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Lim J, Lee HL, Nguyen J, Shin J, Getze S, Quach C, Squire E, Jung KM, Mahler SV, Mackie K, Piomelli D, Luderer U. Adolescent exposure to low-dose Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol depletes the ovarian reserve in female mice. Toxicol Sci 2023; 193:31-47. [PMID: 36912754 PMCID: PMC10176244 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis use by adolescents is widespread, but its effects on the ovaries remain largely unknown. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exerts its pharmacological effects by activating, and in some conditions hijacking, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs). We hypothesized that adolescent exposure to THC affects ovarian function in adulthood. Peripubertal female C57BL/6N mice were given THC (5 mg/kg) or its vehicle, once daily by intraperitoneal injection. Some mice received THC from postnatal day (PND) 30-33 and their ovaries were harvested PND34; other mice received THC from PND30-43, and their ovaries were harvested PND70. Adolescent treatment with THC depleted ovarian primordial follicle numbers by 50% at PND70, 4 weeks after the last dose. The treatment produced primordial follicle activation, which persisted until PND70. THC administration also caused DNA damage in primary follicles and increased PUMA protein expression in oocytes of primordial and primary follicles. Both CB1R and CB2R were expressed in oocytes and theca cells of ovarian follicles. Enzymes involved in the formation (N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D) or deactivation (fatty acid amide hydrolase) of the endocannabinoid anandamide were expressed in granulosa cells of ovarian follicles and interstitial cells. Levels of mRNA for CBR1 were significantly increased in ovaries after adolescent THC exposure, and upregulation persisted for at least 4 weeks. Our results support that adolescent exposure to THC may cause aberrant activation of the ovarian endocannabinoid system in female mice, resulting in substantial loss of ovarian reserve in adulthood. Relevance of these findings to women who frequently used cannabis during adolescence warrants investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Hye-Lim Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Julie Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Joyce Shin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Samantha Getze
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Caitlin Quach
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Erica Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Kwang-Mook Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Stephen V Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, USA
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, USA
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Li Y, Zhang D, Mo Y, Zeng T, Wu T, Liu L, Zhang H, Chen C. Simultaneous determination of sex hormones and bile acids in rat plasma using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 223:115139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Nadeem M, Nisa MU, Bangash MH, Abideen ZU, Sattar R, Sattar H, Ullah MS, Ruby T, Khan AA, Ahmad A. The Comparative Pharmaco- and Histokinetics of the Therapeutic Dose of Estradiol Valerate and Bromocriptine in Common Quails. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5482895. [PMID: 36267841 PMCID: PMC9578813 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5482895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The current study is aimed at examining the overall effects of steroids on the tissues of organisms and pharmacotherapeutics and pharmaco-histokinetics of several steroids, including Bromocriptine as mesylate and estradiol valerate in common quails (Coturnix coturnix). A total of 100 birds were used for pharmaco-histokinetics. The research was carried out in two separate trials, one during the fall season and the other during the spring season. Each experiment lasted for five, ten, fifteen, and twenty days. Each study group used 20 birds while basing their experiments on a control group of 5. At the stretch of five, ten, fifteen, and twenty days in each season, therapeutic dosages were administered to a sum of two groups representing two separate steroid trial groups. Each steroid was administered to each bird in a therapeutic dose, which was three drops administered twice daily. Clinical symptoms include despondency, sluggishness, and variations in weight and temperature that almost all treated birds display. However, only in trials conducted in the fall was a sizable degree of body enlargement in one treated bird noticed. The winter testing showed a mortality rate. Four birds have died in the twenty-day group. One bird died when treated with estradiol valerate, and three birds died treated with Bromocriptine as mesylate. Both the male and female birds showed signs of having lost some of their body weight. The treated birds' kidney, stomach, hearts, and livers exhibited some edema. In comparison, almost all birds show enteritis, which indicates that steroids mainly affect the intestine. There were apparent differences in the histological analysis of heart and skeletal muscle and some treated birds with the control group. The kidney, liver, and intestine show the major histopathological change in all treated birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Nadeem
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Mehr-un Nisa
- Basic Health Unit, Khuda Bakhsh Mahar District Bahawalpur, Pakistan
| | | | - Zain Ul Abideen
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Rukhsana Sattar
- Department of Zoology, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - Huma Sattar
- Department of Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Tahira Ruby
- Department of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Aleem Ahmed Khan
- Department of Zoology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Aqeel Ahmad
- University of Chinese Academy of Science (UCAS), Beijing, China
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Hasenmajer V, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Sada V, Sbardella E, Isidori AM. Non-Canonical Effects of ACTH: Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701263. [PMID: 34489864 PMCID: PMC8416901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced from proopiomelanocortin, which is predominantly synthetized in the corticotroph and melanotroph cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Although ACTH clearly has an effect on adrenal homeostasis and maintenance of steroid hormone production, it also has extra-adrenal effects that require further elucidation. Methods We comprehensively reviewed English language articles, regardless of whether they reported the presence or absence of adrenal and extra-adrenal ACTH effects. Results In the present review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge on adrenal and extra-adrenal effects of ACTH. In the section on adrenal ACTH effects, we focused on corticosteroid rhythmicity and effects on steroidogenesis, mineralocorticoids and adrenal growth. In the section on extra-adrenal effects, we have analyzed the effects of ACTH on the osteoarticular and reproductive systems, adipocytes, immune system, brain and skin. Finally, we focused on adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions The role of ACTH in maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is well known. Conversely, if we broaden our vision and analyze its role as a potential treatment strategy in other conditions, it will be evident in the literature that researchers seem to have abandoned this aspect in studies conducted several years ago. We believe it is worth re-evaluating the role of ACTH considering its noncanonical effects on the adrenal gland itself and on extra-adrenal organs and tissues; however, this would not have been possible without the recent advances in the pertinent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Wang Y, Lu E, Bao R, Xu P, Feng F, Wen W, Dong Q, Hu C, Xiao L, Tang M, Li G, Wang J, Zhang C. Notch signalling regulates steroidogenesis in mouse ovarian granulosa cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:1091-1103. [PMID: 30827331 DOI: 10.1071/rd18281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signalling pathway in the mammalian ovary regulates granulosa cell proliferation. However, the effects of Notch signalling on steroidogenesis are unclear. In this study we cultured mouse ovarian granulosa cells from preantral follicles invitro and observed the effect of Notch signalling on steroidogenesis through overexpression, knockdown and inhibition of Notch signalling. Activation of Notch signalling decreased progesterone and oestrogen secretion. In contrast, inhibition of Notch signalling increased the production of progesterone and oestrogen. Expression of the genes for steroidogenic-related enzymes, including 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, p450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme and aromatase, was repressed after stimulation of Notch signalling. The expression of upstream transcription factors, including steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), Wilms' tumour 1 (Wt1), GATA-binding protein 4 (Gata4) and Gata6, was also inhibited after stimulation of Notch signalling. Production of interleukin (IL)-6 was positively correlated with Notch signalling and negatively correlated with the expression of these transcription factors and enzymes. In conclusion, Notch signalling regulated progesterone and oestrogen secretion by affecting the expression of upstream transcription factors SF1, Wt1, Gata4 and Gata6, as well as downstream steroidogenic-related enzymes. IL-6, which may be regulated directly by Notch signalling, may contribute to this process. Our findings add to the understanding of the diverse functions of Notch signalling in the mammalian ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishu Wang
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Enhang Lu
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Riqiang Bao
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Ping Xu
- Second Clinical College, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Fen Feng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Weihui Wen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Qiming Dong
- Joint Program of Nanchang University and Queen Mary University of London, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Chuan Hu
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China
| | - Chunping Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, #461 Bayi Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, PR China; and Corresponding author.
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Jin S, Hu Y, Fu H, Sun S, Jiang S, Xiong Y, Qiao H, Zhang W, Gong Y, Wu Y. Analysis of testis metabolome and transcriptome from the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) in response to different temperatures and illumination times. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2020; 34:100662. [PMID: 32114312 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2020.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the male sexual differentiation of Macrobrachium nipponense is urgently needed in order to maintain sustainable development of the M. nipponense industry. Environmental factors, especially temperature and illumination, have dramatic effects on gonadal development. The aim of the present study was to identify key genes and metabolites involved in the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense through integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses of the testis in response to different temperatures and illumination times. A total of 268 differentially abundant metabolites and 11,832 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. According to integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses, glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism was predicted to have dramatic effects on the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense. According to the KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, the citrate cycle, steroid hormone synthesis, and the spliceosome complex were predicted to promote male differentiation and development by providing adenosine triphosphate, promoting the synthesis of steroid hormones, and providing correct gene products. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the SDHB, PDE1, HSDL1, CYP81F2, SRSF, and SNRNP40 genes were differentially expressed, suggesting roles in the male sexual differentiation and development of M. nipponense. Strong candidate sex-related metabolic pathways and genes in M. nipponense were identified by integrated metabolomics and transcriptome analyses of the testis in response to different temperatures and illumination times, as confirmed by PCR analysis and in situ hybridization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yuning Hu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China; Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China.
| | - Shengming Sun
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Hui Qiao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
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Ashraf S, Nabi M, Rasool SUA, Rashid F, Amin S. Hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovarian syndrome and role of CYP gene variants: a review. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-019-0031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder characterized by anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. The pathophysiology of PCOS is not clear; however, disturbance in hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and abnormal steroidogenesis along with genetic and environmental factors act as main contributors to this disorder.
Main text
Hyperandrogenism, the hallmark feature of PCOS, is clinically manifested as hirsutism, acne, and alopecia. Excessive androgen production by ovaries as well as from adrenals contributes to hyperandrogenism. Abnormalities in the neuroendocrine system like increased pulse frequency of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, stimulating the pituitary for excessive production of luteinizing hormone than that of follicle-stimulating hormone is seen in PCOS women. Excess LH stimulates ovarian androgen production, whereas a relative deficit in FSH impairs follicular development. The imbalance in LH: FSH causes proliferation of ovarian theca cells leading to increased steroidogenesis, and ultimately leading to hyperandrogenism in PCOS women. Various genetic factors have been shown to be associated with abnormal steroidogenesis. CYP genes involved in steroidogenesis play an important role in androgen production and are considered as key players in hyperandrogenism in PCOS.
Conclusion
Polymorphisms in CYP genes can aggravate the hyperandrogenic phenotype in women with PCOS by either upregulating or downregulating their expression, thus increasing androgens further. However, this hypothesis needs to be validated by further studies.
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Wang W, Hao X, Han L, Yan Z, Shen WJ, Dong D, Hasbargen K, Bittner S, Cortez Y, Greenberg AS, Azhar S, Kraemer FB. Tissue-Specific Ablation of ACSL4 Results in Disturbed Steroidogenesis. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2517-2528. [PMID: 31504388 PMCID: PMC6773434 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ACSL4 is a member of the ACSL family that catalyzes the conversion of long-chain fatty acids to acyl-coenzyme As, which are essential for fatty-acid incorporation and utilization in diverse metabolic pathways, including cholesteryl ester synthesis. Steroidogenic tissues such as the adrenal gland are particularly enriched in cholesteryl esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which constitute an important pool supplying cholesterol for steroid synthesis. The current studies addressed whether ACSL4 is required for normal steroidogenesis. CYP11A1 promoter‒mediated Cre was used to generate steroid tissue‒specific ACSL4 knockout (KO) mice. Results demonstrated that ACSL4 plays an important role in adrenal cholesteryl ester formation, as well as in determining the fatty acyl composition of adrenal cholesteryl esters, with ACSL4 deficiency leading to reductions in cholesteryl ester storage and alterations in cholesteryl ester composition. Statistically significant reductions in corticosterone and testosterone production, but not progesterone production, were observed in vivo, and these deficits were accentuated in ex vivo and in vitro studies of isolated steroid tissues and cells from ACSL4-deficient mice. However, these effects on steroid production appear to be due to reductions in cholesteryl ester stores rather than disturbances in signaling pathways. We conclude that ACSL4 is dispensable for normal steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Xiao Hao
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Lina Han
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Zhe Yan
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Wen-Jun Shen
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
- Correspondence: Fredric B. Kraemer, MD, or Wen-Jun Shen, PhD, Division of Endocrinology, S025, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5103. E-mail: or
| | - Dachuan Dong
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Kathrin Hasbargen
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Stefanie Bittner
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Yuan Cortez
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Andrew S Greenberg
- Obesity and Metabolism Laboratory, Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Salman Azhar
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Fredric B Kraemer
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
- Correspondence: Fredric B. Kraemer, MD, or Wen-Jun Shen, PhD, Division of Endocrinology, S025, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5103. E-mail: or
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Hu Z, Shen WJ, Kraemer FB, Azhar S. Regulation of adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis by miR-132. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:269-283. [PMID: 28729436 PMCID: PMC6376965 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
miR-132 is hormonally regulated in steroidogenic cells of the adrenal gland, ovary and testis. Here, we examined the potential role of miR-132 in the control of steroidogenesis. Transfection of Y1 adrenal cells with miR-132 increased mRNAs of 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD enzymes, which catalyze the sequential conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone to biologically inactive 20α-hydroxyprogesterone (20α-OHP). Overexpression of miR-132 reduced MeCP2 and StAR protein expression, basal progestin (progesterone and 20α-OHP) production, but enhanced their production in response to cAMP stimulation. Use of [3H] pregnenolone and free-diffusible 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol further confirmed that miR-132 promotes the production of 20α-OHP by upregulating 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD. Evidence is also presented that StAR is a direct target of miR-132. Transient transfection of Y1 cells with miR-132 demonstrated that miR-132 induction of 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD was accompanied by significant suppression of one of its target gene products, MeCP2. In contrast, co-expression of miR-132 plus MeCP2 protein partially blocked the ability of miR-132 to upregulate the expression and function of 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD. Moreover, suppression of MeCP2 protein with siRNA resulted in increased expression of 3β-HSD and 20α-HSD, further demonstrating that miR-132 induces the expression of these two enzymes via inhibition of MeCP2. Likewise, overexpression of miR-132 increased 20α-OHP production with and without HDL loading, while knockdown of miR-132 resulted in a significant decrease of 20α-OHP production by granulosa cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that miR-132 attenuates steroidogenesis by repressing StAR expression and inducing 20α-HSD via inhibition of MeCP2 to generate a biologically inactive 20α-OHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Hu
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of EndocrinologyGerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Shen
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of EndocrinologyGerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Fredric B Kraemer
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of EndocrinologyGerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Salman Azhar
- Geriatric ResearchEducation and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of EndocrinologyGerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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Lin Y, Hou X, Shen WJ, Hanssen R, Khor VK, Cortez Y, Roseman AN, Azhar S, Kraemer FB. SNARE-Mediated Cholesterol Movement to Mitochondria Supports Steroidogenesis in Rodent Cells. Mol Endocrinol 2016; 30:234-47. [PMID: 26771535 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Vesicular transport involving soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins is known to be responsible for many major cellular activities. In steroidogenic tissues, chronic hormone stimulation results in increased expression of proteins involved in the steroidogenic pathway, whereas acute hormone stimulation prompts the rapid transfer of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane to be utilized as substrate for steroid hormone production. Several different pathways are involved in supplying cholesterol to mitochondria, but mobilization of stored cholesteryl esters appears to initially constitute the preferred source; however, the mechanisms mediating this cholesterol transfer are not fully understood. To study the potential contribution of SNARE proteins in steroidogenesis, we examined the expression levels of various SNARE proteins in response to hormone stimulation in steroidogenic tissues and cells and established an in vitro mitochondria reconstitution assay system to assess the contribution of various SNARE proteins on cholesterol delivery for steroidogenesis. Our results from reconstitution experiments along with knockdown studies in rat primary granulosa cells and in a Leydig cell line show that soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein-α, synaptosomal-associated protein of 25 kDa, syntaxin-5, and syntaxin-17 facilitate the transport of cholesterol to mitochondria. Thus, although StAR is required for efficient cholesterol movement into mitochondria for steroidogenesis, specific SNAREs participate and are necessary to mediate cholesterol movement to mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lin
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Wen-Jun Shen
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Ruth Hanssen
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Victor K Khor
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Yuan Cortez
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Ann N Roseman
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Salman Azhar
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
| | - Fredric B Kraemer
- Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, and Metabolism (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., S.A., F.B.K.), Stanford University, and Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (Y.L., X.H., W.-J.S., R.H., V.K.K., Y.C., A.N.R., S.A., F.B.K.), Palo Alto, California 94304
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11
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Chen G, Jin Y, Wu Y, Liu L, Fu Z. Exposure of male mice to two kinds of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) induced oxidative stress and endocrine disruption. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 40:310-8. [PMID: 26183808 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) are two of the most common organophosphate flame retardants in the ecosystem. Effects of TPP and TCEP on the induction of oxidative stress and endocrine disruption were evaluated in five weeks old male mice. After receiving 100, 300 mg/kg/bodyweight oral exposure to TPP and TCEP for 35 days, the body and testis weights decreased in 300 mg/kg TPP and TCEP treated groups. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased significantly in both TPP treated groups, while the contents of glutathione (GSH) decreased significantly in 300 mg/kg TPP and both TCEP treated groups. In addition, the hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as their related gene expression were affected by TPP or TECP exposure. On the other hand, 300 mg/kg of TPP or TECP treatment resulted in histopathological damage and the decrease of testicular testosterone levels. Moreover, the expression of main genes related to testosterone synthesis including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P450-17α) in the testes also decreased after the exposure to 300 mg/kg TPP or TCEP for 35 days. Combined with the effects on physiology, histopathology and the expression of genes, TPP and TCEP can induce oxidative stress and endocrine disruption in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanliang Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Ling Liu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
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12
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Jin Y, Wang J, Pan X, Miao W, Lin X, Wang L, Fu Z. Enantioselective disruption of the endocrine system by Cis-Bifenthrin in the male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2015; 30:746-754. [PMID: 24449165 DOI: 10.1002/tox.21954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Bifenthrin (BF), as a chiral pyrethroid, is widely used to control field and household pests in China. At present, the commercial BF is a mixed compound containing cis isomers (cis-BF) including two enantiomers of 1R-cis-BF and 1S-cis-BF. In the present study, the two individual cis-BF enantiomers were separated by a preparative supercritical fluid chromatography. Then, four week-old adolescent male ICR mice were orally administered 1R-cis-BF and 1S-cis-BF separately daily for 3 weeks at doses of 0, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day, respectively. Results showed that the transcription status of some genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and transport as well as testosterone (T) synthesis in the testes were influenced by cis-BF enantiomers. Especially, we observed that the transcription status of key genes on the pathway of T synthesis including cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P45017α)) were selectively altered in the testis of mice when treated with 1S-cis-BF, suggesting that it is the possible reason to explain why the lower serum T concentration in 1S-cis-BF treated group. Taken together, it concluded that both of the cis-BF enantiomers have the endocrine disruption activities, while 1S-cis-BF was higher than 1R-cis-BF in mice when exposed during the puberty. The data was helpful to understand the toxicity of cis-BF in mammals under enantiomeric level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Jiangcong Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Xiuhong Pan
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Wenyu Miao
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Xiaojian Lin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Linggang Wang
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310032, China
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13
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Chen G, Zhang S, Jin Y, Wu Y, Liu L, Qian H, Fu Z. TPP and TCEP induce oxidative stress and alter steroidogenesis in TM3 Leydig cells. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 57:100-10. [PMID: 26049154 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Effects of triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and tris-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) exposure on induction of oxidative stress and endocrine disruption were investigated in TM3 cells. After 24h exposure, cell growth declined and morphology changed in TPP and TCEP treated groups with high dosages. Significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and their respective gene expressions in a dose-dependent and/or time-dependent manner in TPP or TCEP groups. Moreover, the expression of main genes related to testosterone (T) synthesis including cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P450-17α), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) were dramatically reduced by TPP and TCEP treatments, especially with the high dosage for 24h. TPP and TCEP treatments for 24h caused significant decreases in T levels in the medium. Furthermore, co-treatments of hCG with TPP or TCEP could inhibit hCG-induced changes in the expression of P450scc, P450-17α and 17β-HSD and T levels. Taken together, TPP and TCEP could induce oxidative stress and endocrine disruption in TM3 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanliang Chen
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Songbin Zhang
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
| | - Yan Wu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Ling Liu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Haifeng Qian
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China.
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Jin Y, Wang J, Sun X, Ye Y, Xu M, Wang J, Chen S, Fu Z. Exposure of maternal mice to cis-bifenthrin enantioselectively disrupts the transcription of genes related to testosterone synthesis in male offspring. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 42:156-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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15
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Fan J, Papadopoulos V. Evolutionary origin of the mitochondrial cholesterol transport machinery reveals a universal mechanism of steroid hormone biosynthesis in animals. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76701. [PMID: 24124589 PMCID: PMC3790746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenesis begins with the transport of cholesterol from intracellular stores into mitochondria via a series of protein-protein interactions involving cytosolic and mitochondrial proteins located at both the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes. In adrenal glands and gonads, this process is accelerated by hormones, leading to the production of high levels of steroids that control tissue development and function. A hormone-induced multiprotein complex, the transduceosome, was recently identified, and is composed of cytosolic and outer mitochondrial membrane proteins that control the rate of cholesterol entry into the outer mitochondrial membrane. More recent studies unveiled the steroidogenic metabolon, a bioactive, multimeric protein complex that spans the outer-inner mitochondrial membranes and is responsible for hormone-induced import, segregation, targeting, and metabolism of cholesterol by cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP11A1) in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The availability of genome information allowed us to systematically explore the evolutionary origin of the proteins involved in the mitochondrial cholesterol transport machinery (transduceosome, steroidogenic metabolon, and signaling proteins), trace the original archetype, and predict their biological functions by molecular phylogenetic and functional divergence analyses, protein homology modeling and molecular docking. Although most members of these complexes have a history of gene duplication and functional divergence during evolution, phylogenomic analysis revealed that all vertebrates have the same functional complex members, suggesting a common mechanism in the first step of steroidogenesis. An archetype of the complex was found in invertebrates. The data presented herein suggest that the cholesterol transport machinery is responsible for steroidogenesis among all vertebrates and is evolutionarily conserved throughout the entire animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjiang Fan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Biochemistry and Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Jin Y, Wang L, Fu Z. Oral exposure to atrazine modulates hormone synthesis and the transcription of steroidogenic genes in male peripubertal mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 184:120-7. [PMID: 23376530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2013] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATZ) is a widely used herbicide and is considered an endocrine disruptor of different organisms. However, the molecular interactions of ATZ with biological targets in mammalian endocrine systems are not understood fully. In the present study, we observed that ATZ administration (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) for 3 weeks to peripubertal male ICR mice exerted adverse effects on several physiological features; these effects included a significant decrease in the body and liver weights and an increase in the relative testis weight. In addition, the serum testosterone (T) concentration was significantly decreased in all ATZ-treated mice, and the serum estradiol (E2) concentration and aromatase activity were significantly increased in mice exposed to 100 and 200 mg/kg ATZ. These results suggest that ATZ exposure affected hormone homeostasis in male mice. We also found that the transcript levels of the steroidogenic enzyme genes p450scc, p450 17α1 and 17β-HSD were significantly reduced in the testes of mice exposed to 100 and 200 mg/kg ATZ for 3weeks. Given the results of the present study and previous reports, it is possible that ATZ reduces the T concentration in peripubertal male mice by affecting the transcription of steroidogenic genes, such as p450scc, p450 17a1 and 17β-HSD. This study provides new insights into the mammalian toxicological mechanism of ATZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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17
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Rigoglio NN, Fátima LA, Hanassaka JY, Pinto GL, Machado ASD, Gimenes LU, Baruselli PS, Rennó FP, Moura CEB, Watanabe IS, Papa PC. Equine chorionic gonadotropin alters luteal cell morphologic features related to progesterone synthesis. Theriogenology 2012; 79:673-9. [PMID: 23273432 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Exogenous eCG for stimulation of a single dominant follicle or for superovulation are common strategies to improve reproductive efficiency by increasing pregnancy rates and embryo production, respectively. Morphofunctional changes in the CL of eCG-treated cattle include increases in CL volume and plasma progesterone concentrations. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that eCG alters the content of luteal cells and mitochondria related to hormone production. Twelve crossbred beef cows were synchronized and then allocated into three groups (four cows per group) and received no further treatment (control) or were given eCG either before or after follicular deviation (superovulation and stimulation of the dominant follicle, respectively). Six days after ovulation, cows were slaughtered and CL collected for morphohistologic and ultrastructural analysis. Mitochondrial volume per CL was highest in superovulated followed by stimulated and then control cows (18,500 ± 2630, 12,300 ± 2640, and 7670 ± 3400 μm(3); P < 0.001), and the density of spherical mitochondria and the total number of large luteal cells were increased (P < 0.05) in stimulated cows compared with the other two groups (110.32 ± 14.22, 72.26 ± 8.77, and 70.46 ± 9.58 mitochondria per μm(3) and 678 ± 147, 245 ± 199, and 346 ± 38 × 10(6) cells, respectively. However, the largest diameters of the large luteal cells were increased in superovulated and control cows versus stimulated ones (32.32 ± 0.06, 31.59 ± 0.81, and 29.44 ± 0.77 μm; P < 0.0001). In contrast, the total number of small luteal cells was increased in superovulated cows (1456 ± 268, 492 ± 181, and 822 ± 461 × 10(6), P < 0.05). In conclusion, there were indications of cellular changes related to increased hormonal production (stimulatory treatment) and increased CL volume (superovulatory treatment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathia N Rigoglio
- Department of Surgery, Sector of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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18
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Jin Y, Liu J, Wang L, Chen R, Zhou C, Yang Y, Liu W, Fu Z. Permethrin exposure during puberty has the potential to enantioselectively induce reproductive toxicity in mice. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 42:144-151. [PMID: 21745691 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Permethrin (PM), as a chiral pesticide, has two asymmetric centers, resulting in two pairs of enantiomers. In China, the commercial formulation of PM contains four enantiomers. The enantiomer-specific activity for endocrine disruption in mice remains unclear. In the present study, the four individual PM enantiomers were separated by preparative HPLC. Then, three week-old male ICR mice (after maternal ablactation) were orally administered (+)-cis, (-)-cis, (+)-trans, and (-)-trans-PM separately daily for 3 weeks at doses of 0, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively. The results showed that 100 mg/kg of (+)-cis, (-)-cis and (-)-trans-PM treatments resulted in serious testicular histopathological damage, decreases in testis weight and serum testosterone (T) concentrations. Moreover, the transcription status of some key genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and transport as well as T synthesis in the testes were also influenced selectively by PM enantiomers, especially by the (+)-cis-PM. Additionally, peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) mRNA levels decreased significantly in the (+)-cis-PM group regardless of the administrated doses, while steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) levels were significantly down-regulated by (+)-cis and (-)-trans-PM. Moreover, significant differences were mainly found in HMG-CoA reductase, PBR, StAR and 17β-HSD mRNA levels between different enantiomers. Combined with the effects on physiology, histopathology and the expression of genes related to T synthesis, (+)-cis-PM showed the greatest endocrine disruption activities, (-)-cis and (-)-trans-PM were moderate, while (+)-trans-PM exhibited the lowest. These results suggested significant PM enantioselectivity in the reproductive toxicity of mice during puberty exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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19
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Huffman LS, Mitchell MM, O'Connell LA, Hofmann HA. Rising StARs: behavioral, hormonal, and molecular responses to social challenge and opportunity. Horm Behav 2012; 61:631-41. [PMID: 22373495 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Across taxa, individuals must respond to a dynamic social environment of challenges and opportunities on multiple biological levels, including behavior, hormone profiles, and gene expression. We investigated the response to a complex social environment including both territorial challenges and reproductive opportunities in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni (Burton's mouthbrooder), a species well-known for its phenotypic plasticity. Male A. burtoni are either socially dominant or subordinate and can transition between the two phenotypes. We used this transition to simultaneously study changes in aggression, reproductive behavior, testosterone and estradiol levels, gonadal histology, and testes expression of three genes involved in testosterone synthesis. We have found that males immediately become aggressive and increase testosterone levels when they become dominant in this paradigm of challenge and opportunity. Reproductive behavior and estradiol increase slightly later but are also up-regulated within 24h. Increases in steroid hormone levels are accompanied by an increase in expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), the rate-limiting enzyme during testosterone synthesis, as well as an increase in testis maturation as measured by histological organization. Reproductive behavior was found to correlate with female gravidity, suggesting that males were able to perceive reproductive opportunity. Our study demonstrates the rapid plasticity at multiple levels of biological organization that animals can display in response to changes in their complex social environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin S Huffman
- Section of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Spät A, Fülöp L, Szanda G. The role of mitochondrial Ca(2+) and NAD(P)H in the control of aldosterone secretion. Cell Calcium 2012; 52:64-72. [PMID: 22364774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone is synthesized in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Glomerulosa cells respond to the physiological stimuli, elevated extracellular [K(+)] and angiotensin II, with an intracellular Ca(2+) signal. Cytosolic Ca(2+) facilitates the transport of the steroid-precursor cholesterol to mitochondria and, after a few hours, it also induces the transcription of aldosterone synthase. Therefore, the cytosolic Ca(2+) signal is regarded as the most important short and long-term mediator of aldosterone secretion. However, cytosolic Ca(2+) is also taken up by mitochondria and, in turn, the mitochondrial Ca(2+) response activates mitochondrial dehydrogenases resulting in stimulation of respiration and increase in reduced pyridine nucleotides. Since both cholesterol side-chain cleavage and all of the hydroxylation steps of steroid synthesis require NADPH as a cofactor, the importance of cytosolic Ca(2+) - mitochondrial Ca(2+) coupling and of appropriate NADPH supply in respect to hormone production can be assumed. However, the importance of the mitochondrial factors has been neglected so far. Here, after summarizing earlier findings we provide new results obtained through modifying mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake by knocking down p38 MAPK or OPA1 and overexpressing S100G, supporting the notion that mitochondrial Ca(2+) and reduced pyridine nucleotides are facilitating factors for both basal and stimulated steroid production.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Spät
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Hungary.
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Miller WL, Bose HS. Early steps in steroidogenesis: intracellular cholesterol trafficking. J Lipid Res 2011; 52:2111-2135. [PMID: 21976778 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.r016675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are made from cholesterol, primarily derived from lipoproteins that enter cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. In endo-lysosomes, cholesterol is released from cholesterol esters by lysosomal acid lipase (LAL; disordered in Wolman disease) and exported via Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) proteins (disordered in NPC disease). These diseases are characterized by accumulated cholesterol and cholesterol esters in most cell types. Mechanisms for trans-cytoplasmic cholesterol transport, membrane insertion, and retrieval from membranes are less clear. Cholesterol esters and "free" cholesterol are enzymatically interconverted in lipid droplets. Cholesterol transport to the cholesterol-poor outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) appears to involve cholesterol transport proteins. Cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) then initiates steroidogenesis by converting cholesterol to pregnenolone on the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Acute steroidogenic responses are regulated by cholesterol delivery from OMM to IMM, triggered by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). Chronic steroidogenic capacity is determined by CYP11A1 gene transcription. StAR mutations cause congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia, with absent steroidogenesis, potentially lethal salt loss, and 46,XY sex reversal. StAR mutations initially destroy most, but not all steroidogenesis; low levels of StAR-independent steroidogenesis are lost later due to cellular damage, explaining the clinical findings. Rare P450scc mutations cause a similar syndrome. This review addresses these early steps in steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA 94143.
| | - Himangshu S Bose
- Department of Biochemistry, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA 31404; and; Memorial University Medical Center, Savannah, GA 31404
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Chang LL, Wun WSA, Wang PS. Effects of nonylphenol on aldosterone release from rat zona glomerulosa cells. Chem Biol Interact 2011; 195:11-7. [PMID: 22001352 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2011] [Revised: 09/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alkylphenol ethoxylate, which consists of approximately 80% nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE), is a major nonionic surfactant. Nonylphenol (NP), the primary degradation product of NPE, has been reported to interfere with reproduction in fish, reptiles, and mammals by inducing cell death in the gonads and by affecting other reproductive parameters. However, the effects of NP on rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells (ZG) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of NP on aldosterone release. ZG cells were incubated with NP in the presence or absence of the secretagogues angiotensin II (ANG II), potassium, 8-Br-cAMP, 25-OH-cholesterol, corticosterone or cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). After performing radioimmunoassay (RIA) and Western blot analysis, we found that (1) NP stimulated aldosterone release in cells induced by ANG II, KCl, 8-Br-cAMP, 25-OH-cholesterol, corticosterone, and CPA; (2) NP triggered the release of higher amounts of pregnenolone in cells treated with vehicle and 25-OH-cholesterol+trilostane than in cells treated with other compounds; and (3) the stimulatory effect of NP seemed to be mediated through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and aldosterone synthase activity. These observations suggest that the effects of NP are mediated via increased free Ca(2+) in the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Ling Chang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chinese Culture University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Li Y, Ramdhan DH, Naito H, Yamagishi N, Ito Y, Hayashi Y, Yanagiba Y, Okamura A, Tamada H, Gonzalez FJ, Nakajima T. Ammonium perfluorooctanoate may cause testosterone reduction by adversely affecting testis in relation to PPARα. Toxicol Lett 2011; 205:265-72. [PMID: 21712084 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2011] [Revised: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist, has the potential to lower testosterone levels as a result of testicular toxicity. To elucidate the mechanism and impact of PPARα on this reproductive toxicity, ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO) at doses of 0, 1.0 (low) mg/kg/day, or 5.0 (high) mg/kg/day was orally given daily to 129/sv wild-type (mPPARα), Pparα-null and PPARα-humanized (hPPARα) mice for 6 weeks. Both low- and high-dose APFO significantly reduced plasma testosterone concentrations in mPPARα and hPPARα mice, respectively. These decreases may, in part, be associated with decreased expression of mitochondrial cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein or peripheral benzodiazepine receptor as well as microsomal cytochrome P450(17α) involved in the steroidogenesis. Additionally, both doses increased abnormalities in sperm morphology and vacuolated cells in the seminiferous tubules of both mouse lines. In contrast, APFO caused only a marginal effect either on the testosterone synthesis system or sperm and testis morphology in Pparα-null mice. These results suggest that APFO may disrupt testosterone biosynthesis by lowering the delivery of cholesterol into the mitochondria and decreasing the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone and androstandione in the testis of mPPARα and hPPARα mice, which may, in part, be related to APFO-induced mitochondrial damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
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Jin Y, Wang L, Ruan M, Liu J, Yang Y, Zhou C, Xu B, Fu Z. Cypermethrin exposure during puberty induces oxidative stress and endocrine disruption in male mice. CHEMOSPHERE 2011; 84:124-130. [PMID: 21397294 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2011.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Revised: 01/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cypermethrin (CYP) is one of the most common contaminants in the ecosystem. The effects of CYP exposure on the induction of oxidative stress and endocrine disruption were studied in adolescent male ICR mice. The hepatic activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased significantly after 3 weeks (postnatal day 21-42) of oral administration of 20 mg kg(-1) CYP. In accordance with the enzyme activities, the mRNA levels for the genes encoding these antioxidant proteins, such as Sod1, Sod2, Gpx1 and Gpx2, were also up-regulated significantly in the 10 and 20 mg kg(-1) CYP treatment groups. Furthermore, we also found that the 3-week oral administration of CYP decreased transcription levels of key genes in pathways of cholesterol synthesis and transport and testosterone synthesis including HMG-CoA synthase, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (P450 17α in the liver and testes. Serum testosterone levels also decreased significantly in mice after treatment with 20 mg kg(-1) CYP. Taken together, the results indicated that CYP can induce endocrine disruption in adolescent mice. The findings will be helpful in elucidating the mechanism of toxicity induced by CYP in adolescent mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310032, China
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25
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Panickar KS, Jayakumar AR, Rama Rao KV, Norenberg MD. Downregulation of the 18-kDa translocator protein: effects on the ammonia-induced mitochondrial permeability transition and cell swelling in cultured astrocytes. Glia 2007; 55:1720-7. [PMID: 17893919 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a major neurological complication in patients with severe liver disease. While the pathogenesis of HE is unclear, elevated blood and brain ammonia levels are believed to be major etiological factors, and astrocytes appear to be the primary target of its toxicity. A notable feature of ammonia neurotoxicity is an upregulation of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) (formerly referred to as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor or PBR), which is found on the outer mitochondrial membrane. However, the precise significance of this upregulation is unclear. To examine its potential role in ammonia-induced astrocyte dysfunction, we downregulated the TSPO using antisense oligonucleotides, and examined whether such downregulation could alter two prominent features of ammonia gliotoxicity, namely, the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and astrocyte swelling. Nontransfected cultures treated with NH4Cl (5 mM; 48 h) showed a significant increase in astrocyte cell volume (37.5%). In cultured astrocytes transfected with TSPO antisense oligonucleotides, such cell swelling was reduced to 17%, but this change was not significantly different from control cell volume. Similarly, nontransfected cultures treated with NH4Cl (5 mM; 24 h) exhibited a 40% decline in the cyclosporin A-sensitive mitochondrial inner membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) (P < 0.01) (a measure of the MPT). By contrast, cells transfected with TSPO antisense oligonucleotides did not display a significant loss of the DeltaPsi(m) following ammonia exposure. Our findings highlight the important role of the TSPO in the mechanism of ammonia neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Panickar
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA
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Casal AJ, Ryser S, Capponi AM, Wang-Buholzer CF. Angiotensin II-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells: implications in mineralocorticoid biosynthesis. Endocrinology 2007; 148:5573-81. [PMID: 17690170 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates aldosterone biosynthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. AngII also triggers the MAPK pathways (ERK1/2 and p38). Because ERK1/2 phosphorylation is a transient process, phosphatases could play a crucial role in the acute steroidogenic response. Here we show that the dual specificity (threonine/tyrosine) MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) is present in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in primary culture and that AngII markedly increases its expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (IC(50) = 1 nm), a maximum of 548 +/- 10% of controls being reached with 10 nm AngII after 3 h (n = 3, P < 0.01). This effect is completely abolished by losartan, a blocker of the AT(1) receptor subtype. Moreover, this AngII-induced MKP-1 expression is reduced to 250 +/- 35% of controls (n = 3, P < 0.01) in the presence of U0126, an inhibitor of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, suggesting an involvement of the ERK1/2 MAPK pathway in MKP-1 induction. Indeed, shortly after AngII-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (220% of controls at 30 min), MKP-1 protein expression starts to increase. This increase is associated with a reduction in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which returns to control values after 3 h of AngII challenge. Enhanced MKP-1 expression is essentially due to a stabilization of MKP-1 mRNA. AngII treatment leads to a 53-fold increase in phosphorylated MKP-1 levels and a doubling of MKP-1 phosphatase activity. Overexpression of MKP-1 results in decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and aldosterone production in response to AngII stimulation. These results strongly suggest that MKP-1 is the specific phosphatase induced by AngII and involved in the negative feedback mechanism ensuring adequate ERK1/2-mediated aldosterone production in response to the hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés J Casal
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nutrition, University Hospital, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, CH-1211, Geneva 14, Switzerland
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Sewer MB, Dammer EB, Jagarlapudi S. Transcriptional regulation of adrenocortical steroidogenic gene expression. Drug Metab Rev 2007; 39:371-88. [PMID: 17786627 DOI: 10.1080/03602530701498828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
By serving as ligands for nuclear and plasma membrane receptors, steroid hormones are key regulators of a diverse array of physiological processes. These hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in tissues such as the adrenal cortex, ovaries, testes, and placenta. Because steroid hormones control the expression of numerous genes, steroidogenic cells utilize multiple mechanisms that ensure tight control of the synthesis of these molecules. This review will give an overview of the molecular mechanisms by which the expression of steroidogenic genes is regulated in the human adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion B Sewer
- School of Biology and Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA.
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Zhang SY, Ito Y, Yamanoshita O, Yanagiba Y, Kobayashi M, Taya K, Li C, Okamura A, Miyata M, Ueyama J, Lee CH, Kamijima M, Nakajima T. Permethrin may disrupt testosterone biosynthesis via mitochondrial membrane damage of Leydig cells in adult male mouse. Endocrinology 2007; 148:3941-9. [PMID: 17463061 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-1497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Permethrin, a popular synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used to control noxious insects in agriculture, forestry, households, horticulture, and public health throughout the world, poses risks of environmental exposure. Here we evaluate the reproductive toxicity of cis-permethrin in adult male ICR mice that were orally administered cis-permethrin (0, 35, or 70 mg/kg d) for 6 wk. Caudal epididymal sperm count and sperm motility in the treated groups were statistically reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Testicular testosterone production and plasma testosterone concentration were significantly and dose-dependently decreased with an increase in LH, and a significant regression was observed between testosterone levels and cis-permethrin residues in individual mice testes after exposure. However, no significant changes were observed in body weight, reproductive organ absolute and relative weights, sperm morphology, and plasma FSH concentration after cis-permethrin treatment. Moreover, cis-permethrin exposure significantly diminished the testicular mitochondrial mRNA expression levels of peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) and enzyme and protein expression levels of StAR and P450scc. At the electron microscopic level, mitochondrial membrane damage was found in Leydig cells of the exposed mouse testis. Our results suggest that the insecticide permethrin may cause mitochondrial membrane impairment in Leydig cells and disrupt testosterone biosynthesis by diminishing the delivery of cholesterol into the mitochondria and decreasing the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone in the cells, thus reducing subsequent testosterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yun Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
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Pedersen MD, Minuzzi L, Wirenfeldt M, Meldgaard M, Slidsborg C, Cumming P, Finsen B. Up-regulation of PK11195 binding in areas of axonal degeneration coincides with early microglial activation in mouse brain. Eur J Neurosci 2006; 24:991-1000. [PMID: 16930426 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.04975.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increased binding of the peripheral benzodiazepine binding site (PBBS) ligand [(3)H]PK11195 in the central nervous system of patients suffering from acute and chronic neuropathology has been associated with reactive microgliosis. However, it remains uncertain which stages of microglial activation occur in conjunction with the increased [(3)H]PK11195 binding. We used quantitative autoradiography for [(3)H]PK11195 and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for PBBS mRNA and markers of early and late microglial activation to investigate the time-course of cellular responses in the hippocampus of mice with degeneration of the entorhinal-hippocampal perforant path. The axonal lesion evoked an increase in the B(max) for [(3)H]PK11195 in hippocampus which peaked at 2 days post-lesion, remained elevated at day 5 and began to decline at 10 days post-lesion. These changes occurred in the absence of significant changes in affinity in vitro. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of isolated hippocampi using exon-specific primers indicated the presence of several splice variants of PBBS mRNA, which appeared to be affected differentially by the lesion. The changes in PBBS mRNA and CD11b mRNA levels correlated with the B(max) for [(3)H]PK11195 during 10 days post-lesion, suggesting that microglial activation couples with increases in mRNA levels for these markers. In addition, the onset of changes in PBBS mRNA levels coincided with the significantly elevated tumor necrosis factor mRNA levels present during early microglial activation at 2 days post-lesion. We conclude that up-regulation of [(3)H]PK11195 binding and PBBS mRNA levels coincided with early microglial activation, characterized by concomitantly increased microglial tumor necrosis factor mRNA levels, and persisted throughout the period with reactive microgliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads D Pedersen
- Medical Biotechnology Center, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 25, 2, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark
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Ozbay T, Rowan A, Leon A, Patel P, Sewer MB. Cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-dependent sphingosine-1-phosphate biosynthesis induces human CYP17 gene transcription by activating cleavage of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1. Endocrinology 2006; 147:1427-37. [PMID: 16306078 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the human adrenal cortex, ACTH activates steroid hormone biosynthesis by acutely increasing cholesterol delivery to the mitochondrion and chronically increasing the transcription of steroidogenic genes (including CYP17) via a cAMP-dependent pathway. In the present study, we characterized the role of sphingolipids in ACTH-dependent steroidogenesis. H295R human adrenocortical cells were treated with ACTH or dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP) and the content of several sphingolipid species quantified by mass spectrometry. Both ACTH and Bt2cAMP decreased cellular amounts of several sphingolipids, including sphingomyelin, ceramides, and sphingosine and stimulating the activity of sphingosine kinase and increasing the release of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) into the media. S1P increased CYP17 mRNA expression by promoting the cleavage and nuclear localization of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Bt2cAMP and S1P increased acetylation of histone H3 and promoted binding of SREBP1 to the -520/-331 region of the CYP17 promoter. In summary, our studies demonstrate a role for sphingolipid metabolism and SREBP1 in ACTH-dependent CYP17 regulation and steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Ozbay
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 310 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0230, USA
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31
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Petralia SM, Frye CA. In the ventral tegmental area picrotoxin blocks FGIN 1-27-induced increases in sexual behavior of rats and hamsters. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 178:174-82. [PMID: 15338106 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-004-2001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2003] [Accepted: 07/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES There are two types of benzodiazepine receptors, mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors (MBRs), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA(A))/benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs). MBR activation increases neurosteroidogenesis. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) infusions of the MBR agonist, FGIN 1-27, increase midbrain levels of the progesterone metabolite 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) and lordosis of rats and hamsters. Activation of GBRs leads to membrane hyperpolarization. In the VTA, infusions of GBR agonists enhance 3alpha,5alpha-THP-facilitated lordosis. Thus, if, in the VTA, MBR-mediated increases in 3alpha,5alpha-THP enhance sexual responses via actions at GBRs, then blocking GBRs with picrotoxin will reduce FGIN 1-27-induced increases in sexual behavior of female rodents. METHODS Ovariectomized rats and hamsters, with unilateral guide cannula to the VTA, received estradiol benzoate (10 mug; EB) at hour 0. Hamsters also received progesterone (100 mug) at hour 44. At hour 47.5, all animals were infused first with 10 ng or 20 ng picrotoxin or saline, vehicle to the VTA and, 30 min later, with 5 mug/11.4 nM FGIN 1-27 or saline, vehicle. Ten minutes later, animals were tested for sex and motor behavior. RESULTS Picrotoxin, but not vehicle, infusions blocked FGIN 1-27-mediated increases in lordosis of rats and hamsters, proceptivity of rats, and sexual responsiveness of hamsters. In addition, midbrain 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels were higher in animals that received VTA infusions of FGIN 1-27, compared to those infused with saline, vehicle. CONCLUSION In the VTA, GBRs are required for MBR-enhanced sexual behavior of EB-primed rats and EB- and progesterone-primed hamsters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Petralia
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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Buholzer CF, Arrighi JF, Abraham S, Piguet V, Capponi AM, Casal AJ. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor is a negative regulator of steroidogenesis in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells. Mol Endocrinol 2004; 19:65-75. [PMID: 15375188 DOI: 10.1210/me.2004-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The octapeptide hormone, angiotensin II (AngII) and ACTH stimulate mineralocorticoid biosynthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex in part by promoting the transcription of the gene coding for the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein. We have examined whether chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor (COUP-TF), a member of the orphan nuclear receptor family of transcription factors, is involved in this transcriptional regulation. We analyzed COUP-TF and StAR mRNA and protein levels in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in primary culture. COUP-TF protein was readily detectable in nonstimulated cells, and AngII markedly reduced its expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 1 nm), to 46 +/- 4.4% of control levels after 6 h, (n = 3; P < 0.01). This repression was paralleled by a marked decrease in COUP-TF mRNA levels, reaching 18 +/- 8.8% of controls (n = 3, P < 0.01) after 6 h and by a 20-fold increase in aldosterone output. In bovine glomerulosa cells overexpressing COUP-TFI and -II, the induction of StAR mRNA and protein elicited by AngII was completely suppressed to control levels, and the aldosterone response was significantly reduced (from 4.8 +/- 1.1-fold the basal value in mock-infected cells to 1.9 +/- 0.5-fold and 2.2 +/- 0.7-fold in COUP-TFI- and COUP-TFII-expressing cells, respectively; n = 3; P < 0.01 for both differences). Finally, by using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, we have shown a direct interaction between COUP-TF and the proximal StAR promoter. These results suggest that COUP-TF exerts a tonic inhibition on steroidogenesis by repressing StAR protein expression and that activators of aldosterone biosynthesis lift this inhibition in part by repressing COUP-TF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine F Buholzer
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nutrition, University Hospital, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, CH-1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
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Leusch FDL, MacLatchy DL. In vivo implants of beta-sitosterol cause reductions of reactive cholesterol pools in mitochondria isolated from gonads of male goldfish (Carassius auratus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2003; 134:255-63. [PMID: 14636632 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-6480(03)00265-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
beta-Sitosterol, a phytosterol found in high concentrations in pulp mill effluents, has been proposed as one of the causative agents for steroid depressions observed in fish exposed to pulp mill effluents. Previous studies have suggested a cholesterol-mediated mechanism; however, it is unknown how beta-sitosterol depresses gonadal steroidogenesis. In this study, adult male goldfish (Carassius auratus) were exposed for 24-31 days to beta-sitosterol (55% of a phytosterol mixture or 96% pure; 150 microg/g; Silastic implant) after which gonadal mitochondria were isolated. Pregnenolone production, an indicator of the size of the pool of reactive cholesterol, was then measured in the isolated mitochondria. Sterol exposure did not affect P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (converts cholesterol to pregnenolone) activity but did decrease the size of the mitochondrial pool of reactive cholesterol, suggesting beta-sitosterol is impeding cholesterol transfer across the mitochondrial membrane. This finding is supported by the observation that 25-hydroxycholesterol, which passes through mitochondrial membranes without need for a membrane transporter, restores beta-sitosterol-induced reductions in pregnenolone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric D L Leusch
- Canadian Rivers Institute and Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, E2L 4L5 New Brunswick, Canada
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Chiyo T, Yamazaki T, Aoshika K, Kominami S, Ohta Y. Corticosterone enhances adrenocorticotropin-induced calcium signals in bovine adrenocortical cells. Endocrinology 2003; 144:3376-81. [PMID: 12865316 DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-221126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The rapid effects of steroid hormones on Ca(2+) signals have been examined in bovine adrenocortical cells. Among the steroid molecules tested, only corticosterone rapidly stimulated Ca(2+) signals upon addition of ACTH, although corticosterone alone did not induce Ca(2+) signals. Corticosterone also enhanced steroidogenesis induced by ACTH. The enhancement of ACTH-induced Ca(2+) signals was also observed with membrane-impermeable corticosterone conjugated to BSA and was not inhibited by cycloheximide. In addition, corticosterone did not enhance Ca(2+) signals induced by ATP or angiotensin II. These results suggest that corticosterone selectively stimulates ACTH-induced Ca(2+) signals in a nongenomic way by acting on a target in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, the supernatants of cells incubated with ACTH or ATP enhanced Ca(2+) signals, suggesting that steroids produced by such treatment act in an autocrine fashion. Consistent with this idea, these effects were inhibited by inhibitors of steroidogenesis (aminoglutethimide or metyrapone). These results show that steroid molecules synthesized in adrenocortical cells facilitate ACTH-induced Ca(2+) signals. Taken together, corticosterone secreted from adrenocortical cells activates ACTH-induced Ca(2+) signals and steroidogenesis by nongenomic means.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Chiyo
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
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Sewer MB, Waterman MR. ACTH modulation of transcription factors responsible for steroid hydroxylase gene expression in the adrenal cortex. Microsc Res Tech 2003; 61:300-7. [PMID: 12768545 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.10339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex and gonads involves the coordinated transcription of the genes encoding the steroid hydroxylases, 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and adrenodoxin (Adx). Transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes is multifactorial, entailing developmental, tissue-specific, constitutive, and cAMP-dependent mechanisms. Optimal steroidogenic capacity is achieved by the actions of ACTH which exerts transcriptional pressure on all steroidogenic genes. The actions of ACTH in the adrenal cortex have been studied in great detail and is mediated by cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) via two temporally distinct pathways. The acute response leads to mobilization of cholesterol, the initial substrate for all steroidogenic pathways, from cellular stores to the inner mitochondrial membrane where cholesterol sidechain cleavage cytochrome P450 (P45011A1) resides. The slower, chronic response of ACTH in the adrenal cortex directs transcription of the genes encoding the steroidogenic enzymes. Although steroidogenic gene transcription in response to ACTH is cAMP-dependent, the consensus cAMP response pathway (CRE/CREB) is not involved. Instead, each steroidogenic gene utilizes unique cAMP-responsive sequences (CRS) found in the promoters of each gene, which bind a diverse array of transcription factors. Moreover, once specific transcription factors are bound to the promoters of the steroidogenic genes, increased gene expression requires posttranslational modification (phosphorylation/dephosphorylation) of the transcription factors and binding of coactivator proteins. This review provides a general view (with emphasis on the human) of the important factors involved in regulating steroidogenic gene expression and ultimately steroid hormone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion B Sewer
- Department of Biochemistry and Center in Toxicology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-0146, USA.
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Liu J, Matyakhina L, Han Z, Sandrini F, Bei T, Stratakis CA, Papadopoulos V. Molecular cloning, chromosomal localization of human peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor and PKA regulatory subunit type 1A (PRKAR1A)-associated protein PAP7, and studies in PRKAR1A mutant cells and tissues. FASEB J 2003; 17:1189-91. [PMID: 12692076 DOI: 10.1096/fj.02-1066fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A mouse protein that interacts with the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit RIalpha (PRKAR1A), named PBR and PKA-associated protein 7 (PAP7), was identified and shown to be involved in hormone-induced steroid biosynthesis. We report the identification of the human PAP7 gene, its expression pattern, genomic structure, and chromosomal mapping to 1q32-1q41. Human PAP7 is a 60-kDa protein highly homologous to the rodent protein. PAP7 is widely present in human tissues and highly expressed in seminal vesicles, pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, renal cortex, enteric epithelium, muscles, myocardium and in steroidogenic tissues, including the gonads and adrenal cortex. These tissues are also targets of Carney complex (CNC), a multiple neoplasia syndrome caused by germline inactivating PRKAR1A mutations (PRKAR1A-mut) and associated with primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD) and increased steroid synthesis. PAP7 and PRKAR1A expression were studied in PPNAD and in lymphoblasts from patients bearing PRKAR1A-mut. Like PRKAR1A, PAP7 was decreased in CNC lymphocytes and PPNAD nodules, but not in the surrounding cortex. These studies showed that, like in the mouse, human PAP7 is highly expressed in steroidogenic tissues, where it follows the pattern of PRKAR1A expression, suggesting that it participates in PRKAR1A-mediated tumorigenesis and hypercortisolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Division of Hormone Research, Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA. )
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37
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Uribe A, Strauss JF, Martínez F. Contact sites from human placental mitochondria: characterization and role in progesterone synthesis. Arch Biochem Biophys 2003; 413:172-81. [PMID: 12729614 DOI: 10.1016/s0003-9861(03)00097-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
To understand the functional compartmentalization of human placental mitochondria, we analyzed the composition and steroidogenic activity of contact sites. Several fractions containing contact sites were isolated using osmotic shock treatment and sucrose gradient centrifugation. These fractions contained various proteins and marker enzymes associated with mitochondrial membranes. The fractions containing the cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage system, cholesterol, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-isocitrate dehydrogenase, porin, and adenosine 5(')-triphosphate-diphosphohydrolase activity showed the capacity to synthesize progesterone. Our observations indicate that all necessary elements and enzymes for steroidogenesis are present and functional in placental mitochondrial contact sites. This organization may facilitate the metabolism of cholesterol delivered to the outer mitochondrial membrane into steroid hormones by the inner mitochondrial membrane cholesterol side chain cleavage system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Uribe
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apdo. Postal 70-159, 04510 Mexico, DF, Mexico
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38
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Delavoie F, Li H, Hardwick M, Robert JC, Giatzakis C, Péranzi G, Yao ZX, Maccario J, Lacapère JJ, Papadopoulos V. In vivo and in vitro peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor polymerization: functional significance in drug ligand and cholesterol binding. Biochemistry 2003; 42:4506-19. [PMID: 12693947 DOI: 10.1021/bi0267487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) is an 18 kDa high-affinity drug ligand and cholesterol binding protein involved in various cell functions. Antisera for distinct PBR areas identified immunoreactive proteins of 18, 40, and 56 kDa and occasionally 72, 90, and 110 kDa in testicular Leydig and breast cancer cells. These sizes may correspond to PBR polymers and correlated to the levels of reactive oxygen species. Treatment of Leydig cells with human chorionic gonadotropin rapidly induced free radical, PBR polymer, and steroid formation. UV photoirradiation generates ROS species, which increased the size of intramembraneous particles of recombinant PBR reconstituted into proteoliposomes consistent with polymer formation, determined both by SDS-PAGE and by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. Spectroscopic analysis revealed the formation of dityrosines as the covalent cross-linker between PBR monomers. Moreover, photoirradiation increased PK 11195 drug ligand binding and reduced cholesterol binding capacity of proteoliposomes. Further addition of PK 11195 drug ligand to polymers increased the rate of cholesterol binding. These data indicate that reactive oxygen species induce in vivo and in vitro the formation of covalent PBR polymers. We propose that the PBR polymer might be the functional unit responsible for ligand-activated cholesterol binding and that PBR polymerization is a dynamic process modulating the function of this receptor in cholesterol transport and other cell-specific PBR-mediated functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Delavoie
- Division of Hormone Research, Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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39
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Sewer MB, Waterman MR. CAMP-dependent protein kinase enhances CYP17 transcription via MKP-1 activation in H295R human adrenocortical cells. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:8106-11. [PMID: 12506119 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m210264200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone biosynthesis in the adrenal cortex is controlled by adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which increases intracellular cAMP, resulting in the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase(PKA) and subsequent increase in steroidogenic gene transcription. We have found that a dual-specificity phosphatase is essential for conveying ACTH/cAMP-stimulated transcription of several steroidogenic genes in the human adrenal cortex. In the present study, the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a nuclear dual-specificity phosphatase, in the transcriptional activation of human CYP17 (hCYP17) in H295R human adrenocortical cells is established. Stimulation of H295R cells with dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt(2)cAMP) induces MKP-1 mRNA and protein expression within 30 min of exposure. In transient-transfection studies, transcriptional activity of an hCYP17 promoter-reporter construct was increased by Bt(2)cAMP and by overexpression of PKA or MKP-1. Furthermore, PKA phosphorylated an MKP-1-glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in in vitro assays and Bt(2)cAMP increased (32)P associated with MKP-1 that was immunoprecipitated from H295R cells. Finally, silencing MKP-1 expression using antisense oligonucleotides attenuated cAMP-stimulated hCYP17 expression, whereas silencing of ERK1/2 increased hCYP17 expression. These findings demonstrate integral roles for MKP-1 and ERK1/2 via regulation of the phosphorylation state of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) in mediating ACTH/cAMP-dependent transcription of hCYP17, thereby maintaining the balance between transcriptional activation and repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion B Sewer
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0230, USA.
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40
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Frye CA, Petralia SM. Lordosis of rats is modified by neurosteroidogenic effects of membrane benzodiazepine receptors in the ventral tegmental area. Neuroendocrinology 2003; 77:71-82. [PMID: 12624543 DOI: 10.1159/000068338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2002] [Accepted: 11/19/2002] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Progestins modulate lordosis through actions in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Whether neurosteroidogenesis of 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP), involving mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptors (MBR), is important for lordosis was investigated. Ovariectomized (Ovx), hormone-primed rats (experiments 1, 3, 5, 6) and rats in behavioral estrus (experiments 2 and 4) were unilaterally infused via chronic guide cannula to the VTA with a MBR agonist, N,N-dihexyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl) indole-30-acetamide (FGIN 1-27) or antagonist 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-N-methyl-N-(1-methylpropyl)-3-isoquinolinecarboximide (PK-11195). Experiment 1: Estradiol benzoate (EB)-primed (25 microg) rats administered 0 or 25 microg progesterone (P4) SC showed increased lordosis when infused with 5.0 microg FGIN 1-27 to the VTA; those administered 100 or 200 microg P4 SC exhibited greater lordosis when infused with 2.5 or 5.0 microg FGIN, relative to saline-infused rats. Experiment 2: Rats, near the termination of behavioral estrus, infused with 2.5 or 5.0 microg of FGIN 1-27 to the VTA, showed increased lordosis compared to that seen following vehicle administration. Experiment 3: EB-primed rats administered 200 or 500 microg P4 SC showed decreased lordosis when infused with 100, 200, or 400 ng PK-11195, relative to saline-infused rats. Experiment 4: Rats infused at the peak of behavioral estrus with 100, 200, or 400 ng PK-11195 to the VTA exhibited reduced lordosis compared to that seen following vehicle administration. Experiment 5: 3alpha,5alpha-THP (100 ng) infusions to the VTA reinstated lordosis of hormone-primed rats infused with PK-11195 (100 ng) to the VTA. Experiment 6: FGIN 1-27 (5.0 microg) and PK-11195 (100 ng) infusions aimed at the VTA respectively increased and decreased midbrain levels of 3alpha,5alpha-THP compared to vehicle. Notably, the specific effects observed with infusions to the VTA were not seen with infusions to the control site, the substantia nigra. These data suggest that neurosteroidogenesis involving MBRs in the VTA mediates lordosis of hormone-primed or behavioral estrous rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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41
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Hauet T, Liu J, Li H, Gazouli M, Culty M, Papadopoulos V. PBR, StAR, and PKA: partners in cholesterol transport in steroidogenic cells. Endocr Res 2002; 28:395-401. [PMID: 12530641 DOI: 10.1081/erc-120016814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Acute stimulation of cholesterol transport into mitochondria involves the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR), and the steroidogenesis acute regulatory (StAR) proteins. We investigated the respective role of these proteins in hormone-induced steroidogenesis. Oligonucleotides antisense, but not sense, to PBR and StAR reduced their respective levels in steroidogenic cells and inhibited hormone-stimulated steroid formation in MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells. In search of the proteins regulating PBR we identified a protein, PAP7, which interacts with PBR and the PKA regulatory subunit RIalpha, is present in adrenal and gonadal cells and is found in mitochondria. Overexpression of the full length PAP7 increased the hormone-induced steroid production. However, inhibition of PAP7 expression reduced the gonadotropin-induced steroid formation. In search of a PBR functional antagonist that would facilitate the studies on the biological function of PBR, we screened a phage display library. A 7-mer competitive PBR peptide antagonist was identified, which when transduced into Leydig cells inhibited the benzodiazepine and hormone-stimulated steroid production suggesting that the endogenous PBR agonist/receptor interaction is critical for the hormone-dependent steroidogenesis. These data indicate that hormone-induced cholesterol transport and the subsequent steroid formation is a dynamic multistep process involving protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Hauet
- Division of Hormone Research, Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Osman H, Murigande C, Nadakal A, Capponi AM. Repression of DAX-1 and induction of SF-1 expression. Two mechanisms contributing to the activation of aldosterone biosynthesis in adrenal glomerulosa cells. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:41259-67. [PMID: 12186872 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m206595200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II) and adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulate aldosterone biosynthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex through induction of the expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, which promotes intramitochondrial cholesterol transfer. To understand the mechanism of this induction of the StAR protein, we have examined the effect of Ang II and forskolin, a mimicker of adrenocorticotropic hormone action, on two transcription factors known to modulate StAR gene expression in opposite ways, DAX-1 and SF-1, in bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells in primary culture. Ang II markedly inhibited DAX-1 protein expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (to 38.7 +/- 12.9% of controls at 3 nm after 6 h, p < 0.01), an effect that required de novo protein synthesis and ERK2/1 activation. This effect was associated with a concomitant decrease in DAX-1 mRNA and an increase in mitochondrial StAR protein levels. Similarly, forskolin dramatically repressed DAX-1 protein and mRNA expression (to 19.6 +/- 1.8 and 50.3 +/- 4.7% of controls, respectively, p < 0.01). Neither Ang II nor forskolin affected DAX-1 protein and mRNA stability. The aldosterone response to Ang II was markedly reduced (to 59 +/- 4% of controls, p < 0.01) in transiently transfected cells overexpressing DAX-1. Whereas Ang II was without effect on SF-1 expression, forskolin significantly increased SF-1 protein and mRNA levels in a cycloheximide-sensitive manner (to 167.4 +/- 16.6 and 173.1 +/- 25.1% of controls after 6 h, respectively, p < 0.01). These results demonstrate that the balance between repressor and inducer function of DAX-1 and SF-1 are of critical importance in the regulation of adrenal aldosterone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Osman
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital, 24 rue Micheli-du-Crest, CH-111 Geneva 14, Switzerland
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Azhar S, Reaven E. Scavenger receptor class BI and selective cholesteryl ester uptake: partners in the regulation of steroidogenesis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 195:1-26. [PMID: 12354669 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(02)00222-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The steroidogenic tissues have a special requirement for cholesterol, which is used as a substrate for steroid hormone biosynthesis. In many species this cholesterol is obtained from plasma lipoproteins by a unique pathway in which circulating lipoproteins bind to the surface of the steroidogenic cells and contribute their cholesteryl esters to the cells by a 'selective' process in which the whole lipoprotein particle does not enter the cell. This review describes the lipoprotein selective cholesteryl ester uptake process and its specific partnership with the HDL receptor, scavenger receptor class BI (SR-BI). It describes the characteristics of the selective pathway, and the molecular properties, localization, regulation, anchoring sites and potential mechanisms of action of SR-BI in facilitating cholesteryl ester uptake by steroidogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Azhar
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, GRECC-182B, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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44
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Brown RC, Papadopoulos V. Role of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in adrenal and brain steroidogenesis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2002; 46:117-43. [PMID: 11599298 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(01)46061-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been demonstrated to be critical for steroidogenesis in all steroid-producing tissues. Here, we review the identification and characterization of the PBR, the evidence pointing to its function as a cholesterol pore involved in transporting cholesterol from the cytoplasm of steroid-producing cells into the inner mitochondrial membrane where it is metabolized, and the known mechanisms regulating its function. We present data on the functions of the PBR in the adrenal gland, a classical steroidogenic tissue, and in the brain, which has only recently been proven to be steroidogenic. Finally, we discuss other potential roles for the PBR in pathological conditions, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity, and a broader role for the PBR in mediating intracellular cholesterol transport/compartmentalization, which may or may not be linked to steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R C Brown
- Division of Hormone Research, Department of Cell Biology, Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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45
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Foster RH, Casado A, Bakal F, Catalán L, Pino M. Okadaic acid inhibits angiotensin II, adrenocorticotropin and potassium-dependent aldosterone secretion. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 80:331-7. [PMID: 11948018 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(02)00030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the effect of okadaic acid (OA), a protein phosphatase inhibitor, on aldosterone secretion in response to angiotensin II (AII), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and rises in external potassium concentration (K+). AII (10nM) caused a 20-fold increase in aldosterone production and OA reduced this response by 45%. ACTH (10nM) caused an 8.6-fold increase in aldosterone secretion and OA reduced this by 83%. Increasing K+ concentration from 3 to 12mM caused a 13-fold increase in aldosterone production, which OA inhibited by 36%. These results suggest that protein phosphatases participate in the control of adrenal steroid production, even though ACTH, AII and K+ act via different intracellular messenger systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Foster
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 70005, Correo 7, Santiago, Chile.
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46
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Li H, Degenhardt B, Tobin D, Yao ZX, Tasken K, Papadopoulos V. Identification, localization, and function in steroidogenesis of PAP7: a peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor- and PKA (RIalpha)-associated protein. Mol Endocrinol 2001; 15:2211-28. [PMID: 11731621 DOI: 10.1210/mend.15.12.0736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptide hormones and cAMP acutely stimulate steroid biosynthesis by accelerating the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria. The peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) has been shown to be an indispensable element of the cholesterol transport machinery. Using the yeast two-hybrid system and PBR as bait, we identified a protein that interacts with PBR, the PBR-associated protein PAP7. Using the regulatory subunit RIalpha of PKA as bait, we also isolated PAP7. Glutathione-S-transferase -PAP7 interacted with both the mitochondrial PBR and cytosolic PKA-RIalpha in MA-10 Leydig cells. PAP7 is a novel 52-kDa protein present in mouse, rat, and human tissues, and it has a major 3-kb mRNA transcript in all tissues examined. Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies indicated that PAP7 is highly expressed in the gonads, adrenal, hippocampus, and distinct brain neuronal and glial populations. Overexpression of the full length PAP7 increased the hCG-induced steroid production. However, overexpression of a partial PAP7, which includes the PBR- and PKA-RIalpha-binding domains, inhibited the hormone-stimulated cholesterol transport and steroid synthesis. Treatment of MA-10 cells with oligonucleotides antisense to PAP7 also inhibited the hCG-stimulated steroid formation, suggesting that PAP7 is a functional element of the hormone-induced signal transduction cascade leading to steroidogenesis. PAP7 may function by targeting the PKA isoenzyme to organelles rich in PBR, i.e. mitochondria, where phosphorylation of specific protein substrates may induce the reorganization of PBR topography and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Li
- Division of Hormone Research, Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Cherradi N, Capponi AM, Gaillard RC, Pralong FP. Decreased expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein: a novel mechanism participating in the leptin-induced inhibition of glucocorticoid biosynthesis. Endocrinology 2001; 142:3302-8. [PMID: 11459771 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.8.8341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is a central modulator of food intake, metabolism and neuroendocrine functions. It is also involved in a physiological loop linking the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and adipose tissue. At the adrenal level, leptin has been shown to antagonize the effects of ACTH on glucocorticoid biosynthesis by decreasing the expression of various enzymes of the steroid biosynthetic pathway. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein regulates cholesterol delivery to the P450(scc) enzyme, a process that is rate limiting in steroid hormone biosynthesis. We have demonstrated here that leptin significantly inhibits the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in primary cultures of rat adrenocortical cells. This inhibition was observed at both the protein and mRNA levels. In contrast, leptin was not found to interfere with the expression of the cytosolic enzyme cholesterol ester hydrolase or with that of the mitochondrial enzyme P450(scc). In addition, we observed the anticipated stimulation of cAMP production by ACTH in the presence of leptin, suggesting that it does not interfere with intracellular ACTH signaling. In summary, our data provide evidence that the interplay existing between leptin and ACTH in vivo is mediated at least partially via a direct and opposite modulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, a key factor in the adrenal steroid biosynthetic pathway. This effect of leptin could also be relevant to other steroidogenic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Cherradi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, University of Lausanne Medical School CH-1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Lazzarini R, Malucelli BE, Palermo-Neto J. Reduction of acute inflammation in rats by diazepam: role of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors and corticosterone. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2001; 23:253-65. [PMID: 11417852 DOI: 10.1081/iph-100103864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Carrageenin causes a reproducible inflammatory reaction and remains the standard irritant for examining acute inflammation and anti-inflammatory drugs. High doses of diazepam (10.0-20.0 mg/Kg) were shown to reduce the volume of acute inflammatory paw edema in rats as a response to carrageenin administration. The present experiment was undertaken to investigate the possible roles of peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs) and corticosterone on the anti-inflammatory effects of diazepam. Five experiments were conducted to assess the effects of a single dose (10.0 mg/Kg) of diazepam on carrageenin-induced paw edema (CIPE), pleurisy and increase in vascular permeability in rats. Results showed that: 1. diazepam or Ro5-4864 (a PBR agonist) treatment reduced CIPE values; 2. prior treatment with PK11195 (a non-benzodiazepine PBR antagonist) suppressed the effects of either diazepam or Ro5-4864 on CIPE; 3. diazepam reduced the volume of the pleural exudate in carrageenin-injected rats, as well as its leukocyte count; 4. diazepam treatment reduced the magnitude of the increase in vascular permeability caused by carrageenin; 5. adrenalectomy suppressed the effects of diazepam on CIPE; and 6. diazepam treatment increased the serum concentration of corticosterone. These results suggest a relevant role of PBR and corticosterone on diazepam-induced changes in inflammation. They are discussed in the light of a possible activation of mitochondrial PBRs within the adrenal gland cells by diazepam, thereby increasing the serum levels of corticosterone and thus reducing CIPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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49
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Affiliation(s)
- F Martínez
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico
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50
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Ganguly A. Aldosterone. Compr Physiol 2000. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.cp070305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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