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Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Żabińska M, Cyske Z, Rintz E, Wiśniewska K, Podlacha M, Węgrzyn G. Roles of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043887. [PMID: 36835321 PMCID: PMC9966686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), encoded by the OXTR gene, is responsible for the signal transduction after binding its ligand, oxytocin. Although this signaling is primarily involved in controlling maternal behavior, it was demonstrated that OXTR also plays a role in the development of the nervous system. Therefore, it is not a surprise that both the ligand and the receptor are involved in the modulation of behaviors, especially those related to sexual, social, and stress-induced activities. As in the case of every regulatory system, any disturbances in the structures or functions of oxytocin and OXTR may lead to the development or modulation of various diseases related to the regulated functions, which in this case include either mental problems (autism, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders) or those related to the functioning of reproductive organs (endometriosis, uterine adenomyosis, premature birth). Nevertheless, OXTR abnormalities are also connected to other diseases, including cancer, cardiac disorders, osteoporosis, and obesity. Recent reports indicated that the changes in the levels of OXTR and the formation of its aggregates may influence the course of some inherited metabolic diseases, such as mucopolysaccharidoses. In this review, the involvement of OXTR dysfunctions and OXTR polymorphisms in the development of different diseases is summarized and discussed. The analysis of published results led us to suggest that changes in OXTR expression and OXTR abundance and activity are not specific to individual diseases, but rather they influence processes (mostly related to behavioral changes) that might modulate the course of various disorders. Moreover, a possible explanation of the discrepancies in the published results of effects of the OXTR gene polymorphisms and methylation on different diseases is proposed.
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Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Wsol A, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Żera T. Complementary Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Cardiovascular Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11465. [PMID: 34768894 PMCID: PMC8584236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurons secreting oxytocin (OXY) and vasopressin (AVP) are located mainly in the supraoptic, paraventricular, and suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain. Oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic projections reach several regions of the brain and the spinal cord. Both peptides are released from axons, soma, and dendrites and modulate the excitability of other neuroregulatory pathways. The synthesis and action of OXY and AVP in the peripheral organs (eye, heart, gastrointestinal system) is being investigated. The secretion of OXY and AVP is influenced by changes in body fluid osmolality, blood volume, blood pressure, hypoxia, and stress. Vasopressin interacts with three subtypes of receptors: V1aR, V1bR, and V2R whereas oxytocin activates its own OXTR and V1aR receptors. AVP and OXY receptors are present in several regions of the brain (cortex, hypothalamus, pons, medulla, and cerebellum) and in the peripheral organs (heart, lungs, carotid bodies, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, uterus, thymus). Hypertension, myocardial infarction, and coexisting factors, such as pain and stress, have a significant impact on the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and on the expression of their receptors. The inappropriate regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion during ischemia, hypoxia/hypercapnia, inflammation, pain, and stress may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.C.-J.); (T.Ż.)
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Zhu J, Tang Z, Ren J, Geng J, Guo F, Xu Z, Jia J, Chen L, Jia Y. Downregulation of microRNA-21 contributes to decreased collagen expression in venous malformations via transforming growth factor-β/Smad3/microRNA-21 signaling feedback loop. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:469-481.e2. [PMID: 34506963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Venous malformations (VMs) are the most frequent vascular malformations and are characterized by dilated and tortuous veins with a dysregulated vascular extracellular matrix. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential involvement of microRNA-21 (miR-21), a multifunctional microRNA tightly associated with extracellular matrix regulation, in the pathogenesis of VMs. METHODS The expression of miR-21, collagen I, III, and IV, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Smad3 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3) was evaluated in VMs and normal skin tissue using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, Masson trichrome staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS miR-21 expression was markedly decreased in the VM specimens compared with normal skin, in parallel with downregulation of collagen I, III, and IV and the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in VMs. Moreover, our data demonstrated that miR-21 positively regulated the expression of collagens in HUVECs and showed a positive association with the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in the VM tissues. In addition, miR-21 was found to mediate TGF-β-induced upregulation of collagens in HUVECs. Our data have indicated that miR-21 and the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway could form a positive feedback loop to synergistically regulate endothelial collagen synthesis. In addition, TGF-β/Smad3/miR-21 feedback loop signaling was upregulated in bleomycin-treated HUVECs and VM specimens, which was accompanied by increased collagen deposition. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, the present study has, for the first time, revealed downregulation of miR-21 in VMs, which might contribute to decreased collagen expression via the TGF-β/Smad3/miR-21 signaling feedback loop. These findings provide new information on the pathogenesis of VMs and might facilitate the development of new therapies for VMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhu
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Zirong Tang
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiangang Ren
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinhuan Geng
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengyuan Guo
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Jia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China
| | - Yulin Jia
- Department of Stomatology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; School of Stomatology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan, China.
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Wang SC, Wang YF. Cardiovascular protective properties of oxytocin against COVID-19. Life Sci 2021; 270:119130. [PMID: 33513400 PMCID: PMC7837104 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 has become a worldwide pandemic; however, effective treatment for COVID-19 remains to be established. Along with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), new and old cardiovascular injuries are important causes of significant morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Exploring new approaches managing cardiovascular complications is essential in controlling the disease progression and preventing long-term complications. Oxytocin (OXT), an immune-regulating neuropeptide, has recently emerged as a strong candidate for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. OXT carries special functions in immunologic defense, homeostasis and surveillance. It suppresses neutrophil infiltration and inflammatory cytokine release, activates T-lymphocytes, and antagonizes negative effects of angiotensin II and other key pathological events of COVID-19. Additionally, OXT can promote γ-interferon expression to inhibit cathepsin L and increases superoxide dismutase expression to reduce heparin and heparan sulphate fragmentation. Through these mechanisms, OXT can block viral invasion, suppress cytokine storm, reverse lymphocytopenia, and prevent progression to ARDS and multiple organ failures. Importantly, besides prevention of metabolic disorders associated with atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus, OXT can protect the heart and vasculature through suppressing hypertension and brain-heart syndrome, and promoting regeneration of injured cardiomyocytes. Unlike other therapeutic agents, exogenous OXT can be used safely without the side-effects seen in remdesivir and corticosteroid. Importantly, OXT can be mobilized endogenously to prevent pathogenesis of COVID-19. This article summarizes our current understandings of cardiovascular pathogenesis caused by COVID-19, explores the protective potentials of OXT against COVID-19-associated cardiovascular diseases, and discusses challenges in applying OXT in treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Chemical compounds Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2); atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP); cathepsin L; heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs); interferon; interleukin; oxytocin; superoxide dismutase; transmembrane serine protease isoform 2 (TMPRSS2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani C Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Japundžić-Žigon N, Lozić M, Šarenac O, Murphy D. Vasopressin & Oxytocin in Control of the Cardiovascular System: An Updated Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:14-33. [PMID: 31544693 PMCID: PMC7327933 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190717150501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) in 1953, considerable knowledge has been gathered about their roles in cardiovascular homeostasis. Unraveling VP vasoconstrictor properties and V1a receptors in blood vessels generated powerful hemostatic drugs and drugs effective in the treatment of certain forms of circulatory collapse (shock). Recognition of the key role of VP in water balance via renal V2 receptors gave birth to aquaretic drugs found to be useful in advanced stages of congestive heart failure. There are still unexplored actions of VP and OT on the cardiovascular system, both at the periphery and in the brain that may open new venues in treatment of cardiovascular diseases. After a brief overview on VP, OT and their peripheral action on the cardiovascular system, this review focuses on newly discovered hypothalamic mechanisms involved in neurogenic control of the circulation in stress and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maja Lozić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Olivera Šarenac
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - David Murphy
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Benoni A, Renzini A, Cavioli G, Adamo S. Neurohypophyseal hormones and skeletal muscle: a tale of two faces. Eur J Transl Myol 2020; 30:8899. [PMID: 32499895 PMCID: PMC7254424 DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2019.8899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurohypophyseal hormones vasopressin and oxytocin were invested, in recent years, with novel functions upon striated muscle, regulating its differentiation, trophism, and homeostasis. Recent studies highlight that these hormones not only target skeletal muscle but represent novel myokines. We discuss the possibility of exploiting the muscle hypertrophying activity of oxytocin to revert muscle atrophy, including cancer cachexia muscle wasting. Furthermore, the role of oxytocin in cardiac homeostasis and the possible role of cardiac atrophy as a concause of death in cachectic patients is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Benoni
- Histology and Embryology Section, Dept. AHFOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renzini
- Histology and Embryology Section, Dept. AHFOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Cavioli
- Histology and Embryology Section, Dept. AHFOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Adamo
- Histology and Embryology Section, Dept. AHFOS, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Wsol A. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin in the pathophysiology of heart failure in pregnancy and in fetal and neonatal life. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H639-H651. [PMID: 32056469 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00484.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy and early life create specific psychosomatic challenges for the mother and child, such as changes in hemodynamics, resetting of the water-electrolyte balance, hypoxia, pain, and stress, that all play an important role in the regulation of the release of oxytocin and vasopressin. Both of these hormones regulate the water-electrolyte balance and cardiovascular functions, maturation of the cardiovascular system, and cardiovascular responses to stress. These aspects may be of particular importance in a state of emergency, such as hypertension in the mother or severe heart failure in the child. In this review, we draw attention to a broad spectrum of actions exerted by oxytocin and vasopressin in the pregnant mother and the offspring during early life. To this end, we discuss the following topics: 1) regulation of the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and expression of their receptors in the pregnant mother and child, 2) direct and indirect effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the cardiovascular system in the healthy mother and fetus, and 3) positive and negative consequences of altered secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin in the mother with cardiovascular pathology and in the progeny with heart failure. The present survey provides evidence that moderate stimulation of the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors plays a beneficial role in the healthy pregnant mother and fetus; however, under pathophysiological conditions the inappropriate action of these hormones exerts several negative effects on the cardiovascular system of the mother and progeny and may potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of heart failure in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Wsol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Ali II, Al-Salam S, Howarth FC, Shmygol A. Oxytocin induces intracellular Ca 2+ release in cardiac fibroblasts from neonatal rats. Cell Calcium 2019; 84:102099. [PMID: 31614270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.102099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary neuropeptide oxytocin is increasingly recognised as a cardiovascular hormone, in addition to its many regulatory roles in other organ systems. Studies in atrial and ventricular myocytes from the neonatal and adult rats have identified synthesis of oxytocin and the expression of oxytocin receptors in these cells. In cardiac fibroblasts, the most populous non-myocyte cell type in mammalian heart, the oxytocin receptors have not been described before. In the present study, we have investigated the direct effects of oxytocin on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in ventricular myocytes and fibroblasts from new born rats. In myocytes, oxytocin increased the frequency of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and decreased their amplitude. Our data suggest that oxytocin receptors are also present and functional in the majority of cardiac fibroblasts. We used selective oxytocin receptor inhibitor L-371,257 and a number of intracellular Ca 2+ release blockers to investigate the mechanism of oxytocin induced Ca2+ signalling in cardiac fibroblasts. Our findings suggest that oxytocin induces Ca2+ signals in cardiac fibroblasts by triggering endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release via inositol trisphosphate activated receptors. The functional significance of the oxytocin induced Ca2+ signalling in cardiac fibroblasts, especially for their activation into secretory active myofibroblasts, remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifrah I Ali
- Departments of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, PO Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suhail Al-Salam
- Departments of Pathology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, PO Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Frank C Howarth
- Departments of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, PO Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anatoliy Shmygol
- Departments of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, PO Box 17666, United Arab Emirates.
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