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Melau C, Gayete Mor B, Lundgaard Riis M, Nielsen JE, Dreisler E, Aaboe K, Tutein Brenøe P, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Mitchell RT, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Jørgensen A. Dexamethasone affects human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis and subsequent ACTH response in an ex vivo culture model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114211. [PMID: 37484942 PMCID: PMC10358843 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Administration of dexamethasone (DEX) has been used experimentally to suppress androgenization of external genitalia in 46,XX fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Despite this, the prenatal biological mechanism-of-action of DEX on fetal development is not known. This study aimed to examine direct effects of DEX on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroidogenic activity including possible effects on the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation. Methods Human fetal adrenal (HFA) tissue from 30 fetuses (1st trimester) were cultured ex vivo with A) DEX (10 µm) for 14 days, or B) DEX (10 µm) for 10 days followed by ACTH (1 nM) for 4 days. DEX-mediated effects on HFA morphology, viability, and apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), gene expression (quantitative PCR), and steroid hormone secretion (LC-MS/MS) were investigated. Results DEX-treatment caused decreased androstenedione (p<0.05) and increased cortisol (p<0.01) secretion suggesting that direct effects on the adrenal gland may contribute to the negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vivo. An altered response to ACTH stimulation in HFA pre-treated with DEX included increased androgen (p<0.05) and reduced cortisol production (p<0.05), supporting clinical observations of a temporary decreased ACTH-response following prenatal DEX-treatment. Additionally, the secretion of corticosterone was decreased (p<0.0001) following ACTH-stimulation in the initially DEX-treated HFAs. Discussion The observed effects suggest that prenatal DEX-treatment can cause direct effects on HFA steroidogenesis and in the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation. This may indicate a requirement for careful monitoring of adrenal function in prenatally DEX-treated neonates, with particular focus on their mineralocorticoid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Berta Gayete Mor
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E. Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Dreisler
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Aaboe
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Tutein Brenøe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pourquet A, Teoli J, Bouty A, Renault L, Roucher F, Mallet D, Rigaud C, Dijoud F, Mouriquand P, Mure PY, Sanlaville D, Ecochard R, Plotton I. Steroid profiling in the amniotic fluid: reference range for 12 steroids and interest in 21-hydroxylase deficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:e129-e138. [PMID: 36402139 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Determination of steroid levels in the amniotic fluid gives some insight on foetal adrenal and gonadal functions. Our objectives were to establish reference ranges of 12 steroid levels throughout pregnancy and to compare them with steroid levels from pregnancies with foetuses presenting 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to 145 "control" amniotic fluid samples from gynaecology activity (12 + 6 to 32 + 4 Gestational Weeks, GW). The following steroids were analysed according to gestational age and compared to 23 amniotic fluid samples from foetuses with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency confirmed by molecular studies: delta-4-androstenedione (D4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 11-deoxycortisol (11OH), 21-deoxycortisol (21OH), corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone (DOC), testosterone, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17Pregn), cortisol and cortisone. Chromosomal sex was determined by karyotype and gestational age by biometric measurements. RESULTS Analysis of "control" samples showed a statistically significant difference for D4 and testosterone levels according to foetal sex. Cortisol, corticosterone, and DOC had lower concentrations before 20 GW than after 20 GW, whereas 17Pregn and pregnenolone had higher concentrations before 20 GW. This allowed us to establish age- and sex-dependant reference values. We observed higher 21OH, 17Pregn, D4 and testosterone levels in females 21OHD than female controls. The ratios 17OHP/17Pregn, D4/DHEA and 11OH/17OHP appeared discriminant for the diagnosis of 21OHD. CONCLUSION Our study provides information on foetal steroidogenesis and suggests reference values for 12 steroids during pregnancy. This allows a prenatal diagnosis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency within 24 hours and might be useful in the diagnosis of other variations of sex development (VSD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pourquet
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Jordan Teoli
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Aurore Bouty
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Lucie Renault
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Florence Roucher
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Delphine Mallet
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Chantal Rigaud
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Frédérique Dijoud
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Pierre Mouriquand
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Pierre-Yves Mure
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Damien Sanlaville
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - René Ecochard
- Department of Biostatistics, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University
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Wang Y, Guo B, Guo Y, Qi N, Lv Y, Ye Y, Huang Y, Long X, Chen H, Su C, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Li M, Liao J, Yan Y, Mao X, Zeng Y, Jiang J, Chen Z, Guo Y, Gao S, Cheng J, Jiang Y, Mo Z. A spatiotemporal steroidogenic regulatory network in human fetal adrenal glands and gonads. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1036517. [PMID: 36465633 PMCID: PMC9713933 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1036517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fetal adrenal glands produce substantial amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is one of the most important precursors of sex hormones. However, the underlying biological mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we sequenced human fetal adrenal glands and gonads from 7 to 14 gestational weeks (GW) via 10× Genomics single-cell transcriptome techniques, reconstructed their location information by spatial transcriptomics. Relative to gonads, adrenal glands begin to synthesize steroids early. The coordination among steroidogenic cells and multiple non-steroidogenic cells promotes adrenal cortex construction and steroid synthesis. Notably, during the window of sexual differentiation (8-12 GW), key enzyme gene expression shifts to accelerate DHEA synthesis in males and cortisol synthesis in females. Our research highlights the robustness of the action of fetal adrenal glands on gonads to modify the process of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bingqian Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Nana Qi
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yufang Lv
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinyang Long
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongfei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Cheng Su
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qingyun Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Minxi Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinling Liao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunkun Yan
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xingning Mao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanyu Zeng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhongyuan Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Zengnan Mo, ; Yonghua Jiang,
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Zengnan Mo, ; Yonghua Jiang,
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Melau C, Nielsen JE, Frederiksen H, Kilcoyne K, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Andersson AM, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Jørgensen A. Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1802-1812. [PMID: 30590593 PMCID: PMC6456011 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The endocrine function of human fetal adrenals (HFAs) is activated already during first trimester, but adrenal steroidogenesis during fetal life is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate HFA steroidogenesis by analyzing adrenal glands from first and second trimesters. DESIGN AND SETTING Male and female HFA from gestational weeks (GWs) 8 to 19 were examined, including a total of 101 samples from 83 fetuses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression level of steroidogenic genes and protein expression/localization were determined by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, and intra-adrenal steroid levels were quantified by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Transcriptional levels of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP21A2, CYP11B1/2, and SULT2A1 were significantly higher in second trimester compared to first trimester (P < 0.05), whereas expression levels of 3β-HSD2 and ARK1C3 were unaltered between GWs 8 and 19. All investigated steroidogenic proteins were expressed in a distinct pattern throughout the investigated period, with most enzymes expressed primarily in the fetal zone, except 3β-HSD1/2, which was expressed mainly in the definitive zone. Abundant steroidogenic enzyme expression was reflected in overall high intra-adrenal tissue concentrations of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens; cortisol was the most abundant (1071 to 2723 ng/g tissue), and testosterone levels were the lowest (2 to 14 ng/g tissue). CONCLUSIONS The expression profiles of HFA steroidogenic enzymes are distinct from first to second trimester, with no major differences between male and female samples. Intra-adrenal steroid hormone concentrations confirm that cortisol is produced throughout first and second trimesters, suggesting continued regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during this entire period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Erik Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Anne Jørgensen, PhD, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. E-mail:
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