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Żabińska M, Wiśniewska K, Węgrzyn G, Pierzynowska K. Exploring the physiological role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and its associations with human diseases. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107070. [PMID: 38733757 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107070] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen is a group of hormones that collaborate with the nervous system to impact the overall well-being of all genders. It influences many processes, including those occurring in the central nervous system, affecting learning and memory, and playing roles in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. The hormone's action is mediated by specific receptors. Significant roles of classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, in various diseases were known since many years, but after identifying a structurally and locationally distinct receptor, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), its role in human physiology and pathophysiology was investigated. This review compiles GPER-related information, highlighting its impact on homeostasis and diseases, while putting special attention on functions and dysfunctions of this receptor in neurobiology and biobehavioral processes. Understanding the receptor modulation possibilities is essential for therapy, as disruptions in receptors can lead to diseases or disorders, irrespective of correct estrogen levels. We conclude that studies on the GPER receptor have the potential to develop therapies that regulate estrogen and positively impact human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żabińska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Wiśniewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland.
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Zhang M, Mao C, Dai Y, Xu X, Wang X. Qixian granule inhibits ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells by modulating TRPML1 in the lysosome to prevent postmenopausal atherosclerosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:118076. [PMID: 38521431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE QiXian Granule (QXG) is an integrated traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat postmenopausal atherosclerotic (AS) cardiovascular diseases. The previous studies have found that QXG inhibited isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial remodeling. And its active ingredient, Icraiin, can inhibit ferroptosis by promoting oxidized low-density lipoprotein (xo-LDL)-induced vascular endothelial cell injury and autophagy in atherosclerotic mice. Another active ingredient, Salvianolic Acid B, can suppress ferroptosis and apoptosis during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by reducing ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and down-regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS)- c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this research was to assess the possible impact of QXG on atherosclerosis in postmenopausal individuals and investigate its underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Female ApoE-/- mice underwent ovariectomy and were subjected to a high-fat diet (HFD) to establish a postmenopausal atherosclerosis model. The therapeutic effects of QXG were observed in vivo and in vitro through intraperitoneal injection of erastin, G-protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) inhibitor (G15), and silent Mucolipin Transient Receptor Potential Channel 1 (TRPML1) adenovirus injection via tail vein. UPLC-MS and molecular docking techniques identified and evaluated major QXG components, contributing to the investigation of QXG's anti-postmenopausal atherosclerotic effects. RESULTS QXG increased serum Estradiol levels, decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, which indicated QXG had estrogen-like effects in Ovx/ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, QXG demonstrated the potential to impede the progression of AS in Ovx/ApoE-/- mice, as evidenced by reductions in serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Additionally, QXG inhibited ferroptosis in Ovx/ApoE-/- mice. Notably, UPLC-MS analysis identified a total of 106 active components in QXG. The results of molecular docking analysis demonstrated that Epmedin B, Astragaloside II, and Orientin exhibit strong binding affinity towards TRPML1. QXG alleviates the progression of atherosclerosis by activating TRPML1 through the GPER pathway or directly activating TRPML1, thereby inhibiting GPX4 and ferritin heavy chain (FTH1)-mediated iron pendant disease. In vitro, QXG-treated serum suppressed proliferation, migration, and ox-LDL-induced MMP and ROS elevation in HAECs. CONCLUSION QXG inhibited GPX4 and FTH1-mediated ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells through up-regulating GPER/TRPML1 signaling, providing a potential therapeutic option for postmenopausal females seeking a safe and effective medication to prevent atherosclerosis. The study highlights QXG's estrogenic properties and its promising role in combating postmenopausal atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chenhan Mao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Yang Dai
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xiaojin Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Xindong Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
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Sudhakaran G, Priya PS, Haridevamuthu B, Murugan R, Kannan J, Almutairi MH, Almutairi BO, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. Mechanistic interplay of dual environmental stressors: Bisphenol-A and cadmium-induced ovarian follicular damage and hepatocyte dysfunction in vivo. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 924:171706. [PMID: 38490420 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the individual and combined toxic effects of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Cadmium (Cd) in zebrafish, recognizing the complex mixture of pollutants organisms encounter in their natural environment. Examining developmental, neurobehavioral, reproductive, and physiological aspects, the study reveals significant adverse effects, particularly in combined exposures. Zebrafish embryos exposed to BPA + Cd exhibit synergistically increased mortality, delayed hatching, and morphological abnormalities, emphasizing the heightened toxicity of the combination. Prolonged exposure until 10 days post-fertilization underscores enduring effects on embryonic development. BPA and Cd induce oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased production of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This oxidative stress disrupts cellular functions, affecting lipid metabolism and immune response. Adult zebrafish exposed to BPA and Cd for 40 days display compromised neurobehavioral functions, altered antioxidant defenses, and increased oxidative stress, suggesting potential neurotoxicity. Additionally, disruptions in ovarian follicle maturation and skeletal abnormalities indicate reproductive and skeletal impacts. Histological analysis reveals significant liver damage, emphasizing the synergistic hepatotoxicity of BPA and Cd. Molecular assessments further demonstrate compromised cellular defense mechanisms, synaptic function, and elevated cellular stress and inflammation-related gene expression in response to combined exposures. Bioaccumulation analysis highlights differential tissue accumulation patterns. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted toxicological effects of BPA and Cd in zebrafish, raising concerns about potential adverse impacts on environmental ecosystems and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - P Snega Priya
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203 Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - B Haridevamuthu
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203 Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raghul Murugan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203 Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Jagan Kannan
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Arts and Science College, Kattankulathur, 603203 Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mikhlid H Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bader O Almutairi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cardiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203 Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
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Sangwan S, Bhattacharyya R, Banerjee D. Plastic compounds and liver diseases: Whether bisphenol A is the only culprit. Liver Int 2024; 44:1093-1105. [PMID: 38407523 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15879] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Plastics, while providing modern conveniences, have become an inescapable source of global concern due to their role in environmental pollution. Particularly, the focus on bisphenol A (BPA) reveals its biohazardous nature and association with liver issues, specifically steatosis. However, research indicates that BPA is just one facet of the problem, as other bisphenol analogues, microplastics, nanoplastics and additional plastic derivatives also pose potential risks. Notably, BPA is implicated in every stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) onset and progression, surpassing hepatitis B virus as a primary cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. As plastic contamination tops the environmental contaminants list, urgent action is needed to assess causative factors and mitigate their impact. This review delves into the molecular disruptions linking plastic pollutant exposure to liver diseases, emphasizing the broader connection between plastics and the rising prevalence of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Sangwan
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajasri Bhattacharyya
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dibyajyoti Banerjee
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Sun Y, Sha M, Qin Y, Xiao J, Li W, Li S, Chen S. Bisphenol A induces placental ferroptosis and fetal growth restriction via the YAP/TAZ-ferritinophagy axis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 213:524-540. [PMID: 38326183 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2024.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during gestation leads to fetal growth restriction (FGR), whereby the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we found that FGR patients showed higher levels of BPA in the urine, serum, and placenta; meanwhile, trophoblast ferroptosis was observed in FGR placentas, as indicated by accumulated intracellular iron, impaired antioxidant molecules, and increased lipid peroxidation products. To investigate the role of ferroptosis in placental and fetal growth, BPA stimulation was performed both in vivo and in vitro. BPA exposure during gestation was associated with FGR in mice; also, it induces ferroptosis in mouse placentas and human placental trophoblast. Pretreatment with ferroptosis inhibitor ferritin-1 (Fer-1) alleviated BPA-induced oxidative damage and cell death. Notably, BPA reduced the trophoblastic expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which regulated tissue growth and organ size. YAP or TAZ siRNA enhanced BPA-induced ferroptosis, suggesting that trophoblast ferroptosis is dependent on YAP/TAZ downregulation after BPA stimulation. Consistently, the protein levels of YAP/TAZ were also reduced in FGR placentas. Further results revealed that silencing YAP/TAZ promoted BPA-induced ferroptosis through autophagy. Pretreatment with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) attenuated BPA-induced trophoblast ferroptosis. Ferritinophagy, an autophagic degradation of ferritin (FTH1), was observed in FGR placentas. Similarly, BPA reduced the protein level of FTH1 in placental trophoblast. Pretreatment with iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO) and NCOA4 (an autophagy cargo receptor) siRNA weakened the ferroptosis of trophoblast after exposure to BPA, indicating that autophagy mediates ferroptosis in BPA-stimulated trophoblast by degrading ferritin. In summary, ferroptosis was featured in BPA-associated FGR and trophoblast injury; the regulation of ferroptosis involved the YAP/TAZ-autophagy-ferritin axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Menghan Sha
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shufang Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Sun Y, Sha M, Qin Y, Xiao J, Li W, Li S, Chen S. Bisphenol A induces placental ferroptosis and fetal growth restriction via the YAP/TAZ-ferritinophagy axis. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 211:127-144. [PMID: 38103660 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.013] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) during gestation leads to fetal growth restriction (FGR), whereby the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we found that FGR patients showed higher levels of BPA in the urine, serum, and placenta; meanwhile, trophoblast ferroptosis was observed in FGR placentas, as indicated by accumulated intracellular iron, impaired antioxidant molecules, and increased lipid peroxidation products. To investigate the role of ferroptosis in placental and fetal growth, BPA stimulation was performed both in vivo and in vitro. BPA exposure during gestation was associated with FGR in mice; also, it induces ferroptosis in mouse placentas and human placental trophoblast. Pretreatment with ferroptosis inhibitor ferritin-1 (Fer-1) alleviated BPA-induced oxidative damage and cell death. Notably, BPA reduced the trophoblastic expression of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), which regulated tissue growth and organ size. YAP or TAZ siRNA enhanced BPA-induced ferroptosis, suggesting that trophoblast ferroptosis is dependent on YAP/TAZ downregulation after BPA stimulation. Consistently, the protein levels of YAP/TAZ were also reduced in FGR placentas. Further results revealed that silencing YAP/TAZ promoted BPA-induced ferroptosis through autophagy. Pretreatment with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) attenuated BPA-induced trophoblast ferroptosis. Ferritinophagy, an autophagic degradation of ferritin (FTH1), was observed in FGR placentas. Similarly, BPA reduced the protein level of FTH1 in placental trophoblast. Pretreatment with iron chelator desferrioxamine (DFO) and NCOA4 (an autophagy cargo receptor) siRNA weakened the ferroptosis of trophoblast after exposure to BPA, indicating that autophagy mediates ferroptosis in BPA-stimulated trophoblast by degrading ferritin. In summary, ferroptosis was featured in BPA-associated FGR and trophoblast injury; the regulation of ferroptosis involved the YAP/TAZ-autophagy-ferritin axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Menghan Sha
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Yu Qin
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Juan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Shufang Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Suhua Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Zhang J, Zhu Z, Huang J, Yang H, Wang Q, Zhang Y. Analyzing the impact and mechanism of bisphenol A on testicular lipid metabolism in Gobiocypris rarus through integrated lipidomics and transcriptomics. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 265:115498. [PMID: 37742580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common environmental endocrine chemicals, known for its estrogenic effects that can interfere with male spermatogenesis. Lipids play crucial roles in sperm production, capacitation, and motility as important components of the sperm plasma membrane. However, limited research has explored whether BPA affects lipid metabolism in the testes of male fish and subsequently impacts spermatogenesis. In this study, we employed Gobiocypris rarus rare minnow as a research model and exposed them to environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA (15 μg/L) for 5 weeks. We assessed sperm morphology and function and analyzed changes in testicular lipid composition and transcriptomics. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the sperm head membrane damage rate, along with reduced sperm motility and fertilization ability due to BPA exposure. Lipidomics analysis revealed that BPA increased the content of 11 lipids while decreasing the content of 6 lipids in the testes, particularly within glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, and sphingolipid subclasses. Transcriptomics results indicated significant up-regulation in pathways such as cholesterol metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling, and fat digestion and absorption, with significant alterations in key genes related to lipid metabolism, including apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein C-I, and translocator protein. These findings suggest that BPA exposure can induce testicular lipid metabolism disruption in rare minnows, potentially resulting in abnormalities in rare minnow spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlu Zhang
- Shaanxi key laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an 710032, China; College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jiqin Huang
- Shaanxi key laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hui Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Qijun Wang
- Shaanxi key laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Xu F, Ma J, Wang X, Wang X, Fang W, Sun J, Li Z, Liu J. The Role of G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in Vascular Pathology and Physiology. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1410. [PMID: 37759810 PMCID: PMC10526873 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091410] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Estrogen is indispensable in health and disease and mainly functions through its receptors. The protection of the cardiovascular system by estrogen and its receptors has been recognized for decades. Numerous studies with a focus on estrogen and its receptor system have been conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanism. Although nuclear estrogen receptors, including estrogen receptor-α and estrogen receptor-β, have been shown to be classical receptors that mediate genomic effects, studies now show that GPER mainly mediates rapid signaling events as well as transcriptional regulation via binding to estrogen as a membrane receptor. With the discovery of selective synthetic ligands for GPER and the utilization of GPER knockout mice, significant progress has been made in understanding the function of GPER. In this review, the tissue and cellular localizations, endogenous and exogenous ligands, and signaling pathways of GPER are systematically summarized in diverse physiological and diseased conditions. This article further emphasizes the role of GPER in vascular pathology and physiology, focusing on the latest research progress and evidence of GPER as a promising therapeutic target in hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Thus, selective regulation of GPER by its agonists and antagonists have the potential to be used in clinical practice for treating such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujie Xu
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710068, China; (F.X.); (W.F.); (J.S.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Jipeng Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaowu Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Weiyi Fang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710068, China; (F.X.); (W.F.); (J.S.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Jingwei Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an 710068, China; (F.X.); (W.F.); (J.S.)
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Zilin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
| | - Jincheng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China; (J.M.); (X.W.); (X.W.)
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