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Carver JJ, Pugh BA, Lau KM, Didonna A. Lipid metabolism is dysregulated in endocrine glands upon autoimmune demyelination. J Neuroimmunol 2024; 391:578366. [PMID: 38733741 PMCID: PMC11162328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578366] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Disturbance in neuroendocrine signaling has been consistently documented in multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) representing the main cause of non-traumatic brain injury among young adults. In fact, MS patients display altered hormonal levels and psychiatric symptoms along with the pathologic hallmarks of the disease, which include demyelination, neuroinflammation and axonal injury. In addition, we have recently shown that extensive transcriptional changes take place in the hypothalamus of mice upon the MS model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We also detected structural and functional aberrancies in endocrine glands of EAE animals. Specifically, we described the hyperplasia of adrenal glands and the atrophy of ovaries at disease peak. To further expand the characterization of these phenotypes, here we profiled the transcriptomes of both glands by means of RNA-seq technology. Notably, we identified fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthetic pathways as the most dysregulated molecular processes in adrenals and ovaries, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that key genes encoding neuropeptides and hormone receptors undergo distinct expression dynamics in the hypothalamus along disease progression. Altogether, our results corroborate the dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system as a major pathological event of autoimmune demyelination and highlight the crosstalk between the CNS and the periphery in mediating such disease phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Carver
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville 27834, NC, United States of America
| | - Bryce A Pugh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville 27834, NC, United States of America
| | - Kristy M Lau
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville 27834, NC, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Didonna
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville 27834, NC, United States of America.
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Zivkovic A, Trifunovic S, Savic D, Milosevic K, Lavrnja I. Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Influences GH-Axis in Female Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5837. [PMID: 38892024 PMCID: PMC11172041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115837] [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: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, demyelination, and axonal damage to the central nervous system (CNS) are the hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its representative animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). There is scientific evidence for the involvement of growth hormone (GH) in autoimmune regulation. Previous data on the relationship between the GH/insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and MS/EAE are inconclusive; therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the changes in the GH axis during acute monophasic EAE. The results show that the gene expression of Ghrh and Sst in the hypothalamus does not change, except for Npy and Agrp, while at the pituitary level the Gh, Ghrhr and Ghr genes are upregulated. Interestingly, the cell volume of somatotropic cells in the pituitary gland remains unchanged at the peak of the disease. We found elevated serum GH levels in association with low IGF-1 concentration and downregulated Ghr and Igf1r expression in the liver, indicating a condition resembling GH resistance. This is likely due to inadequate nutrient intake at the peak of the disease when inflammation in the CNS is greatest. Considering that GH secretion is finely regulated by numerous central and peripheral signals, the involvement of the GH/IGF-1 axis in MS/EAE should be thoroughly investigated for possible future therapeutic strategies, especially with a view to improving EAE disease.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/genetics
- Female
- Rats
- Growth Hormone/metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/metabolism
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I/genetics
- Hypothalamus/metabolism
- Hypothalamus/pathology
- Pituitary Gland/metabolism
- Pituitary Gland/pathology
- Receptors, Somatotropin/metabolism
- Receptors, Somatotropin/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/pathology
- Multiple Sclerosis/genetics
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
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Affiliation(s)
- Anica Zivkovic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Z.); (D.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Svetlana Trifunovic
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Danijela Savic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Z.); (D.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Katarina Milosevic
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Z.); (D.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11108 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.Z.); (D.S.); (K.M.)
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Koohpeyma F, Khodaparast Z, Salehi S, Danesh S, Gheshlagh FM, Naseri A, Montazeri-Najafabady N. The ameliorative effects of curcumin nanomicelle on testicular damage in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:200. [PMID: 38778296 PMCID: PMC11110313 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the effect of curcumin nanomicelle (CUR-n) on the structure of testis tissue, the process of spermatogenesis, LH, FSH, testosterone, and oxidative stress in a model of multiple sclerosis. METHODS Twenty-four male mice C57BL/6 were randomly allocated into 4 groups of 6 (1: group receiving 2% CPZ diet, 2: group receiving the diet of 2% CPZ + CUR-n with a dose of 50 mg/kg, 3: group receiving the diet of 2% CPZ + CUR-n with a dose of 100 mg/kg). The concentration of hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH), was measured by the special hormone assay ELISA kits. Measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was done by spectrophotometry and calorimetric methods, respectively. Stereological analysis was done in order to explore the number of spermatogenesis cells, testis and sperm properties. RESULTS The results indicated that CUR-n (100 mg/kg) significantly enhanced the concentration of LH, FSH, testosterone, and TAC but reduced MDA levels. It also notably increased the quantity of spermatogonia, spermatocyte, round spermatids, long spermatids and LCs, augmented testis weight and volume, and germinal epithelium volume, improved sperm count, morphology, viability, and motility. In addition, a considerable decrease in the amount of wrinkling and disruption of the germinal epithelium was observed after intervention with CUR-n (100 mg/kg). Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of germ cells compared to the group receiving CPZ was detected. CONCLUSION This study proposes that CUR-n could be a therapeutic agent for decreasing the adverse effects of MS on testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhad Koohpeyma
- Shiraz Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodaparast
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Salehi
- Trauma research center, Rajaei hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sina Danesh
- Trauma research center, Rajaei hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Arzhang Naseri
- Shiraz Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nima Montazeri-Najafabady
- Shiraz Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, P.O. Box: 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran.
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Muñoz de la Torre LP, Trujillo Hernández A, Eguibar JR, Cortés C, Morales-Ledesma L. Characterization of sperm motility and testosterone secretion in the taiep myelin mutant, a model of demyelination. Anim Reprod 2023; 20:e20220102. [PMID: 38026000 PMCID: PMC10681128 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2022-0102] [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: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Presently, demyelinating diseases have been reported to affect the reproductive life of patients who suffer from them, but the progression of the alterations is unknown, especially in men. To better understand these effects, it is necessary to perform studies in animal models, such as the male taiep rat, which exhibits progressive demyelination of the central nervous system, altered kisspeptin expression at the hypothalamic level, and decreased luteinizing hormone, which could alter sperm quality and testicular diameter. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, the sperm motility, and the testosterone levels of 90-day-old male taiep rats. The obtained results indicate that male taiep rats show an increase in testicular size accompanied by an increase in the diameter of the seminiferous tubules of the left testicle. There was also a decrease in progressive motility in sperm samples from the left epididymis of male taiep rats compared to the control group, with no changes in serum testosterone concentration. Therefore, we conclude that male taiep rats with central demyelination show altered testicular diameter and decreased motility in sperm from the left side. This type of studies serves as a basis for proposing possible reproductive strategies to improve the fertility and testicular function of men with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Patricia Muñoz de la Torre
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva, Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - José Ramón Eguibar
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Estudios de Posgrado, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Carmen Cortés
- Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Leticia Morales-Ledesma
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Reproductiva, Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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Bonaldo B, Casile A, Montarolo F, Bettarelli M, Napoli F, Gotti S, Panzica G, Marraudino M. Effects of perinatal exposure to bisphenol A or S in EAE model of multiple sclerosis. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 392:467-480. [PMID: 36750500 PMCID: PMC10172280 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03746-w] [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: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies support the idea that multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease, overlapping genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. A better definition of environmental risks is critical to understand both etiology and the sex-related differences of MS. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) fully represents one of these risks. EDCs are natural or synthetic exogenous substances (or mixtures) that alter the functions of the endocrine system. Among synthetic EDCs, exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) has been implicated in the etiology of MS, but to date, controversial data has emerged. Furthermore, nothing is known about bisphenol S (BPS), one of the most widely used substitutes for BPA. As exposure to bisphenols will not disappear soon, it is necessary to clarify their role also in this pathological condition defining their role in disease onset and course in both sexes. In this study, we examined, in both sexes, the effects of perinatal exposure to BPA and BPS in one of the most widely used mouse models of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Exposure to bisphenols seemed to be particularly deleterious in males. In fact, both BPA- and BPS-treated males showed anticipation of the disease onset and an increased motoneuron loss in the spinal cord. Overall, BPA-treated males also displayed an exacerbation of EAE course and an increase in inflammation markers in the spinal cord. Analyzing the consequences of bisphenol exposure on EAE will help to better understand the role of both xenoestrogens and endogenous estrogens on the sexually dimorphic characteristics of MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Bonaldo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy.
| | - Antonino Casile
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Francesca Montarolo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Neurobiology Unit, Neurology, CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Bettarelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Gotti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - GianCarlo Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
| | - Marilena Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, Turin, 10126, Italy
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Milosevic A, Lavrnja I, Savic D, Milosevic K, Skuljec J, Bjelobaba I, Janjic MM. Rat Ovarian Function Is Impaired during Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071045. [PMID: 37048118 PMCID: PMC10093247 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the CNS and occurring far more prevalently in women than in men. In both MS and its animal models, sex hormones play important immunomodulatory roles. We have previously shown that experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in rats of both sexes and induces an arrest in the estrous cycle in females. To investigate the gonadal status in female rats with EAE, we explored ovarian morphometric parameters, circulating and intraovarian sex steroid levels, and the expression of steroidogenic machinery components in the ovarian tissue. A prolonged state of diestrus was recorded during the peak of EAE, with maintenance of the corpora lutea, elevated intraovarian progesterone levels, and increased gene and protein expression of StAR, similar to the state of pseudopregnancy. The decrease in CYP17A1 protein expression was followed by a decrease in ovarian testosterone and estradiol levels. On the contrary, serum testosterone levels were slightly increased. With unchanged serum estradiol levels, these results point at extra-gonadal sites of sex steroid biosynthesis and catabolism as important regulators of their circulating levels. Our study suggests alterations in the function of the female reproductive system during central autoimmunity and highlights the bidirectional relationships between hormonal status and EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milosevic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Milosevic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Skuljec
- Department of Neurology, University Medicine Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija M Janjic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Sex-specific hypothalamic expression of kisspeptin, gonadotropin releasing hormone, and kisspeptin receptor in progressive demyelination model. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 123:102120. [PMID: 35718292 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, decrease the quality of life of patients and can affect reproduction. Assisted reproductive therapies are available, which although effective, aggravate motor symptoms. For this reason, it is important to determine how the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis is affected in order to develop better strategies for these patients. One way to determine this is using animal models such as the taiep rat, which shows progressive demyelination of the central nervous system, and was used in the present study to characterize the expression of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Kisspeptin, and kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1R) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. The expression of kisspeptin, GnRH, and Kiss1R was determined at the hypothalamic level by immunofluorescence and serum LH levels were determined by ELISA. The expression of kisspeptin at the hypothalamic level showed sexual dimorphism, where there was an increase in males and a decrease in females during oestrus. There was no change in the expression of GnRH or kisspeptin receptor, regardless of sex. However, a decrease in serum LH concentration was observed in both sexes. The taiep rat showed changes in the expression of kisspeptin at the hypothalamic level. These changes are different from those reported in the literature with the use of animals with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, this is because both animal models represent different degrees of progression of multiple sclerosis. Our results suggest that the effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis depend on the differences between the demyelinating processes, their progression, and even individual factors, and it is thus important that fertility treatments are individualized to maximize therapeutic effects.
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Trifunovic S, Stevanovic I, Milosevic A, Ristic N, Janjic M, Bjelobaba I, Savic D, Bozic I, Jakovljevic M, Tesovic K, Laketa D, Lavrnja I. The Function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis: Involvement of Oxidative Stress Mediators. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:649485. [PMID: 34220419 PMCID: PMC8248369 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.649485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease with an unknown origin. Previous studies showed the involvement of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, including MS, and its best-characterized animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). During MS/EAE, innate immune cells are activated and release cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, leading to a vicious cycle of inflammation. In response to inflammation, the activated HPA axis modulates immune responses via glucocorticoid activity. Because the mechanisms involving oxidative stress to the HPA axis are relatively unrevealed, in this study, we investigate the inflammatory and oxidative stress status of HPA axis during EAE. Our results reveal an upregulation of Pomc gene expression, followed by POMC and ACTH protein increase at the peak of the EAE in the pituitary. Also, prostaglandins are well-known contributors of HPA axis activation, which increases during EAE at the periphery. The upregulated Tnf expression in the pituitary during the peak of EAE occurred. This leads to the activation of oxidative pathways, followed by upregulation of inducible NO synthase expression. The reactive oxidant/nitrosative species (ROS/RNS), such as superoxide anion and NO, increase their levels at the onset and peak of the disease in the pituitary and adrenal glands, returning to control levels at the end of EAE. The corticotrophs in the pituitary increased in number and volume at the peak of EAE that coincides with high lipid peroxidation levels. The expression of MC2R in the adrenal glands increases at the peak of EAE, where strong induction of superoxide anion and malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced total glutathione (GSH) content, and catalase activity occurred at the peak and end of EAE compared with controls. The results obtained from this study may help in understanding the mechanisms and possible pharmacological modulation in MS and demonstrate an effect of oxidative stress exposure in the HPA activation during the course of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Trifunovic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Stevanovic
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, Institute of Medical Research Belgrade, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ana Milosevic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Ristic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Janjic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva Bozic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Jakovljevic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Tesovic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Laketa
- Department for General Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Milosevic A, Bjelobaba I, Bozic ID, Lavrnja I, Savic D, Tesovic K, Jakovljevic M, Stojilkovic SS, Janjic MM. Testicular steroidogenesis is suppressed during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8996. [PMID: 33903635 PMCID: PMC8076254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that usually occurs during the reproductive years in both sexes. Many male patients with MS show lower blood testosterone levels, which was also observed in male rats during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. To better understand the causes of decreased testosterone production during EAE, we investigated the expression status of genes and proteins associated with steroidogenesis in the testes. No changes in the number of interstitial cells were observed in EAE animals, but the expression of the insulin-like 3 gene was reduced at the peak of the disease, implying that the Leydig cell functional capacity was affected. Consistent with this finding, the expression of most steroidogenic enzyme genes and proteins was reduced during EAE, including StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and HSD3B. No signs of testicular inflammation were observed. Recovery of steroidogenesis was observed after injection of hCG, the placental gonadotropin, or buserelin acetate, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue, at the peak of EAE. Together, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that impaired testicular steroidogenesis originates upstream of the testes and that low serum LH is the main cause of decreased testosterone levels during EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Milosevic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Bjelobaba
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva D Bozic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Irena Lavrnja
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Savic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Tesovic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Jakovljevic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marija M Janjic
- Department for Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković"-National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
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