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Muñoz JP, Calaf GM. Acetylcholine, Another Factor in Breast Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1418. [PMID: 37998017 PMCID: PMC10669196 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that regulates multiple functions in the nervous system, and emerging evidence indicates that it could play a role in cancer progression. However, this function is controversial. Previously, we showed that organophosphorus pesticides decreased the levels of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in vivo, increasing ACh serum levels and the formation of tumors in the mammary glands of rats. Furthermore, we showed that ACh exposure in breast cancer cell lines induced overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a key protein described as the master regulator in breast cancer. Therefore, here, we hypothesize that ACh alters the ERα activity through a ligand-independent mechanism. The results here reveal that the physiological concentration of ACh leads to the release of Ca+2 and the activity of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. These changes are associated with an induction of p-ERα and its recruitment to the nucleus. However, ACh fails to induce overexpression of estrogen-responsive genes, suggesting a different activation mechanism than that of 17ß-estradiol. Finally, ACh promotes the viability of breast cancer cell lines in an ERα-dependent manner and induces the overexpression of some EMT markers. In summary, our results show that ACh promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and ERα activity, possibly in a ligand-independent manner, suggesting its putative role in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Chile;
| | - Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
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Changes of Bladder Function Related to the Effects of Menopause. WOMEN’S HEALTH BULLETIN 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/whb.14390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Bonilla-Becerra SM, de Oliveira MG, Calmasini FB, Rojas-Moscoso JA, Zanesco A, Antunes E. Micturition dysfunction in four-month old ovariectomized rats: Effects of testosterone replacement. Life Sci 2017; 179:120-129. [PMID: 28487215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Androgen deficiency has been implicated in urological complications of postmenopausal women. This study examined the effects of testosterone replacements on the lower urinary tract dysfunction in 4-month old ovariectomized (OVX) rats. MAIN METHODS Sprague-Dawley female rats were OVX bilaterally. Three months later, rats received single intramuscular injections of testosterone undecanoate. Cystometric study, and bladder and urethra smooth muscle reactivities were evaluated. KEY FINDINGS Ovariectomy reduced by 65% (p<0.05) the serum testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement at 5mg/kg restored serum hormone levels to baseline, whereas 10mg/kg produced 14-fold higher testosterone levels. OVX rats exhibited significant increases of body weight, perigonadal fat and blood pressure, and reduced uterus weight, but none of these parameters were changed by testosterone replacements. OVX rats exhibited micturition dysfunction characterized by increases of basal pressure, threshold pressure, voiding frequency and post-voiding pressure. In addition, the bladder contractions induced by electrical-field stimulation (EFS) and carbachol were significantly reduced, whereas angiotensin II-induced urethral contractions were significantly increased in OVX rats. Testosterone replacement at 10mg/kg (but not at 5mg/kg) dose fully normalized the in vivo micturition dysfunction, as well as the in vitro bladder and urethral alterations. Testosterone (10mg/kg) also significantly potentiated the bladder relaxations induced by the β3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron. The protective effects of testosterone were not modified by concomitant treatment with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (2.5mg/kg, 4weeks). SIGNIFICANCE The improvement of micturition dysfunction by testosterone replacement suggests that androgen therapy might be of therapeutic benefit for urological complications associated with post-menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Bonilla-Becerra
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana G de Oliveira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fabiano B Calmasini
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio A Rojas-Moscoso
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Edson Antunes
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lee KC. Changes of muscarinic receptors and connexin-43 expression as a mechanism of overactive bladder in ovariectomized rats. World J Urol 2015; 33:1875-9. [PMID: 25647175 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-015-1496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE After menopause, the bladder is known to become overactive. To investigate the mechanisms involved in these changes, we examined the muscarinic receptors M2, M3 and gap junction protein connexin-43 in an ovariectomized rat bladder. METHODS Twenty 10-week-old female SD rats were used. Ten rats were ovariectomized, (Ovx group) and 10 rats received a sham operation (Con group). Four weeks after the operation, urodynamic tests were performed to verify overactive bladder, and the animals were killed. The body, bladder and uterus weights were measured. The bladder specimens were prepared for immunohistochemical staining for muscarinic receptors M2, M3 and connexin-43. Western blotting was also used for the same protein measurement (M2, M3 and connexin-43). A t test with a p value of 0.05 was considered significant, and SPSS 12.0 for Windows was used to analyze the data. RESULTS The mean body weight of the Ovx group (315.8 ± 18.1 g) was heavier than the Con group (270.0 ± 23.6 g) (p = 0.009). The mean uterus weight of the Ovx group (260.4 ± 186.8 g) was lighter than the Con group, (600.6 ± 175.9 g) (p = 0.028) and the mean bladder weight of the Ovx group (80.2 ± 15.9 g) was lighter than the Con group (97.4 ± 10.6 g) (p = 0.041). The mean bladder contraction of the Ovx group (5.5 ± 2.3/10 min) was more frequent than that of the Con group (3.2 ± 2.8) (p < 0.05). The expressions of M2 and M3 were not different between the Ovx and the Con group, but the expression of connexin-43 in the Ovx group was more intense than in the Con group in immunohistochemical staining. These findings were also confirmed by Western blotting results. CONCLUSIONS Ovariectomized rats showed frequent bladder contraction and increased connexin-43 expression without changes in M2 and M3 receptor expression. These results imply that ovariectomy-induced overactive bladder may be due to an altered gap junction protein function rather than muscarinic receptor modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon-Cheol Lee
- Department of Urology, Inje University School of Medicine, Ilsanpaik Hospital, Goyang, Korea.
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Zhang X, Alwaal A, Lin G, Li H, Zaid UB, Wang G, Wang L, Banie L, Ning H, Lin CS, Guo Y, Zhou L, Lue TF. Urethral musculature and innervation in the female rat. Neurourol Urodyn 2015; 35:382-9. [PMID: 25597596 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The urethral sphincter and urethral muscle innervation are critically involved in maintaining continence, especially in the female. However, the urethral muscle type and distribution, as well as the urethral nerves are far from being well documented. Our aim was to clearly identify the distribution of urethral striated muscle, smooth muscle, and urethral nerves. METHODS In a cohort analysis of 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats, cross and longitudinal sections of female rat urethra were extensively investigated using morphological techniques. Urethras were harvested to the sections, in order to provide both global and detailed visions of the urethra. H&E, Masson's Trichrome, phalloidin and immunoflourence stains were used. The cytoarchitecture, nitrergic, and cholinergic innervations were mainly investigated. Different layers of the segments of urethra were traced to draw curve graphs that represent the thickness of each muscle layer of urethral wall. RESULTS The results showed that the primary peak of striated muscle is in the middle urethra. The inner layer close to mucosa was found to contain longitudinal smooth muscle. Near the bladder orifice, the circular smooth muscle dominates, which becomes thinner distally throughout the rest of urethra. In the middle urethra the vast majority of the urethral muscle are circularly oriented striated muscle cells. Typical nerve endings were present in high power images to show the different characteristic features of nerve innervation. CONCLUSIONS This study has illustrated the detailed morphological structure and innervations of the normal female rat urethra and can serve as a basis for further study of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and the Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Amjad Alwaal
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Guiting Lin
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Huixi Li
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Uwais B Zaid
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Guifang Wang
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California.,Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and the Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lia Banie
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Hongxiu Ning
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Ching-Shwun Lin
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Yinglu Guo
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and the Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Zhou
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and the Institute of Urology, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Tom F Lue
- Department of Urology, Knuppe Molecular Urology Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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Yasuda K, Sumi G, Kanamori C, Nakajima T, Tsuzuki T, Cho H, Nishigaki A, Okada H, Kanzaki H. Effects of ovarian hormone treatment on the gene expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the ovariectomized rat myometrium. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 143:81-9. [PMID: 24583025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigate the effects of ovarian hormone on the gene expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M1-M5) in the myometrium using real-time PCR and evaluate the relationships between their expression and that of ovarian hormone receptors (ERα, ERβ, and PgR). Wistar rats were sham operated (SO) or ovariectomized (OVX) and treated with vehicle, estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or both E2 and P4 for 2 days beginning on postoperative day 33. M1 and M4 mRNA expressions were not detected in the myometrium. M2 mRNA expression did not change significantly in the OVX and OVX+P4 groups compared to the SO group, but increased significantly in the OVX+E2 group and was normalized in the OVX+E2P4 group. M3 mRNA expression increased significantly in the OVX and OVX+P4 groups compared to the SO group, but was normalized in the OVX+E2 and OVX+E2P4 groups. M5 mRNA expression did not change significantly in all experimental groups. ERα mRNA expression increased significantly in the OVX, OVX+E2, and OVX+P4 groups compared to the SO group, but was normalized in the OVX+E2P4 group. The changes in ERβ mRNA expression were similar to those of M3 mRNA expression in all experimental groups. In contrast, the changes in PgR mRNA expression did not correspond with that of M2, M3, or M5 mRNA expression in any of the experimental groups. Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and ovarian hormone receptors in estrus cycle. M2 mRNA expression increased significantly in diestus and metaestrus compared in proestrus and estrus. M3 mRNA expression increased significantly in only diestrus compared in the other stages. In contrast, M5 mRNA expression did not change in estrus cycle. The changes in ERα mRNA expression appeared to be similar to those of M2 in estrus cycle, but no significant difference was found. The changes in ERβ mRNA expression were similar to those of M3 mRNA expression. The change in PgR mRNA expression increased significantly in diestrus compared in metaestrus, but did not correspond with that of M2, M3, or M5 mRNA expression in estrus cycle. When acetylcholine sensitivity in the myometrium was compared between diestrus and estrus, the sensitivity is significantly lower in estrus than in diestrus. These results suggest that ovarian hormones influence the expression of M2 and M3 in the myometrium by regulating the expression of hormone receptors. E2 may upregulate M2 via ERα, but P4 may downregulate M2 by inhibiting ERα via PgR. E2 may downregulate M3 by inhibiting ERβ, but P4 may not regulate the expression of M3 and ERβ. M5 may be a constitutive muscarinic receptor in the myometrium because neither E2 nor P4 influence the expression of M5. The combination of E2 and P4 may contribute the reproduction by quieting down the acetylcholine-induced myometrial contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Yasuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Takii Hospital, Kansai Medical University, Japan.
| | - Genichiro Sumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Takii Hospital, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Chiharu Kanamori
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Takii Hospital, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Nakajima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Takii Hospital, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tsuzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Hisayuu Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Akemi Nishigaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Okada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Japan
| | - Hideharu Kanzaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Japan
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Neuroprotection of green tea catechins on surgical menopause-induced overactive bladder in a rat model. Menopause 2012; 19:346-54. [PMID: 22042325 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31822d652d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A rat model of ovariectomy-induced voiding dysfunction has been established, which mimicked the urge incontinence in postmenopausal women. Previous studies have identified strong anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties of green tea and its associated polyphenols. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), could prevent an ovariectomy-induced overactive bladder. METHODS The study included 48 female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into four groups. After bilateral ovariectomy during the following 6-month period, 12 rats received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, 24 rats received either a low-dose (1 μM kg(-1) d(-1)) or a high-dose (10 μM kg(-1) d(-1)) EGCG intraperitoneal injection. The sham group consisted of twelve rats that were not ovariectomized. In vivo isovolumetric cystometrograms were performed in all groups before the animals were euthanized. The immunofluorescence study used neurofilament stains to evaluate intramural nerve damage. Western immunoblots and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to determine M2 and M3 muscarinic cholinergic receptors (MChRs) at both protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions. RESULTS Long-term ovariectomy significantly increased non-voiding contractions, whereas treatment with EGCG significantly attenuated the frequency of non-voiding contractions. Ovariectomy significantly decreased the numbers of neurofilament and increased M2 and M3 MChR protein and mRNA expressions. Treatment with EGCG restored the amount of neurofilament staining and decreased M2 and M3 MChR protein and mRNA overexpressions. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed that ovary hormone deficiency induced overactive bladder dysfunction via intramural nerve damage and muscarinic receptor overexpression. EGCG prevented ovariectomy-induced bladder dysfunction through neuroprotective effects in a dose-dependent fashion.
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Owen SJ, Rose'Meyer RB, Massa HM. Dietary phytoestrogens maintain contractile responses to carbachol with age in the female rat isolated bladder. Life Sci 2011; 89:213-20. [PMID: 21718707 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2011.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Revised: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Development of urinary incontinence, for many women, occurs following menopause. Dietary phytoestrogens consumed over the long term may affect the contractile function and maintenance of the urinary bladder in post menopausal women. This study examined the muscarinic receptor mediated contractile responses in the rat isolated bladder in response to ovariectomy and long term dietary phytoestrogen consumption. MAIN METHODS Ovariectomised or sham-operated female Wistar rats (8 weeks) were fed either normal rat chow (soy, phytoestrogens) or a non-soy (phytoestrogen free) diet. Bladders were dissected from rats at 12, 24 and 52 weeks of age and placed in 25 ml organ baths filled with McEwans solution. KEY FINDINGS The contractile response to carbachol, in 12 week old female rats did not change as a result of dietary phytoestrogens or ovariectomy (P>0.05). At 24 weeks of age, detrusor muscle strip responses to carbachol from non-soy fed ovariectomised rats were attenuated (P<0.05). At 52 weeks, bladder detrusor strip responses to carbachol were reduced in all treatment groups with the exception of the soy-fed sham operated rats. SIGNIFICANCE These results suggest an age-related reduction in the contractile response of the detrusor to the muscarinic receptor agonist carbachol, which may be prevented by long term dietary phytoestrogen intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzzanne J Owen
- School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Queensland, 4222, Australia
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Skala CE, Petry IB, Albrich S, Puhl A, Naumann G, Koelbl H. The effect of genital and lower urinary tract symptoms on steroid receptor expression in women with genital prolapse. Int Urogynecol J 2010; 22:705-12. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-010-1327-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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The impact of simulated birth trauma and ovariectomy on the gene expression of detrusor muscarinic receptors in female rats. Int Urogynecol J 2010; 21:1163-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00192-010-1159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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