) are key enzymes involved in the formation (reduction) and inactivation (oxidation) of sex steroids. Several types have been found in vertebrates including fish, as well as in invertebrates like Caenorhabditis elegans, Ciona intestinalis and Haliotis diversicolor supertexta. To date limited information is available about this enzyme in parasites. We showed previously that Taenia solium cysticerci are able to synthesize sex steroid hormones in vitro when precursors are provided in the culture medium. Here, we identified a T. solium 17β-HSD through in silico blast searches in the T. solium genome database. This coding sequence was amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into the pcDNA 3.1(+) expression vector. The full length cDNA contains 957bp, corresponding to an open reading frame coding for 319 aa. The highest identity (84%) at the protein level was found with the Echinococcus multilocularis 17β-HSD although significant similarities were also found with other invertebrate and vertebrate 17β-HSD sequences. The T. solium Tsol-17βHSD belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) protein superfamily. HEK293T cells transiently transfected with Tsol17β-HSD induced expression of Tsol17β-HSD that transformed 3H-androstenedione into testosterone. In contrast, 3H-estrone was not significantly transformed into estradiol. In conclusion, T. solium cysticerci express a 17β-HSD that catalyzes the androgen reduction. The enzyme belongs to the short chain dehydrogenases/reductase family and shares motifs and activity with the type 3 enzyme of some other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aceves-Ramos
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - P de la Torre
- Dpto. de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - L Hinojosa
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - A Ponce
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - R García-Villegas
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., Mexico
| | - J P Laclette
- Dpto. de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - R J Bobes
- Dpto. de Inmunología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, México, D.F., Mexico
| | - M C Romano
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 México, D.F., Mexico.
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Aceves-Ramos A, Valdez RA, Gaona B, Willms K, Romano MC. Steroid synthesis by Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci is regulated by enzyme inhibitors. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:212-7. [PMID: 23608546 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cysticerci and tapeworms from Taenia crassiceps WFU, ORF and Taenia solium synthesize sex-steroid hormones in vitro. Corticosteroids increase the 17β-estradiol synthesis by T. crassiceps cysticerci. T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci synthesize corticosteroids, mainly 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC). The aim of this work was to investigate whether classical steroidogenic inhibitors modify the capacity of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci to synthesize corticosteroids and sex steroid hormones. For this purpose, T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci were obtained from the abdominal cavity of mice, pre-cultured for 24h in DMEM+antibiotics/antimycotics and cultured in the presence of tritiated progesterone ((3)H-P4), androstendione ((3)H-A4), or dehydroepiandrosterone ((3)H-DHEA) plus different doses of the corresponding inhibitors, for different periods. Blanks with the culture media adding the tritiated precursors were simultaneously incubated. At the end of the incubation period, parasites were separated and media extracted with ether. The resulting steroids were separated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). Data were expressed as percent transformation of the tritiated precursors. Results showed that after 2h of exposure of the cysticerci to 100 μM formestane, the (3)H-17β-estradiol synthesis from tritiated androstenedione was significantly inhibited. The incubation of cysticerci in the presence of (3)H-DHEA and danazol (100 nM) resulted in (3)H-androstenediol accumulation and a significant reduction of the 17β-estradiol synthesis. The cysticerci (3)H-DOC synthesis was significantly inhibited when the parasites were cultured in the presence of different ketoconazole dosis. The drug treatments did not affect parasite's viability. The results of this study showed that corticosteroid and sex steroid synthesis in T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci can be modified by steroidogenic enzyme inhibitors. As was shown previously by our laboratory and others, parasite survival and development depends on sex steroids, therefore the inhibition of their synthesis is a good starting point exploited in situations where the inhibition of steroidogenesis could help to control the infection for the development of new treatments, or replacement of the usual therapy in resistant parasite infections. We raise the possibility that these drug actions may be beneficially.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aceves-Ramos
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, CINVESTAV del I.P.N., Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07360 Mexico D.F., Mexico
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14
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Sacerdote AS, Mejía JO, Bahtiyar G, Salamon O. Effect of raloxifene in human neurocysticercosis. BMJ Case Rep 2012; 2012:bcr.06.2011.4417. [PMID: 22707693 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.06.2011.4417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The authors report a patient whose polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and increased calcitriol level were associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC), for which she refused standard therapy. Based upon a report on treatment with tamoxifen in murine cysticercosis,1 she was offered raloxifene. She began raloxifene 60 mg/day on 21 January 2010. On 17 March 2010 she was pregnant, and was terminated on 14 April 2010. MRI 26 April 2010 showed diminution in size, shrinkage and loss of viability in a number of the cysts. Total lesions fell from 37 to 33, 10 lesions shrunk, 5 resolved, 18 were unchanged, 4 enlarged and 1 new lesion developed. Concomitantly serum calcitriol fell from 81 to 41 pg/ml while 25-OH-vitamin D level fell from 34 to 30 ng/ml. Alteration of the hormonal milieu may reduce cestode burden in human NCC. The pregnancy on raloxifene, though unfortunate, supports the concept that NCC caused the PCOS. Serum calcitriol may be a useful biomarker for assessing disease activity in NCC.
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Valdez RA, Hinojosa L, Gómez Y, Willms K, Romano MC. Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci synthesize corticosteroids in vitro: metyrapone regulates the production. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 176:409-14. [PMID: 22321721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 01/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci and tapeworms have the ability to synthesize sex steroid hormones and have a functional 3β-hydroxisteroid dehydrogenase. Corticosteroids (CS) like corticosterone and dexamethasone have been shown to stimulate in vitro estrogen production by Taenia crassiceps WFU cysticerci. The aim of this work was to study the ability of T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci to synthesize corticosteroids, and the effect of the inhibitor metyrapone on the CS synthesis. For this purpose T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci were obtained from the abdominal cavity of mice, thoroughly washed and pre-incubated in multiwells for 24 h in DMEM plus antibiotics/antimycotics. The tritiated CS precursor progesterone ((3)H-P4) was added to the culture media and parasites cultured for different periods. Blanks containing the culture media plus the (3)H-P4 were simultaneously incubated. Blanks and parasite culture media were ether extracted and analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) in two different solvent systems. Corticosterone production was measured in the culture media by RIA. In some experiments metyrapone (0.1-0.5 mM) was added for 24, 48 or 72 h. Results showed that cysticerci mainly synthesized tritiated 11-deoxy corticosterone (DOC) and small amounts of corticosterone that was also detected by RIA. Small amounts of (3)H-11-deoxy cortisol were also found. Corticosteroid synthesis was time dependent. The addition of metyrapone significantly inhibited tritiated DOC, deoxycortisol and corticosterone synthesis. These results show for the first time that parasites have the capacity to synthesize CS that is modulated by metyrapone. Data suggest that DOC is the main corticosteroid in the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Valdez
- Dpto. de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Cinvestav, Apdo. Postal 14-740, 07000 Mexico DF, Mexico
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Impact of Taenia solium neurocysticercosis upon endocrine status and its relation with immuno-inflammatory parameters. Int J Parasitol 2011; 42:171-6. [PMID: 22233829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 11/18/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurocysticercosis (NC) is a parasitic disease caused by the infiltration of the larval stage of Taenia solium in the central nervous system. Clinical presentations are heterogeneous and particularly depend, on the age and gender of the host. We designed a clinical study to evaluate the hormonal changes associated with neurocysticercosis and the relationships between disease heterogeneity, endocrine and immunological status. A total of 50 patients and 22 healthy subjects were included. A precise clinical and radiological description of disease for each patient was recorded. A broad hormonal profile was assessed for each participant and, in a sub-group of patients, immunological features were also evaluated. Compared with controls, all patients had lower dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration; male patients also had lower concentrations of 17β-estradiol and higher concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH). In the clinically severe patients, lower concentrations of progesterone and androstenedione were found in women. Higher concentrations of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and lower concentrations of testosterone were found in men when compared with the less clinically severe patients. Significant correlations were found between estradiol and IL-10 in male patients, and between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and IL-1β, and androstenedione and IL-17 in female patients. To our knowledge the present study constitutes the first demonstration that the presence of T. solium larvae in the central nervous system can modify the host environment by the induction of endocrine and immunological changes. These results provide a stimulating background to analyse the repercussions of these changes on the course of the disease and on patient reproductive health.
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The effect of glucocorticoids on sex steroid synthesis in cultured Taenia crassiceps Wake Forest University (WFU) cysticerci. J Helminthol 2011; 86:465-9. [PMID: 22152276 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x11000708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We have shown previously that cultured Taenia crassiceps Wake Forest University (WFU) and Taenia solium cysticerci, as well as the adult worms, synthesize sex steroid hormones from [3H]steroid precursors and that androgens and oestrogens influence the in vitro development of the parasites. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used to control the inflammation caused by T. solium cysticerci in the brain. These steroids stimulate oestrogen synthesis in several tissues. Since there is no information on the effect of GC on the endocrine function of cysticerci, we investigated the effect of natural and synthetic GCs on the synthesis of oestrogens in cultured T. crassiceps WFU cysticerci. The cysticerci were obtained from the peritoneal cavity of infected female BALB/c mice; the cysts were washed extensively and pre-cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) plus antibiotics for 5 days. The parasites were further cultured with different doses of corticosterone, dexamethasone or the vehicle for 5 days. [3H]Dehydroepiandrosterone (3H-DHEA) was added to the media and the cysticerci were further incubated for 6 or 24 h. Media were then removed and the steroids ether-extracted. Aliquots of the media were seeded on silica gel plates and developed in solvent systems. Parasites incubated in the presence of 3H-DHEA synthesized [3H]androstenediol, [3H]testosterone and [3H]17β-oestradiol ([3H]17β-E2). The addition of 100 nm or higher corticosterone doses to the media increased [3H]17β-E2 synthesis fourfold after 24 h. Dexamethasone also increased [3H]17β-E2 synthesis. The experiments presented here show for the first time that corticosterone and the synthetic GC dexamethasone modulate the synthesis of oestrogens by cysticerci.
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Vacchina P, Valdéz RA, Gómez Y, Revelli S, Romano MC. Steroidogenic capacity of Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 111:282-6. [PMID: 18640275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2007] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
American Trypanosomiasis is caused by the hemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) and affects millions of persons causing variable degrees of digestive and heart disturbances. As far as we concerned, T. cruzi capacity to synthesize steroid hormones has not been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the capacity of T. cruzi trypomastigotes to transform tritiated steroid precursors into androgens and estrogens. The T. cruzi Tulahuén strain was obtained from mice blood. The trypomastigotes were cultured for 6 and 24h in Dulbbeco's modified Eagle's medium plus FCS and antibiotics. Tritiated dehydroepiandrosterone or androstendione were added to the culture media and parasites were incubated for 6 or 24h. The cultures were centrifuged and ether extracted. The steroids were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) in two solvent systems. After incubation with 3H-androstenedione, T. cruzi trypomastigotes synthesized 3H-testosterone (T), 3H-17beta-estradiol (E2) and 3H-estrone (E1). Metabolism of 3H-DHEA by the parasites yielded 3H-androstendione and 3H-androstendiol at 6h of incubation. The recrystallization procedure further demonstrated the 3H-androstendiol and 3H-17beta-estradiol syntheses. Results indicate for the first time that T. cruzi trypomastigotes produce androgens and estrogens when incubated in the presence of steroid precursors and suggest the presence of active parasite steroidogenic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Vacchina
- Instituto de Inmunologia, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNR, Rosario, Argentina
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Fernández Presas AM, Valdez RA, Willms K, Romano MC. The key steroidogenic enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps (WFU). Parasitol Res 2008; 103:847-52. [PMID: 18626663 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-008-1066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Accepted: 05/28/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Larval and adult stages of Taenia solium and Taenia crassiceps WFU strain were analyzed by histochemical and biochemical methods to determine the existence of steroid pathways. The presence of the key enzyme 3beta-hydroxisteroid-dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) was examined in frozen sections of cysticerci obtained from mice and segments of tapeworms obtained from the intestine of hamsters. 3beta-HSD activity was detected by nitroblue-tetrazolium products after incubation with dehydroepiandrosterone, androstendiol, or pregnenolone. Tapeworm tissues exhibited 3beta-HSD activity in the subtegumentary areas of the neck and immature proglottids following incubation with androstendiol, as well as surrounding the testes in mature proglottids. T. solium cysticerci exhibited 3beta-HSD activity in the subtegumentary tissues. The synthesis of steroid hormones involving the activity of 3beta-HSD was studied in cysticerci or tapeworms incubated in the presence of tritiated steroid precursors. The culture media were analyzed by thin layer chromatography and showed synthesis of androstendiol, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol by cysticerci, androstendiol, and 17beta-estradiol by tapeworms. The results strongly suggest the activity of 3beta-HSD in taeniid parasites that have at least a part of the enzymatic chain required for androgen and estrogen synthesis and that the enzymes are present in the larval stage and from the early strobilar stages to the mature proglottids.
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Willms K, Robert L. Ultrastructure of a spermatid transport system in the mature proglottids of experimental Taenia crassiceps (WFU strain). Parasitol Res 2007; 101:967-73. [PMID: 17522893 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In classical textbooks of parasitology, the mature proglottids of taeniids are depicted as structures in which the individual testis are connected to the vas deferens through the vas efferens system, usually depicted as a network of channels. From our morphological analyses of proglottids in the cestode Taenia crassiceps, we have been unable to identify this channel network. It is unclear how the spermatids are transported from the testes to the vas deferens, as is unresolved the location of the cells responsible for the production of testosterone (Leydig cells) or the possible equivalent of Sertoli cells, necessary for the differentiation process of these cells. In this experimental work, we have examined the ultrastructure of tissues in the vicinity of the vas deferens in mature proglottids obtained from the intestines of hamsters infected with cysticerci from the peritoneum of infected mice. Worm tissues were fixed, processed, and sectioned for transmission electron microscopy. Significant areas of the testis epithelia emitted cytoplasmic projections surrounded by extracellular matrix, where they appear as septated pockets enclosing free axonemes and spermatids. Vas efferens walls are made up of nucleated cells with cytoplasm annealing to each other through cell membrane junctions. Lodged between the junctions are membrane-bound pouches with dense granules found as aggregates or aligned in a semicircular array. The efferens wall exhibits numerous spermatids emerging into the lumen, an observation that suggests the epithelial wall may have the maturing functions of Sertoli cells of vertebrates. Large cells adjacent to the vas efferens contained prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum and large mitochondria, characteristics described for Leydig cells of vertebrates. Our observations suggest that taeniid spermatids are either transported from the testes to the vas system by epithelial pockets or that the epithelial pockets may be cross-sections of a highly coiled vas efferens system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaethe Willms
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Edificio A, Primer Piso, 04510 Mexico, DF, Mexico.
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