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Hu M, Zhang Y, Lu L, Zhou Y, Wu D, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Overactivation of the androgen receptor exacerbates gravid uterine ferroptosis via interaction with and suppression of the NRF2 defense signaling pathway. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:806-825. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Min Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology The Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg 40530 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology The Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg 40530 Gothenburg Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine 150040 Harbin China
| | - Lingjing Lu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Guangzhou Medical University 510120 Guangzhou China
| | - Denghui Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine 150040 Harbin China
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Sahlgrenska University Hospital Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg 41345 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Linus R Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology The Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg 40530 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology The Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg 40530 Gothenburg Sweden
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Burinkul S, Panyakhamlerd K, Suwan A, Tuntiviriyapun P, Wainipitapong S. Anti-Androgenic Effects Comparison Between Cyproterone Acetate and Spironolactone in Transgender Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1299-1307. [PMID: 37057417 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spironolactone and cyproterone acetate are commonly used in feminizing hormone therapy to achieve the goal of female range testosterone level; however, the data on the efficacy comparing between these two anti-androgens are scarce. AIM To compare the anti-androgenic effects between spironolactone and cyproterone acetate as the component of feminizing hormone therapy among transgender women population. METHODS The study was single-blinded randomized controlled trial involved 52 transgender women from two transgender health clinics. Each participant received oral estradiol valerate 4 mg/day combined with anti-androgen, spironolactone 100 mg/day or cyproterone acetate 25 mg/day, depending on which group they were randomized to. Clinical and biochemical variables were obtained at baseline and at 12 weeks of feminizing hormone therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The change of testosterone level from baseline. Other changes including free testosterone, estradiol, prolactin and lipid profile after the therapy. RESULTS After a 12 weeks of feminizing hormone therapy, the change of testosterone level in the cyproterone acetate group [558.0 ng/dL (IQR 352.0 to 783.3)] was significantly higher than the spironolactone group [226.2 ng/dL (IQR,-4.3 to 480.1)](p value <0.001). Testosterone and calculated free testosterone in the cyproterone acetate group were significantly lower than the spironolactone group. Consequently, a proportion of the participants who achieved the female range testosterone (<50 ng/dL) was significantly higher in cyproterone acetate group (90%) compared to the spironolactone group (19%). Serious adverse effects observed in cyproterone acetate users were drug-induced liver injury and asymptomatic hyperprolactinemia. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The data on the differences between the two anti-androgen could be benefit for the transgender health-care providers in medication selection and adverse-effects counseling. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The study design was randomized controlled trial and controlled the estrogen component by prescribed the same type and dose for each participant. However, the study was suffered from the confound feminizing effects from previous hormone therapy and the high drop-out rate. CONCLUSION For feminizing hormone therapy, cyproterone acetate had a higher testosterone suppression efficacy than spironolactone. Burinkul S, Panyakhamlerd K, Suwan A, et al. Anti-Andorgenic Effects Comparison Between Cyproterone Acetate and Spironolactone in Transgender Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2021;18:1299-1307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supanat Burinkul
- Division of Gender, Sexual and Climacteric medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Krasean Panyakhamlerd
- Division of Gender, Sexual and Climacteric medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Ammarin Suwan
- Division of Gender, Sexual and Climacteric medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Punkavee Tuntiviriyapun
- Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sorawit Wainipitapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Zhang Y, Hu M, Yang F, Zhang Y, Ma S, Zhang D, Wang X, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Wu X, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Increased uterine androgen receptor protein abundance results in implantation and mitochondrial defects in pregnant rats with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1427-1446. [PMID: 34180022 PMCID: PMC8455403 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In this study, we show that during normal rat pregnancy, there is a gestational stage-dependent decrease in androgen receptor (AR) abundance in the gravid uterus and that this is correlated with the differential expression of endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes during early and mid-gestation. In contrast, exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) or DHT alone significantly increased AR protein levels in the uterus in association with the aberrant expression of endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes, as well as disrupted implantation. Next, we assessed the functional relevance of the androgen-AR axis in the uterus for reproductive outcomes by treating normal pregnant rats and pregnant rats exposed to DHT and INS with the anti-androgen flutamide. We found that AR blockage using flutamide largely attenuated the DHT and INS-induced maternal endocrine, metabolic, and fertility impairments in pregnant rats in association with suppressed induction of uterine AR protein abundance and androgen-regulated response protein and normalized expression of several endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes. Further, blockade of AR normalized the expression of the mitochondrial biogenesis marker Nrf1 and the mitochondrial functional proteins Complexes I and II, VDAC, and PHB1. However, flutamide treatment did not rescue the compromised mitochondrial structure resulting from co-exposure to DHT and INS. These results demonstrate that functional AR protein is an important factor for gravid uterine function. Impairments in the uterine androgen-AR axis are accompanied by decreased endometrial receptivity, decidualization, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which might contribute to abnormal implantation in pregnant PCOS patients with compromised pregnancy outcomes and subfertility. Key messages The proper regulation of uterine androgen receptor (AR) contributes to a
normal pregnancy process, whereas the aberrant regulation of uterine AR might
be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-induced pregnancy-related
complications. In the current study, we found that during normal rat pregnancy there is
a stage-dependent decrease in AR abundance in the gravid uterus and that this
is correlated with the differential expression of the endometrial receptivity
and decidualization genes Spp1, Prl, Igfbp1,
and Hbegf. Pregnant rats exposed to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS)
or to DHT alone show elevated uterine AR protein abundance and implantation
failure related to the aberrant expression of genes involved in endometrial
receptivity and decidualization in early to mid-gestation. Treatment with the anti-androgen flutamide, starting from
pre-implantation, effectively prevents DHT + INS-induced defects in endometrial
receptivity and decidualization gene expression, restores uterine mitochondrial
homeostasis, and increases the pregnancy rate and the numbers of viable
fetuses. This study adds to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying poor
pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients and the possible therapeutic use of
anti-androgens, including flutamide, after spontaneous conception.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-021-02104-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shuting Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dongqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Amanda Nancy Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linus R Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Joaquim-Justo C, Gismondi E. Expression variations of two retinoid signaling pathway receptors in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus exposed to three endocrine disruptors. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 30:343-350. [PMID: 33443716 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-020-02339-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disruption compounds (EDC) are known to affect reproduction, development, and growth of exposed organisms. Although in vertebrates, EDCs mainly act through steroid receptors (e.g. androgen and estrogen receptors), their absence in many invertebrates suggests the involvement of another biological pathway in endocrine disruption effects. As retinoid signaling pathway is present in almost all Metazoa and its involvement in the endocrine disruption of gastropods (i.e. imposex) has been demonstrated, the present work was devoted to investigating the relative mRNA variations of two retinoid receptors genes, retinoid X receptor (RXR) and retinoid acid receptor (RAR), in the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus exposed for 6, 12 and 24 h to flutamide, fenitrothion and cyproterone acetate, three anti-androgens known to disrupt sexual reproduction of Brachionus sp. Results revealed that fenitrothion did not affect the relative mRNA levels RXR and RAR in B. calyciflorus, whereas RXR and RAR mRNA levels could be significantly increased by 2 to 4.5-fold and from 2 to 7-fold after exposure to flutamide and cyproterone acetate, respectively. Moreover, the effects of flutamide and cyproterone acetate were measured from 6 and 12 h of exposure, respectively. Cyproterone acetate caused the highest increase of RXR and RAR mRNA levels, probably due to its progestin activity in addition to its anti-androgenic activity and the potential presence of a membrane-associated progesterone receptor as reported in Brachionus manjavacas. Consequently, although it is still difficult to evaluate the hormonal pathways involved in the endocrine disruption in Brachionus sp., this work suggests that the retinoid signaling pathway appears to be a good starting point to try to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in sexual reproductive dysfunction in Brachionidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Joaquim-Justo
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE)-Freshwater and OceaniC sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Chemistry Institute, B ât. B6C, University of Liège, 11 allée du 6 Août, Sart-Tilman, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - E Gismondi
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE)-Freshwater and OceaniC sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Chemistry Institute, B ât. B6C, University of Liège, 11 allée du 6 Août, Sart-Tilman, B-4000, Liège, Belgium.
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Ito-Harashima S, Matano M, Onishi K, Nomura T, Nakajima S, Ebata S, Shiizaki K, Kawanishi M, Yagi T. Construction of reporter gene assays using CWP and PDR mutant yeasts for enhanced detection of various sex steroids. Genes Environ 2020; 42:20. [PMID: 32514322 PMCID: PMC7251871 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-020-00159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sex steroid hormone receptors are classified into three classes of receptors: estrogen receptors (ER) α and β, androgen receptor (AR), and progesterone receptor (PR). They belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily and activate their downstream genes in a ligand-dependent manner. Since sex steroid hormones are involved in a wide variety of physiological processes and cancer development, synthetic chemical substances that exhibit sex steroid hormone activities have been applied as pharmaceuticals and consumed in large amounts worldwide. They are potentially hazardous contaminants as endocrine disruptors in the environment because they may induce inappropriate gene expression mediated by sex steroid hormone receptors in vivo. Results To develop simple reporter gene assays with enhanced sensitivity for the detection of sex steroid hormones, we newly established mutant yeast strains lacking the CWP and PDR genes encoding cell wall mannoproteins and plasma membrane drug efflux pumps, respectively, and expressing human ERα, ERβ, AR, and PR. Reporter gene assays with mutant yeast strains responded to endogenous and synthetic ligands more strongly than those with wild-type strains. Sex steroid hormone activities in some pharmaceutical oral tablets and human urine were also detectable in these yeast assays. Conclusions Yeast reporter gene assay systems for all six steroid hormone receptors, including previously established glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) assay yeasts, are now available. Environmental endocrine disrupters with steroid hormone activity will be qualitatively detectable by simple and easy procedures. The yeast-based reporter gene assay will be valuable as a primary screening tool to detect and evaluate steroid hormone activities in various test samples. Our assay system will strongly support the detection of agonists, antagonists, and inverse agonists of steroid hormone receptors in the field of novel drug discovery and assessments of environmental pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayoko Ito-Harashima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Mami Matano
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Kana Onishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Tomofumi Nomura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Saki Nakajima
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Shingo Ebata
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shiizaki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan.,Present address: Department of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Izumino, Itakura-machi, Ora-gun, Gunma 374-0193 Japan
| | - Masanobu Kawanishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
| | - Takashi Yagi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-2 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka, 599-8570 Japan
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Understanding the role of hydrogen bonds in destruction of DNA by screening interactions of Flutamide anticancer drug with nucleotides bases: DFT perspective, MD simulation and free energy calculation. ADSORPTION 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10450-019-00179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gismondi E, Cauchie HM, Cruciani V, Joaquim-Justo C. Targeted impact of cyproterone acetate on the sexual reproduction of female rotifers. ECOTOXICOLOGY (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2019; 28:643-649. [PMID: 31197615 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-019-02063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Monogonont rotifers constitute, depending on the moment of the year, most of the zooplankton in many freshwater ecosystems. Sexual reproduction is essential in the development cycle of these organisms as it enables them to constitute stocks of cysts which can withstand adverse environmental conditions and hatch when favorable conditions return. However, endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) can interfere with the reproduction of organisms. The present work aimed to investigate the effects of cyproterone acetate (CPA, anti-androgen and progestogen synthetic steroid) at 0.5 mg L-1, on the sexual reproduction of Brachionus calyciflorus in a cross-mating experiment. Results show no impact on mixis whereas the fertilization rate and resting egg production were higher in females exposed to CPA (from embryogenesis to adult stage), regardless of the treatment applied to the males with which they were mating (i.e. males hatched from CPA-treated females or from control females). Moreover, neonate females which mothers has been exposed to 0.5 mg L-1 CPA had more oocytes in their germarium than control neonates. Our results suggest that the effects of CPA observed are not related to toxicity but rather are consistent with an endocrine disruption-related impact, probably through disturbance of the mate recognition protein (MRP) production and through interference with a steroid receptor. Moreover, the absence of effect on mixis rate indicates that mixis induction on the one hand and mating process and resting production on the other hand are not controlled by the same hormonal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gismondi
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE)-Freshwater and OceaniC sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Chemistry Institute, University of Liège, B ât. B6C, 11 allée du 6 Août, B-4000, Sart-Tilman, Belgium.
| | - H-M Cauchie
- Department of Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - V Cruciani
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE)-Freshwater and OceaniC sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Chemistry Institute, University of Liège, B ât. B6C, 11 allée du 6 Août, B-4000, Sart-Tilman, Belgium
| | - C Joaquim-Justo
- Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Ecotoxicology (LEAE)-Freshwater and OceaniC sciences Unit of reSearch (FOCUS), Chemistry Institute, University of Liège, B ât. B6C, 11 allée du 6 Août, B-4000, Sart-Tilman, Belgium
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Silva MS, Prescott M, Campbell RE. Ontogeny and reversal of brain circuit abnormalities in a preclinical model of PCOS. JCI Insight 2018; 3:99405. [PMID: 29618656 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.99405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen excess is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent yet poorly understood endocrine disorder. Evidence from women and preclinical animal models suggests that elevated perinatal androgens can elicit PCOS onset in adulthood, implying androgen actions in both PCOS ontogeny and adult pathophysiology. Prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice exhibit a robust increase of progesterone-sensitive GABAergic inputs to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS. It is unclear when altered GABAergic wiring develops in the brain, and whether these central abnormalities are dependent upon adult androgen excess. Using GnRH-GFP-transgenic mice, we determined that increased GABA input to GnRH neurons occurs prior to androgen excess and the manifestation of reproductive impairments in PNA mice. These data suggest that brain circuit abnormalities precede the postpubertal development of PCOS traits. Despite the apparent developmental programming of circuit abnormalities, long-term blockade of androgen receptor signaling from early adulthood rescued normal GABAergic wiring onto GnRH neurons, improved ovarian morphology, and restored reproductive cycles in PNA mice. Therefore, androgen excess maintains changes in female brain wiring linked to PCOS features and the blockade of androgen receptor signaling reverses both the central and peripheral PNA-induced PCOS phenotype.
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Gava G, Cerpolini S, Martelli V, Battista G, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. Cyproterone acetate vs leuprolide acetate in combination with transdermal oestradiol in transwomen: a comparison of safety and effectiveness. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2016; 85:239-46. [PMID: 26932202 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively compare the effectiveness and safety of 1-year administration of transdermal oestradiol (TE) with cyproterone acetate (CPA) or leuprolide acetate (Leu) in transwomen. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS Forty transwomen received 50 mg of CPA daily orally (n = 20; CPA+E group) or Leu at a dose of 3·75 mg i.m. monthly (n = 20; Leu+E group) in combination with TE at a dose of 1 or 2 mg daily for 1 year. Reproductive hormones, biochemical parameters, body composition and bone mineral density were assessed. RESULTS LH, FSH and total testosterone levels were significantly decreased by month three of hormone administration in both groups and continued to decrease until month 12; the decrease in LH levels in the first 12 months was significantly faster in the Leu+E group. Prolactin was significantly increased at month 12 in the CPA+E group only. Bone metabolism parameters and bone mineral density as detected at DEXA did not significantly change in either group, apart from a statistically significant increase in parathyroid hormone after 52 weeks of Leu administration. Total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were significantly increased in the Leu+E group and reduced in the CPA+E group. No major adverse effects were registered in either group. Psychological well-being parameters did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results from this retrospective observational pilot study suggest that CPA and Leu in combination with TE are equally effective in the suppression of gonadotrophins and testosterone levels over 1 year. Whether the different effects on HDL-cholesterol may lead to long-term different cardiovascular safety profiles remains to be defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gava
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Cerpolini
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Martelli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battista
- Department of Specialized, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Department of Specialized, Diagnostic and Experimental Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Sung JH, An HS, Jeong JH, Shin S, Song SY. Megestrol Acetate Increases the Proliferation, Migration, and Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells via Glucocorticoid Receptor. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:789-99. [PMID: 25972147 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED : Because adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are usually expanded to acquire large numbers of cells for therapeutic applications, it is important to increase the production yield and regenerative potential during expansion. Therefore, a tremendous need exists for alternative ASC stimuli during cultivation to increase the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. The present study primarily investigated the involvement of megestrol acetate (MA), a progesterone analog, in the stimulation of ASCs, and identifies the target receptors underlying stimulation. Mitogenic and adipogenic effects of MA were investigated in vitro, and pharmacological inhibition and small interfering (si) RNA techniques were used to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the MA-induced stimulation of ASCs. MA significantly increased the proliferation, migration, and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs in a dose-dependent manner. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is highly expressed compared with other nuclear receptors in ASCs, and this receptor is phosphorylated after MA treatment. MA also upregulated genes downstream of GR in ASCs, including ANGPTL4, DUSP1, ERRF11, FKBP5, GLUL, and TSC22D3. RU486, a pharmacological inhibitor of GR, and transfection of siGR significantly attenuated MA-induced proliferation, migration, and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. Although the adipogenic differentiation potential of MA was inferior to that of dexamethasone, MA had mitogenic effects in ASCs. Collectively, these results indicate that MA increases the proliferation, migration, and adipogenic differentiation of ASCs via GR phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE Magestrol acetate (MA) increases the proliferation, migration, and adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) via glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation. Therefore, MA can be applied to increase the production yield during expansion and can be used to facilitate adipogenic differentiation of ASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hyuk Sung
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Sun An
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hyun Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yong Song
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea; Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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11
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Golan M, Levavi-Sivan B. Artificial masculinization in tilapia involves androgen receptor activation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 207:50-5. [PMID: 24815887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens have a pivotal role in natural female sexual differentiation of tilapia while lack of steroids results in testicular development. Despite the fact that androgens do not participate in natural sex differentiation, synthetic androgens, mainly 17-α-methyltestosterone (MT) are effective in the production of all-male fish in aquaculture. The sex inversion potency of synthetic androgens may arise from their androgenic activity or else as inhibitors of aromatase activity. The current study is an attempt to differentiate between the two alleged activities in order to evaluate their contribution to the sex inversion process and aid the search for novel sex inversion agents. In the present study, MT inhibited aromatase activity, when applied in vitro as did the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In comparison, exposure to fadrozole, a specific aromatase inhibitor, was considerably more effective. Androgenic activity of MT was evaluated by exposure of Sciaenochromis fryeri fry to the substance and testing for the appearance of blue color. Flutamide, an androgen antagonist, administered concomitantly with MT, reduced the appearance of the blue color and the sex inversion potency of MT in a dose-dependent manner. In tilapia, administration of MT, fadrozole or DHT resulted in efficient sex inversion while flutamide reduced the sex inversion potency of all three compounds. In the case of MT and DHT the decrease in sex inversion efficiency caused by flutamide is most likely due to the direct blocking of the androgen binding to its cognate receptor. The negative effect of flutamide on the efficiency of the fadrozole treatment may indicate that the masculinizing activity of fadrozole may be attributed to excess, un-aromatized, androgens accumulated in the differentiating gonad. The present study shows that when androgen receptors are blocked, there is a reduction in the efficiency of sex inversion treatments. Our results suggest that in contrast to natural sex differentiation, during sex inversion treatments, androgens, either endogenous or exogenous, participate in inducing testicular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matan Golan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Berta Levavi-Sivan
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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12
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Progesterone and related compounds in hepatocellular carcinoma: basic and clinical aspects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:290575. [PMID: 23484104 PMCID: PMC3581253 DOI: 10.1155/2013/290575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancers. Major risk factors for HCC include infection with HBV or HCV, alcoholic liver disease, and most probably nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In general, men are two to four times more often associated with HCC than women. It can be suggested that sex hormones including progesterone may play some roles in HCC. Rather, very limited information discusses its potential involvement in HCC. This paper thus collects some recent studies of the potential involvement of progesterone and related compounds in HCC from basic and clinical aspects. In addition, two synthetic progestins, megestrol acetate (MA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), will be discussed thoroughly. It is noted that progesterone can also serve as the precursor for androgens and estrogens produced by the gonadal and adrenal cortical tissues, while men have a higher incidence of HCC than women might be due to the stimulatory effects of androgen and the protective effects of estrogen. Eventually, this paper suggests a new insight on the associations of progesterone and related compounds with HCC development and treatment.
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13
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Synthesis of 5α-androstane-17-spiro-δ-lactones with a 3-keto, 3-hydroxy, 3-spirocarbamate or 3-spiromorpholinone as inhibitors of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Molecules 2013; 18:914-33. [PMID: 23344201 PMCID: PMC6270367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules18010914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We synthesized two series of androstane derivatives as inhibitors of type 3 and type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs). In the first series, four monospiro derivatives at position C17 were prepared from androsterone (ADT) or epi-ADT. After the protection of the alcohol at C3, the C17-ketone was alkylated with the lithium acetylide of tetrahydro-2-(but-3-ynyl)-2-H-pyran, the triple bond was hydrogenated, the protecting groups hydrolysed and the alcohols oxidized to give the corresponding 3-keto-17-spiro-lactone derivative. The other three compounds were generated from this keto-lactone by reducing the ketone at C3, or by introducing one or two methyl groups. In the second series, two dispiro derivatives at C3 and C17 were prepared from epi-ADT. After introducing a spiro-δ-lactone at C17 and an oxirane at C3, an aminolysis of the oxirane with L-isoleucine methyl ester provided an amino alcohol, which was treated with triphosgene or sodium methylate to afford a carbamate- or a morpholinone-androstane derivative, respectively. These steroid derivatives inhibited 17β-HSD3 (14–88% at 1 μM; 46–94% at 10 μM) and 17β-HSD5 (54–73% at 0.3 μM; 91–92% at 3 μM). They did not produce any androgenic activity and did not bind steroid (androgen, estrogen, glucocorticoid and progestin) receptors, suggesting a good profile for prostate cancer therapy.
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14
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Song CH, Yang SH, Park E, Cho SH, Gong EY, Khadka DB, Cho WJ, Lee K. Structure-based virtual screening and identification of a novel androgen receptor antagonist. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:30769-80. [PMID: 22798067 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.379107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormonal therapies, mainly combinations of anti-androgens and androgen deprivation, have been the mainstay treatment for advanced prostate cancer because the androgen-androgen receptor (AR) system plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of prostate cancers. However, the emergence of androgen resistance, largely due to inefficient anti-hormone action, limits the therapeutic usefulness of these therapies. Here, we report that 6-(3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl)-N-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)nicotinamide (DIMN) acts as a novel anti-androgenic compound that may be effective in the treatment of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancers. Through AR structure-based virtual screening using the FlexX docking model, fifty-four compounds were selected and further screened for AR antagonism via cell-based tests. One compound, DIMN, showed an antagonistic effect specific to AR with comparable potency to that of the classical AR antagonists, hydroxyflutamide and bicalutamide. Consistent with their anti-androgenic activity, DIMN inhibited the growth of androgen-dependent LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, the compound also suppressed the growth of androgen-independent C4-2 and CWR22rv prostate cancer cells, which express a functional AR, but did not suppress the growth of the AR-negative prostate cancer cells PPC-1, DU145, and R3327-AT3.1. Taken together, the results suggest that the synthetic compound DIMN is a novel anti-androgen and strong candidate for useful therapeutic agent against early stage to advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Hee Song
- Hormone Research Center, School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
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15
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Geller DH, Pacaud D, Gordon CM, Misra M. State of the Art Review: Emerging Therapies: The Use of Insulin Sensitizers in the Treatment of Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2011; 2011:9. [PMID: 21899727 PMCID: PMC3180691 DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PCOS, a heterogeneous disorder characterized by cystic ovarian morphology, androgen excess, and/or irregular periods, emerges during or shortly after puberty. Peri- and post-pubertal obesity, insulin resistance and consequent hyperinsulinemia are highly prevalent co-morbidities of PCOS and promote an ongoing state of excess androgen. Given the relationship of insulin to androgen excess, reduction of insulin secretion and/or improvement of its action at target tissues offer the possibility of improving the physical stigmata of androgen excess by correction of the reproductive dysfunction and preventing metabolic derangements from becoming entrenched. While lifestyle changes that concentrate on behavioral, dietary and exercise regimens should be considered as first line therapy for weight reduction and normalization of insulin levels in adolescents with PCOS, several therapeutic options are available and in wide use, including oral contraceptives, metformin, thiazolidenediones and spironolactone. Overwhelmingly, the data on the safety and efficacy of these medications derive from the adult PCOS literature. Despite the paucity of randomized control trials to adequately evaluate these modalities in adolescents, their use, particularly that of metformin, has gained popularity in the pediatric endocrine community. In this article, we present an overview of the use of insulin sensitizing medications in PCOS and review both the adult and (where available) adolescent literature, focusing specifically on the use of metformin in both mono- and combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Geller
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen-UCLA School of Medicine 8700 Beverly Blvd,, Rm 4220, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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16
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Dahms HU, Hagiwara A, Lee JS. Ecotoxicology, ecophysiology, and mechanistic studies with rotifers. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 101:1-12. [PMID: 20961628 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrates play an increasing role in assessing the impacts of environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Substantial efforts were made to identify suitable and environmentally relevant models for toxicity testing. Rotifers have a number of promising characteristics which make them candidates worth considering in such efforts. They are small, simple in their organization, genetically homozygous, easy to cultivate. Rotifers are further widely distributed and ecologically important in freshwaters, in estuaries and coast, and also play an important role in the transportation of aquatic pollutants across the food web. In the last decades there has been a substantial increase of contributions on rotifers, particularly in areas of their ecology, geophylogeny, genomics and their behavioral, physiological, biochemical and molecular responses, following exposure to environmental chemicals and other stressors. Gene expression analysis enables ecotoxicologists to study molecular mechanisms of toxicity. Rotifers also appear as useful tools in the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites that find their way into aquatic ecosystems because their sensitivity to some of these substances is higher than that of cladocerans and algae. In respect to endocrine disruptors, rotifers seem to be particularly sensitive to androgenic and anti-androgenic substances, whereas copepods and cladocerans are typically more affected by estrogens and juvenile hormone-like compounds. Generally, a combination of whole-animal bioassays and gene expression studies allow an understanding of toxicological mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to demarcate the potential of using rotifers as important invertebrate aquatic model organisms for ecophysiology, ecotoxicology and environmental genomics. This review does not claim to find reasons for a superior use of rotifers in these fields. But the different phylogenetic allocation of rotifers in the Platyzoa (formerly Nemathelminthes) justifies its consideration since there are evolutionary differences in biochemical and genetic performances that need to be considered. Problems, controversials and needs for further studies are discussed. We are providing a literature survey here for the last 15 years that shows a steady increase of ecotoxicological research on rotifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-U Dahms
- National Research Laboratory of Marine Molecular and Environmental Bioscience, Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
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17
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Donn F, Becker H, Klosterhalfen H, Klein H. Effect of Cyproterone Acetate in Comparison to Flutamide on the Ventral Prostate of Adult Male Castrated Copenhagen-Fisher Rats and on Dunning R-3327 H Tumors/Der Einfluß von Cyproteron-Acetat im Vergleich zu Flutamid auf die ventrale Prostata der erwachs. Andrologia 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1989.tb02449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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18
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Bydal P, Luu-The V, Labrie F, Poirier D. Steroidal lactones as inhibitors of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5: chemical synthesis, enzyme inhibitory activity, and assessment of estrogenic and androgenic activities. Eur J Med Chem 2008; 44:632-44. [PMID: 18472187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2008.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2007] [Revised: 03/19/2008] [Accepted: 03/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are well known to play a predominant role in prostate cancer and other androgen-dependent diseases. To decrease the level of androgen testosterone in the prostate, we are interested in developing inhibitors of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5 (17beta-HSD5). This enzyme expressed in the prostate is one of the two enzymes able to convert 4-androstene-3,17-dione into testosterone. From a screening study, it was found that a series of steroid derivatives bearing a lactone on D-ring demonstrated potent inhibition of 17beta-HSD5 over-expressed in HEK-293 cells. The results of enzymatic assays using intact cells indicated that a C18-steroid (estradiol or 3-deoxyestradiol) backbone and a spiro-delta-lactone (six-member ring) are important for a strong inhibitory activity. Moreover, the presence of a dimethyl group at the alpha-position of the lactone carbonyl increases the selectivity of the inhibitor toward 17beta-HSD5. Compound 26, a 3-deoxyestradiol derivative with a dimethylated spiro-delta-lactone at position 17, possesses the most potent inhibitory activity for 17beta-HSD5 (IC(50)=2.9 nM). It showed no binding affinity for estrogen, androgen, progestin and glucocorticoid receptors (ER, AR, PR and GR). A weak proliferative effect was, however, observed on ZR-75-1 (ER+) cells in culture at high concentration (1 microM), but not at 0.03 microM. Interestingly, no significant proliferative effect was detected on Shionogi (AR+) cells in culture in the presence of 0.1 and 1 microM of lactone 26.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Bydal
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, CHUL Research Center and University Laval, 2705 Laurier Boulevard, Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
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19
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Roy J, Breton R, Martel C, Labrie F, Poirier D. Chemical synthesis and biological activities of 16α-derivatives of 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol as antiandrogens. Bioorg Med Chem 2007; 15:3003-18. [PMID: 17336533 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In our efforts to develop compounds with therapeutic potential as antiandrogens, we synthesized a series of 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol derivatives with a fixed side-chain length of 3-methylenes at C-16alpha, but bearing a diversity of functional groups at the end. Among these, the chloride induced the best antiproliferative activity on androgen-sensitive Shionogi cells. Substituting the OH at C-3 by a methoxy group showed the importance of the OH. Moreover, its transformation into a ketone increased the androgen receptor (AR) binding but decreased the antiproliferative activity and induced a proliferative effect on Shionogi cells. These results confirm the importance of keeping a 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol nucleus instead of a dihydrotestosterone nucleus. Variable side-chain lengths of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-methylenes at C-16alpha were investigated and the optimal length was found to be 3-methylenes. Although exhibiting a weak AR binding affinity, 16alpha-(3'-chloropropyl)-5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (15) provided an antiproliferative activity on Shionogi cells similar to that of pure non-steroidal antiandrogen hydroxy-flutamide (77% and 67%, respectively, at 0.1 microM). The new steroidal compound, 15, thus constitutes a good starting point for development of future antiandrogens with a therapeutic potential against prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Roy
- Medicinal Chemistry Division, Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec (CHUQ), Pavillon CHUL and Université Laval, Que., Canada G1V 4G2
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20
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21
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Ngatcha BT, Laplante Y, Labrie F, Luu-The V, Poirier D. 3Beta-alkyl-androsterones as inhibitors of type 3 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: inhibitory potency in intact cells, selectivity towards isoforms 1, 2, 5 and 7, binding affinity for steroid receptors, and proliferative/antiproliferative activities on AR+ and ER+ cell lines. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2006; 248:225-32. [PMID: 16359782 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Type 3 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) is involved in the biosynthesis of the potent androgen testosterone (T), which plays an important role in androgen-sensitive diseases. In an attempt to design compounds to lower the level of T, we designed androsterone (ADT) derivatives substituted at the position 3beta as inhibitors of type 3 17beta-HSD, and then selected the eight most potent ones (compounds 1-8) for additional studies. In an intact cell assay, they inhibited efficiently the conversion of natural substrate 4-androstene-3,17-dione into T, although they were less active in intact cells (IC50 approximately 1 microM) than in homogenated cells (IC50=57-100 nM). A study of the inhibitory potency with four other 17beta-HSDs revealed they were selective, since they do not inhibit reductive types 1, 5 and 7, nor oxidative type 2. Interestingly, they did not show any binding affinity for steroid receptors (androgen, estrogen, glucocorticoid and progestin). Only two inhibitors, 3beta-phenyl-ADT (5) and 3beta-phenylmethyl-ADT (6) showed some proliferative activities on an AR+ cell line and on an ER+ cell line, but their effects were not mediated through the androgen or estrogen receptors. This study identified selective inhibitors of type 3 17beta-HSD acting through a mixed-type inhibition, and devoid of non-suitable androgenic and estrogenic proliferative activities. The more potent inhibitors were 3beta-hexyl-ADT (2), 3beta-cyclohexylethyl-ADT (4) and 3beta-phenylethyl-ADT (7).
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Tchédam Ngatcha
- Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, CHUL Research Center and Université Laval, CHUQ-Pavillon CHUL, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Qué, Canada G1V 4G2
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22
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Ward GR, Abdel-Rahman AA. Orchiectomy or androgen receptor blockade attenuates baroreflex-mediated bradycardia in conscious rats. BMC Pharmacol 2006; 6:2. [PMID: 16430770 PMCID: PMC1403759 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2004] [Accepted: 01/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that testosterone enhances baroreflex bradycardia. Therefore, conscious unrestrained rats were used to investigate the role of the androgen receptor in the testosterone-mediated modulation of baroreflex bradycardia. Androgen depletion (3 weeks), and androgen receptor blockade (20-24 h), were implemented to test the hypothesis that testosterone influences baroreflex bradycardia via its activity at the androgen receptor in male rats. Phenylephrine (1-16 microg kg(-1)) was used to assess baroreflex bradycardia. RESULTS Androgen depletion attenuated baroreflex bradycardia (P < 0.01). The antiandrogen flutamide (5, 15, or 30 mg kg(-1), s.c.) caused dose-related attenuation of baroreflex bradycardia in spite of a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum testosterone. The latter did not lead to increased serum 17beta-estradiol level. CONCLUSION The data suggest: 1) Androgen depletion or adequate androgen receptor blockade attenuates baroreflex bradycardia. 2) The reflex increase in serum testosterone may counterbalance the action of the lower doses (5 or 15 mg kg(-1)) of flutamide. 3) The absence of a change in serum 17beta-estradiol rules out its contribution to flutamide action on baroreflex bradycardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregg R Ward
- Department of Pharmacology, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
| | - Abdel A Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Pharmacology, The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA
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23
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Ibáñez L, de Zegher F. Low-dose flutamide-metformin therapy for hyperinsulinemic hyperandrogenism in non-obese adolescents and women. Hum Reprod Update 2006; 12:243-52. [PMID: 16407452 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmi054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a variable disorder that is characterized in adolescents and young women by a broad spectrum of anomalies, including hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, body adiposity and low-grade inflammation. At present, there is no approved therapy for PCOS. Recent studies indicate that a low-dose combination of flutamide (Flu; a generic androgen-receptor blocker) and metformin (Met; a generic insulin-sensitizer) normalizes the adolescent PCOS spectrum more than an oral contraceptive (OC); in young women, the PCOS spectrum was found to be more normalized by OC plus Flu-Met than by OC alone. Within the pathophysiological cascade of PCOS, Flu-Met seems to counter upstream anomalies like hyperinsulinemia or hyperandrogenism, thereby preventing or reversing downstream effects. In contrast, an OC essentially masks downstream symptoms like hirsutism, acne or irregular menses, whereas the upstream aberrations remain unaltered or may even be worsened. The available experience with Flu-Met is limited but promising. We emphasize that Flu-Met may (as part of its efficacy) induce ovulation but is contra-indicated post-conception because of potential embryotoxicity; therefore, it seems wise to combine Flu-Met with an oral or a transdermal oestro-progestagen or with a non-endocrine method of contraception. May this update prompt further research into Flu-Met's therapeutic potential in patients with PCOS. Until the abovementioned effects have been broadly confirmed, Flu-Met should not be regarded as a standard therapy for widespread clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Ibáñez
- Endocrinology Unit, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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24
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Chen KC, Peng CC, Hsieh HM, Peng CH, Hsieh CL, Huang CN, Chyau CC, Wang HE, Peng RY. Antiandrogenic therapy can cause coronary arterial disease. Int J Urol 2005; 12:886-91. [PMID: 16323982 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2042.2005.01145.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To study the change of lipid metabolism by antiandrogen therapy in patients with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied with a 2.5 years follow-up the changes in plasma cholesterols (C), triglycerides (TG), lipoproteins (LP), and apolipoproteins (Apo) B-100, A-I, and A-II pro fi les in 24 patients of mean age 60 years with low risk prostate cancer (stage: T1cN0M0, Gleason score: 2-5) during treatment with cyproterone acetate (CPA) without surgical management or radiation therapy. RESULTS Significant decreases of HDL-C, Apo A-I and Apo A-II and an increase of triglyceride levels in VLDL were induced by CPA. After a period of 2.5 years on CPA treatment, four patients out of twenty-four were found to be affected by coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS Ischaemic coronary arteriosclerosis with an incidence rate of 16.6% as caused by prolonged CPA therapy is mediated through changes in HDL cholesterol, Apo A-I and Apo A-II pro fi les, other than the well-known hyperglyceridemic effect caused by estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chou Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan, China
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25
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Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally considered as a sex hormone-dependent tumor, and hormonal therapy has been proposed as a strategy for the treatment of HCC. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of megestrol acetate, a synthetic progesteronal agent, on growth of HepG2 cells in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Cell growth in vitro was assessed by a colormetric method, and cell growth in vivo was assessed by tumor volumetrics. RESULTS Megestrol acetate was shown to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells in vitro in dose- and time-dependent manners with an IC (50) of 260 microm (24-h incubation). The growth of HepG2 cell-transplanted tumors in nude mice was also inhibited by i.p. injection of megestrol acetate (10 mg/kg/day). The tumor volumes of the megestrol acetate-treated group regressed to 59% of controls by week 6 and to 41% of controls by week 13. Apoptosis following G(1) arrest was observed in megestrol acetate-treated cells and may be a mechanism through which megestrol acetate inhibits HepG2 cells. Megestrol acetate was also demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on the weight gain of tumor-bearing nude mice, and the mean weight of the megestrol acetate-treated animals was higher than that of controls from week 4 of the treatment period, and the differences were statistically significant in week 5 and 6 (P < 0.05, compared with controls). No significant survival advantage was, however, demonstrated in the treatment group. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that megestrol acetate inhibited the growth of HepG2 cells grown in vitro and in vivo. These data provide useful information for clinical study of megestrol acetate for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Experimental Surgery and Department of General Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
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Masiello D, Chen SY, Xu Y, Verhoeven MC, Choi E, Hollenberg AN, Balk SP. Recruitment of beta-catenin by wild-type or mutant androgen receptors correlates with ligand-stimulated growth of prostate cancer cells. Mol Endocrinol 2004; 18:2388-401. [PMID: 15256534 DOI: 10.1210/me.2003-0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancers respond to treatments that suppress androgen receptor (AR) function, with bicalutamide, flutamide, and cyproterone acetate (CPA) being AR antagonists in clinical use. As CPA has substantial agonist activity, it was examined to identify AR coactivator/corepressor interactions that may mediate androgen-stimulated prostate cancer growth. The CPA-liganded AR was coactivated by steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) but did not mediate N-C terminal interactions or recruit beta-catenin, indicating a nonagonist conformation. Nonetheless, CPA did not enhance AR interaction with nuclear receptor corepressor, whereas the AR antagonist RU486 (mifepristone) strongly stimulated AR-nuclear receptor corepressor binding. The role of coactivators was further assessed with a T877A AR mutation, found in LNCaP prostate cancer cells, which converts hydroxyflutamide (HF, the active flutamide metabolite) into an agonist that stimulates LNCaP cell growth. The HF and CPA-liganded T877A ARs were coactivated by SRC-1, but only the HF-liganded T877A AR was coactivated by beta-catenin. L-39, a novel AR antagonist that transcriptionally activates the T877A AR, but still inhibits LNCaP growth, similarly mediated recruitment of SRC-1 and not beta-catenin. In contrast, beta-catenin coactivated a bicalutamide-responsive mutant AR (W741C) isolated from a bicalutamide-stimulated LNCaP subline, further implicating beta-catenin recruitment in AR-stimulated growth. Androgen-stimulated prostate-specific antigen gene expression in LNCaP cells could be modulated by beta-catenin, and endogenous c-myc expression was repressed by dihydrotestosterone, but not CPA. These results indicate that interactions between AR and beta-catenin contribute to prostate cell growth in vivo, although specific growth promoting genes positively regulated by AR recruitment of beta-catenin remain to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Masiello
- Cancer Biology Program/Hematology-Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Errejon A, Crawford ED. Monotherapy versus combined androgen blockade in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Cancer 2002; 95:209-10. [PMID: 12124816 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.10648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Jones KJ, Brown TJ, Damaser M. Neuroprotective effects of gonadal steroids on regenerating peripheral motoneurons. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2001; 37:372-82. [PMID: 11744101 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00107-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In this review, the neuroprotective actions of testosterone on three different populations of injured rat peripheral motoneurons, i.e. facial (FMN), spinal (SMN) and pudendal (PMN), will be discussed. We have extrapolated concepts from the neuroendocrine field regarding the trophic effects of gonadal steroids on target neural tissue to the nerve regeneration field. Exogenous administration of testosterone immediately after nerve injury impacts positively on functional recovery through actions mediated by the androgen receptor. The mechanism by which steroidal enhancement of the regenerative properties of injured motoneurons occurs may involve pre-existing androgen receptors, heat shock proteins, and modulation of the cellular stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. 1st Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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Abstract
The growth of pancreatic adenocarcinoma may be under the control of the sex steroid hormone testosterone, besides other unknown stimuli. This premise was based on the discovery of androgen receptors, together with the enzymes aromatase and 5alpha-reductase, which use testosterone as a substrate, in malignant tissue. The additional support of low circulating serum testosterone and its stimulatory role in an animal model using human tumour xenografts further enhance this suggestion. Confirmatory evidence has now come from a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with pancreatic cancer in which flutamide, the pure androgen receptor blocker, doubled survival duration over control patients. Flutamide was administered in a dosage of 250mg 3 times daily. Support for this finding has recently been presented at a meeting of the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain. It is now important for further confirmatory studies to be carried out and to use flutamide in combination with other current adjuvant therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Zakaria R, Ismail Z, Chatterjee A. Cyproterone acetate and reversal of the impaired endometrial decidualization in streptozotocin-diabetic pseudopregnant rats. Pharmacol Res 2000; 42:183-6. [PMID: 10887050 DOI: 10.1006/phrs.2000.0673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive dysfunction in the female diabetic rat is associated with impaired hypothalamic-hypophyseal system, anovulation, insufficiency of ovarian steroidogenesis and spontaneous failure of pregnancy. Formation of decidua, the highly modified endometrium of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy could only be achieved when the uterus was sensitized by a sequence of oestrogen and progesterone. In this study, we examined whether the impaired expression of endometrial decidualization in the pseudopregnant rat is linked with diabetes-associated hypersecretion of testosterone. Rats were made pseudopregnant by sterile mating. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin on day 1 p.c. Deciduogenic stimulus was given on day 5 p.c. Treatment of cyproterone acetate (10 mg kg(-1)) was scheduled from day 5 through day 9 p.c. Animals were killed on day 10 p.c, and the degree of endometrial decidual growth, plasma levels of oestradiol, progesterone, ACTH and testosterone were determined. Results showed that compared to controls there was a concomitant drop in endometrial decidual growth concurrently with impaired levels of oestradiol and progesterone in diabetic pseudopregnant rats. ACTH and testosterone levels were, however, profoundly elevated. Cyproterone acetate treatment in the diabetic pseudopregnant rat resulted in a simultaneous elevation of oestradiol and progesterone, which eventually helped the endometrial differentiation to decidua in the diabetic pseudopregnant rat parallel to controls. Present experimental data suggest that diabetes-associated impaired endometrial decidualization in the pseudopregnant rat is possibly caused by testosterone-induced oestrogen deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Zakaria
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 16150, Malaysia
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Rabe T, Kowald A, Ortmann J, Rehberger-Schneider S. Inhibition of skin 5 alpha-reductase by oral contraceptive progestins in vitro. Gynecol Endocrinol 2000; 14:223-30. [PMID: 11075290 DOI: 10.3109/09513590009167685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgenic disorders of female skin such as hirsutism, acne and alopecia are etiologically caused by androgen excess. Skin 5 alpha-reductase activity is a major factor influencing the manifestation of endogenous androgen excess in women. Oral contraceptives have proven useful for the treatment of androgen disorders of the skin. The mechanisms of action by which oral contraceptives correct skin androgen levels may include inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase and androgen receptor activity. We investigated the inhibitory effect of oral contraceptive progestins and ethinyl estradiol on skin 5 alpha-reductase and their influence on androgen receptor activity and affinity, using three different in vitro assay systems. It was shown that norgestimate blocked 5 alpha-reductase activity with an IC50 value of 10 microM, followed by levonorgestrel (IC50 52 microM), dienogest (IC50 55 microM), cyproterone acetate (IC50 87 microM) and gestodene (IC50 98 microM). To determine the full androgenic potential of the progestins, androgen receptor binding affinities and activation potentials were determined. The progestins norgestimate and dienogest in particular combined 5 alpha-reductase inhibition with minimal androgenic potential. These data demonstrate that the progestins norgestimate and dienogest might help in the treatment of clinical hyperandrogeny in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Rabe
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Tartagni M, Schonauer LM, De Salvia MA, Cicinelli E, De Pergola G, D'Addario V. Comparison of Diane 35 and Diane 35 plus finasteride in the treatment of hirsutism. Fertil Steril 2000; 73:718-23. [PMID: 10731531 DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical efficacy of an original combined therapy with cyproterone acetate, 2 mg, and ethinylestradiol, 35 microgram (Diane 35), plus finasteride (5 mg) for 2 weeks per month with that of Diane 35 alone in hirsute women. DESIGN Prospective randomized, single-blinded study. SETTING Outpatients in an academic research environment. PATIENT(S) Fifty women with idiopathic hirsutism (IH) or the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). INTERVENTION(S) Group 1 (n = 25) received Diane 35 alone and group 2 (n = 25) received Diane 35 plus finasteride. The latter drug was administered using a new therapeutic scheme: 14 consecutive days for each therapeutic cycle. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Hormonal evaluation was done before beginning treatment and after 3 and 6 months of therapy. Hirsutism was graded at 3-month intervals. RESULT(S) The combination of Diane 35 plus finasteride for 14 days significantly decreased the hirsutism score after 3 months of therapy, while Diane 35 alone induced this effect after 6 months. CONCLUSION(S) Finasteride in combination with Diane 35 for 14 days is effective, well accepted, and safe in hirsute patients, as the amount of antiandrogenic drugs administered is much lower than that in conventional treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tartagni
- Università di Bari, Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Axelson JF, Smith M, Duarte M. Prenatal flutamide treatment eliminates the adult male rat's dependency upon vasopressin when forming social-olfactory memories. Horm Behav 1999; 36:109-18. [PMID: 10506535 DOI: 10.1006/hbeh.1999.1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The sexually dimorphic number of cells expressing arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the density of AVP fibers within the lateral septum appear to be organized by pre- and postnatal androgens. Social recognition behaviors are also sexually dimorphic and AVP-dependent. Whereas AVP antagonists prevent males from recognizing familiar intruders by olfactory investigation of the anal-genital area, they have no effect in females. To test the hypothesis that the male's dependency upon AVP to form social recognition memories begins prior to birth, we compared the effectiveness of an AVP antagonist to block social recognition in control males and females with that seen in male offspring whose mothers were treated prenatally with an androgen antagonist (flutamide). In an initial study we showed that while sexual experience may enhance social recognition in males, virgin males exhibit the ability to recognize conspecifics and are sensitive to the memory blocking actions of AVP antagonists. In a second experiment, pregnant rats were treated daily for the last 10 days of gestation with either flutamide (10 mg) or control vehicle. Within 12 h of birth, male offspring from flutamide litters were injected with either testosterone proprionate (50 microg TP) or vehicle control. AVP-antagonist treatment in adults eliminated the ability of control males to recognize familiar juvenile intruders, but had no effect on males exposed prenatally to flutamide, regardless of whether these males were treated with TP or vehicle on day 1 of life. These data support the hypothesis that the development of the male's dependency upon AVP to express social recognition memories begins with the organizational actions of prenatal androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Axelson
- Psychology Department, Holy Cross College, Worcester, Massachusetts, 01610, USA
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Jones KJ, Coers S, Storer PD, Tanzer L, Kinderman NB. Androgenic regulation of the central glia response following nerve damage. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 1999; 40:560-73. [PMID: 10453056 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4695(19990915)40:4<560::aid-neu11>3.0.co;2-i] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Current research on the effects of gonadal steroids on the brain and spinal cord indicates that these agents have profound trophic effects on many aspects of neuronal functioning, including cell survival, growth and metabolism, elaboration of processes, synaptogenesis, and neurotransmission (Jones et al., 1985; Luine, 1985; Nordeen et al., 1985; Matsumoto et al., 1988a,b; Gould et al., 1990). Since many of the aspects of normal neuronal functioning altered by gonadal steroids are affected by injury to the nervous system, we initiated a series of experiments designed to exploit the trophic capabilities of steroids as therapeutic agents in neuronal injury and repair (Kujawa et al., 1989, 1991; Kujawa and Jones, 1990). Three steroid-sensitive model systems were used for these studies: the hamster facial motoneuron, the rat sciatic motoneuron, and the hamster rubrospinal motoneuron. The results of our initial series of experiments suggest that androgens, and possibly estrogens, act either directly or indirectly on the injured motoneuron and enhance elements of the neuronal reparative response that are critical to successful recovery of function. Recently, we discovered that gonadal steroids may also modulate the central glia response to nerve damage. In this review, a summary of our data identifying a therapeutic role for androgens in enhancing the reparative response of motoneurons to injury is presented. This is followed by a discussion of the effects of androgens on the glial response to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 S. 1st Avenue, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA
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35
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Ruohola JK, Valve EM, Karkkainen MJ, Joukov V, Alitalo K, Härkönen PL. Vascular endothelial growth factors are differentially regulated by steroid hormones and antiestrogens in breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 1999; 149:29-40. [PMID: 10375015 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(99)00003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major inducer of tumor angiogenesis and an important prognostic factor in breast cancer. Hypoxia is an important inducer of VEGF expression but less is known of the role of hormones in VEGF regulation. We have studied the regulation of VEGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, and VEGF-D mRNAs in human MCF-7 and mouse S115 breast carcinoma cells stimulated by estrogens and androgens, respectively. VEGF, VEGF-B, and VEGF-C were expressed in both cell lines, whereas VEGF-D was expressed only in S115 cells. Addition of estradiol (E2) caused a biphasic increase of VEGF mRNA in MCF-7 cells and led to accumulation of the VEGF protein in the culture medium. The VEGF-B mRNA was not affected, while a decrease occurred in VEGF-C mRNA. Similarly, testosterone upregulated the expression of VEGF mRNA in the S115 cells. Experiments with actinomycin D and cycloheximide suggested that estrogen induction of VEGF mRNA is dependent on the synthesis of new mRNA and increased mRNA half-life. The antiestrogen ICI 182.780 inhibited E2 stimulation of VEGF, suggesting that the effect was mediated by the estrogen receptor. In contrast, the antiestrogens tamoxifen and toremifene which inhibit MCF-7 cell growth in vivo and in vitro did not inhibit estrogen effect but induced VEGF mRNA expression when used alone. The antiandrogen cyprosterone acetate inhibited T induction of VEGF mRNA in S115 cells, thus suggesting that activation of androgen receptor must be involved in the increase of VEGF mRNA. Our results suggest that both estrogen and androgen stimulate the expression of VEGF by increasing gene transcription and mRNA stability. In addition, the antiestrogens tamoxifen and toremifene also increased VEGF expression. Estrogen and androgen induction of VEGF expression and promotion of new vessel formation may be an important paracrine mechanism by which these hormones contribute to the early phase of tumor growth of hormonal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Ruohola
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Anatomy, University of Turku, Finland
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36
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Lapointe J, Fournier A, Richard V, Labrie C. Androgens down-regulate bcl-2 protooncogene expression in ZR-75-1 human breast cancer cells. Endocrinology 1999; 140:416-21. [PMID: 9886853 DOI: 10.1210/endo.140.1.6410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although a large proportion of primary human breast cancers express the androgen receptor, and treatment with androgens exerts beneficial effects in women with breast cancer, the role and especially the mechanism of action of androgens in breast cancer development and growth are not well understood. The potential effect of androgens on bcl-2 protooncogene expression was investigated in a human breast cancer cell line whose proliferation is known to be inhibited by androgens. The estrogen-responsive ZR-75-1 cells were grown in the presence or absence of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), alone or in combination with 17beta-estradiol. DHT caused a marked down-regulation of Bcl-2 protein and messenger RNA levels in both the presence and absence of 17beta-estradiol. The inhibitory effect of DHT was completely prevented by coincubation with the pure antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide. The present data indicate that androgens can down-regulate bcl-2 protooncogene levels via an androgen receptor-mediated mechanism, thus providing a novel mechanism for their known inhibitory effect on breast cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lapointe
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval Research Center and Laval University, Québec, Canada
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37
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Greenway BA. Effect of flutamide on survival in patients with pancreatic cancer: results of a prospective, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. BMJ (CLINICAL RESEARCH ED.) 1998; 316:1935-8. [PMID: 9641928 PMCID: PMC28589 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.316.7149.1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess whether flutamide (Drogenil), a pure androgen receptor blocking agent, improves survival in patients with pancreatic carcinoma and thus whether testosterone is a major growth factor for this tumour. DESIGN A prospective, randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial. SUBJECTS 49 patients with a clinical diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. INTERVENTIONS 24 patients received flutamide and 25 received placebo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Death of the patient. RESULTS Analysis of all patients at 6 months and 1 year showed 14 and eight patients alive, respectively, in the flutamide group compared with 10 and one in the placebo group. After exclusion of those patients in both groups who received less than 6 weeks' treatment because of advanced disease and early death the comparable results were 14 (88%) and eight (50%) alive in the flutamide group compared with 10 (50%) and one (5%) in the placebo group. Median survival for all patients was 8 months in the flutamide group compared with 4 months in the placebo group. With the 6 week exclusions median survival was 12 months compared with 5 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the concept that testosterone is a growth factor for pancreatic carcinoma and that blockade of androgen receptors offers an appropriate new approach to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Greenway
- Department of Surgery, Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Huntingdon, Cambridge PE18 8NT
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Abstract
Hirsutism, acne and androgenic alopecia represent, in females, some of the manifestations of the clinical spectrum of hyperandrogenism. These pictures represent not only cosmetic damage, but also a source of remarkable psychological distress. Often hirsutism is regarded as presumptive evidence of a lack of femininity. The major diagnostic concern is to exclude an ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting tumor, a congenital hyperplasia or polycystic ovary disease. Ethnic background should be taken into account together with the progression of the symptoms. Following the etiology, surgery and exogenous glucocorticoids or inhibition of gonadotropin secretion have to be carefully chosen in the management of different kinds of hyperandrogenism. Several pharmacologic agents have recently shown the ability to block the androgen receptors at target organ sites, thus allowing a specific antiandrogenic treatment. In some cases cosmetic measures could be of great value. Obesity accompanied by hyperinsulinemia can represent the main cause of ovary androgen hypersecretion; therefore a reduced body weight and muscle activity represent the basis of any treatment. Some other drugs, such as long-acting analogs of somatostatin, could be considered among possible drugs for the future. The aim of this article is to provide an appraisal of what is presently known about the regulation of hair growth, the various causes of excessive androgen secretion and the current methods to solve, safely, this important feminine clinical problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pucci
- Institute of Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Italy
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39
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Luo S, Martel C, Chen C, Labrie C, Candas B, Singh SM, Labrie F. Daily dosing with flutamide or Casodex exerts maximal antiandrogenic activity. Urology 1997; 50:913-9. [PMID: 9426723 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(97)00393-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Because the large increase in luteinizing hormone secretion induced by flutamide in the intact rat is not found in men, we have used castrated rats and mice supplemented with androstenedione (4-dione) instead of intact animals to measure the activity of the pure antiandrogens flutamide and Casodex. METHODS We first compared the effect of different schedules of administration of various doses of the two antiandrogens on prostate and seminal vesicle weights in the castrated rat and mice models. RESULTS For both flutamide and Casodex, no consistent difference was found between the effects of once daily and thrice daily oral dosing in the rat. It was observed, however, that flutamide, especially at the high and therapeutically more effective doses, is about three times more potent than Casodex under both schedules of dosing. When flutamide was administered subcutaneously three times a day, twice a day, once a day, or once every second day in rats and mice, no difference was observed in the degree of inhibition achieved on prostate and seminal vesicle weights. CONCLUSIONS The present data show that Casodex is about three times less potent than flutamide on the well-recognized parameters of androgen responsiveness in the rat, namely prostate and seminal vesicle weights. Another finding is that once daily dosing with flutamide exhibits an effectiveness comparable to thrice daily dosing; such data may have potential significance in facilitating compliance by administration of flutamide once daily instead of the current thrice daily schedule in men. Moreover, these data, if obtained in a reliable in vivo model, should be helpful in determining the choice of an appropriate dose of Casodex for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Luo
- MRC Group in Molecular Endocrinology, CHUL Research Center, Québec, Canada
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40
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Caubet JF, Tosteson TD, Dong EW, Naylon EM, Whiting GW, Ernstoff MS, Ross SD. Maximum androgen blockade in advanced prostate cancer: a meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials using nonsteroidal antiandrogens. Urology 1997; 49:71-8. [PMID: 9000189 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-4295(96)00325-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the survival benefit of maximum androgen blockade (MAB) using nonsteroidal antiandrogens (NSAAs) through meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS All RCTs comparing treatment with NSAA plus either luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) or orchiectomy versus treatment with LHRH or orchiectomy alone were included if the necessary statistical summaries were present in the publication. Estimates and standard errors of log hazard ratio for overall survival and progression-free survival were derived from published studies using two methods: (1) reconstructing an annual life table from graphical presentations of survival distributions and fitting discrete proportional hazard models, and (2) reconstructing the log hazard ratio from reported P values and numbers of deaths. An alternative set of log hazard ratios was derived from figures presented in a summary report by the Prostate Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group (PCTCG). Comparative meta-analyses were performed using the random effects approach of DerSimonian and Laird. Additionally, published studies were used in a random-effects-based meta-analysis of objective tumor response. RESULTS Nine studies provided enough information to perform a meta-analysis for survival using one of the two methods. Estimates of relative risks (RR) comparing treatment with NSAA plus either LHRH or orchiectomy versus treatment with LHRH or orchiectomy alone with respect to overall survival were 0.78 (95% confidence intervals [CIs] 0.67 to 0.90) using method 1, and 0.84 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.93) using method 2. Sensitivity analyses based on PCTCG data showed that a favorable survival result for MAB was associated with NSAAs but not with steroidal antiandrogens and depended on randomization blinding and overall trial quality. Additionally, random-effects-based meta-analysis of published studies showed a significant increase in time-to-progression (RR = 0.74; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.86) and an increase in objective tumor responses for MAB using NSAAs compared with castration alone (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.81; P = 0.00022). CONCLUSIONS Inconsistent results have been published about the benefit of MAB in advanced prostate cancer. This meta-analysis supports a beneficial effect for MAB using NSAAs compared with castration alone, and sensitivity analyses suggest that the design of future trials should carefully address issues of patient characterization, randomization blinding, and other study quality issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Caubet
- MetaWorks, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02210, USA
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41
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Middleman MN, Lush RM, Sartor O, Reed E, Figg WD. Treatment approaches for metastatic cancer of the prostate based on recent molecular evidence. Cancer Treat Rev 1996; 22:105-18. [PMID: 8665563 DOI: 10.1016/s0305-7372(96)90030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M N Middleman
- Division of Clinical Sciences, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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42
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Chao Y, Chan WK, Huang YS, Teng HC, Wang SS, Lui WY, Whang-Peng J, Lee SD. Phase II study of flutamide in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer 1996. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19960215)77:4<635::aid-cncr8>3.0.co;2-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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43
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Figg WD, Dawson N, Middleman MN, Brawley O, Lush RM, Senderowicz A, Steinberg SH, Tompkins A, Reed E, Sartor O. Flutamide withdrawal and concomitant initiation of aminoglutethimide in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer. Acta Oncol 1996; 35:763-5. [PMID: 8938230 DOI: 10.3109/02841869609084015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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44
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Drengler SM, Handa RJ, Jones KJ. Sex differences in androgen receptor mRNA levels and regulation in hamster facial motoneurons. BRAIN RESEARCH. MOLECULAR BRAIN RESEARCH 1996; 35:131-8. [PMID: 8717348 DOI: 10.1016/0169-328x(95)00197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We have previously shown that testosterone propionate augments hamster facial nerve regeneration to a greater extent in males than females. Further, sex differences in facial nerve regeneration have been observed. From those studies, we hypothesized that sex differences in nerve regeneration could be due to inherent differences in androgen receptor (AR) mRNA content within facial motor neurons (FMN) of male and female hamsters. In the present study, that hypothesis was tested using in situ hybridization, and computerized image analysis to quantify levels and regulation of AR mRNA in individual FMN of hamsters of both sexes. Intact and gonadectomized (gdx) male and female hamsters were used in the initial experiments in the study. In subsequent experiments, exogenous testosterone propionate (TP) was administered to the aforementioned groups of animals by subcutaneous implantation of one 10-mm Silastic capsule for 1, 2 or 7 days. FMN of intact females contained approximately 50% less AR mRNA than their male counterparts. Gonadectomy in males downregulated AR mRNA levels by approximately 50%, whereas no effects of gonadectomy were observed in females. Thus, in all paradigms where TP levels were low relative to the intact males, AR mRNA levels were approximately half of those in the intact male FMN. TP administration induced AR mRNA levels in gdx males within 1 day. Significant effects of TP were not detected in gdx females, and only after 7 days in the intact females. To our knowledge, the results of this study are the first quantitative demonstration of sex differences in steroid receptor mRNA content in a given neuronal population and substantiate the idea that sex differences in the effects of androgens on peripheral nerve regeneration are based on intrinsic sex differences in the levels and regulation of receptor mRNA in motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Drengler
- Department of Cell Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
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Pucci E, Genazzani AD, Monzani F, Lippi F, Angelini F, Gargani M, Barletta D, Luisi M, Genazzani AR. Prolonged treatment of hirsutism with flutamide alone in patients affected by polycystic ovary syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol 1995; 9:221-8. [PMID: 8540292 DOI: 10.3109/09513599509160450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Hirsutism is a common symptom of women affected by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The effectiveness of the antiandrogen flutamide alone was studied in 25 patients affected by PCOS with severe hirsutism for a period of 24 months. Seventeen of these patients had not been treated before and eight had had previous but unsatisfactory therapy. Nineteen patients showed a normal body weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2) whereas six were obese (BMI > 35 kg/m2). A chemical and endocrinological evaluation and an assessment of the degree of hirsutism, assigned by Ferriman-Gallwey score (mean 22 +/- 3.038), was performed under baseline conditions. Patients started treatment with flutamide (Eulexin, Schering-Plough, Kenilworth, USA) at the dose of 500 mg daily. A chronobiological assessment of gonadotropin episodic secretion and of gonadotropin response to GnRH challenge (10 micrograms in bolus) was done before and on day 7 of flutamide administration. During treatment, our patients showed a marked and significant reduction of hirsutism starting from a score of 6 and reaching the maximum (9.6 + 2.1) at 24 months of therapy. No relevant hormonal changes or side-effects were observed during therapy. Our data demonstrate that hirsutism in PCOS can rapidly and markedly respond to treatment with flutamide alone without important side-effects even if administered for a long period.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pucci
- Endocrinological Institute, University of Pisa, Italy
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46
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Boccuzzi G, Tamagno E, Brignardello E, Di Monaco M, Aragno M, Danni O. Growth inhibition of DMBA-induced rat mammary carcinomas by the antiandrogen flutamide. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 1995; 121:150-4. [PMID: 7713986 DOI: 10.1007/bf01198096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Antiandrogens have sporadically been reported to exert antitumor activities in both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. To explore the possibility of using the pure antiandrogen flutamide (FLU) in breast cancer therapy, rats bearing DMBA-induced mammary tumors were treated with FLU, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or FLU plus DHT. FLU was administered orally, at doses comparable to those used in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. FLU-treated animals had a significantly smaller average tumor area than controls from day 11 up to the end of the experiment (day 20). A similar reduction of tumor growth was observed in rats given DHT and in those treated with DHT plus FLU. Plasma levels of LH, FSH, P, 17-OH P, E2 and DHEA measured at the end of experiment did not differ between treated animals and controls. Results demonstrate that the antiandrogen FLU and the full androgen DHT exert similar inhibitory effects on the growth of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumors. Moreover, data show that plasma steroids levels are unaffected by FLU treatment. This finding rules out any antitumor effect dependent on the reduction of adrenal and gonadal steroidosynthesis, and makes it appear more likely that androgen receptors are involved in the antiproliferative effect of FLU.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Boccuzzi
- Università di Torino, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica, Italy
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47
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Abstract
In conclusion, the available evidence to date suggests that many of the aspects of neuronal functioning affected by gonadal steroids under steady state conditions are also significantly affected by steroids under stress conditions such as axon disconnection. This argues toward a therapeutic usefulness of gonadal steroids in activating and/or accelerating the reparative response of neurons to injury, a concept that will be exciting to test in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Jones
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois 60153
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48
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Warriar N, Pagé N, Koutsilieris M, Govindan MV. Antiandrogens inhibit human androgen receptor-dependent gene transcription activation in the human prostate cancer cells LNCaP. Prostate 1994; 24:176-86. [PMID: 8146066 DOI: 10.1002/pros.2990240403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Human androgen receptor (hAR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates androgen-induced actions on target tissues. Transfection studies in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCaP examine the ability of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), hydroxyflutamide (HO-FLU), cyproterone acetate (Cypro.A), and RU 23908-10 to stimulate or to inhibit the transcription activation of mouse mammary tumor virus-bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (MMTV-CAT). DHT stimulated transcription activation of MMTV-CAT gene in LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. HO-FLU, Cypro.A, and RU 23908-10, though only partially, also stimulated the transcription activation of MMTV-CAT. Despite this, 100- to 1,000-fold molar excess of all antiandrogens inhibited the agonistic activity of 10 nM DHT in this system. Receptor binding assays confirmed that HO-FLU, Cypro.A, and RU 23908-10 competed with DHT for AR binding in LNCaP cells. Western blot analysis using AR antipeptide antibodies raised in rabbits revealed the presence of two AR protein bands in LNCaP cells, following treatment with antiandrogens. Increasing doses of HO-FLU stimulated the expression of the 114-kDa AR by 2.5-fold, but did not affect the 108-kDa AR. Increasing doses of Cypro.A and RU 23908-10 decreased the levels of both the 114-kDa and the 108-kDa AR. Although the exact nature of 108-kDa and 114-kDa AR in LNCaP cells is still unknown, these data suggest that the regulatory actions of each individual antiandrogen on AR expression in LNCaP cells may be different.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Androgen Antagonists/metabolism
- Androgen Antagonists/pharmacology
- Binding, Competitive
- Blotting, Western
- Chloramphenicol O-Acetyltransferase/genetics
- Cyproterone Acetate/metabolism
- Cyproterone Acetate/pharmacology
- Dihydrotestosterone/metabolism
- Dihydrotestosterone/pharmacology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Flutamide/analogs & derivatives
- Flutamide/metabolism
- Flutamide/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral/drug effects
- Humans
- Imidazoles/metabolism
- Imidazoles/pharmacology
- Imidazolidines
- Male
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/drug effects
- Prostatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Receptors, Androgen/chemistry
- Receptors, Androgen/immunology
- Receptors, Androgen/physiology
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Transfection
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- N Warriar
- MRC Group in Molecular Endocrinology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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50
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Shao TC, Kong A, Cunningham GR. Effects of 4-MAPC, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, and cyproterone acetate on regrowth of the rat ventral prostate. Prostate 1994; 24:212-20. [PMID: 7511803 DOI: 10.1002/pros.2990240407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of 5 alpha-reductase activity cause less involution of the rat ventral prostate (VP) than does castration. Studies were conducted in adult Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate the effects of a potent 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, 4-MAPC, and the antiandrogen, cyproterone acetate (CA), on DNA synthesis and apoptosis. In experiment 1, VP weight fell 33%, 53%, and 83%, and DNA per ventral prostate was reduced 24%, 46%, and 71%, by 4-MAPC, CA, and castration, respectively. In experiment 2, adult rats were castrated, and the VP involuted for 7 days prior to 3 daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP; 1 mg/kg/d) +/- 10 mg/kg/d of 4-MAPC or CA. 3H-thymidine incorporation into VP DNA was increased in castrated animals treated with TP, and 4-MAPC and CA reduced uptake. In experiment 3, animals were treated for 14 days with the same protocol as that used in experiment 2. VP weight was increased in all animals treated with TP when compared with castration, and was reduced by both 4-MAPC and CA. DNA in rats treated with TP was similar to that in intact animals. DNA was not reduced by 4-MAPC, but was reduced by CA. The mRNA for TRPM-2, a marker of apoptosis, was increased only in untreated castrated rats. It appears that CA has a greater inhibitory effect than 4-MAPC on DNA synthesis. A major reason why castration reduces DNA more than either 4-MAPC or CA is that neither of these agents was able to increase programmed cell death to the degree seen with castration.
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Affiliation(s)
- T C Shao
- Department of Medicine, VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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