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Iranmanesh Z, Dehestani M, Esmaeili-Mahani S. Discovering novel targets of abscisic acid using computational approaches. Comput Biol Chem 2024; 112:108157. [PMID: 39047594 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2024.108157] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Abscisic acid (ABA) is a crucial plant hormone that is naturally produced in various mammalian tissues and holds significant potential as a therapeutic molecule in humans. ABA is selected for this study due to its known roles in essential human metabolic processes, such as glucose homeostasis, immune responses, cardiovascular system, and inflammation regulation. Despite its known importance, the molecular mechanism underlying ABA's action remain largely unexplored. This study employed computational techniques to identify potential human ABA receptors. We screened 64 candidate molecules using online servers and performed molecular docking to assess binding affinity and interaction types with ABA. The stability and dynamics of the best complexes were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation over a 100 ns time period. Root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), root mean square deviation (RMSD), solvent-accessible surface area (SASA), radius of gyration (Rg), free energy landscape (FEL), and principal component analysis (PCA) were analyzed. Next, the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method was employed to calculate the binding energies of the complexes based on the simulated data. Our study successfully pinpointed four key receptors responsible for ABA signaling (androgen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, and retinoic acid receptor beta) that have a strong affinity for binding with ABA and remained structurally stable throughout the simulations. The simulations with Hydralazine as an unrelated ligand were conducted to validate the specificity of the identified receptors for ABA. The findings of this study can contribute to further experimental validation and a better understanding of how ABA functions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Iranmanesh
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Dehestani
- Department of Chemistry, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
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Lockett J, Inder WJ, Clifton VL. The Glucocorticoid Receptor: Isoforms, Functions, and Contribution to Glucocorticoid Sensitivity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:593-624. [PMID: 38551091 PMCID: PMC11244253 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids exert pleiotropic effects on all tissues to regulate cellular and metabolic homeostasis. Synthetic forms are used therapeutically in a wide range of conditions for their anti-inflammatory benefits, at the cost of dose and duration-dependent side effects. Significant variability occurs between tissues, disease states, and individuals with regard to both the beneficial and deleterious effects. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is the site of action for these hormones and a vast body of work has been conducted understanding its function. Traditionally, it was thought that the anti-inflammatory benefits of glucocorticoids were mediated by transrepression of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, while the adverse metabolic effects resulted from direct transactivation. This canonical understanding of the GR function has been brought into question over the past 2 decades with advances in the resolution of scientific techniques, and the discovery of multiple isoforms of the receptor present in most tissues. Here we review the structure and function of the GR, the nature of the receptor isoforms, and the contribution of the receptor to glucocorticoid sensitivity, or resistance in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Warrick J Inder
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Vicki L Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4101, Australia
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3
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Pourhassan H, Murphy L, Aldoss I. Glucocorticoid Therapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Navigating Short-Term and Long-Term Effects and Optimal Regimen Selection. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2024:10.1007/s11899-024-00735-w. [PMID: 38867099 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-024-00735-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Glucocorticoids are a mainstay in acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment and lack of early response is predictive for overall disease prognosis. Given the vital position of glucocorticoids and well known long and short-term side effects associated with differing glucocorticoids, we aim to highlight the wide breadth of historical and more contemporary data to describe the current landscape of glucocorticoid use in this arena. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging studies aim to overcome issues such as steroid resistance and to optimize the antileukemic effects of glucocorticoids while aiming to mitigate the risks and side effects associated with their exposure. Glucocorticoids have and likely always will be a fundamental component of acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment and understanding how to navigate short- and long-term effects and how to optimize regimens is at the heart of continued treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Pourhassan
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Lindsey Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Ibrahim Aldoss
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA.
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Vali A, Beaupère C, Loubaresse A, Dalle H, Fève B, Grosfeld A, Moldes M. Effects of glucocorticoids on adipose tissue plasticity. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2024; 85:259-262. [PMID: 38871499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2024.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in metabolic adaptation, regulating carbohydrate-lipid homeostasis and the immune system. Because they also have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, synthetic analogues of GCs have been developed and are widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions and in organ transplantation. GCs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world. However, long term and high GC doses can cause side effects such as GC-induced diabetes and lipodystrophy. In recent years, a large number of independent studies have reported the effects of constitutive and adipocyte-specific deletion of the GC receptor (GR) in mice under different diets and treatments, resulting in contrasting phenotypes. To avoid potential compensatory mechanisms associated with the constitutive adipocyte GR silencing during adipose tissue development, our team has generated an inducible mouse model of GR deletion specifically in the adipocyte (AdipoGR-KO). Using this mouse model, we were able to demonstrate the critical role of the adipocyte GR in GC-induced metabolic changes. Indeed, under conditions of hypercorticism, AdipoGR-KO mice showed an improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, as well as in lipid profile, despite a massive increase in adiposity. This result is explained by a densification of adipose tissue vascularization, highlighting the repressive role of adipocyte GR in the healthy expansion of this tissue. Our work has largely contributed to the demonstration of the important role of the adipocyte GR in the physiology and pathophysiology of the adipose tissue and its impact on energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Vali
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Carine Beaupère
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alya Loubaresse
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Héloïse Dalle
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Bruno Fève
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France; Service endocrinologie, CRMR PRISIS, centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), hôpital Saint-Antoine, AP-HP, Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Grosfeld
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marthe Moldes
- Centre de recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75012 Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Sorbonne université, Inserm, 75013 Paris, France.
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Amaya JM, Sips HCM, Viho EMG, Kroon J, Meijer OC. Restricted effects of androgens on glucocorticoid signaling in the mouse prefrontal cortex and midbrain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1292024. [PMID: 38303978 PMCID: PMC10830692 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1292024] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are key executors of the physiological response to stress. Previous studies in mice showed that the androgen receptor (AR) influenced the transcriptional outcome of glucocorticoid treatment in white and brown adipocytes and in the liver. In the brain, we observed that chronic hypercorticism induced changes in gene expression that tended to be more pronounced in male mice. In the present study, we investigated if glucocorticoid signaling in the brain could be modulated by androgen. After chronic treatment with corticosterone, dihydrotestosterone, a combination of both, and corticosterone in combination with the AR antagonist enzalutamide, we compared the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, also abbreviated GR) target genes in brain regions where AR and GR are co-expressed, namely: prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra. We observed that androgen affected glucocorticoid signaling only in the prefrontal cortex and the substantia nigra. Dihydrotestosterone and corticosterone independently and inversely regulated expression of Sgk1 and Tsc22d3 in prefrontal cortex. AR antagonism with enzalutamide attenuated corticosterone-induced expression of Fkbp5 in the prefrontal cortex and of Fkbp5 and Sgk1 in the substantia nigra. Additionally, in the substantia nigra, AR antagonism increased expression of Th and Slc18a1, two genes coding for key components of the dopaminergic system. Our data indicate that androgen influence over glucocorticoid stimulation in the brain is not a dominant phenomenon in the context of high corticosterone levels, but can occur in the prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hetty C. M. Sips
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eva M. G. Viho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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Zhang W, Nowotny H, Theodoropoulou M, Simon J, Hemmer CM, Bidlingmaier M, Auer MK, Reincke M, Uhlenhaut H, Reisch N. E47 as a novel glucocorticoid-dependent gene mediating lipid metabolism in patients with endogenous glucocorticoid excess. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1249863. [PMID: 38047107 PMCID: PMC10691538 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1249863] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose E47 has been identified as a modulating transcription factor of glucocorticoid receptor target genes, its loss protecting mice from metabolic adverse effects of glucocorticoids. We aimed to analyze the role of E47 in patients with endogenous glucocorticoid excess [Cushing's syndrome (CS)] and its association with disorders of lipid and glucose metabolism. Methods This is a prospective cohort study including 120 female patients with CS (ACTH-dependent = 79; ACTH-independent = 41) and 26 healthy female controls. Morning whole blood samples after an overnight fast were used to determine E47 mRNA expression levels in patients with overt CS before and 6-12 months after curative surgery. Expression levels were correlated with the clinical phenotype of the patients. Control subjects underwent ACTH stimulation tests and dexamethasone suppression tests to analyze short-term regulation of E47. Results E47 gene expression showed significant differences in patient cohorts with overt CS vs. patients in remission (p = 0.0474) and in direct intraindividual comparisons pre- vs. post-surgery (p = 0.0353). ACTH stimulation of controls resulted in a significant decrease of E47 mRNA expression 30 min after i.v. injection compared to baseline measurements. Administration of 1 mg of dexamethasone overnight in controls did not change E47 mRNA expression. E47 gene expression showed a positive correlation with total serum cholesterol (p = 0.0036), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.0157), and waist-arm ratio (p = 0.0138) in patients with CS in remission. Conclusion E47 is a GC-dependent gene that is upregulated in GC excess potentially aiming at reducing metabolic glucocorticoid side effects such as dyslipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanna Nowotny
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Simon
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Charlotte M. Hemmer
- Molecular Endocrinology, Institutes for Diabetes and Obesity & Diabetes and Cancer IDO & IDC, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias K. Auer
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
| | - Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Molecular Endocrinology, Institutes for Diabetes and Obesity & Diabetes and Cancer IDO & IDC, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
- Metabolic Programming, Technische Universität München (TUM) School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan and ZIEL Institute for Food & Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, Munich, Germany
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Rodríguez FM, Huber E, Cattaneo Moreyra ML, Amweg AN, Notaro US, Recce S, Ormaechea N, Ortega HH, Salvetti NR, Rey F. Association of glucocorticoid receptor expression with key members of the insulin signaling pathway and heat shock proteins in the bovine ovary. Theriogenology 2023; 211:241-247. [PMID: 37677868 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) act through their receptor (GR) as regulators in different biological processes such as reproduction. In the absence of GCs, the GR remains inactive in the cytoplasm by associating with heat shock proteins (HSPs), which act as molecular chaperones, among which the most relevant are HSP90 and HSP70. Cytoplasmic GC-activated GR mediates non-genomic effects, interacting with members of signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, which participates in several metabolic processes, including the insulin signaling pathway. The aim of the present study was to evaluate possible associations between the cytoplasmic GR and the main intermediates of the insulin signaling pathway and HSP90 and HSP70 in ovaries of dairy cows. To this end, the protein expression of cytoplasmic GR, key members of the insulin signaling pathway, and HSPs was evaluated in ovarian preovulatory follicles of non-lactating Holstein cows in proestrus. Positive associations were observed between protein expression of GR and HSP90, IRS1, pIRS1, PI3K and pAkt (p < 0.05; β > 0) in granulosa cells of dominant follicles of dairy cows. Instead, in theca cells, no associations were observed between protein expression of GR and members of the insulin signaling pathway or HSPs. These data provide evidence of the possible association between the non-genomic mechanisms of action of the GR and the insulin signaling pathway in the bovine ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - E Huber
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M L Cattaneo Moreyra
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - A N Amweg
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - U S Notaro
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - S Recce
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - N Ormaechea
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - H H Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - N R Salvetti
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - F Rey
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular Aplicada, Instituto de Ciencias Veterinarias del Litoral (ICIVET Litoral), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, (CONICET), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Bhaumik S, Lockett J, Cuffe J, Clifton VL. Glucocorticoids and Their Receptor Isoforms: Roles in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1104. [PMID: 37626990 PMCID: PMC10452123 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and associated changes in circulating levels of glucocorticoids are integral to an organism's response to stressful stimuli. Glucocorticoids acting via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) play a role in fertility, reproduction, placental function, and foetal development. GRs are ubiquitously expressed throughout the female reproductive system and regulate normal reproductive function. Stress-induced glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit reproduction and affect female gonadal function by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at each level. Furthermore, during pregnancy, a mother's exposure to prenatal stress or external glucocorticoids can result in long-lasting alterations to the foetal HPA and neuroendocrine function. Several GR isoforms generated via alternative splicing or translation initiation from the GR gene have been identified in the mammalian ovary and uterus. The GR isoforms identified include the splice variants, GRα and GRβ, and GRγ and GR-P. Glucocorticoids can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects and both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in the ovary, in vitro. In the placenta, thirteen GR isoforms have been identified in humans, guinea pigs, sheep, rats, and mice, indicating they are conserved across species and may be important in mediating a differential response to stress. Distinctive responses to glucocorticoids, differential birth outcomes in pregnancy complications, and sex-based variations in the response to stress could all potentially be dependent on a particular GR expression pattern. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the structure and function of the GR in relation to female fertility and reproduction and discusses the changes in the GR and glucocorticoid signalling during pregnancy. To generate this overview, an extensive non-systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on original research articles, meta-analyses, and previous review papers addressing the subject. This review integrates the current understanding of GR variants and their roles in glucocorticoid signalling, reproduction, placental function, and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeparna Bhaumik
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane 4102, Australia
| | - James Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia;
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
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Georgantopoulos A, Vougioukas A, Kalousi FD, Tsialtas I, Psarra AMG. Comparative Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Activities of Four Greek Essential Oils: Involvement in the Regulation of NF-κΒ and Steroid Receptor Signaling. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1534. [PMID: 37511910 PMCID: PMC10381560 DOI: 10.3390/life13071534] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) are well-known for their anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and relaxing activities. Steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids, are also well-known for their anti-inflammatory activities and control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and glucose homeostasis. The biological activities of glucocorticoids render them the most widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, despite their adverse side effects. In this study, comparative studies of the anti-inflammatory activities and interference with glucocorticoids receptor (GR) and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling of EOs from Greek Oregano, Melissa officinalis, Lavender and from the Chios Mastic, produced from the Greek endemic mastic tree, were performed in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells. Chios Mastic (Mastiha) and oregano EOs exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activities. The former showed a reduction in both NF-κB activity and protein levels. Mastic essential oil also caused a reduction in GR protein levels that may compensate for its boosting effect on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced GR transcriptional activation, ending up in no induction of the gluconeogenic phoshoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) protein levels that constitute the GR target. Oregano, Melissa officinalis and lavender EOs caused the suppression of the transcriptional activation of GR. Furthermore, the most active EO, that taken from Melissa officinalis, showed a reduction in both GR and PEPCK protein levels. Thus, the anti-inflammatory and anti-gluconeogenic activities of the EOs were uncovered, possibly via the regulation of GR signaling. Moreover, cytotoxic actions of Melissa officinalis and lavender EOs via the induction of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis were revealed. Our results highlight these essentials oils' anti-inflammatory and apoptotic actions in relation to their implication on the regulation of steroid hormones' actions, uncovering their potential use in steroid therapy, with many applications in pharmaceutical and health industries as anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory supplements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilleas Georgantopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Athanasios Vougioukas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Foteini D Kalousi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsialtas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna-Maria G Psarra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
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10
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Borin C, Pieters T, Serafin V, Ntziachristos P. Emerging Epigenetic and Posttranslational Mechanisms Controlling Resistance to Glucocorticoids in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e916. [PMID: 37359189 PMCID: PMC10289758 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are extensively used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as they pressure cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Nevertheless, glucocorticoid partners, modifications, and mechanisms of action are hitherto poorly characterized. This hampers our understanding of therapy resistance, frequently occurring in leukemia despite the current therapeutic combinations using glucocorticoids in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this review, we initially cover the traditional view of glucocorticoid resistance and ways of targeting this resistance. We discuss recent progress in our understanding of chromatin and posttranslational properties of the glucocorticoid receptor that might be proven beneficial in our efforts to understand and target therapy resistance. We discuss emerging roles of pathways and proteins such as the lymphocyte-specific kinase that antagonizes glucocorticoid receptor activation and nuclear translocation. In addition, we provide an overview of ongoing therapeutic approaches that sensitize cells to glucocorticoids including small molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Borin
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
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11
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Cojkic A, Morrell JM. Animal Welfare Assessment Protocols for Bulls in Artificial Insemination Centers: Requirements, Principles, and Criteria. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050942. [PMID: 36899799 PMCID: PMC10000089 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal welfare is a complex subject; as such, it requires a multidimensional approach with the main aim of providing the animals with the "five freedoms". The violations of any one of these freedoms could have an influence on animal wellbeing on different levels. Over the years, many welfare quality protocols were developed in the EU thanks to the Welfare Quality® project. Unfortunately, there is a lack of such summarized information about bull welfare assessment in artificial insemination stations or about how disturbed welfare can be reflected in their productivity. Animal reproduction is the basis for the production of meat and milk; therefore, factors contributing to reduced fertility in bulls are not only indicators of animal welfare but also have implications for human health and the environment. Optimizing the reproductive efficiency of bulls at an early age can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this review, welfare quality assessment will be evaluated for these production animals using reproduction efficiency as a key area, focusing on stress as a main effect of poor animal welfare and, thereby, reduced fertility. We will address various welfare aspects and possible changes in resources or management to improve outcomes.
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12
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Maternal Dexamethasone Exposure Induces Sex-Specific Changes in Histomorphology and Redox Homeostasis of Rat Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010540. [PMID: 36613982 PMCID: PMC9820254 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010540] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
As the mediator between the mother and fetus, the placenta allows the most appropriate environment and optimal fetal growth. The placenta of one sex sometimes has a greater ability over the other to respond to and protect against possible maternal insults. Here, we characterized sex differences in the placenta’s morphological features and antioxidant status following dexamethasone (Dx) exposure. Pregnant rats were exposed to Dx or saline. The placenta was histologically and stereologically analyzed. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxides (TBARS), superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO) was measured. The decrease in placental zone volumes was more pronounced (p < 0.05) in female placentas. The volume density of PCNA-immunopositive nuclei was reduced (p < 0.05) in both sexes. The reduced (p < 0.05) antioxidant enzyme activities, enhanced TBARS and NO concentration indicate that Dx exposure triggered oxidative stress in the placenta of both fetal sexes, albeit stronger in the placenta of female fetuses. In conclusion, maternal Dx treatment reduced the size and volume of placental zones, altered placental histomorphology, decreased cell proliferation and triggered oxidative stress; however, the placentas of female fetuses exerted more significant responses to the treatment effects. The reduced placental size most probably reduced the transport of nutrients and oxygen, thus resulting in the reduced weight of fetuses, similar in both sexes. The lesser ability of the male placenta to detect and react to maternal exposure to environmental challenges may lead to long-standing health effects.
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13
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Cardiac Hypertrophy and Related Dysfunctions in Cushing Syndrome Patients-Literature Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237035. [PMID: 36498610 PMCID: PMC9739690 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237035] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate of adrenal Cushing syndrome patients has been greatly increased because of the availability of appropriate surgical and pharmacological treatments. Nevertheless, increased possibility of a heart attack induced by a cardiovascular event remains a major risk factor for the survival of affected patients. In experimental studies, hypercortisolemia has been found to cause cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via glucocorticoid receptor activation, including the possibility of cross talk among several hypertrophy signals related to cardiomyocytes and tissue-dependent regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. However, the factors are more complex in clinical cases, as both geometric and functional impairments leading to heart failure have been revealed, and their associations with a wide range of factors such as hypertension are crucial. In addition, knowledge regarding such alterations in autonomous cortisol secretion, which has a high risk of leading to heart attack as well as overt Cushing syndrome, is quite limited. When considering the effects of treatment, partial improvement of structural alterations is expected, while functional disorders are controversial. Therefore, whether the normalization of excess cortisol attenuates the risk related to cardiac hypertrophy has yet to be fully elucidated.
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14
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Yao Y, Chen X, Yang M, Han Y, Xue T, Zhang H, Wang T, Chen W, Qiu X, Que C, Zheng M, Zhu T. Neuroendocrine stress hormones associated with short-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter in individuals with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A panel study in Beijing, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 309:119822. [PMID: 35870527 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is a major trigger of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dysregulation of the neuroendocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal medullary (SAM) axes is essential in progression of COPD. However, it is not clear whether air pollution exposure is associated with neuroendocrine responses in individuals with and without COPD. Based on a panel study of 51 stable COPD patients and 78 non-COPD participants with 384 clinical visits, we measured the morning serum levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, norepinephrine, and epinephrine as indicators of stress hormones released from the HPA and SAM axes. Ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and meteorological conditions were continuously monitored at the station from 2 weeks before the start of clinical visits. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate associations between differences in stress hormones following an average of 1-14-day exposures to NO2 and PM2.5. The average 1 day air pollutant levels prior to the clinical visits were 24.4 ± 14.0 ppb for NO2 and 55.6 ± 41.5 μg/m3 for PM2.5. We observed significant increases in CRH, ACTH, and norepinephrine, and decreases in cortisol and epinephrine with interquartile range increase in the average NO2 and PM2.5 concentrations in all participants. In the stratified analyses, we identified significant between-group difference in epinephrine following NO2 exposure in individuals with and without COPD. These results may suggest the susceptibility of COPD patients to the neuroendocrine responses associated with short-term air pollution exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xi Chen
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Hebei Technology Innovation Center of Human Settlement in Green Building (TCHS), Shenzhen Institute of Building Research Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518049, China
| | - Meigui Yang
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yiqun Han
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; Environmental Research Group, MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Tao Xue
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China; School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hanxiyue Zhang
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Teng Wang
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wu Chen
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinghua Qiu
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chengli Que
- Peking University First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- SKL-ESPC and BIC-ESAT, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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15
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Distinct Patterns of GR Transcriptional Regulation in Liver and Muscle of LPS-Challenged Weaning Piglets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158072. [PMID: 35897645 PMCID: PMC9331734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is ubiquitously expressed in nearly all cell types of various organs, mediates the tissue-specific metabolic and immune responses to maintain homeostasis and ensure survival under stressful conditions or pathological challenges. The neonatal period is metabolically demanding, and piglets are subjected to multiple stressors in modern intensive farms, especially around weaning. The liver is more responsive to LPS challenge compared to muscle, which is indicated by significantly increased TLR4 and p-p65, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels in association with GR down-regulation at both mRNA and protein levels. GR binding to the putative nGRE on TNF-α and IL-6 gene promoters decreased in the liver, but not muscle, upon LPS stimulation. The transcriptional regulation of GR also showed striking differences between liver and muscle. GR exon 1 mRNA variants 1–4, 1–5, and 1–6 were down-regulated in both liver and muscle, but a significant up-regulation of GR exon 1–9/10 mRNA variants abolished the change of total GR mRNA in the muscle in response to LPS stimulation. The significant down-regulation of GR in the liver corresponded with significantly decreased binding of p-GR and diminished histone acetylation in GR gene promoters. These results indicate that tissue-specific GR transcriptional regulation is involved in the differential inflammation responses between liver and muscle.
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16
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Shi Y, Cao S, Ni D, Fan J, Lu S, Xue M. The Role of Conformational Dynamics and Allostery in the Control of Distinct Efficacies of Agonists to the Glucocorticoid Receptor. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:933676. [PMID: 35874618 PMCID: PMC9300934 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.933676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulates various cellular functions. Given its broad influence on metabolic activities, it has been the target of drug discovery for decades. However, how drugs induce conformational changes in GR has remained elusive. Herein, we used five GR agonists (dex, AZ938, pred, cor, and dibC) with different efficacies to investigate which aspect of the ligand induced the differences in efficacy. We performed molecular dynamics simulations on the five systems (dex-, AZ938-, pred-, cor-, and dibC-bound systems) and observed a distinct discrepancy in the conformation of the cofactor TIF2. Moreover, we discovered ligand-induced differences regarding the level of conformational changes posed by the binding of cofactor TIF2 and identified a pair of essential residues D590 and T39. We further found a positive correlation between the efficacies of ligands and the interaction of the two binding pockets’ domains, where D590 and T739 were involved, implying their significance in the participation of allosteric communication. Using community network analysis, two essential communities containing D590 and T739 were identified with their connectivity correlating to the efficacy of ligands. The potential communication pathways between these two residues were revealed. These results revealed the underlying mechanism of allosteric communication between the ligand-binding and cofactor-binding pockets and identified a pair of important residues in the allosteric communication pathway, which can serve as a guide for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Cao
- Department of Urology, Ezhou Central Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Duan Ni
- The Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jigang Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Mintao Xue,
| | - Mintao Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shaoyong Lu, ; Mintao Xue,
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17
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Amratia DA, Viola H, Ioachimescu OC. Glucocorticoid therapy in respiratory illness: bench to bedside. J Investig Med 2022; 70:1662-1680. [DOI: 10.1136/jim-2021-002161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Each year, hundreds of millions of individuals are affected by respiratory disease leading to approximately 4 million deaths. Most respiratory pathologies involve substantially dysregulated immune processes that either fail to resolve the underlying process or actively exacerbate the disease. Therefore, clinicians have long considered immune-modulating corticosteroids (CSs), particularly glucocorticoids (GCs), as a critical tool for management of a wide spectrum of respiratory conditions. However, the complex interplay between effectiveness, risks and side effects can lead to different results, depending on the disease in consideration. In this comprehensive review, we present a summary of the bench and the bedside evidence regarding GC treatment in a spectrum of respiratory illnesses. We first describe here the experimental evidence of GC effects in the distal airways and/or parenchyma, both in vitro and in disease-specific animal studies, then we evaluate the recent clinical evidence regarding GC treatment in over 20 respiratory pathologies. Overall, CS remain a critical tool in the management of respiratory illness, but their benefits are dependent on the underlying pathology and should be weighed against patient-specific risks.
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18
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Hamilton CM, Winter MJ, Margiotta-Casaluci L, Owen SF, Tyler CR. Are synthetic glucocorticoids in the aquatic environment a risk to fish? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 162:107163. [PMID: 35240385 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticosteroid, or glucocorticoid (GC), system is largely conserved across vertebrates and plays a central role in numerous vital physiological processes including bone development, immunomodulation, and modification of glucose metabolism and the induction of stress-related behaviours. As a result of their wide-ranging actions, synthetic GCs are widely prescribed for numerous human and veterinary therapeutic purposes and consequently have been detected extensively within the aquatic environment. Synthetic GCs designed for humans are pharmacologically active in non-mammalian vertebrates, including fish, however they are generally detected in surface waters at low (ng/L) concentrations. In this review, we assess the potential environmental risk of synthetic GCs to fish by comparing available experimental data and effect levels in fish with those in mammals. We found the majority of compounds were predicted to have insignificant risk to fish, however some compounds were predicted to be of moderate and high risk to fish, although the dataset of compounds used for this analysis was small. Given the common mode of action and high level of inter-species target conservation exhibited amongst the GCs, we also give due consideration to the potential for mixture effects, which may be particularly significant when considering the potential for environmental impact from this class of pharmaceuticals. Finally, we also provide recommendations for further research to more fully understand the potential environmental impact of this relatively understudied group of commonly prescribed human and veterinary drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Hamilton
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Matthew J Winter
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Luigi Margiotta-Casaluci
- Department of Analytical, Environmental & Forensic Sciences, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Stewart F Owen
- AstraZeneca, Global Environment, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 2NA, UK
| | - Charles R Tyler
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QD, UK.
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19
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Kośmider K, Karska K, Kozakiewicz A, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Overcoming Steroid Resistance in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-The State-of-the-Art Knowledge and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073795. [PMID: 35409154 PMCID: PMC8999045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy among children. Despite the enormous progress in ALL therapy, resulting in achieving a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%, the ambitious goal of reaching a 100% survival rate is still being pursued. A typical ALL treatment includes three phases: remission induction and consolidation and maintenance, preceded by a prednisone prephase. Poor prednisone response (PPR) is defined as the presence of ≥1.0 × 109 blasts/L in the peripheral blood on day eight of therapy and results in significantly frequent relapses and worse outcomes. Hence, identifying risk factors of steroid resistance and finding methods of overcoming that resistance may significantly improve patients' outcomes. A mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK-ERK) pathway seems to be a particularly attractive target, as its activation leads to steroid resistance via a phosphorylating Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), which is crucial in the steroid-induced cell death. Several mutations causing activation of MAPK-ERK were discovered, notably the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) pathway mutations in T-cell ALL and rat sarcoma virus (Ras) pathway mutations in precursor B-cell ALL. MAPK-ERK pathway inhibitors were demonstrated to enhance the results of dexamethasone therapy in preclinical ALL studies. This report summarizes steroids' mechanism of action, resistance to treatment, and prospects of steroids therapy in pediatric ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kośmider
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Karska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agata Kozakiewicz
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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20
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Hoekstra M, Liu Q, Zhang Y, van der Wel EJ, Le Dévédec SE, Van Eck M. Hypocholesterolemic phospholipid transfer protein knockout mice exhibit a normal glucocorticoid response to food deprivation. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:1884-1891. [PMID: 35422905 PMCID: PMC8991128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Glucocorticoids, adrenal-derived steroid hormones, facilitate the physiological response to stress. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered the primary source of cholesterol used for glucocorticoid synthesis in mice. Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is a key player in HDL formation. In the current study we tested the hypothesis that HDL deficiency associated with genetic lack of PLTP negatively impacts the adrenal steroid function. METHODS We determined the glucocorticoid response to overnight food deprivation stress and the adrenal lipid and genetic phenotype of wild-type and PLTP knockout mice. RESULTS Basal plasma corticosterone levels, adrenal weights, and adrenocortical neutral lipid stores were not different between wild-type and PLTP knockout mice. Strikingly, plasma corticosterone levels were also equally high in the two groups of mice under fasting conditions (two-way ANOVA genotype effect: P>0.05). However, compensatory mechanisms were active to overcome adrenal lipid depletion, since gene expression levels of cholesterol synthesis, acquisition and mobilization proteins were ~2-fold higher in PLTP knockout adrenals versus wild-type adrenals. In support of an overall similar glucocorticoid stress response, hepatic relative mRNA expression levels of the glucocorticoid receptor target/glucocorticoid-sensitive genes PEPCK, ANGPTL4, FGF21, TDO2 and HMGCS2 were also not different. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that hypocholesterolemic PLTP knockout mice exhibit a normal glucocorticoid response to food deprivation. These novel data (1) highlight that the effect of HDL deficiency on adrenal glucocorticoid output in mice is model dependent and (2) imply that other (lipoprotein) cholesterol sources than HDL can also generate the pool utilized by adrenocortical cells to synthesize glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menno Hoekstra
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Qiuyu Liu
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Ezra J van der Wel
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Sylvia E Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
| | - Miranda Van Eck
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden UniversityLeiden, Netherlands
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21
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Gu X, Ge L, Ren B, Fang Y, Li Y, Wang Y, Xu H. Glucocorticoids Promote Extracellular Matrix Component Remodeling by Activating YAP in Human Retinal Capillary Endothelial Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:738341. [PMID: 34970541 PMCID: PMC8712730 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.738341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components of endothelial cells is the main cause of retinal vascular basement membrane (BM) thickening, which leads to the initiation and perpetuation of microvasculopathy of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Excessive amounts of glucocorticoids (GCs) are related to the presence and severity of DR, however transcriptional effects of GCs on the biology of human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCECs) and its impacts on DR are still unclear. Here, we showed that GC (hydrocortisone) treatment induced ECM component [fibronectin (FN) and type IV collagen (Col IV)] expression and morphological changes in HRCECs via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which depended on the nuclear translocation of YAP coactivator. Mechanistically, GCs induced stress fiber formation in HRCECs, while blocking stress fiber formation inhibited GC-induced YAP nuclear translocation. Overexpression of FN, but not Col IV, activated YAP through the promotion of stress fiber formation via ECM-integrin signaling. Thus, a feedforward loop is established to sustain YAP activity. Using mRNA sequencing of HRCECs with overexpressed YAP or GC treatment, we found a similarity in Gene Ontology (GO) terms, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcription factors (TFs) between the two RNA-seq datasets. In vivo, YAP was activated in retina vascular ECs of STZ-induced diabetic mice, and TF prediction analysis of published RNA-seq data of dermal vascular ECs from T2DM patients showed that GR and TEAD (the main transcription factor for YAP) were enriched. Together, GCs activate YAP and promote ECM component (FN and Col IV) remodeling in retinal capillary endothelial cells, and the underlying regulatory mechanism may provide new insights into the vascular BM thickening of the retina in the early pathogenesis of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianliang Gu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingling Ge
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Bangqi Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajie Fang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yijian Li
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiwei Xu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Key Lab of Visual Damage & Regeneration and Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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22
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Chang X, Xu S, Zhang H. Regulation of bone health through physical exercise: Mechanisms and types. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1029475. [PMID: 36568096 PMCID: PMC9768366 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1029475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis, characterized by bone mineral density reduction, bone mass loss, increased bone fragility, and propensity to fractures, is a common disease in older individuals and one of the most serious health problems worldwide. The imbalance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts results in the predominance of bone resorption and decreased bone formation. In recent years, it has been found that regular and proper exercise not only helps prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis but also adds benefits to osteoporosis therapy; accordingly, bone homeostasis is closely associated with mechanical stress and the intricate crosstalk between osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of exercise on osteoporosis and provide new proposals for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xinyu Chang, ; Sheng Xu, ; Hao Zhang,
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology and Institute of Immunology, Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xinyu Chang, ; Sheng Xu, ; Hao Zhang,
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xinyu Chang, ; Sheng Xu, ; Hao Zhang,
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23
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Liu Y, Ding Q, Guo W. Life Course Impact of Glucocorticoids During Pregnancy on Muscle Development and Function. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2021; 2. [PMID: 36325303 PMCID: PMC9624510 DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2021.788930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress, such as maternal obesity, can induce severe gestational disease and hormonal disorder which may disrupt fetal organ maturation and further cause endangered early or future health in offspring. During fetal development, glucocorticoids are essential for the maturation of organ systems. For instance, in clinical applications, glucocorticoids are commonly utilized to pregnant women with the risk of preterm delivery to reduce mortality of the newborns. However, exposure of excessive glucocorticoids at embryonic and fetal developmental stages can cause diseases such as cardiovascular disease and muscle atrophy in adulthood. Effects of excessive glucocorticoids on human health are well-recognized and extensively studied. Nonetheless, effects of these hormones on farm animal growth and development, particularly on prenatal muscle development, and postnatal growth, did not attract much attention until the last decade. Here, we provided a short review of the recent progress relating to the effect of glucocorticoids on prenatal skeletal muscle development and postnatal muscle growth as well as heart muscle development and cardiovascular disease during life course.
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He Z, Zhang J, Chen G, Cao J, Chen Y, Ai C, Wang H. H19/let-7 axis mediates caffeine exposure during pregnancy induced adrenal dysfunction and its multi-generation inheritance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 792:148440. [PMID: 34465058 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Previously, we systemically confirmed that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) could cause intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and adrenal steroid synthesis dysfunction in offspring rats. However, the multi-generation inheritance of adrenal dysfunction and its epigenetic mechanism has not been reported. In this study, the PCE rat model was established, part of the pregnant rats were executed on gestational day 20, while the others were delivered normally and the fetal rats were reared into adulthood. The PCE female rats of filial generation 1 (F1) were mated with wild males to produce F2 offspring, and the same way to produce F3 offspring. All the adult female rats of three generations were sacrificed for the related detection. Results showed that PCE could decrease fetal weight, increase IUGR rate, and elevate serum corticosterone level. Meanwhile, the expression of fetal adrenal GR, DNMT3a/3b, miRNA let-7c increased while those of CTCF, H19, and StAR decreased, and the total methylation rate of the H19 promoter region was enhanced. We used SW-13 cells to clarify the molecular mechanism and found that cortisol-induced in vitro changes of these indexes were consistent with those in vivo. We confirmed that high level of cortisol through activating GR, on the one hand, promoted let-7 expression and inhibited StAR expression; on the other hand, caused high methylation and low expression of H19 by down-regulating CTCF and up-regulating DNMT3a/3b, then enhanced let-7 inhibitory effect on StAR by "molecular sponge" effect. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that the adrenal steroid synthesis function and H19/let-7 axis presented the glucocorticoid-dependent changes in the adult female F1, F2, and F3. In conclusion, PCE can cause female adrenal dysfunction with matrilineal multi-generation inheritance, which is related to the programming alteration of the H19/let-7 axis. This study provides a novel perspective to explain the multi-generation inheritance of fetal-originated disease in IUGR offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng He
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jinzhi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jiangang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yawen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Can Ai
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical School of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disorder, Wuhan 430071, China.
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25
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Kokkinopoulou I, Diakoumi A, Moutsatsou P. Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011173. [PMID: 34681832 PMCID: PMC8537243 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress and depression increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) development. Evidence demonstrates that the Glucocorticoid (GC) negative feedback is impaired (GC resistance) in T2D patients resulting in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and hypercortisolism. High GCs, in turn, activate multiple aspects of glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues leading to hyperglycemia. Elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) mediates the GC-induced dysregulation of glucose production, uptake and insulin signaling in GC-sensitive peripheral tissues, such as liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas. In contrast to increased GR peripheral sensitivity, an impaired GR signaling in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of T2D patients, associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased inflammation, has been shown. Given that GR changes in immune cells parallel those in brain, the above data implicate that a reduced brain GR function may be the biological link among stress, HPA hyperactivity, hypercortisolism and hyperglycemia. GR polymorphisms have also been associated with metabolic disturbances in T2D while dysregulation of micro-RNAs—known to target GR mRNA—has been described. Collectively, GR has a crucial role in T2D, acting in a cell-type and context-specific manner, leading to either GC sensitivity or GC resistance. Selective modulation of GR signaling in T2D therapy warrants further investigation.
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26
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Kennedy BJ, Lato AM, Fisch AR, Burke SJ, Kirkland JK, Prevatte CW, Dunlap LE, Smith RT, Vogiatzis KD, Collier JJ, Campagna SR. Potent Anti-Inflammatory, Arylpyrazole-Based Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists That Do Not Impair Insulin Secretion. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1568-1577. [PMID: 34676039 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used in medicine for their role in the treatment of autoimmune-mediated conditions, certain cancers, and organ transplantation. The transcriptional activities GCs elicit include transrepression, postulated to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity, and transactivation, proposed to underlie the undesirable side effects associated with long-term use. A GC analogue that could elicit only transrepression and beneficial transactivation properties would be of great medicinal value and is highly sought after. In this study, a series of 1-(4-substituted phenyl)pyrazole-based GC analogues were synthesized, biologically screened, and evaluated for SARs leading to the desired activity. Activity observed in compounds bearing an electron deficient arylpyrazole moiety showed promise toward a dissociated steroid, displaying transrepression while having limited transactivation activity. In addition, compounds 11aa and 11ab were found to have anti-inflammatory efficacy comparable to that of dexamethasone at 10 nM, with minimal transactivation activity and no reduction of insulin secretion in cultured rat 832/13 beta cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J. Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Ashley M. Lato
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Alexander R. Fisch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Susan J. Burke
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, United States
| | - Justin K. Kirkland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Carson W. Prevatte
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Lee E. Dunlap
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Russell T. Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | | | - J. Jason Collier
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, United States
| | - Shawn R. Campagna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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Sevilla LM, Jiménez-Panizo A, Alegre-Martí A, Estébanez-Perpiñá E, Caelles C, Pérez P. Glucocorticoid Resistance: Interference between the Glucocorticoid Receptor and the MAPK Signalling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10049. [PMID: 34576214 PMCID: PMC8465023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that signal in virtually all cell types to modulate tissue homeostasis throughout life. Also, synthetic GC derivatives (pharmacological GCs) constitute the first-line treatment in many chronic inflammatory conditions with unquestionable therapeutic benefits despite the associated adverse effects. GC actions are principally mediated through the GC receptor (GR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Despite the ubiquitous expression of GR, imbalances in GC signalling affect tissues differently, and with variable degrees of severity through mechanisms that are not completely deciphered. Congenital or acquired GC hypersensitivity or resistance syndromes can impact responsiveness to endogenous or pharmacological GCs, causing disease or inadequate therapeutic outcomes, respectively. Acquired GC resistance is defined as loss of efficacy or desensitization over time, and arises as a consequence of chronic inflammation, affecting around 30% of GC-treated patients. It represents an important limitation in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer, and can be due to impairment of multiple mechanisms along the GC signalling pathway. Among them, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and/or alterations in expression of their regulators, the dual-specific phosphatases (DUSPs), have been identified as common mechanisms of GC resistance. While many of the anti-inflammatory actions of GCs rely on GR-mediated inhibition of MAPKs and/or induction of DUSPs, the GC anti-inflammatory capacity is decreased or lost in conditions of excessive MAPK activation, contributing to disease susceptibility in tissue- and disease- specific manners. Here, we discuss potential strategies to modulate GC responsiveness, with the dual goal of overcoming GC resistance and minimizing the onset and severity of unwanted adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Sevilla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba Jiménez-Panizo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andrea Alegre-Martí
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Carme Caelles
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Glucocorticoid and PD-1 Cross-Talk: Does the Immune System Become Confused? Cells 2021; 10:cells10092333. [PMID: 34571982 PMCID: PMC8468592 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1/2, control T cell activation and tolerance. While PD-1 expression is induced upon T cell receptor (TCR) activation or cytokine signaling, PD-L1 is expressed on B cells, antigen presenting cells, and on non-immune tissues, including cancer cells. Importantly, PD-L1 binding inhibits T cell activation. Therefore, the modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 expression on immune cells, both circulating or in a tumor microenvironment and/or on the tumor cell surface, is one mechanism of cancer immune evasion. Therapies that target PD-1/PD-L1, blocking the T cell-cancer cell interaction, have been successful in patients with various types of cancer. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often administered to manage the side effects of chemo- or immuno-therapy, exerting a wide range of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. However, GCs may also have tumor-promoting effects, interfering with therapy. In this review, we examine GC signaling and how it intersects with PD-1/PD-L1 pathways, including a discussion on the potential for GC- and PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapies to "confuse" the immune system, leading to a cancer cell advantage that counteracts anti-cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, combination therapies should be utilized with an awareness of the potential for opposing effects on the immune system.
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Ognjanović S, Antić J, Pekmezović T, Popović B, Isailović T, Antić IB, Bogavac T, Kovačević VE, Ilić D, Opalić M, Macut D. The association of glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism with metabolic outcomes in menopausal women with adrenal incidentalomas. Maturitas 2021; 151:15-21. [PMID: 34446274 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2021.06.011] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether BclI polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor gene influences hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, body composition and metabolic parameters in women with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We analyzed 106 women with AIs. Insulin resistance was assessed using a homeostasis model while HPA activity was assessed using dexamethasone suppression tests (DST), basal ACTH, urinary free cortisol, and midnight serum cortisol level. Body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. DNA was obtained from peripheral blood leucocytes and BclI polymorphism was detected using PCR, RFLP and DNA sequencing. RESULTS BclI carriers in comparison with those with wild-type BclI had less suppressed cortisol after DST-0.5 mg (126.4 ± 111.4 vs 80.9 ± 75.7 nmol/l, p = 0.026) and had a lower prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). BclI carriers had a higher percentage of leg fat mass (FM), lower left-sided limb muscle mass and a decline in total lean body mass. Duration of menopause remained a strong predictor of appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) (β=-0.125, p = 0.034). BclI polymorphism was significantly associated with sum of legs FM percentage (β=0.327, p = 0.048). T2DM was negatively associated with BclI polymorphism, after adjusting for age, truncal FM, ALMI, and sum of legs FM (OR=0.158, 95%CI 0.031-0.806, p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS BclI polymorphism is associated with tissue-specific glucocorticoid sensitivity, relative glucocorticoid resistance of the HPA axis and peripheral adipose tissue, and glucocorticoid hypersensitivity at the muscle level. By modulating glucocorticoid and insulin sensitivity, BclI polymorphism appears to reduce the risk of T2DM in women with AIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanja Ognjanović
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jadranka Antić
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Pekmezović
- Institute of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojana Popović
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Isailović
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Božić Antić
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tamara Bogavac
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Dušan Ilić
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Opalić
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Djuro Macut
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
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Yang J, Chen Y, Li X, Xu D. New insights into the roles of glucocorticoid signaling dysregulation in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 27:1431-1441. [PMID: 34455516 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-021-10158-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a process of abnormal remodeling of the myocardium in response to stress overload or ischemia that results in myocardial injury, which is an independent risk factor for the increased morbidity and mortality of heart failure. Elevated circulating glucocorticoids (GCs) levels are associated with an increased risk of pathological cardiac hypertrophy, but the exact role remains unclear. In the heart, GCs exerts physiological and pharmacological effects by binding the glucocorticoid receptor (GR, NR3C1). However, under the state of tissue damage or oxidative stress, GCs can also bind the closely related mineralocorticoid receptor (MR, NR3C2) to exert a detrimental effect on cardiac function. In addition, the bioavailability of GCs at the cellular level is mainly regulated by tissue-specific metabolic enzymes 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs), including 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and type 2 (11β-HSD2), which catalyze the interconversion of active GCs. In this paper, we provide an overview of GC signaling and its physiological roles in the heart and highlight the dynamic and diverse roles of GC signaling dysregulation, mediated by excessive ligand GCs levels, GR/MR deficiency or overexpression, and local GCs metabolic disorder by 11β-HSDs, in the pathology of cardiac hypertrophy. Our findings will provide new ideas and insights for the search for appropriate intervention targets for pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmin Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Yanying Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Danyan Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
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Vettorazzi S, Nalbantoglu D, Gebhardt JCM, Tuckermann J. A guide to changing paradigms of glucocorticoid receptor function-a model system for genome regulation and physiology. FEBS J 2021; 289:5718-5743. [PMID: 34213830 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a bona fide ligand-regulated transcription factor. Cloned in the 80s, the GR has become one of the best-studied and clinically most relevant members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Cooperative activity of GR with other transcription factors and a plethora of coregulators contribute to the tissue- and context-specific response toward the endogenous and pharmacological glucocorticoids (GCs). Furthermore, nontranscriptional activities in the cytoplasm are emerging as an additional function of GR. Over the past 40 years, the concepts of GR mechanisms of action had been constantly changing. Different methodologies in the pregenomic and genomic era of molecular biological research and recent cutting-edge technology in single-cell and single-molecule analysis are steadily evolving the views, how the GR in particular and transcriptional regulation in general act in physiological and pathological processes. In addition to the development of technologies for GR analysis, the use of model organisms provides insights how the GR in vivo executes GC action in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and energy metabolism. The model organisms, namely the mouse, but also rats, zebrafish, and recently fruit flies carrying mutations of the GR became a major driving force to analyze the molecular function of GR in disease models. This guide provides an overview of the exciting research and paradigm shifts in the GR field from past to present with a focus on GR transcription factor networks, GR DNA-binding and single-cell analysis, and model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
| | - Denis Nalbantoglu
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
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Untargeted Plasma Metabolomics Unravels a Metabolic Signature for Tissue Sensitivity to Glucocorticoids in Healthy Subjects: Its Implications in Dietary Planning for a Healthy Lifestyle. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13062120. [PMID: 34205537 PMCID: PMC8234096 DOI: 10.3390/nu13062120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical practice, differences in glucocorticoid sensitivity among healthy subjects may influence the outcome and any adverse effects of glucocorticoid therapy. Thus, a fast and accurate methodology that could enable the classification of individuals based on their tissue glucocorticoid sensitivity would be of value. We investigated the usefulness of untargeted plasma metabolomics in identifying a panel of metabolites to distinguish glucocorticoid-resistant from glucocorticoid-sensitive healthy subjects who do not carry mutations in the human glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene. Applying a published methodology designed for the study of glucocorticoid sensitivity in healthy adults, 101 healthy subjects were ranked according to their tissue glucocorticoid sensitivity based on 8:00 a.m. serum cortisol concentrations following a very low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Ten percent of the cohort, i.e., 11 participants, on each side of the ranking, with no NR3C1 mutations or polymorphisms, were selected, respectively, as the most glucocorticoid-sensitive and most glucocorticoid-resistant of the cohort to be analyzed and compared with untargeted blood plasma metabolomics using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The acquired metabolic profiles were evaluated using multivariate statistical analysis methods. Nineteen metabolites were identified with significantly lower abundance in the most sensitive compared to the most resistant group of the cohort, including fatty acids, sugar alcohols, and serine/threonine metabolism intermediates. These results, combined with a higher glucose, sorbitol, and lactate abundance, suggest a higher Cori cycle, polyol pathway, and inter-tissue one-carbon metabolism rate and a lower fat mobilization rate at the fasting state in the most sensitive compared to the most resistant group. In fact, this was the first study correlating tissue glucocorticoid sensitivity with serine/threonine metabolism. Overall, the observed metabolic signature in this cohort implies a worse cardiometabolic profile in the most glucocorticoid-sensitive compared to the most glucocorticoid-resistant healthy subjects. These findings offer a metabolic signature that distinguishes most glucocorticoid-sensitive from most glucocorticoid-resistant healthy subjects to be further validated in larger cohorts. Moreover, they support the correlation of tissue glucocorticoid sensitivity with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome-associated pathways, further emphasizing the need for nutritionists and doctors to consider the tissue glucocorticoid sensitivity in dietary and exercise planning, particularly when these subjects are to be treated with glucocorticoids.
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33
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Martins CS, de Castro M. Generalized and tissue specific glucocorticoid resistance. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 530:111277. [PMID: 33864884 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that influence several physiologic functions and are among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. Resistance to GCs has been observed in the context of the familial generalized GC resistance (Chrousos' syndrome) or tissue specific GC resistance in chronic inflammatory states. In this review, we have summarized the major factors that influence individual glucocorticoid sensitivity/resistance. The fine-tuning of GC action is determined in a tissue-specific fashion that includes the combination of different GC receptor promoters, translation initiation sites, splice isoforms, interacting proteins, post-translational modifications, and alternative mechanisms of signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Silva Martins
- Department of Internal Medicine - Ribeirao Preto Medical School - University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil; School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine - Ribeirao Preto Medical School - University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
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34
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Glucocorticoids enhance the antileukemic activity of FLT3 inhibitors in FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2021; 136:1067-1079. [PMID: 32396937 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019003124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
FLT3 is a frequently mutated gene that is highly associated with a poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite initially responding to FLT3 inhibitors, most patients eventually relapse with drug resistance. The mechanism by which resistance arises and the initial response to drug treatment that promotes cell survival is unknown. Recent studies show that a transiently maintained subpopulation of drug-sensitive cells, so-called drug-tolerant "persisters" (DTPs), can survive cytotoxic drug exposure despite lacking resistance-conferring mutations. Using RNA sequencing and drug screening, we find that treatment of FLT3 internal tandem duplication AML cells with quizartinib, a selective FLT3 inhibitor, upregulates inflammatory genes in DTPs and thereby confers susceptibility to anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids (GCs). Mechanistically, the combination of FLT3 inhibitors and GCs enhances cell death of FLT3 mutant, but not wild-type, cells through GC-receptor-dependent upregulation of the proapoptotic protein BIM and proteasomal degradation of the antiapoptotic protein MCL-1. Moreover, the enhanced antileukemic activity by quizartinib and dexamethasone combination has been validated using primary AML patient samples and xenograft mouse models. Collectively, our study indicates that the combination of FLT3 inhibitors and GCs has the potential to eliminate DTPs and therefore prevent minimal residual disease, mutational drug resistance, and relapse in FLT3-mutant AML.
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Niculet E, Bobeica C, Tatu AL. Glucocorticoid-Induced Skin Atrophy: The Old and the New. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2020; 13:1041-1050. [PMID: 33408495 PMCID: PMC7779293 DOI: 10.2147/ccid.s224211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are major therapeutic agents highly used in the medical field. Topical glucocorticoids have biologic activities which make them useful in dermatology – anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive, immune suppressive and antiproliferative, in treating inflammatory skin disorders (allergic contact eczema, atopic hand eczema, nummular eczema, psoriasis vulgaris or toxic-irritative eczema). Unfortunately, the beneficial effects of topical glucocorticoids are shadowed by their potential for adverse effects – muscle or skin atrophy, striae distensae, rubeosis or acne. Skin atrophy is one of the most prevalent side-effects, with changes found in all skin compartments – marked hypoplasia, elasticity loss with tearing, increased fragility, telangiectasia, bruising, cutaneous transparency, or a dysfunctional skin barrier. The structure and function of the epidermis is altered even in the short-term topical glucocorticoid treatment; it affects stratum corneum components, subsequently affecting skin barrier integrity. The dermis is altered by directly inhibiting fibroblast proliferation, reducing mast cell numbers, and loss of support; there is depletion of mucopolysaccharides, elastin fibers, matrix metalloproteases and inhibition of collagen synthesis. Atrophogenic changes can be found also in hair follicles, sebaceous glands or dermal adipose tissue. Attention should be paid to topical glucocorticoid treatment prescription, to the beneficial/adverse effects ratio of the chosen agent, and studies should be oriented on the development of newer, innovative targeted (gene or receptor) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Niculet
- Department of Morphological and Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University, Galati, Romania
| | - Carmen Bobeica
- Department of Dermato-Venereology, Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr. T. Popa", Iași, Romania
| | - Alin L Tatu
- Clinical Department, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, "Dunarea de Jos" University, Galati, Romania.,Research Center in the Field of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ReFORM-UDJ, Galati, Romania.,Dermatology Department, "Sf. Cuvioasa Parascheva" Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Galati, Romania
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Chihaoui M, Madhi W, Yazidi M, Hammami B, Oueslati I, Khessairi N, Grira W, Bibi A, Feki M, Chaker F. Salivary cortisol levels during Ramadan fasting in hydrocortisone-treated secondary adrenal insufficiency patients. Endocrine 2020; 70:404-411. [PMID: 32789535 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02452-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with adrenal insufficiency have difficulties in fasting during the month of Ramadan with an increased risk of complications. Cortisol levels are unknown in these patients. The objective of this study was to assess the daily cortisol profile in hydrocortisone-treated patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) and healthy controls during a fasting day. METHODS A cross-sectional matched case-control study on 50 hydrocortisone-treated SAI patients and 69 controls who are used to fast. Clinical and therapeutic data were collected. Five salivary samples for cortisol measurement were collected throughout a fasting day of the third week of Ramadan 2019. RESULTS Salivary cortisol levels were significantly higher on awakening, at midnight and before the predawn meal in patients compared with controls. The circadian cortisol rhythm was disrupted in patients. The area under the salivary cortisol level versus time curve (AUC) was lower than the 2.5th percentile of the controls in one patient (2.5%) and higher than the 97.5th percentile in 23 patients (59%) who were considered overtreated. Age ≥ 35 years was independently associated with overtreatment (adjusted odds ratio = 12.0; 95% CI (2.0-70.4); p = 0.006). Seven patients broke their fasting for a complication compared with no one of the controls (p = 0.001). No factor was associated with this risk. CONCLUSIONS Salivary cortisol levels were high in fasting hydrocortisone-treated SAI patients with a disruption of the circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melika Chihaoui
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Wiem Madhi
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Yazidi
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Bessem Hammami
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ibtissem Oueslati
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Khessairi
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Grira
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amina Bibi
- Department of Biochemistry, National Institute of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Feki
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Chaker
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital La Rabta, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Ekizceli G, Halk KZ, Minbay Z, Eyigor O. Nesfatin-1 and neuronostatin neurons are co-expressed with glucocorticoid receptors in the hypothalamus. Biotech Histochem 2020; 96:555-561. [PMID: 33054452 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2020.1832703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nesfatin-1 and neuronostatin in the central nervous system participate in regulating stress responses. Glucocorticoid hormones affect the brain through glucocorticoid receptors (GR). We investigated in the rat the possibility of co-localizing nesfatin-1 and neuronostatin neurons in hypothalamic areas with GR. using immunohistochemistry. We counted nesfatin-1 and neuronostatin stained neurons. We counted GR positive nesfatin-1 neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and GR positive neuronostatin neurons in the periventricular nucleus (PeN). The percentage of nesfatin-1 neurons that expressed GR was 38.4% in female rats and 21.9% in male rats in the ARC, and 33.3% in female rats and 29.2% in male rats in the PVN. The percentage of neuronostatin neurons that expressed GR was 39.1% in female rats and 39.9% in male rats in the PeN. We found that a substantial portion of nesfatin-1 and neuronostatin neurons were stained for GR. We speculate that the pattern of GR might permit secretion of neuropeptides to be stimulated by peripheral glucocorticoid signals. Stress can suppress food intake, in part, through the GR in neurons that express nesfatin-1, which is a satiety molecule, and in neurons that express neuronostatin, which is an anorexigenic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ekizceli
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul Health and Technology University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa Uludag University, Institute of Health Science, Bursa, Turkey
| | - K Z Halk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa Uludag University, Institute of Health Science, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Z Minbay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa Uludag University, School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - O Eyigor
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Bursa Uludag University, School of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
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Abstract
Nuclear receptors have a broad spectrum of biological functions in normal physiology and in the pathology of various diseases, including glomerular disease. The primary therapies for many glomerular diseases are glucocorticoids, which exert their immunosuppressive and direct podocyte protective effects via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). As glucocorticoids are associated with important adverse effects and a substantial proportion of patients show resistance to these therapies, the beneficial effects of selective GR modulators are now being explored. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonism using thiazolidinediones has potent podocyte cytoprotective and nephroprotective effects. Repurposing of thiazolidinediones or identification of novel PPARγ modulators are potential strategies to treat non-diabetic glomerular disease. Retinoic acid receptor-α is the key mediator of the renal protective effects of retinoic acid, and repair of the endogenous retinoic acid pathway offers another potential therapeutic strategy for glomerular disease. Vitamin D receptor, oestrogen receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor modulators regulate podocyte injury in experimental models. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms of these nuclear receptors, evaluate their synergistic pathways and identify their novel modulators. Here, we focus on the role of nuclear receptors in podocyte biology and non-diabetic glomerular disease.
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Ruiz D, Padmanabhan V, Sargis RM. Stress, Sex, and Sugar: Glucocorticoids and Sex-Steroid Crosstalk in the Sex-Specific Misprogramming of Metabolism. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa087. [PMID: 32734132 PMCID: PMC7382384 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life exposures to environmental insults can misprogram development and increase metabolic disease risk in a sex-dependent manner by mechanisms that remain poorly characterized. Modifiable factors of increasing public health relevance, such as diet, psychological stress, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can affect glucocorticoid receptor signaling during gestation and lead to sex-specific postnatal metabolic derangements. Evidence from humans and animal studies indicate that glucocorticoids crosstalk with sex steroids by several mechanisms in multiple tissues and can affect sex-steroid-dependent developmental processes. Nonetheless, glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk has not been considered in the glucocorticoid-induced misprogramming of metabolism. Herein we review what is known about the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids crosstalk with estrogen, androgen, and progestogen action. We propose that glucocorticoid sex-steroid crosstalk is an understudied mechanism of action that requires consideration when examining the developmental misprogramming of metabolism, especially when assessing sex-specific outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ruiz
- Committee on Molecular Metabolism and Nutrition, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | - Robert M Sargis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; Department of Medicine; University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,Chicago Center for Health and Environment, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Köhler C, Carlström G, Gunnarsson A, Weininger U, Tångefjord S, Ullah V, Lepistö M, Karlsson U, Papavoine T, Edman K, Akke M. Dynamic allosteric communication pathway directing differential activation of the glucocorticoid receptor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb5277. [PMID: 32832645 PMCID: PMC7439413 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb5277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric communication within proteins is a hallmark of biochemical signaling, but the dynamic transmission pathways remain poorly characterized. We combined NMR spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance to reveal these pathways and quantify their energetics in the glucocorticoid receptor, a transcriptional regulator controlling development, metabolism, and immune response. Our results delineate a dynamic communication network of residues linking the ligand-binding pocket to the activation function-2 interface, where helix 12, a switch for transcriptional activation, exhibits ligand- and coregulator-dependent dynamics coupled to graded activation. The allosteric free energy responds to variations in ligand structure: subtle changes gradually tune allostery while preserving the transmission pathway, whereas substitution of the entire pharmacophore leads to divergent allosteric control by apparently rewiring the communication network. Our results provide key insights that should aid in the design of mechanistically differentiated ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Köhler
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - G. Carlström
- Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - A. Gunnarsson
- Discovery Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U. Weininger
- Division of Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P. O. Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - S. Tångefjord
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Discovery Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - V. Ullah
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M. Lepistö
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - U. Karlsson
- Discovery Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - T. Papavoine
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K. Edman
- Discovery Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M. Akke
- Division of Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P. O. Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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Yorio T, Patel GC, Clark AF. Glucocorticoid-Induced Ocular Hypertension: Origins and New Approaches to Minimize. EXPERT REVIEW OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2020; 15:145-157. [PMID: 38274668 PMCID: PMC10810227 DOI: 10.1080/17469899.2020.1762488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Glucocorticoids (GCs) have unique actions in their combined anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activities and are among the most commonly-prescribed drugs, particularly for inflammatory conditions. They are often used clinically to treat inflammatory eye diseases like uveitis, optic neuritis, conjunctivitis, keratitis and others, but are often accompanied by side effects, like ocular hypertension that can be vision threatening. Areas covered The review will focus on the complex molecular mechanism of action of GCs that involve both transactivation and transrepression and their use therapeutically that can cause significant systemic side effects, particularly ocular hypertension that can lead to glaucoma. Expert Opinion While we are still unclear as to all the mechanisms responsible for GC-induced ocular hypertension, however, there are potential novel therapies that are in development that can separate some of the anti-inflammatory therapeutic efficacy from their ocular hypertension side effect. This review provides some insight into these approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Yorio
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNTHSC
- North Texas Eye Research, Institute, UNTHSC
| | | | - Abbot F. Clark
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNTHSC
- North Texas Eye Research, Institute, UNTHSC
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Fetal programming in dairy cows: Effect of heat stress on progeny fertility and associations with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functions. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 216:106348. [PMID: 32414470 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Ambient temperatures that result in body temperatures beyond those of the thermo-neutral zone for dairy cattle can lead to reduced reproductive efficiencies that have negative effects on economic and productive efficiencies of dairy farms. In addition, in pregnant cows, ambient temperature-induced heat stress leads to modifications in the epigenome of the developing embryo, which, in turn, could lead to phenotypic variations in the sexually mature animal and its offspring. In the mammalian response to stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids, which may have detrimental effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the female estrous cycle. The aim of this review is to describe the effects of ambient heat stress on the reproductive system of dairy cattle and its potential trans-generational effects. There are many heat stress occurrences in dairy cattle during a large portion of the year in many countries and there is an increase in incidence with the onset of global warming. These heat stress conditions make it possible that the embryo/fetus of cows may be affected when heat stress conditions prevail in ways that there is impaired fertility of the sexually mature cows that develop from these embryos/fetuses. This is the outcome because of molecular changes in ovarian glucocorticoid response caused by epigenetic modifications established during fetal development.
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Palumbo MC, Dominguez S, Dong H. Sex differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation after chronic unpredictable stress. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01586. [PMID: 32154650 PMCID: PMC7177572 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to stress, mediated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elicits sex differences in endocrine, neurological, and behavioral responses. However, the sex-specific factors that confer resilience or vulnerability to stress and stress-associated psychiatric disorders remain largely unknown. The evident sex differences in stress-related disease prevalence suggest the underlying differences in the neurobiological underpinnings of HPA axis regulation. METHOD Here, we used a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model to investigate the behavioral and biochemical responses of the HPA axis in C57BL/6 mice. Animals were tested in the open field and forced swim test to examine anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured after behavior and CUS, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and cytosolic and nuclear fractions of binding protein FKBP51 expression were taken to measure function and regulation of the stress response. RESULTS Our results indicate increased depressive-like behavior in males and females which correlated with increased corticosterone levels following CUS. However, females displayed more anxiety-like behaviors with and without CUS. Interestingly, we found trends toward dysregulation of GR protein expression in CUS females, and an increase in the GR inhibitory protein, FKBP51, in the cytosol of CUS males but not females. CONCLUSION These results suggest biochemical alterations to the HPA axis regulation which may elicit a glucocorticoid resistance in females after chronic stress and may contribute to the sex-biased vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Palumbo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sky Dominguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hongxin Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Individual differences in glucocorticoid regulation: Does it relate to disease risk and resilience? Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 56:100803. [PMID: 31697962 PMCID: PMC7189329 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling varies among individuals, and this variation may relate to individual differences in health outcomes. To determine if and which aspects of signaling (basal, circadian, integrative, or reactivity) are associated with specific health outcomes, we reviewed recent studies that relate GCs to health outcomes. We identified papers through PubMed and reviewed 100 original research articles related to mental health, cardiovascular health, cancer, diabetes, obesity, pulmonary health, sleep, and fitness. Many studies reported elevated GC secretion associated with worse health, but this was only particularly true for integrative GC measures. On the other hand, accentuated cortisol awakening response and a steeper circadian rhythm were both associated with positive health outcomes. Overall, relationships between GC secretion and health outcomes were relatively weak. This systematic review of relationships between GC metrics and health outcomes highlights the importance of careful consideration when selecting methods to measure GC regulation in health research.
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Liu B, Goodwin JE. The Effect of Glucocorticoids on Angiogenesis in the Treatment of Solid Tumors. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR SIGNALING 2020; 1:42-49. [PMID: 32728672 PMCID: PMC7388649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex in a circadian manner and they participate in many physiological and pathological processes. Synthetic glucocorticoids have been universally applied to treat inflammatory diseases and immune disorders. Due to their angiostatic property, glucocorticoids are often added to regimens for cancer treatment. In the current review, we summarize how glucocorticoids influence angiogenesis in common solid tumors based on literature from the last ten years. Usage of glucocorticoids can be a double-edged sword in the treatment of some malignancies. There are still unanswered questions about the role of glucocorticoids in the treatment regimens of some common cancers. Therefore, we suggest prudent and restricted administration of glucocorticoids to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520, USA,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520, USA
| | - Julie E. Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520, USA,Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06520, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Julie E. Goodwin;
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Chihara T, Zhang Y, Li X, Shinohara A, Kagami H. Effect of short-term betamethasone administration on the regeneration process of tissue-engineered bone. Histol Histopathol 2019; 35:709-717. [PMID: 31854454 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Local inflammation at the transplanted site of tissue-engineered bone may cause apoptosis of the transplanted cells, thus negatively affecting bone regeneration. To maximize the efficacy of bone tissue engineering, the local effect of short-term corticosteroid administration at the transplanted site of tissue-engineered bone was studied with respect to the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Compact bone-derived cells from mouse leg bones were isolated, cultured and seeded onto β-tricalcium phosphate granules. The constructs were transplanted to the back of syngeneic mice. Betamethasone sodium phosphate was administered intraperitoneally to an experimental (betamethasone) group, whereas the same amount of saline was administered to a control group. When betamethasone was administered three times (immediately after operation and 12 hours and 24 hours after transplantation), the number of SP7/osterix-positive osteoblasts was larger in the betamethasone group. Three times of betamethasone administration (immediately after operation and 12 hours and 24 hours after transplantation) did not change the number of apoptotic cells and osteoclasts, but showed a slight upregulation of IL-4 and a downregulation of IL-6. However, 7 doses of betamethasone administration (over 7 consecutive days) increased the number of apoptotic cells and osteoclasts, which was correlated with a downregulation of IL-4 and an upregulation of IL-6. TNF-α expression levels showed no significant differences between the two groups. The results showed beneficial effects of 3 betamethasone administrations for bone regeneration therapy but contrary effects when betamethasone was administered 7 times due to the downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4) and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6). As a conclusion, our results suggested the importance of the cautious usage of corticosteroids to control local inflammation at transplanted sites in bone tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Chihara
- Department of Hard Tissue Research, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Department of Hard Tissue Research, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqi Li
- Department of Hard Tissue Research, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Institute for Oral Science, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shinohara
- Department of Hard Tissue Research, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Midorigaoka Dental Clinic, Toyota, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kagami
- Department of Hard Tissue Research, Graduate School of Oral Medicine, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Institute for Oral Science, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Japan.,Department of General Medicine, IMSUT Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Expression Profile Analysis of Differentially Expressed Circular RNAs in Steroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:8759642. [PMID: 31827647 PMCID: PMC6885284 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8759642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background A growing number of studies have suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers in many diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) has not been reported. Methods Secondary sequencing was performed to profile circRNA expression in peripheral blood samples from three SONFH patients and three healthy individuals. We confirmed our preliminary findings by qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to predict their functions. Results The result showed 345 dysregulated circRNAs. qRT-PCR of eight selected circRNAs preliminarily confirmed the results, which were consistent with RNA sequencing. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to predict the functions of circRNAs to target the genes of miRNAs and the networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions. Conclusions This study provides a new and fundamental circRNA profile of SONFH and a theoretical basis for further studies on the functions of circRNAs in SONFH.
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Henriquez AR, Snow SJ, Schladweiler MC, Miller CN, Dye JA, Ledbetter AD, Richards JE, Hargrove MM, Williams WC, Kodavanti UP. Beta-2 Adrenergic and Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonists Modulate Ozone-Induced Pulmonary Protein Leakage and Inflammation in Healthy and Adrenalectomized Rats. Toxicol Sci 2019; 166:288-305. [PMID: 30379318 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We have shown that acute ozone inhalation activates sympathetic-adrenal-medullary and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal stress axes, and adrenalectomy (AD) inhibits ozone-induced lung injury and inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that stress hormone receptor agonists (β2 adrenergic-β2AR and glucocorticoid-GR) will restore the ozone injury phenotype in AD, while exacerbating effects in sham-surgery (SH) rats. Male Wistar Kyoto rats that underwent SH or AD were treated with vehicles (saline + corn oil) or β2AR agonist clenbuterol (CLEN, 0.2 mg/kg, i.p.) + GR agonist dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg, s.c.) for 1 day and immediately prior to each day of exposure to filtered air or ozone (0.8 ppm, 4 h/day for 1 or 2 days). Ozone-induced increases in PenH and peak-expiratory flow were exacerbated in CLEN+DEX-treated SH and AD rats. CLEN+DEX affected breath waveform in all rats. Ozone exposure in vehicle-treated SH rats increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, N-acetyl glucosaminidase activity (macrophage activation), neutrophils, and lung cytokine expression while reducing circulating lymphocyte subpopulations. AD reduced these ozone effects in vehicle-treated rats. At the doses used herein, CLEN+DEX treatment reversed the protection offered by AD and exacerbated most ozone-induced lung effects while diminishing circulating lymphocytes. CLEN+DEX in air-exposed SH rats also induced marked protein leakage and reduced circulating lymphocytes but did not increase BALF neutrophils. In conclusion, circulating stress hormones and their receptors mediate ozone-induced vascular leakage and inflammatory cell trafficking to the lung. Those receiving β2AR and GR agonists for chronic pulmonary diseases, or with increased circulating stress hormones due to psychosocial stresses, might have altered sensitivity to air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres R Henriquez
- Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Samantha J Snow
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Mette C Schladweiler
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Colette N Miller
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Janice A Dye
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Allen D Ledbetter
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Judy E Richards
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Marie M Hargrove
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Wanda C Williams
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
| | - Urmila P Kodavanti
- Environmental Public Health Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
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Patel GC, Millar JC, Clark AF. Glucocorticoid Receptor Transactivation Is Required for Glucocorticoid-Induced Ocular Hypertension and Glaucoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:1967-1978. [PMID: 31050723 PMCID: PMC6890434 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-26383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Glucocorticoid (GC)–induced ocular hypertension (GC-OHT) is a serious side effect of prolonged GC therapy that can lead to glaucoma and permanent vision loss. GCs cause a plethora of changes in the trabecular meshwork (TM), an ocular tissue that regulates intraocular pressure (IOP). GCs act through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the GR regulates transcription both through transactivation and transrepression. Many of the anti-inflammatory properties of GCs are mediated by GR transrepression, while GR transactivation largely accounts for GC metabolic effects and side effects of GC therapy. There is no evidence showing which of the two mechanisms plays a role in GC-OHT. Methods GRdim transgenic mice (which have active transrepression and impaired transactivation) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice received weekly periocular dexamethasone acetate (DEX-Ac) injections. IOP, outflow facilities, and biochemical changes to the TM were determined. Results GRdim mice did not develop GC-OHT after continued DEX treatment, while WT mice had significantly increased IOP and decreased outflow facilities. Both TM tissue in eyes of DEX-treated GRdim mice and cultured TM cells isolated from GRdim mice had reduced or no change in the expression of fibronectin, myocilin, collagen type I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). GRdim mouse TM (MTM) cells also had a significant reduction in DEX-induced cytoskeletal changes, which was clearly seen in WT MTM cells. Conclusions We provide the first evidence for the role of GR transactivation in regulating GC-mediated gene expression in the TM and in the development of GC-OHT. This discovery suggests a novel therapeutic approach for treating ocular inflammation without causing GC-OHT and glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurang C Patel
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J Cameron Millar
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - Abbot F Clark
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Nakhleh A, Shehadeh N, Saiegh L. Letter to the Editor: "Suppressed ACTH Is Frequently Unrelated to Autonomous Cortisol Secretion in Patients With Adrenal Incidentalomas". J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4626-4627. [PMID: 31220280 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Afif Nakhleh
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Naim Shehadeh
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Leonard Saiegh
- Department of Endocrinology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
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