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Li H, Liu Y, Meng F, Chen J, Han X. Adrenarche-accompanied rise of adrenal sex steroid precursors prevents NAFLD in Young Female rats by converting into active androgens and inactivating hepatic Srebf1 signaling. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:190. [PMID: 38369486 PMCID: PMC10875776 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10107-6] [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] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has rapidly become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents, but its etiology remains largely unknown. Adrenarche is a critical phase for hormonal changes, and any disturbance during this period has been linked to metabolic disorders, including obesity and dyslipidemia. However, whether there is a causal linkage between adrenarche disturbance and the increasing prevalence of NAFLD in children remains unclear. RESULTS Using the young female rat as a model, we found that the liver undergoes a transient slowdown period of growth along with the rise of adrenal-derived sex steroid precursors during adrenarche. Specifically blocking androgen actions across adrenarche phase using androgen receptor antagonist flutamide largely increased liver weight by 47.97% and caused marked fat deposition in liver, thus leading to severe NAFLD in young female rats. Conversely, further administrating nonaromatic dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into young female rats across adrenarche phase could effectively reduce liver fat deposition. But, administration of the aromatase inhibitor, formestane across adrenarche had minimal effects on hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis and liver fat deposition, suggesting adrenal-derived sex steroid precursors exert their anti-NAFLD effects in young females by converting into active androgens rather than into active estrogens. Mechanistically, transcriptomic profiling and integrated data analysis revealed that active androgens converted from the adrenal sex steroid precursors prevent NAFLD in young females primarily by inactivating hepatic sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (Srebf1) signaling. CONCLUSIONS We firstly evidenced that adrenarche-accompanied rise of sex steroid precursors plays a predominant role in preventing the incidence of NAFLD in young females by converting into active androgens and inactivating hepatic Srebf1 signaling. Our novel finding provides new insights into the etiology of NAFLD and is crucial in developing effective prevention and management strategies for NAFLD in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoqing Li
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Junan Chen
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an, 625014, China.
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Filetti C, Kane-Grade F, Gunnar M. The Development of Stress Reactivity and Regulation in Children and Adolescents. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:395-419. [PMID: 37559538 PMCID: PMC10845082 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230808120504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adversity experienced in early life can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. One pathway in which these effects occur is through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key physiological stress-mediating system. In this review, we discuss the theoretical perspectives that guide stress reactivity and regulation research, the anatomy and physiology of the axis, developmental changes in the axis and its regulation, brain systems regulating stress, the role of genetic and epigenetics variation in axis development, sensitive periods in stress system calibration, the social regulation of stress (i.e., social buffering), and emerging research areas in the study of stress physiology and development. Understanding the development of stress reactivity and regulation is crucial for uncovering how early adverse experiences influence mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Filetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Finola Kane-Grade
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Megan Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
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3
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Ulziikhuu B, Gombojav E, Banzrai C, Batsukh S, Enkhtuya E, Boldbaatar B, Bellinger DC, Lanphear BP, McCandless LC, Nepomnaschy P, Salvante K, Weinberg J, Allen RW. Who benefits most from a prenatal HEPA filter air cleaner intervention on childhood cognitive development? The UGAAR randomized controlled trial. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:115991. [PMID: 37121346 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Air pollution exposure during pregnancy affects children's brain function. Maternal stress and nutrition, socioeconomic status, and the child's sex may modify this relationship. OBJECTIVE To identify characteristics of children with the largest increases in full-scale IQ (FSIQ) after their mothers used HEPA filter air cleaners during pregnancy. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial we randomly assigned women to receive 1-2 air cleaners or no air cleaners during pregnancy. We analyzed maternal hair samples for cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). When the children were 48 months old, we measured FSIQ with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence. We evaluated ten potential modifiers of the intervention-FSIQ relationship using interaction terms in separate regression models. To account for correlations between modifiers, we also used a single regression model containing main effects and intervention x modifier terms for all potential modifiers. RESULTS Among 242 mother-child dyads with complete data, the intervention was associated with a 2.3-point increase (95% CI: -1.5, 6.0 points) in mean FSIQ. The intervention improved mean FSIQ among children of mothers in the bottom (5.4 points; 95% CI: -0.8, 11.5) and top (6.1 points; 95% CI: 0.5, 11.8) cortisol tertiles, but not among those whose mothers were in the middle tertile. The largest between-group difference in the intervention's effect was a 7.5-point (95% CI: -0.7, 15.7) larger increase in mean FSIQ among children whose mothers did not take vitamins than among children whose mothers did take vitamins (interaction p-value = 0.07). We also observed larger benefits among children whose mothers did not complete university, and those with lower hair DHEA concentrations, hair cortisol concentrations outside the middle tertile, or more perceived stress. CONCLUSION The benefits of reducing air pollution during pregnancy on brain development may be greatest for children whose mothers who do not take vitamins, experience more stress, or have less education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarangerel Batsukh
- Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Enkhtuul Enkhtuya
- Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joanne Weinberg
- University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Association between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens, a path analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:380. [PMID: 36611054 PMCID: PMC9825367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine association paths between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens. The concentrations of T, FT, DHT, DHEA and SHBG in prenatal venous blood and cord blood were measured in 342 pregnant women and their neonates. The association paths between these hormones in prenatal and cord blood were revealed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and path analysis. CB-T, CB-FT and CB-DHT in male neonates were higher than those in female neonates. In male and female neonates, P-FT was lower than CB-FT; however, P-DHT and P-SHBG were higher than CB-DHT and CB-SHBG, respectively. P-DHEA was lower than CB-DHEA in female newborns. In male neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → CB-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHT, and CB-DHEA → P-DHEA. In female neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → P-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, P-DHEA → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHEA, and CB-DHEA → CB-FT. There were differences in the T, FT and DHT concentrations in cord blood between male and female neonates and in the FT, DHT, DHEA, and SHBG concentrations between prenatal and cord blood. P-T and P-FT concentrations were positively associated with CB-T and CB-FT concentrations, while CB-DHEA concentration was positively associated with P-DHEA concentration.
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5
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Gamal Ramadan A, Ahmed Mohamed MM, Ahmed Rifaai R, Mohamed Ali D. Role of glandular hormones in estimating time passed since death: histological and biochemical examination (an experimental study). AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2022.2149856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Gamal Ramadan
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
| | | | - Rehab Ahmed Rifaai
- Histology and Cell Biology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
| | - Dalia Mohamed Ali
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Minia University-faculty of medicine-Egypt, Minya, Egypt
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Kraynak M, Willging MM, Kuehlmann AL, Kapoor AA, Flowers MT, Colman RJ, Levine JE, Abbott DH. Aromatase Inhibition Eliminates Sexual Receptivity Without Enhancing Weight Gain in Ovariectomized Marmoset Monkeys. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac063. [PMID: 35592515 PMCID: PMC9113444 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Ovarian estradiol supports female sexual behavior and metabolic function. While ovariectomy (OVX) in rodents abolishes sexual behavior and enables obesity, OVX in nonhuman primates decreases, but does not abolish, sexual behavior, and inconsistently alters weight gain. Objective We hypothesize that extra-ovarian estradiol provides key support for both functions, and to test this idea, we employed aromatase inhibition to eliminate extra-ovarian estradiol biosynthesis and diet-induced obesity to enhance weight gain. Methods Thirteen adult female marmosets were OVX and received (1) estradiol-containing capsules and daily oral treatments of vehicle (E2; n = 5); empty capsules and daily oral treatments of either (2) vehicle (VEH, 1 mL/kg, n = 4), or (3) letrozole (LET, 1 mg/kg, n = 4). Results After 7 months, we observed robust sexual receptivity in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and virtually none in LET females (P = .04). By contrast, few rejections of male mounts were observed in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and high frequencies in LET females (P = .04). Receptive head turns were consistently observed in E2, but not in VEH and LET females. LET females, alone, exhibited robust aggressive rejection of males. VEH and LET females demonstrated increased % body weight gain (P = .01). Relative estradiol levels in peripheral serum were E2 >>> VEH > LET, while those in hypothalamus ranked E2 = VEH > LET, confirming inhibition of local hypothalamic estradiol synthesis by letrozole. Conclusion Our findings provide the first evidence for extra-ovarian estradiol contributing to female sexual behavior in a nonhuman primate, and prompt speculation that extra-ovarian estradiol, and in particular neuroestrogens, may similarly regulate sexual motivation in other primates, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Kraynak
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Molly M Willging
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Center for Women’s Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Alex L Kuehlmann
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Amita A Kapoor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Matthew T Flowers
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ricki J Colman
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - David H Abbott
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Moog NK, Heim CM, Entringer S, Simhan HN, Wadhwa PD, Buss C. Transmission of the adverse consequences of childhood maltreatment across generations: Focus on gestational biology. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Cellular Senescence in Adrenocortical Biology and Its Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123474. [PMID: 34943980 PMCID: PMC8699888 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is considered a physiological process along with aging and has recently been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many age-related disorders. Cellular senescence was first found in human fibroblasts and gradually explored in many other organs, including endocrine organs. The adrenal cortex is essential for the maintenance of blood volume, carbohydrate metabolism, reaction to stress and the development of sexual characteristics. Recently, the adrenal cortex was reported to harbor some obvious age-dependent features. For instance, the circulating levels of aldosterone and adrenal androgen gradually descend, whereas those of cortisol increase with aging. The detailed mechanisms have remained unknown, but cellular senescence was considered to play an essential role in age-related changes of the adrenal cortex. Recent studies have demonstrated that the senescent phenotype of zona glomerulosa (ZG) acts in association with reduced aldosterone production in both physiological and pathological aldosterone-producing cells, whereas senescent cortical-producing cells seemed not to have a suppressed cortisol-producing ability. In addition, accumulated lipofuscin formation, telomere shortening and cellular atrophy in zona reticularis cells during aging may account for the age-dependent decline in adrenal androgen levels. In adrenocortical disorders, including both aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), different cellular subtypes of tumor cells presented divergent senescent phenotypes, whereby compact cells in both APA and CPA harbored more senescent phenotypes than clear cells. Autonomous cortisol production from CPA reinforced a local cellular senescence that was more severe than that in APA. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) was also reported to harbor oncogene-induced senescence, which compensatorily follows carcinogenesis and tumor progress. Adrenocortical steroids can induce not only a local senescence but also a periphery senescence in many other tissues. Therefore, herein, we systemically review the recent advances related to cellular senescence in adrenocortical biology and its associated disorders.
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The Association between Endogenous Hair Steroid Hormones and Social Environmental Factors in a Group of Conscripts during Basic Military Training. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182212239. [PMID: 34831996 PMCID: PMC8625620 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182212239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the association between endogenous hair steroid hormones as reliable biological indicators of an individual’s stress level and the social environmental factors experienced during military training that are manifested at the beginning of compulsory military service. Hair steroid hormone concentrations—cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone—in a group of 185 conscripts were measured using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. Six subjective social environmental factors in the military—attitude towards the military and military service, adaptation to the military environment, team, task, and norm cohesion, as well as psychological (un)safety in the group—were evaluated using military-specific research questionnaires. Weak but significant negative correlations were identified between cortisol and adaptation (r = −0.176, p < 0.05), attitude (r = −0.147, p < 0.05) as well as between testosterone and task cohesion (r = −0.230, p < 0.01) levels. Additionally, a multiple forward stepwise regression analysis highlighted that cortisone variation might be partially explained by task cohesion; the DHEA—determined by psychological (un)safety in the group, attitude towards the military and military service, and norm cohesion; and the testosterone—determined by task cohesion and adaptation to the new military environment. The results of this study suggest that subjective measures of social factors can be used to predict hair steroid hormone levels as objective measures of the chronic stress perceived by conscripts during their basic military training.
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Rackova L, Mach M, Brnoliakova Z. An update in toxicology of ageing. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 84:103611. [PMID: 33581363 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The field of ageing research has been rapidly advancing in recent decades and it had provided insight into the complexity of ageing phenomenon. However, as the organism-environment interaction appears to significantly affect the organismal pace of ageing, the systematic approach for gerontogenic risk assessment of environmental factors has yet to be established. This puts demand on development of effective biomarker of ageing, as a relevant tool to quantify effects of gerontogenic exposures, contingent on multidisciplinary research approach. Here we review the current knowledge regarding the main endogenous gerontogenic pathways involved in acceleration of ageing through environmental exposures. These include inflammatory and oxidative stress-triggered processes, dysregulation of maintenance of cellular anabolism and catabolism and loss of protein homeostasis. The most effective biomarkers showing specificity and relevancy to ageing phenotypes are summarized, as well. The crucial part of this review was dedicated to the comprehensive overview of environmental gerontogens including various types of radiation, certain types of pesticides, heavy metals, drugs and addictive substances, unhealthy dietary patterns, and sedentary life as well as psychosocial stress. The reported effects in vitro and in vivo of both recognized and potential gerontogens are described with respect to the up-to-date knowledge in geroscience. Finally, hormetic and ageing decelerating effects of environmental factors are briefly discussed, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Rackova
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Mojmir Mach
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Brnoliakova
- Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia
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Melau C, Nielsen JE, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Schou Hammerum M, Frederiksen H, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Jørgensen A. Establishment of a Novel Human Fetal Adrenal Culture Model that Supports de Novo and Manipulated Steroidogenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:843-857. [PMID: 33212489 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Disorders affecting adrenal steroidogenesis promote an imbalance in the normally tightly controlled secretion of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. This may lead to differences/disorders of sex development in the fetus, as seen in virilized girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Despite the important endocrine function of human fetal adrenals, neither normal nor dysregulated adrenal steroidogenesis is understood in detail. OBJECTIVE Due to significant differences in adrenal steroidogenesis between human and model species (except higher primates), we aimed to establish a human fetal adrenal model that enables examination of both de novo and manipulated adrenal steroidogenesis. DESIGN AND SETTING Human adrenal tissue from 54 1st trimester fetuses were cultured ex vivo as intact tissue fragments for 7 or 14 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Model validation included examination of postculture tissue morphology, viability, apoptosis, and quantification of steroid hormones secreted to the culture media measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS The culture approach maintained cell viability, preserved cell populations of all fetal adrenal zones, and recapitulated de novo adrenal steroidogenesis based on continued secretion of steroidogenic intermediates, glucocorticoids, and androgens. Adrenocorticotropic hormone and ketoconazole treatment of ex vivo cultured human fetal adrenal tissue resulted in the stimulation of steroidogenesis and inhibition of androgen secretion, respectively, demonstrating a treatment-specific response. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data indicate that ex vivo culture of human fetal adrenal tissue constitutes a novel approach to investigate local effects of pharmaceutical exposures or emerging therapeutic options targeting imbalanced steroidogenesis in adrenal disorders, including CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mette Schou Hammerum
- Departmet of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Aleman M, Chigerwe M, Varga A, Madigan JE. Steroid precursors, steroids, neuroactive steroids, and neurosteroids concentrations in serum and saliva of healthy neonatal heifer Holstein calves. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2767-2775. [PMID: 33201530 PMCID: PMC7694825 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistence of high neurosteroid concentrations in blood is associated with neonatal encephalopathy and septicemia in foals. This has not been investigated in calves. OBJECTIVES To determine concentrations of steroid compounds in serum and saliva within the first 48 hours after birth in healthy neonatal calves, identify potential markers for disease, and investigate the association between serum steroid compounds concentrations in calves and their respective dams within 2 hours after birth. ANIMALS Twelve healthy neonatal heifer Holstein calves and their dams. METHODS Prospective study. Serum and saliva were collected from calves at 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours after birth. Steroid compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. A nonlinear regression model was used to determine half-lives of the neurosteroids. Serum concentrations of neurosteroids between the cows and calves were compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS Half-lives (95% confidence intervals) of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 17α,20α-dihydroxyprogesterone in calf serum were 2.9 (2.1, 4.3), and 2.1 (1.3, 3.0) hours, respectively. Pregnanediol in saliva had a half-life (95% confidence interval) of 24.5 (14.2, 66.5) hours. Serum DHEA (1718.7 ± 2313 vs 57.7 ± 44) and 17α,20α-dihydroxyprogesterone (207.8 ± 198.2 vs 43.5 ± 33.5) concentrations respectively were higher (P < .05) in calves compared to cows. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Dehydroepiandrosterone, 17α,20α-dihydroxyprogesterone, and pregnanediol could be potential markers of disease in neonatal heifer calves with unexplained failure to thrive or encephalopathy. However, because of the wide 95% confidence interval of the half-life, pregnanediol in saliva might not be a potential marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Aleman
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Munashe Chigerwe
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anita Varga
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - John E. Madigan
- Department of Medicine and EpidemiologySchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Jensen RC, Glintborg D, Gade Timmermann CA, Nielsen F, Kyhl HB, Frederiksen H, Andersson AM, Juul A, Sidelmann JJ, Andersen HR, Grandjean P, Andersen MS, Jensen TK. Prenatal exposure to perfluorodecanoic acid is associated with lower circulating concentration of adrenal steroid metabolites during mini puberty in human female infants. The Odense Child Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109101. [PMID: 32069767 PMCID: PMC7117803 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.109101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal programming of the endocrine system may be affected by exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAAs), as they easily cross the placental barrier. In vitro studies suggest that PFAAs may disrupt steroidogenesis. "Mini puberty" refers to a transient surge in circulating androgens, androgen precursors, and gonadotropins in infant girls and boys within the first postnatal months. We hypothesize that prenatal PFAA exposure may decrease the concentrations of androgens in mini puberty. OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between maternal serum PFAA concentrations in early pregnancy and serum concentrations of androgens, their precursors, and gonadotropins during mini puberty in infancy. METHODS In the prospective Odense Child Cohort, maternal pregnancy serum concentrations of five PFAAs: Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were measured at median gestational week 12 (IQR: 10, 15) in 1628 women. Among these, offspring serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), testosterone, luteinizing (LH) and follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) were measured in 373 children (44% girls; 56% boys) at a mean age of 3.9 (±0.9 SD) months. Multivariate linear regression models were performed to estimate associations. RESULTS A two-fold increase in maternal PFDA concentration was associated with a reduction in DHEA concentration by -19.6% (95% CI: -32.9%, -3.8%) in girls. In girls, also, the androstenedione and DHEAS concentrations were decreased, albeit non-significantly (p < 0.11), with a two-fold increase in maternal PFDA concentration. In boys, no significant association was found between PFAAs and concentrations of androgens, their precursors, and gonadotropins during mini puberty. CONCLUSION Prenatal PFDA exposure was associated with significantly lower serum DHEA concentrations and possibly also with lower androstenedione and DHEAS concentrations in female infants at mini puberty. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Christian Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Søndre Blvd. 29, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - Dorte Glintborg
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Søndre Blvd. 29, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Henriette Boye Kyhl
- Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Søndre Blvd. 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries Vej 6, 2100, Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries Vej 6, 2100, Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Juliane Maries Vej 6, 2100, Copenhagen OE, Denmark
| | - Johannes J Sidelmann
- Unit for Thrombosis Research, Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Finsensgade 35, 6700, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Helle Raun Andersen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, 677 Huntington Avenue Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marianne S Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Søndre Blvd. 29, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløws Vej 17A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Odense Child Cohort, Hans Christian Andersen Children's Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Søndre Blvd. 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark; Odense Patient Data Explorative Network (OPEN), University of Southern, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9a, Odense C, Denmark
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Abstract
Adrenarche, the post-natal rise of DHEA and DHEAS, is unique to humans and the African Apes. Recent findings have linked DHEA in humans to the development of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDPFC) between the ages of 4-8 years and the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) from 7 to 12 years of age. Given the association of the LDLPFC with the 5-to-8 transition and the rTPJ with mentalizing during middle childhood DHEA may have played an important role in the evolution of the human brain. I argue that increasing protein in the diet over the course of human evolution not only increased levels of DHEAS, but linked meat consumption with brain development during the important 5- to-8 transition. Consumption of animal protein has been associated with IGF-1, implicated in the development of the adrenal zona reticularis (ZR), the site of DHEAS production. In humans and chimps, the zona reticularis emerges at 3-4 years, along with the onset of DHEA/S production. For chimps this coincides with weaning and peak synaptogenesis. Among humans, weaning is completed around 2 ½ years, while synaptogenesis peaks around 5 years. Thus, in chimpanzees, early cortical maturation is tied to the mother; in humans it may be associated with post-weaning provisioning by others. I call for further research on adrenarche among the African apes as a critical comparison to humans. I also suggest research in subsistence populations to establish the role of nutrition and energetics in the timing of adrenarche and the onset of middle childhood.
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15
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Engel ML, Gunnar MR. The development of stress reactivity and regulation during human development. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 150:41-76. [PMID: 32204834 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adverse experiences during childhood can have long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health. At the heart of most theories of how these effects are transduced into health impacts is the activity of stress-mediating systems, most notably the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. Here we review the anatomy and physiology of the axis, models of stress and development, the development of the axis prenatally through adolescence, the role of experience and sensitive periods in shaping its regulation, the social regulation of the axis at different points in development, and finally conclude with suggestions for future research. We conclude that it is clear that early adversity sculpts the stress system, but we do not understand which dimensions have the most impact and at what points in early development. It is equally clear that secure attachment relationships buffer the developing stress system; however, the mechanisms of social buffering and how these may change with development are not yet clear. Another critical issue that is not understood is when and for whom adversity will result in hypo- vs hyperactivity of stress-mediating systems. These and other issues are important for advancing our understanding of how early adversity "gets under the skin" and shapes human physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Engel
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Megan R Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.
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16
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Gava G, Orsili I, Alvisi S, Mancini I, Seracchioli R, Meriggiola MC. Cognition, Mood and Sleep in Menopausal Transition: The Role of Menopause Hormone Therapy. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E668. [PMID: 31581598 PMCID: PMC6843314 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During the menopausal transition, which begins four to six years before cessation of menses, middle-aged women experience a progressive change in ovarian activity and a physiologic deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis function associated with fluctuating hormone levels. During this transition, women can suffer symptoms related to menopause (such as hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, memory complaints and vaginal dryness). Neurological symptoms such as sleep disturbance, "brain fog" and mood changes are a major complaint of women transitioning menopause, with a significant impact on their quality of life, productivity and physical health. In this paper, we consider the associations between menopausal stage and/or hormone levels and sleep problems, mood and reduced cognitive performance. The role of estrogen and menopause hormone therapy (MHT) in cognitive function, sleep and mood are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gava
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Isabella Orsili
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Alvisi
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mancini
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renato Seracchioli
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Gynecology and Physiopathology of Human Reproduction, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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