1
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Zhu C, Li S. Role of CRH in colitis and colitis-associated cancer: a combinative result of central and peripheral effects? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1363748. [PMID: 38616821 PMCID: PMC11010637 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1363748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor family peptides (CRF peptides) comprise corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN1), UCN2 and UCN3. CRH is first isolated in the brain and later with UCNs found in many peripheral cells/tissues including the colon. CRH and UCNs function via the two types of receptors, CRF1 and CRF2, with CRH mainly acting on CRF1, UCN1 on both CRF1 &CRF2 and UCN2-3 on CRF2. Compiling evidence shows that CRH participates in inflammation and cancers via both indirect central effects related to stress response and direct peripheral influence. CRH, as a stress-response mediator, plays a significant central role in promoting the development of colitis involving colon motility, immunity and gut flora, while a few anti-colitis results of central CRH are also reported. Moreover, CRH is found to directly influence the motility and immune/inflammatory cells in the colon. Likewise, CRH is believed to be greatly related to tumorigenesis of many kinds of cancers including colon cancer via the central action during chronic stress while the peripheral effects on colitis-associated-colon cancer (CAC) are also proved. We and others observe that CRH/CRF1 plays a significant peripheral role in the development of colitis and CAC in that CRF1 deficiency dramatically suppresses the colon inflammation and CAC. However, up to date, there still exist not many relevant experimental data on this topic, and there seems to be no absolute clearcut between the central and direct peripheral effects of CRH in colitis and colon cancer. Taken together, CRH, as a critical factor in stress and immunity, may participate in colitis and CAC as a centrally active molecule; meanwhile, CRH has direct peripheral effects regulating the development of colitis and CAC, both of which will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shengnan Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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2
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Platzl C, Kaser-Eichberger A, Wolfmeier H, Trost A, Schroedl F. Human intrinsic choroidal neurons do not alter the expression of intrinsic markers in response to pressure. Br J Ophthalmol 2023; 107:1209-1215. [PMID: 34933896 DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2021-320211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The choroid is densely innervated by all parts of the autonomic nervous system and further harbours a network of local nerve cells, the intrinsic choroidal neurons (ICN). Their function in ocular control is currently unknown. While morphological data assume a role in intraocular pressure regulation, we here test if increased pressure on isolated choroids may activate ICN. METHODS Donor tissue was transferred into a pressurisable tissue culture chamber, and nasal and temporal choroid halves incubated for 1 or 4 hours, with pressures set to 15 or 50 mm Hg, followed by qRT-PCR expression analysis of the ICN-specific markers VIP, UCN, NOS1, UCH-L1. POL2-normalised data in the different pressure settings, incubation times and localisations were statistically analysed. RESULTS The presence of the ICN-specific markers VIP, UCN, NOS1, UCH-L1 was confirmed using immunohistochemistry, and mRNA of all markers was detected in all experimental conditions. Marker analysis revealed no significant changes of mRNA expression levels between 15 and 50 mm Hg in the different incubation times. When comparing all samples over all experimental conditions, a significant increase of VIP and NOS1 mRNA was detected in temporal versus nasal choroids. CONCLUSION In this functional analysis of human ICN in vitro, higher amounts of VIP and NOS1 mRNA were detected in the temporal choroid, that is, the choroidal site with ICN accumulation. Further, our data indicate that elevated pressure is apparently not able to trigger ICN responses via the investigated markers. Alternative markers and stimuli need to be investigated in upcoming studies in order to unravel ICN function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Platzl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Heidi Wolfmeier
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Trost
- University Clinic of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Research Program for Ophthalmology and Glaucoma Research, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Falk Schroedl
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology - Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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3
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Flaherty SE, Bezy O, Zheng W, Yan D, Li X, Jagarlapudi S, Albuquerque B, Esquejo RM, Peloquin M, Semache M, Mancini A, Kang L, Drujan D, Breitkopf SB, Griffin JD, Jean Beltran PM, Xue L, Stansfield J, Pashos E, Shakey Q, Pehmøller C, Monetti M, Birnbaum MJ, Fortin JP, Wu Z. Chronic UCN2 treatment desensitizes CRHR2 and improves insulin sensitivity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3953. [PMID: 37402735 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39597-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Urocortin 2 (UCN2) acts as a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2). UCN2 has been reported to improve or worsen insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in vivo. Here we show that acute dosing of UCN2 induces systemic insulin resistance in male mice and skeletal muscle. Inversely, chronic elevation of UCN2 by injection with adenovirus encoding UCN2 resolves metabolic complications, improving glucose tolerance. CRHR2 recruits Gs in response to low concentrations of UCN2, as well as Gi and β-Arrestin at high concentrations of UCN2. Pre-treating cells and skeletal muscle ex vivo with UCN2 leads to internalization of CRHR2, dampened ligand-dependent increases in cAMP, and blunted reductions in insulin signaling. These results provide mechanistic insights into how UCN2 regulates insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in skeletal muscle and in vivo. Importantly, a working model was derived from these results that unifies the contradictory metabolic effects of UCN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen E Flaherty
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Olivier Bezy
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Wei Zheng
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dong Yan
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Xiangping Li
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Srinath Jagarlapudi
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bina Albuquerque
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ryan M Esquejo
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew Peloquin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Liya Kang
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Doreen Drujan
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susanne B Breitkopf
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John D Griffin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pierre M Jean Beltran
- Machine Learning and Computational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Liang Xue
- Machine Learning and Computational Sciences, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Stansfield
- Biostatistics, Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Evanthia Pashos
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Quazi Shakey
- Biomedicine design, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christian Pehmøller
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mara Monetti
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Morris J Birnbaum
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Fortin
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhidan Wu
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc., 1 Portland Street, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Alghamdi NJ, Burns CT, Valdes R. The urocortin peptides: biological relevance and laboratory aspects of UCN3 and its receptor. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022; 59:573-585. [PMID: 35738909 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2080175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The urocortins are polypeptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone family, known to modulate stress responses in mammals. Stress, whether induced physically or psychologically, is an underlying cause or consequence of numerous clinical syndromes. Identifying biological markers associated with the homeostatic regulation of stress could provide a clinical laboratory approach for the management of stress-related disorders. The neuropeptide, urocortin 3 (UCN3), and the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) constitute a regulatory axis known to mediate stress homeostasis. Dysregulation of this peptide/receptor axis is believed to play a role in several clinical conditions including post-traumatic stress, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems related to stress. Understanding the physiology and measurement of the UCN3/CRHR2 axis is important for establishing a viable clinical laboratory diagnostic. In this article, we focus on evidence supporting the role of UCN3 and its receptor in stress-related clinical syndromes. We also provide insight into the measurements of UCN3 in blood and urine. These potential biomarkers provide new opportunities for clinical research and applications of laboratory medicine diagnostics in stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah J Alghamdi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Roland Valdes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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5
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Balogh B, Vecsernyés M, Veres-Székely A, Berta G, Stayer-Harci A, Tarjányi O, Sétáló G. Urocortin stimulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation and proliferation but reduces ATP production of MCF7 breast cancer cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 547:111610. [PMID: 35219718 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins are members of the stress-related corticotropin-releasing factor family. Small amounts of them are present in the circulation and they are produced locally in various tissues of higher vertebrates. Aside from regulating circulation, or food uptake they also influence, via auto- and paracrine mechanisms, cell proliferation. In the present study we investigated in MCF7 human breast cancer cells the effect of urocortin onto mitogenic signaling via ERK1/2. Our results revealed that already 10 nM urocortin could stimulate the phosphorylation of these kinases and cell proliferation of MCF7 cells while ATP production was reduced when kept in the presence of the peptide up to two days. We examined the expression and contribution of the specific receptors of urocortin to the activation of ERK1/2 and to cell proliferation, the intracellular distribution of phosphorylated ERK1/2, and the involvement of additional proteins like PKA, PKB/Akt, MEK, p53, Rb and E2F-1 behind the observed phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bálint Balogh
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary.
| | - Mónika Vecsernyés
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Apor Veres-Székely
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, H-1083, Budapest, 53-54. Bókay Street, Hungary; ELKH-SE Pediatrics and Nephrology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Alexandra Stayer-Harci
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - Oktávia Tarjányi
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
| | - György Sétáló
- Department of Medical Biology and Central Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, H-7643, Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Hungary; Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, H-7624, Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, Hungary.
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6
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Urocortins as biomarkers in cardiovascular disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1-14. [PMID: 34939089 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The urocortins (Ucns) belong to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptides and have multiple effects within the central nervous and the cardiovascular systems. With growing evidence indicating significant cardioprotective properties and cardiovascular actions of these peptides, the question arises as to whether the plasma profiles of the Ucns are altered in pathologic settings. While reports have shown conflicting results and findings have not been corroborated in multiple independent cohorts, it seems likely that plasma Ucn concentrations are elevated in multiple cardiovascular conditions. The degree of increase and accurate determination of circulating values of the Ucns requires further validation.
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7
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Kovács DK, Farkas N, Soós A, Hegyi P, Kelava L, Eitmann S, Schekk A, Molnár Z, Erőss B, Balaskó M. Assessment of clinical data on urocortins and their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Transl Sci 2021; 14:2461-2473. [PMID: 34378854 PMCID: PMC8604231 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular diseases present public health challenges. Although great progress was achieved in their treatment, there is continuous need for new therapies. Urocortins of the corticotropin neuropeptide family were reported to exert beneficial effects in animal models of HF and cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to assess the available clinical evidence on the potential role of urocortins in HF and other cardiovascular diseases. We explored MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases. Twenty‐seven studies were included in the qualitative and 15 studies (2005 patients) in the quantitative syntheses. Available data allowed us to meta‐analyze the blood pressure (BP) lowering and heart rate (HR) increasing effects of urocortin 2 in HF with reduced ejection fraction. We applied meta‐regression to explore the association between left ventricular ejection fraction and serum urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 levels. Short‐term urocortin 2 infusion decreased mean arterial pressure in chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction (mean difference = −9.161 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] −12.661 to −5.660 mmHg, p < 0.001). Such infusions increased HR mildly (mean difference = 5.629 beats/min, 95% CI 1.612 to 9.646 beats/min, p = 0.006). Although some studies reported increased urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 levels in HF with growing severity, our meta‐regressions failed to confirm associations between blood urocortin levels and left ventricular ejection fraction. Clinical evidence confirms short‐term BP lowering effects of urocortin 2, whereas individual studies report additional beneficial effects. Further clinical investigations are necessary to confirm the latter and the long‐term value of these peptides in cardiovascular diseases. Review protocol: CRD42020163203.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra K Kovács
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nelli Farkas
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Soós
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Translational Medicine, First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Translational Gastroenterology Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Leonardo Kelava
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szimonetta Eitmann
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anna Schekk
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Molnár
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bálint Erőss
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márta Balaskó
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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8
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Castiglione V, Aimo A, Vergaro G, Saccaro L, Passino C, Emdin M. Biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of heart failure. Heart Fail Rev 2021; 27:625-643. [PMID: 33852110 PMCID: PMC8898236 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-021-10105-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Circulating biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological pathways involved in HF development and progression may assist clinicians in early diagnosis and management of HF patients. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are cardioprotective hormones released by cardiomyocytes in response to pressure or volume overload. The roles of B-type NP (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP) for diagnosis and risk stratification in HF have been extensively demonstrated, and these biomarkers are emerging tools for population screening and as guides to the start of treatment in subclinical HF. On the contrary, conflicting evidence exists on the role of NPs as a guide to HF therapy. Among the other biomarkers, high-sensitivity troponins and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 are the most promising biomarkers for risk stratification, with independent value to NPs. Other biomarkers evaluated as predictors of adverse outcome are galectin-3, growth differentiation factor 15, mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin, and makers of renal dysfunction. Multi-marker scores and genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses could further refine HF management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto Aimo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy. .,Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luigi Saccaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Passino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.,Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
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9
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Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System's Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040839. [PMID: 32244319 PMCID: PMC7226788 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
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10
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Squillacioti C, Pelagalli A, Liguori G, Mirabella N. Urocortins in the mammalian endocrine system. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:46. [PMID: 31585551 PMCID: PMC6778379 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns), peptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, are classified into Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3. They are involved in regulating several body functions by binding to two G protein-coupled receptors: receptor type 1 (CRHR1) and type 2 (CRHR2). In this review, we provide a historical overview of research on Ucns and their receptors in the mammalian endocrine system. Although the literature on the topic is limited, we focused our attention particularly on the main role of Ucns and their receptors in regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and thyroid axes, reproductive organs, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and other tissues characterized by “diffuse” endocrine cells in mammals. The prominent function of these peptides in health conditions led us to also hypothesize an action of Ucn agonists/antagonists in stress and in various diseases with its critical consequences on behavior and physiology. The potential role of the urocortinergic system is an intriguing topic that deserves further in-depth investigations to develop novel strategies for preventing stress-related conditions and treating endocrine diseases.
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11
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Cardiovascular Effects of Urocortin-2: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2019; 33:599-613. [DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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12
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Stenmark KR, Graham BB. Urocortin 2: will a drug targeting both the vasculature and the right ventricle be the future of pulmonary hypertension therapy? Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:1057-1059. [PMID: 29800416 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvy117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt R Stenmark
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine; and
| | - Brian B Graham
- Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine; and.,Program in Translational Lung Research, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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13
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Yang LZ, Chen Y. Research on the Effects of the Chronic Treatment With Different Doses of Urocortin 2 in Heart Failure Rats. Dose Response 2019; 17:1559325819860018. [PMID: 31263386 PMCID: PMC6595674 DOI: 10.1177/1559325819860018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor type 2 (CRF2) exists in both cardiomyocytes and neurocytes. The purpose of this research was to explore if chronic treatment with urocortin 2 (UCN2), a CRF2 receptor agonist, at different doses can improve prognosis and regulate the expression of CRF2 receptor and calcium handling proteins without any adverse effects on behavior in heart failure. Heart failure was established in Sprague-Dawley rats and was confirmed by echocardiography. Heart failure rats were injected intraperitoneally with UCN2 (5, 10, or 20 µg·kg−1·d−1) for 30 days. Survival rate, cardiac function, expressions of cardiac CRF2 receptor, RyR2, SERCA2, and hypothalamic and hippocampal c-FOS, CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF2 receptor were determined. Behavior was evaluated by Morris Water-Maze and Open-Field tests. Results showed that chronic peripheral UCN2 treatment improved survival rate in a dose–response manner and increased cardiac function and expression of CRF2 receptor and SERCA2 in heart failure, especially at the high dosage. Moreover, cellular-fos (c-FOS), CRF1 receptor, and CRF2 receptor expressions of both hypothalamic and hippocampal tissues were significantly increased in high dosage group. Furthermore, the behavior tests suggested that chronic UCN2 treatment did not exacerbate stress/anxiety-like behavior in HF. In conclusion, chronic peripheral treatment with UCN2 increases survival in a dose–response manner in heart failure rats without inducing stress/anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Yang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Kavalakatt S, Khadir A, Madhu D, Hammad M, Devarajan S, Abubaker J, Al-Mulla F, Tuomilehto J, Tiss A. Urocortin 3 Levels Are Impaired in Overweight Humans With and Without Type 2 Diabetes and Modulated by Exercise. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:762. [PMID: 31781037 PMCID: PMC6851015 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortin3 (UCN3) regulates metabolic functions and is involved in cellular stress response. Although UCN3 is expressed in human adipose tissue, the association of UCN3 with obesity and diabetes remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and increased body weight on the circulatory and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) levels of UCN3 and assessed UCN3 modulation by a regular physical exercise. Normal-weight (n = 37) and overweight adults with and without T2D (n = 98 and n = 107, respectively) were enrolled in the study. A subset of the overweight subjects (n = 39 for each group) underwent a supervised 3-month exercise program combining both moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance training with treadmill. UCN3 levels in SAT were measured by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. Circulatory UCN3 in plasma was assessed by ELISA and was correlated with various clinical and metabolic markers. Our data revealed that plasma UCN3 levels decreased in overweight subjects without T2D compared with normal-weight controls [median; 11.99 (0.78-86.07) and 6.27 (0.64-77.04), respectively; p < 0.001], whereas plasma UCN3 levels increased with concomitant T2D [median; 9.03 (0.77-104.92) p < 0.001]. UCN3 plasma levels were independently associated with glycemic index; fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c (r = 0.16 and r = 0.20, p < 0.05, respectively) and were significantly different between both overweight, with and without T2D, and normal-weight individuals (OR = 2.11 [1.84-4.11, 95% CI] and OR = 2.12 [1.59-3.10, 95% CI], p < 0.01, respectively). Conversely, the UCN3 patterns observed in SAT were opposite to those in circulation; UCN3 levels were significantly increased with body weight and decreased with T2D. After a 3-month supervised exercise protocol, UCN3 expression showed a significant reduction in SAT of both overweight groups (2.3 and 1.6-fold change; p < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, UCN levels are differentially dysregulated in obesity in a tissue-dependent manner and can be mitigated by regular moderate physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kavalakatt
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Abdelkrim Khadir
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Dhanya Madhu
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maha Hammad
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | | | - Jehad Abubaker
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Jaakko Tuomilehto
- Research Division, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health Solutions, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ali Tiss
- Research Division, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- *Correspondence: Ali Tiss
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15
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Abstract
The identification of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) has led to the discovery of a growing family of ligands and receptors. CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) and CRHR2 are mammalian G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with high affinity for CRH and the CRH family of peptides. CRHR1 is predominantly expressed in the brain and plays a vital role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress responses by secreting adrenal corticotropic hormone (ACTH). CRHR2 is predominantly expressed in the heart, and a CRHR2-specific ligand, urocortin 2 (UCN2), shows positive cardiac chronotropic and inotropic effects through 3´,5´-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in response to CRHR2-mediated Gαs activation in mice and humans. Central administration of the CRH family of peptides increases mean arterial pressure through CRHR1 activation, whereas peripheral administration of the peptides decreases mean arterial pressure through CRHR2 activation. These observations have led to further investigations of CRHR2 as an important and unique GPCR in the physiological and pathological functioning of the cardiovascular (CV) system. Moreover, recent clinical trials demonstrate CRHR2 as a potentially therapeutic target in the treatment of heart failure. We present recent reviews of the role of CRHRs in basic CV physiology and in the pathophysiology of CV diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikito Takefuji
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University School of Medicine
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16
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Tamargo J, Caballero R, Delpón E. New drugs in preclinical and early stage clinical development in the treatment of heart failure. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 28:51-71. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1551357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tamargo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERCV, Madrid,
Spain
| | - Ricardo Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERCV, Madrid,
Spain
| | - Eva Delpón
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, CIBERCV, Madrid,
Spain
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17
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Natural and synthetic peptides in the cardiovascular diseases: An update on diagnostic and therapeutic potentials. Arch Biochem Biophys 2018; 662:15-32. [PMID: 30481494 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several peptides play an important role in physiological and pathological conditions into the cardiovascular system. In addition to well-known vasoactive agents such as angiotensin II, endothelin, serotonin or natriuretic peptides, the vasoconstrictor Urotensin-II (Uro-II) and the vasodilators Urocortins (UCNs) and Adrenomedullin (AM) have been implicated in the control of vascular tone and blood pressure as well as in cardiovascular disease states including congestive heart failure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and pulmonary and systemic hypertension. Therefore these peptides, together with their receptors, become important therapeutic targets in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Circulating levels of these agents in the blood are markedly modified in patients with specific CVDs compared with those in healthy patients, becoming also potential biomarkers for these pathologies. This review will provide an overview of current knowledge about the physiological roles of Uro-II, UCN and AM in the cardiovascular system and their implications in cardiovascular diseases. It will further focus on the structural modifications carried out on original peptide sequences in the search of analogues with improved physiochemical properties as well as in the delivery methods. Finally, we have overviewed the possible application of these peptides and/or their precursors as biomarkers of CVDs.
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18
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Grisanti LA, Schumacher SM, Tilley DG, Koch WJ. Designer Approaches for G Protein-Coupled Receptor Modulation for Cardiovascular Disease. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2018; 3:550-562. [PMID: 30175279 PMCID: PMC6115700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The new horizon for cardiac therapy may lie beneath the surface, with the downstream mediators of G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) activity. Targeted approaches have shown that receptor activation may be biased toward signaling through G proteins or through GPCR kinases (GRKs) and β-arrestins, with divergent functional outcomes. In addition to these canonical roles, numerous noncanonical activities of GRKs and β-arrestins have been demonstrated to modulate GPCR signaling at all levels of receptor activation and regulation. Further, research continues to identify novel GRK/effector and β-arrestin/effector complexes with distinct impacts on cardiac function in the normal heart and the diseased heart. Coupled with the identification of once orphan receptors and endogenous ligands with beneficial cardiovascular effects, this expands the repertoire of GPCR targets. Together, this research highlights the potential for focused therapeutic activation of beneficial pathways, with simultaneous exclusion or inhibition of detrimental signaling, and represents a new wave of therapeutic development.
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Key Words
- AR, adrenergic receptor
- AT1R, angiotensin II type 1A receptor
- CRF, corticotropin-releasing factor
- EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor
- ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- G protein–coupled receptor kinases
- G protein–coupled receptors
- GPCR, G protein–coupled receptor
- GRK, G protein–coupled receptor kinase
- HF, heart failure
- ICL, intracellular loop
- PI3K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase
- SERCA2a, sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase
- SII, [Sar(1), Ile (4), Ile(8)]-angiotensin II
- biased ligands
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel A Grisanti
- Center for Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Sarah M Schumacher
- Center for Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Molecular Cardiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Douglas G Tilley
- Center for Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Walter J Koch
- Center for Translational Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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19
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Tillinger A, Horváthová Ľ, Nostramo R, Serova LI, Kvetňanský R, Sabban EL, Mravec B. Glucocorticoid withdrawal affects stress-induced changes of urocortin 2 gene expression in rat adrenal medulla and brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12595. [PMID: 29604138 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor is well known activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis, that represents crucial system participating on stress response of the organism. Urocortins are members of the corticotropin-releasing factor family of peptides with proposed effects on neuroendocrine and behavioral stress response mechanisms. Urocortin 2, one of three known urocortins, is present in central and peripheral stress response system and its expression can be augmented by glucocorticoids. In the present study we have examined how glucocorticoid withdrawal affects urocortin 2 gene expression after acute immobilization in the adrenal medulla and selected brain areas in rats. We used pharmacological adrenalectomy to block synthesis of corticosterone. Our results show that the immobilization-induced rise in urocortin 2 mRNA levels in rat adrenal medulla was not inhibited by glucocorticoid withdrawal. On the other hand, observed changes in the brain indicate that the effect of stress and pharmacological adrenalectomy on urocortin 2 gene expression is site-specific. While in the paraventricular nucleus and locus coeruleus the immobilization induced rise of urocortin 2 was not inhibited by pharmacological adrenalectomy in the arcuate nucleus and central amygdala it was. Moreover, we have seen a significant depletion of urocortin 2 plasma levels after immobilization. The immobilization induced rise of urocortin 2 gene expression in rat adrenal medulla and brain areas regulating stress response pathways and preservation of its induction after adrenalectomy suggests a role of urocortin 2 in the neuroendocrine stress response of an organism. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Tillinger
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ľubica Horváthová
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Regina Nostramo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Richard Kvetňanský
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Boris Mravec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
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