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Pecori Giraldi F, Ferraù F, Ragonese M, Cannavò S. Endocrine disruptors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor and cortisol secretion. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:2407-2419. [PMID: 38637430 PMCID: PMC11393124 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02371-w] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine disruptors exert a plethora of effects in endocrine tissues, from altered function to carcinogenesis. Given its lipophilic nature, the adrenal cortex represents an ideal target for endocrine disruptors and thus, possibly, xenobiotic-induced adrenocortical dysfunction. However, there is no clear understanding of the effect of endocrine disruptors on adrenal steroidogenesis, in particular as regards the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, one of the key mediators. METHODS The present review recapitulates available evidence on the effects of AHR ligands on adrenal steroidogenesis, with focus on cortisol secretion. RESULTS Short-term exposure to AHR ligands most often induced a stress-like corticosteroid response followed by decreased responsiveness to stressors with long-term exposure. This was observed in several experimental models across species as well as in animals and humans in real-life settings. Prenatal exposure led to different effects according to sex of the offspring, as observed in murine models and in children from mothers in several countries. In vitro findings proved highly dependent on the experimental setting, with reduced cortisol response and steroidogenic enzyme synthesis mostly observed in fish and increased cortisol synthesis and secretion observed in murine and human adrenal cell lines. Of note, no AHR-binding element was detected in steroidogenic enzyme promoters, suggesting the involvement of additional factors. CONCLUSION Our review provides evidence for the impact of AHR ligands on adrenocortical function and indicates further avenues of research to better clarify its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Commenda 19, Milan, Italy.
| | - F Ferraù
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Ragonese
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - S Cannavò
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi,", University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Savvidis C, Kallistrou E, Kouroglou E, Dionysopoulou S, Gavriiloglou G, Ragia D, Tsiama V, Proikaki S, Belis K, Ilias I. Circadian rhythm disruption and endocrine-related tumors. World J Clin Oncol 2024; 15:818-834. [PMID: 39071458 PMCID: PMC11271730 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i7.818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review delved into the intricate relationship between circadian clocks and physiological processes, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining homeostasis. Orchestrated by interlocked clock genes, the circadian timekeeping system regulates fundamental processes like the sleep-wake cycle, energy metabolism, immune function, and cell proliferation. The central oscillator in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus synchronizes with light-dark cycles, while peripheral tissue clocks are influenced by cues such as feeding times. Circadian disruption, linked to modern lifestyle factors like night shift work, correlates with adverse health outcomes, including metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, infections, and cancer. We explored the molecular mechanisms of circadian clock genes and their impact on metabolic disorders and cancer pathogenesis. Specific associations between circadian disruption and endocrine tumors, spanning breast, ovarian, testicular, prostate, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal gland cancers, are highlighted. Shift work is associated with increased breast cancer risk, with PER genes influencing tumor progression and drug resistance. CLOCK gene expression correlates with cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, while factors like aging and intermittent fasting affect prostate cancer. Our review underscored the intricate interplay between circadian rhythms and cancer, involving the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA repair, metabolism, immune function, and the tumor microenvironment. We advocated for integrating biological timing into clinical considerations for personalized healthcare, proposing that understanding these connections could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. Evidence supports circadian rhythm-focused therapies, particularly chronotherapy, for treating endocrine tumors. Our review called for further research to uncover detailed connections between circadian clocks and cancer, providing essential insights for targeted treatments. We emphasized the importance of public health interventions to mitigate lifestyle-related circadian disruptions and underscored the critical role of circadian rhythms in disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Savvidis
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Efthymia Kallistrou
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Eleni Kouroglou
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Sofia Dionysopoulou
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | | | - Dimitra Ragia
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Tsiama
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Stella Proikaki
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Belis
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ilias
- Department of Endocrinology, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens GR-11527, Greece
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Soejima Y, Yamamoto K, Nakano Y, Suyama A, Iwata N, Otsuka F. Functional interaction of Clock genes and bone morphogenetic proteins in the adrenal cortex. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:429-447. [PMID: 38408807 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) system in the adrenal cortex plays modulatory roles in the control of adrenocortical steroidogenesis. BMP-6 enhances aldosterone production by modulating angiotensin (Ang) II-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, whereas activin regulates the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-cAMP cascade in adrenocortical cells. A peripheral clock system in the adrenal cortex was discovered and it has been shown to have functional roles in the adjustment of adrenocortical steroidogenesis by interacting with the BMP system. It was found that follistatin, a binding protein of activin, increased Clock mRNA levels, indicating an endogenous function of activin in the regulation of Clock mRNA expression. Elucidation of the interrelationships among the circadian clock system, the BMP system and adrenocortical steroidogenesis regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis would lead to an understanding of the pathophysiology of adrenal disorders and metabolic disorders and the establishment of better medical treatment from the viewpoint of pharmacokinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Soejima
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yamamoto
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsuhito Suyama
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nahoko Iwata
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, Japan.
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Karapanagioti A, Nasiri-Ansari N, Moustogiannis A, Trigas GC, Zografos G, Aggeli C, Kyriakopoulos G, Choreftaki T, Philippou A, Kaltsas G, Kassi E, Angelousi A. What is the role of CHCHD2 in adrenal tumourigenesis? Endocrine 2023:10.1007/s12020-023-03393-9. [PMID: 37221428 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE CHCHD2 is an antiapoptotic mitochondrial protein acting through the BCL2/BAX pathway in various cancers. However, data on the regulatory role of CHCHD2 in adrenal tumourigenesis are scarce. METHODS We studied the expression of CHCHD2, BCL2, and BAX in human adrenocortical tissues and SW13 cells. mRNA and protein levels were analyzed through qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively, in 16 benign adrenocortical neoplasms (BANs), along with their adjacent normal adrenal tissues (controls), and 10 adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs). BCL2/BAX mRNA expression was also analyzed in SW13 cells after CHCHD2 silencing. MTS, flow cytometry and scratch assays were performed to assess cell viability, apoptosis, and invasion, respectively. RESULTS BCL2 and CHCHCD2 mRNA and protein expression was increased in BANs compared to normal adrenal tissues whereas BAX was decreased. BAX and CHCHD2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly downregulated and upregulated, respectively, in ACCs compared with either BANs or controls. Expression of the studied genes was not different among cortisol-secreting and nonfunctional ACAs. No significant association was found between genes' expression and other established prognostic markers of ACCs patients. In vitro analysis showed that CHCHD2 silencing resulted in reduced cell viability and invasion as well as increased SW13 cells apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS CHCHD2 expression seems to be implicated in adrenal tumourigenesis and its absence resulted to increased apoptosis in vitro. However, the exact mechanism of action and particularly its association with the BAX/BCL2 pathway needs to be further studied and evaluate whether it could be a protentional therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Karapanagioti
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Moustogiannis
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George C Trigas
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Zografos
- 3rd Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysanthi Aggeli
- 3rd Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Theodosia Choreftaki
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Anastassios Philippou
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelousi
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Laikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Gomatou G, Karachaliou A, Veloudiou OZ, Karvela A, Syrigos N, Kotteas E. The Role of REV-ERB Receptors in Cancer Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108980. [PMID: 37240325 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
REV-ERB receptors are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of proteins, which act as both intracellular receptors and transcription factors, therefore modulating the expression of target genes. REV-ERBs act as transcription repressors because of their unique structure. Their predominant role involves the control of peripheral circadian rhythmicity by participating in a transcription-translation feedback loop with other major clock genes. Regarding their role in cancer pathogenesis, recent studies in various cancerous tissues have revealed that their expression was downregulated in the majority of the cases. Dysregulation of their expression was also implicated in cancer-associated cachexia. The pharmacological restoration of their effects is feasible with synthetic agonists, which have been explored in preclinical studies but with scarce data. There is a need for further investigation, primarily with mechanistic studies, on the effect of the REV-ERB-induced circadian rhythm deregulation in carcinogenesis and cancer-related systemic effects, such as cachexia, in order to address the potential of relevant therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Gomatou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Karachaliou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Orsalia-Zoi Veloudiou
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandra Karvela
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Syrigos
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Kotteas
- Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, "Sotiria" General Hospital for Diseases of the Chest, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece
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Hosseini K, Beirami SM, Forouhandeh H, Vahed SZ, Eyvazi S, Ramazani F, Tarhriz V, Ardalan M. The role of circadian gene timeless in gastrointestinal cancers. GENE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2022.101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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Tian Y, Ming J. Melatonin inhibits osteoclastogenesis via RANKL/OPG suppression mediated by Rev-Erbα in osteoblasts. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4032-4047. [PMID: 35726597 PMCID: PMC9279587 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic osteoporosis is secondary osteoporosis and a serious complication of diabetes with a high incidence rate and poor prognosis. The specific mechanism of diabetic osteoporosis is unclear, and prevention and treatment options are limited. Recently, melatonin has been found to prevent and treat diabetic osteoporosis. Herein, we investigated the mechanism whereby melatonin inhibits osteoclastogenesis and identified a new target for osteoporosis treatment. We established an in vitro osteoblast–osteoclast co‐culture system as a diabetic osteoporosis model. Osteoclastogenesis was determined using tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining and cathepsin K expression. Real‐time PCR was used to ascertain expression of microRNA mir‐882, targeting Rev‐Erbα. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression of Rev‐Erbα, receptor activator of NF‐kB ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin (OPG), and ELISA was utilized to analyse the secreted form of RANKL. High glucose promoted osteoclastogenesis and elevated the RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts, while melatonin reversed these effects. High glucose inhibited Rev‐Erbα expression, while melatonin promoted its expression. Conversely, high glucose promoted mir‐882 expression, while melatonin inhibited it. We infer that melatonin inhibits RANKL expression in osteoblasts via the mir‐882/Rev‐Erbα axis, thus inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Our findings provide insights into diabetic osteoporosis and identify a new therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihao Tian
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Ming
- Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
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Zhou J, Wang J, Zhang X, Tang Q. New Insights Into Cancer Chronotherapies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:741295. [PMID: 34966277 PMCID: PMC8710512 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.741295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks participate in the coordination of various metabolic and biological activities to maintain homeostasis. Disturbances in the circadian rhythm and cancers are closely related. Circadian clock genes are differentially expressed in many tumors, and accelerate the development and progression of tumors. In addition, tumor tissues exert varying biological activities compared to normal tissues due to resetting of altered rhythms. Thus, chronotherapeutics used for cancer treatment should exploit the timing of circadian rhythms to achieve higher efficacy and mild toxicity. Due to interpatient differences in circadian functions, our findings advocate an individualized precision approach to chronotherapy. Herein, we review the specific association between circadian clocks and cancers. In addition, we focus on chronotherapies in cancers and personalized biomarkers for the development of precision chronotherapy. The understanding of circadian clocks in cancer will provide a rationale for more effective clinical treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Zhou
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiechen Wang
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaozhao Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingming Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
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Hasenmajer V, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Sada V, Sbardella E, Isidori AM. Non-Canonical Effects of ACTH: Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701263. [PMID: 34489864 PMCID: PMC8416901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced from proopiomelanocortin, which is predominantly synthetized in the corticotroph and melanotroph cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Although ACTH clearly has an effect on adrenal homeostasis and maintenance of steroid hormone production, it also has extra-adrenal effects that require further elucidation. Methods We comprehensively reviewed English language articles, regardless of whether they reported the presence or absence of adrenal and extra-adrenal ACTH effects. Results In the present review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge on adrenal and extra-adrenal effects of ACTH. In the section on adrenal ACTH effects, we focused on corticosteroid rhythmicity and effects on steroidogenesis, mineralocorticoids and adrenal growth. In the section on extra-adrenal effects, we have analyzed the effects of ACTH on the osteoarticular and reproductive systems, adipocytes, immune system, brain and skin. Finally, we focused on adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions The role of ACTH in maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is well known. Conversely, if we broaden our vision and analyze its role as a potential treatment strategy in other conditions, it will be evident in the literature that researchers seem to have abandoned this aspect in studies conducted several years ago. We believe it is worth re-evaluating the role of ACTH considering its noncanonical effects on the adrenal gland itself and on extra-adrenal organs and tissues; however, this would not have been possible without the recent advances in the pertinent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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