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Orda MA, Fowler PMPT, Tayo LL. Modular Hub Genes in DNA Microarray Suggest Potential Signaling Pathway Interconnectivity in Various Glioma Grades. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:206. [PMID: 38666818 PMCID: PMC11048586 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Gliomas have displayed significant challenges in oncology due to their high degree of invasiveness, recurrence, and resistance to treatment strategies. In this work, the key hub genes mainly associated with different grades of glioma, which were represented by pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), oligodendroglioma (OG), anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), were identified through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Through this, four highly correlated modules were observed to be present across the PA (GSE50161), OG (GSE4290), AA (GSE43378), and GBM (GSE36245) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis done through the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) showed that the modules and hub genes identified were mainly involved in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and protein binding, which collectively deregulate several signaling pathways, mainly PI3K/Akt and metabolic pathways. The involvement of several hub genes primarily linked to other signaling pathways, including the cAMP, MAPK/ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, and calcium signaling pathways, indicates potential interconnectivity and influence on the PI3K/Akt pathway and, subsequently, glioma severity. The Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) was used to screen for potential drugs based on the up- and downregulated hub genes, wherein the synthetic progestin hormones norgestimate and ethisterone were the top drug candidates. This shows the potential neuroprotective effect of progesterone against glioma due to its influence on EGFR expression and other signaling pathways. Aside from these, several experimental and approved drug candidates were also identified, which include an adrenergic receptor antagonist, a PPAR-γ receptor agonist, a CDK inhibitor, a sodium channel blocker, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, and a dopamine receptor agonist, which further highlights the gene network as a potential therapeutic avenue for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Orda
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Peter Matthew Paul T. Fowler
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1203, Philippines
| | - Lemmuel L. Tayo
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (M.A.O.); (P.M.P.T.F.)
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1203, Philippines
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2
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Renaudin CD, Conley AJ. Pregnancy monitoring in mares: Ultrasonographic and endocrine approaches. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:34-48. [PMID: 37191550 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Methods to diagnose and monitor equine pregnancy continue to advance with improved instrumentation enabling the development of novel, non-invasive approaches to assess fetal well-being and viability using ultrasound and endocrine testing. From early embryonic loss to placentitis, that is typically encountered later in gestation, fetal viability and development as well as placental function can be evaluated using two fundamentally different, structural and functional, approaches. Ultrasound provides structural information on embryonic and fetal growth using such parameters as combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP), visual assessment of fetal fluids, activity, heart rate and multiple biometrics involving the fetal head and eyes, limbs and joints among many others, depending on the stage of gestation. Endocrine profiles that include progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone, other metabolites, androgens and estrogens can be evaluated simultaneously using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) providing more functional information on fetal and placental competence and development. Endocrine information can be used in making clinical decisions including the need for progestin supplementation or when it can cease, and even estimating gestational stage in mares that cannot be easily palpated or scanned, as with mini-breeds or rancorous animals most notably. When used together, monitoring gestation by ultrasound and hormonal analysis provides unusual insight into feto-placental well-being and the progress of pregnancy, helping to identify problems needing therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine D Renaudin
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
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3
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Sharland JC, Dunstan D, Majumdar D, Gao J, Tan K, Malik HA, Davies HML. Hexafluoroisopropanol for the Selective Deactivation of Poisonous Nucleophiles Enabling Catalytic Asymmetric Cyclopropanation of Complex Molecules. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c03909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jack C. Sharland
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - David Dunstan
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Dyuti Majumdar
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jinhai Gao
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kian Tan
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Hasnain A. Malik
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, 250 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Huw M. L. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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4
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Park Y, Park J, Lee HS. Endocrine disrupting potential of veterinary drugs by in vitro stably transfected human androgen receptor transcriptional activation assays. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117201. [PMID: 33965802 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We describe the androgen receptor (AR) agonistic/antagonistic effects of 140 veterinary drugs regulated in Republic of Korea, by setting maximum residue limits. It was conducted using two in vitro test guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)-the AR-EcoScreen AR transactivation (TA) assay and the 22Rv1/MMTV_GR-KO AR TA assay. These were performed alongside the AR binding affinity assay to confirm whether their AR agonistic/antagonistic effects are based on the binding affinity to AR. Prior to conducting the AR TA assay, the proficiency test was passed the proficiency performance criterion for the AR agonist and AR antagonist assays. Among the veterinary drugs tested, four veterinary drugs (dexamethasone, trenbolone, altrenogest, and nandrolone) and six veterinary drugs (cymiazole, dexamethasone, zeranol, phenothiazine, bromopropylate, and isoeugenol) were determined as AR agonist and AR antagonist, respectively in both in vitro AR TA assays. Zeranol exhibited weak AR agonistic effects with a PC10 value only in the 22Rv1/MMTV_GR-KO AR TA assay. Regarding changing the AR agonistic/antagonistic effects through metabolism, the AR antagonistic activities of zeranol, phenothiazine, and isoeugenol decreased significantly in the presence of phase I + II enzymes. These data indicate that various veterinary drugs could have the potential to disrupt AR-mediated human endocrine system. Furthermore, this is the first report providing information on AR agonistic/antagonistic effects of veterinary drugs using in vitro OECD AR TA assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yooheon Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Park
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Seok Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Affiliation(s)
- C. E. Fedorka
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
| | - M. H. T. Troedsson
- Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Department of Veterinary Science University of Kentucky Lexington KY USA
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6
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Lund RA, Cooper ER, Wang H, Ashley Z, Cawley AT, Heather AK. Nontargeted detection of designer androgens: Underestimated role of in vitro bioassays. Drug Test Anal 2021; 13:894-902. [PMID: 33864649 DOI: 10.1002/dta.3049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Androgens, both steroidal and nonsteroidal in nature, are among the most commonly misused substances in competitive sports. Their recognized anabolic and performance enhancing effects through short- and long-term physiological adaptations make them popular. Androgens exist as natural steroids, or are chemically synthesized as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) or selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). In order to effectively detect misuse of androgens, targeted strategies are used. These targeted strategies rely heavily on mass spectrometry, and detection requires prior knowledge of the targeted structure and its metabolites. Although exquisitely sensitive, such approaches may fail to detect novel structures that are developed and marketed. A nontargeted approach to androgen detection involves the use of cell-based in vitro bioassays. Both yeast and mammalian cell androgen bioassays demonstrate a clear ability to detect AAS and SARMS, and if paired with high resolution mass spectrometry can putatively identify novel structures. In vitro cell bioassays are successfully used to characterize designer molecules and to detect exogenous androgens in biological samples. It is important to continue to develop new and effective detection approaches to prevent misuse of designer androgens, and in vitro bioassays represent a potential solution to nontargeted detection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Lund
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Elliot R Cooper
- National Measurement Institute, Lindfield, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hui Wang
- The Fourth Hospital of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Zoe Ashley
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Adam T Cawley
- Australian Racing Forensic Laboratory, Racing NSW, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison K Heather
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Insitugen Ltd, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
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7
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Gillon A, Ho ENM, Chan GHM, Kauff A, Hughes G, Lund RA, Ashley Z, Wan TSM, Heather AK. Unravelling androgens in sport: Altrenogest shows strong activation of the androgen receptor in a mammalian cell bioassay. Drug Test Anal 2020; 13:523-528. [PMID: 33037724 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Altrenogest is a commonly used progestogen for the suppression of oestrus and associated distracting behaviours that interfere with training and performance of female racehorses. The steroid is derived from 19-nor testosterone and is structurally similar to the anabolic androgenic steroid, trenbolone. In this study, the relative androgen potency of altrenogest was determined by a kidney (HEK293) cell androgen bioassay. The HEK293 bioassay shows that in its pure form, altrenogest has a high relative potency compared with testosterone but is not as strong as β-trenbolone. Our results also show that altrenogest is able to activate the androgen receptor at the concentrations relevant to the administration regime of racehorses and retains its activity ex vivo. Thus, we show unequivocally that altrenogest, a progestogen used widely in female racehorses, acts as a strong androgen in a mammalian cell bioassay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Gillon
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emmie N M Ho
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - George H M Chan
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Alexia Kauff
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gillian Hughes
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rachel A Lund
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zoe Ashley
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Terence S M Wan
- Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Alison K Heather
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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8
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Tiwari MK, Yadav L, Kumar Shyamlal BR, Chaudhary S. Weak Bases‐Mediated Modified Favorskii Reaction‐Type Direct Alkynylation/(
E
)‐Alkenylation: A Unified Rapid Access to α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones and Propargyl Alcohols. ASIAN J ORG CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ajoc.201900601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohit K. Tiwari
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal ChemistryDepartment of Chemistry Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur Jawaharlal Nehru Marg Jaipur- 302017 India
| | - Lalit Yadav
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal ChemistryDepartment of Chemistry Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur Jawaharlal Nehru Marg Jaipur- 302017 India
| | - Bharti Rajesh Kumar Shyamlal
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal ChemistryDepartment of Chemistry Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur Jawaharlal Nehru Marg Jaipur- 302017 India
| | - Sandeep Chaudhary
- Laboratory of Organic and Medicinal ChemistryDepartment of Chemistry Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur Jawaharlal Nehru Marg Jaipur- 302017 India
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9
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Pflug NC, Patterson EV, Martinović-Weigelt D, Kolodziej EP, Gloer JB, McNeill K, Cwiertny DM, Wammer KH. Intramolecular [2 + 2] Photocycloaddition of Altrenogest: Confirmation of Product Structure, Theoretical Mechanistic Insight, and Bioactivity Assessment. J Org Chem 2019; 84:11366-11371. [PMID: 31381858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.9b02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
While studying the environmental fate of potent endocrine-active steroid hormones, we observed the formation of an intramolecular [2 + 2] photocycloaddition product (2) with a novel hexacyclic ring system following the photolysis of altrenogest (1). The structure and absolute configuration were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Theoretical computations identified a barrierless two-step cyclization mechanism for the formation of 2 upon photoexcitation. 2 exhibited progesterone, estrogen, androgen, and pregnane X receptor activity, albeit generally with reduced potency relative to 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Pflug
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Eric V Patterson
- Department of Chemistry , Stony Brook University , Stony Brook , New York 11794 , United States
| | | | - Edward P Kolodziej
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences , University of Washington, Tacoma , Tacoma , Washington 98402 , United States.,Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Washington , Seattle , Washington 98195 , United States
| | - James B Gloer
- Department of Chemistry , University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa 52242 , United States
| | - Kristopher McNeill
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics , ETH Zurich , 8092 Zurich , Switzerland
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Iowa , Iowa City , Iowa 52242 , United States
| | - Kristine H Wammer
- Department of Chemistry , University of St. Thomas , St. Paul , Minnesota 55105 , United States
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10
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Fedorka CE, Ball BA, Walker OF, Conley AJ, Corbin CJ, Lu KG, Hanneman JM, Troedsson MHT, Adams AA. Alteration of the mare's immune system by the synthetic progestin, altrenogest. Am J Reprod Immunol 2019; 82:e13145. [PMID: 31087434 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Progestins are immunomodulatory in a variety of species. In the horse, the most commonly administered synthetic progestin is altrenogest (ALT), but its effect on the immune system of the non-pregnant mare is unknown. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from diestrous mares were incubated with varying concentrations of progesterone (P4) or ALT to assess intracellular production of IFNγ and the expression of select cytokines. Additionally, ten mares received either ALT or VEH daily utilizing a switchback design beginning on the day of ovulation and continuing for 7 days. Circulating PBMCs and endometrial biopsies were obtained to assess the production and expression of the same cytokines. RESULTS In vitro, both P4 and ALT caused a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular IFNγ in PBMCs. P4 caused a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of IFNγ, IL-10 and IL-4, while ALT caused an increase in the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in PBMCs. In vivo, ALT suppressed the intracellular levels of IFNγ in PBMCs on d6. While control mares experienced a decrease in IL-1β expression from d0 to d6, ALT-treated mares did not. In the endometrium, ALT increased the expression of IL-1RN and IFNγ in comparison with VEH-treated mares. CONCLUSION P4 and ALT appear to alter the immune system of the non-pregnant mare both systemically in addition to locally within the endometrium. Further research is necessary to determine the pathways through which this synthetic progestin functions on the immune system of the horse, and the consequences it may have.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barry A Ball
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Olivia F Walker
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee
| | - Alan J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Cynthia J Corbin
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California-Davis, Davis, California
| | - Kristina G Lu
- Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jessica M Hanneman
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Mats H T Troedsson
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Amanda A Adams
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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11
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Androgen Bioassay for the Detection of Nonlabeled Androgenic Compounds in Nutritional Supplements. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2018; 28:10-18. [DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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12
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Legacki EL, Corbin CJ, Ball BA, Wynn M, Loux S, Stanley SD, Conley AJ. Progestin withdrawal at parturition in the mare. Reproduction 2017; 152:323-31. [PMID: 27568209 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian pregnancies need progestogenic support and birth requires progestin withdrawal. The absence of progesterone in pregnant mares, and the progestogenic bioactivity of 5α-dihydroprogesterone (DHP), led us to reexamine progestin withdrawal at foaling. Systemic pregnane concentrations (DHP, allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, 5α-pregnane-3β, 20α-diol (3β,20αDHP), 20α-hydroxy-5α-dihydroprogesterone (20αDHP)) and progesterone) were monitored in mares for 10days before foaling (n=7) by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biopotency of dominant metabolites was assessed using luciferase reporter assays. Stable transfected Chinese hamster ovarian cells expressing the equine progesterone receptor (ePGR) were transfected with an MMTV-luciferase expression plasmid responsive to steroid agonists. Cells were incubated with increasing concentrations (0-100nM) of progesterone, 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP. The concentrations of circulating pregnanes in periparturient mares were (highest to lowest) 3α,20βDHP and 20αDHP (800-400ng/mL respectively), DHP and allopregnanolone (90 and 30ng/mL respectively), and pregnenolone and progesterone (4-2ng/mL). Concentrations of all measured pregnanes declined on average by 50% from prepartum peaks to the day before foaling. Maximum activation of the ePGR by progesterone occurred at 30nM; 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP were significantly less biopotent. At prepartum concentrations, both 20αDHP and 3α,20βDHP exhibited significant ePGR activation. Progestogenic support of pregnancy declines from 3 to 5days before foaling. Prepartum peak concentrations indicate that DHP is the major progestin, but other pregnanes like 20αDHP are present in sufficient concentrations to play a physiological role in the absence of DHP. The authors conclude that progestin withdrawal associated with parturition in mares involves cessation of pregnane synthesis by the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Legacki
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - C J Corbin
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - M Wynn
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S Loux
- Gluck Equine Research CenterDepartment of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S D Stanley
- Department of Molecular BiosciencesSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - A J Conley
- Department of Population Health and ReproductionSchool of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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13
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Sartorius G. Androgene und weibliche Libido. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-017-0137-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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14
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Ziková A, Lorenz C, Hoffmann F, Kleiner W, Lutz I, Stöck M, Kloas W. Endocrine disruption by environmental gestagens in amphibians - A short review supported by new in vitro data using gonads of Xenopus laevis. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 181:74-82. [PMID: 28431277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disruption caused by various anthropogenic compounds is of persisting concern, especially for aquatic wildlife, because surface waters are the main sink of these so-called endocrine disruptors (ED). In the past, research focused on (anti)estrogenic, (anti)androgenic, and (anti)thyroidal substances, affecting primarily reproduction and development in vertebrates; however, other endocrine systems might be also targeted by ED. Environmental gestagens, including natural progestogens (e.g. progesterone (P4)) and synthetic progestins used for contraception, are supposed to affect vertebrate reproduction via progesterone receptors. In the present paper, we review the current knowledge about gestagenic effects in amphibians, focussing on reproduction and the thyroid system. In addition, we support the literature data with results of recent in vitro experiments, demonstrating direct impacts of the gestagens levonorgestrel (LNG) and P4 on sexually differentiated gonads of larval Xenopus laevis. The results showed a higher susceptibility of female over male gonads to gestagenic ED. Only in female gonads LNG, but not P4, had direct inhibitory effects on gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, whereas aromatase expression decreased in reaction to both gestagens. Surprisingly, beyond the expected ED effects of gestagens on reproductive physiology in amphibians, LNG drastically disrupted the thyroid system, which resembles direct effects on thyroid glands and pituitary along the pituitary-thyroid axis disturbing metamorphic development. In amphibians, environmental gestagens not only affect the reproductive system but at least LNG can impact also development by disruption of the thyroid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ziková
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Claudia Lorenz
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frauke Hoffmann
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wibke Kleiner
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ilka Lutz
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Stöck
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany
| | - Werner Kloas
- Department of Ecophysiology and Aquaculture, Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin, Germany; Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Waller CC, McLeod MD. A review of designer anabolic steroids in equine sports. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:1304-1319. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher C. Waller
- Research School of Chemistry; Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Malcolm D. McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry; Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
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16
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Wammer KH, Anderson KC, Erickson PR, Kliegman S, Moffatt ME, Berg SM, Heitzman JA, Pflug NC, McNeill K, Martinovic-Weigelt D, Abagyan R, Cwiertny DM, Kolodziej EP. Environmental Photochemistry of Altrenogest: Photoisomerization to a Bioactive Product with Increased Environmental Persistence via Reversible Photohydration. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:7480-7488. [PMID: 27356268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite its wide use as a veterinary pharmaceutical, environmental fate data is lacking for altrenogest, a potent synthetic progestin. Here, it is reported that direct photolysis of altrenogest under environmentally relevant conditions was extremely efficient and rapid (half-life ∼25 s). Photolysis rates (observed rate constant kobs = 2.7 ± 0.2 × 10(-2) s(-1)) were unaffected by changes in pH or temperature but were sensitive to oxygen concentrations (N2-saturated kobs = 9.10 ± 0.32 × 10(-2) s(-1); O2-saturated kobs = 1.38 ± 0.11 × 10(-2) s(-1)). The primary photoproduct was identified as an isomer formed via an internal 2 + 2 cycloaddition reaction; the triplet lifetime (8.4 ± 0.2 μs) and rate constant (8 × 10(4) s(-1)) of this reaction were measured using transient absorption spectroscopy. Subsequent characterization determined that this primary cycloaddition photoproduct undergoes photohydration. The resultant photostable secondary photoproducts are subject to thermal dehydration in dark conditions, leading to reversion to the primary cycloaddition photoproduct on a time scale of hours to days, with the photohydration and dehydration repeatable over several light/dark cycles. This dehydration reaction occurs more rapidly at higher temperatures and is also accelerated at both high and low pH values. In vitro androgen receptor (AR)-dependent gene transcriptional activation cell assays and in silico nuclear hormone receptor screening revealed that certain photoproducts retain significant androgenic activity, which has implications for exposure risks associated with the presence and cycling of altrenogest and its photoproducts in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine H Wammer
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Kyler C Anderson
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Paul R Erickson
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Kliegman
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marianna E Moffatt
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Stephanie M Berg
- Department of Chemistry, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Jackie A Heitzman
- Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, Minnesota 55105, United States
| | - Nicholas C Pflug
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Kristopher McNeill
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich , CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego , 9500 Gilman, La Jolla, California 92093-0747, United States
| | - David M Cwiertny
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Edward P Kolodziej
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, University of Washington, Tacoma , Tacoma, Washington 98402 United States
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington 98195-2700 United States
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17
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Conley A. Review of the reproductive endocrinology of the pregnant and parturient mare. Theriogenology 2016; 86:355-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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18
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Cooper ER, McGrath KC, Li X, Akram O, Kasz R, Kazlauskas R, McLeod MD, Handelsman DJ, Heather AK. The use of tandem yeast and mammalian cellin vitroandrogen bioassays to detect androgens in internet-sourced sport supplements. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:545-552. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot R. Cooper
- School of Life Sciences; Faculty of Science, University of Technology; Broadway NSW Australia
| | - Kristine C.Y. McGrath
- School of Life Sciences; Faculty of Science, University of Technology; Broadway NSW Australia
| | - Xiaohong Li
- School of Life Sciences; Faculty of Science, University of Technology; Broadway NSW Australia
- Department of Endocrinology; Dezhou People's Hospital; China
| | - Omar Akram
- ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney, Concord Hospital; NSW Australia
| | - Robert Kasz
- School of Life Sciences; Faculty of Science, University of Technology; Broadway NSW Australia
| | | | - Malcolm D. McLeod
- Research School of Chemistry; Australian National University; Canberra ACT Australia
| | - David J. Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute; University of Sydney, Concord Hospital; NSW Australia
| | - Alison K. Heather
- Department of Physiology; Otago School of Medical Sciences., University of Otago; Dunedin New Zealand
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19
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Kumar V, Johnson AC, Trubiroha A, Tumová J, Ihara M, Grabic R, Kloas W, Tanaka H, Kroupová HK. The challenge presented by progestins in ecotoxicological research: a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:2625-2638. [PMID: 25611781 DOI: 10.1021/es5051343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Around 20 progestins (also called gestagens, progestogens, or progestagens) are used today in assisting a range of medical conditions from endometrial cancer to uterine bleeding and as an important component of oral contraception. These progestins can bind to a wide range of receptors including progestin, estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, and mineralocorticoid receptor, as well as sex hormone and corticosteroid binding globulins. It appears that only five of these (four synthetic and one natural) progestins have so far been studied in sewage effluent and surface waters. Analysis has reported values as either nondetects or low nanograms per liter in rivers. Seven of the progestins have been examined for their effects on aquatic vertebrates (fish and frogs). The greatest concern is associated with levonorgestrel, norethisterone, and gestodene and their ability to reduce egg production in fish at levels of 0.8-1.0 ng/L. The lack of environmental measurements, and some of the contradictions in existing values, however, hampers our ability to make a risk assessment. Only a few nanograms per liter of ethynodiol diacetate and desogestrel in water would be needed for fish to receive a human therapeutic dose for these progestins according to modeled bioconcentration factors. But for the other synthetic progestins levels would need to reach tens or hundreds of nanograms per liter to achieve a therapeutic dose. Nevertheless, the wide range of compounds, diverse receptor targets, and the effect on fish reproduction at sub-nanogram-per-liter levels should prompt further research. The ability to impair female reproduction at very low concentrations makes the progestins arguably the most important pharmaceutical group of concern after ethinylestradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Kumar
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice , Zatisi 728/II, 389 25 Vodnany, Czech Republic
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20
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In vitro androgen bioassays as a detection method for designer androgens. SENSORS 2013; 13:2148-63. [PMID: 23389345 PMCID: PMC3649408 DOI: 10.3390/s130202148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are the class of sex steroids responsible for male sexual characteristics, including increased muscle mass and decreased fat mass. Illicit use of androgen doping can be an attractive option for those looking to enhance sporting performance and/or physical appearance. The use of in vitro bioassays to detect androgens, especially designer or proandrogens, is becoming increasingly important in combating androgen doping associated with nutritional supplements. The nutritional sports supplement market has grown rapidly throughout the past decade. Many of these supplements contain androgens, designer androgens or proandrogens. Many designer or proandrogens cannot be detected by the standard highly-sensitive screening methods such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry because their chemical structure is unknown. However, in vitro androgen bioassays can detect designer and proandrogens as these assays are not reliant on knowing the chemical structure but instead are based on androgen receptor activation. For these reasons, it may be advantageous to use routine androgen bioassay screening of nutraceutical samples to help curb the increasing problem of androgen doping.
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21
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Moore NL, Hickey TE, Butler LM, Tilley WD. Multiple nuclear receptor signaling pathways mediate the actions of synthetic progestins in target cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 357:60-70. [PMID: 21945474 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic progestins are used clinically to treat a variety of women's health issues. Although progestins are designed to signal through the progesterone receptor (PR) to elicit specific pharmacological effects, they can also variably bind to and influence the activity of other nuclear receptors within target tissues, particularly the androgen and glucocorticoid receptors and, in some cases, they regulate mineralocorticoid and estrogen receptors. This article reviews current knowledge on progestin cross-talk to nuclear receptors other than PR, their resultant effect on receptor function in different in vitro models and the potential consequences of this activity for breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer. The impact of cell and tissue context, assay type, steroid metabolism and hormonal milieu in determining progestin-mediated activity are also presented. Collectively this review highlights the complexity of progestin action and the need for consideration of multiple mechanisms that act in concert to influence their ultimate biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole L Moore
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Hanson Institute, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
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22
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Liu ZH, Ogejo JA, Pruden A, Knowlton KF. Occurrence, fate and removal of synthetic oral contraceptives (SOCs) in the natural environment: a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2011; 409:5149-61. [PMID: 21975000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.08.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic oral contraceptives (SOCs) are a group of compounds with progestagenic and/or androgenic activities, with some also possessing estrogenic activities. Recent research has documented that some of these emerging contaminants have adverse effects on aquatic organisms at very low concentrations. To facilitate the evaluation of their latent risks, published works on their occurrence and fate in the environment are reviewed. Androgenic/progestagenic relative potencies or relative binding affinity of these SOCs as well as their physicochemical properties and toxicity are summarized. Appropriate analytical methods are outlined for various environmental sample types, including methods of sample preparation and limit of detection/quantification (LOD/LOQ). Finally results on their occurrence and fate in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and other environments are critically examined.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/analysis
- Androgens/chemistry
- Androgens/metabolism
- Androgens/toxicity
- Animals
- Aquatic Organisms/chemistry
- Aquatic Organisms/drug effects
- Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic/analysis
- Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic/chemistry
- Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic/metabolism
- Contraceptives, Oral, Synthetic/toxicity
- Environmental Monitoring/methods
- Estrogens/analysis
- Estrogens/chemistry
- Estrogens/metabolism
- Estrogens/toxicity
- Humans
- Limit of Detection
- Molecular Structure
- Progestins/analysis
- Progestins/chemistry
- Progestins/metabolism
- Progestins/toxicity
- Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-hua Liu
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, United States.
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23
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Andrieu T, Bertolini R, Nichols SE, Setoud R, Frey FJ, Baker ME, Frey BM. A novel steroidal antiandrogen targeting wild type and mutant androgen receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 82:1651-62. [PMID: 21907706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progression is enhanced by androgen and treatment with antiandrogens represents an alternative to castration. While patients initially respond favorably to androgen ablation therapy, most experience a relapse of the disease within 1-2 years by expressing androgen receptor (AR) mutants. Such mutations, indeed, promote unfavorable agonistic behavior from classical antagonists. Here, we have synthesized and screened 37 novel compounds derived from dihydrotestosterone (DHT), cyanolutamide and hydroxyflutamide. These derivatives were tested for their potential antagonistic activity using a luciferase reporter gene assay and binding properties were determined for wild type (WT) and mutant ARs (T877A, W741C, W741L, H874Y). In the absence and presence of antiandrogens, androgen dependent cellular proliferation and prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression were assayed in the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP by crystal violet, real time PCR and by Western blots. Also, cellular proliferation and PSA expression were assayed in 22Rv1. A novel compound RB346, derived from DHT, was found to be an antagonist for all tested AR forms, preventing DHT induced proliferation and PSA expression in LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells. RB346 displayed no agonistic activity, in contrast to the non-steroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide (Casodex) with unfavorable agonistic activity for W741L-AR. Additionally, RB346 has a slightly higher binding affinity for WT-AR, T877A-AR and H874Y-AR than bicalutamide. Thus, RB346 is the first potent steroidal antiandrogen with efficacy for WT and various AR mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Andrieu
- Department of Nephrology & Hypertension, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
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24
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Akram ON, Bursill C, Desai R, Heather AK, Kazlauskas R, Handelsman DJ, Lambert G. Evaluation of androgenic activity of nutraceutical-derived steroids using mammalian and yeast in vitro androgen bioassays. Anal Chem 2011; 83:2065-74. [PMID: 21329390 DOI: 10.1021/ac102845y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgenic steroids marketed online as nutraceuticals are a growing concern in sport doping. The inability of conventional mass spectrometry (MS)-based techniques to detect structurally novel androgens has led to the development of in vitro androgen bioassays to identify such designer androgens by their bioactivity. The objective of this study was to determine the androgenic bioactivity of novel steroidal compounds isolated from nutraceuticals using both yeast and mammalian cell-based androgen bioassays. We developed two new in vitro androgen bioassays by stably transfecting HEK293 and HuH7 cells with the human androgen receptor (hAR) expression plasmid together with a novel reporter gene vector (enhancer/ARE/SEAP). The yeast β-galactosidase androgen bioassay was used for comparison. Our new bioassay featuring the enhancer/ARE/SEAP construct (-S) displayed simpler assay format and higher specificity with lower sensitivity compared with the commonly used mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV)-luciferase. The relative potencies (RP), defined as [EC(50)] of testosterone/[EC(50)] of steroid, of nutraceutical extracts in the yeast, HEK293-S, and HuH7-S, were 34, 333, and 80,000 for Hemapolin; 208, 250, and 80 for Furazadrol; 0.38, 10, and 106 for Oxyguno; 2.7, 0.28, and 15 for Trena; and 4.5, 0.1, and 0.4 for Formadrol, respectively. The wide discrepancies in rank RP of these compounds was reconciled into a consistent potency ranking when the cells were treated with meclofenamic acid, a nonselective inhibitor of steroid metabolizing enzymes. These findings indicate that steroids extracted from nutraceuticals can be converted in vitro into more or less potent androgens in mammalian but not in yeast cells. We conclude that the putative androgenic bioactivity of a new compound may depend on the bioassay cellular format and that mammalian cell bioassays may have an added benefit in screening for proandrogens but sacrifice specificity for sensitivity in quantitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar N Akram
- Lipid Research Group, The Heart Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Caraci F, Pistarà V, Corsaro A, Tomasello F, Giuffrida ML, Sortino MA, Nicoletti F, Copani A. Neurotoxic properties of the anabolic androgenic steroids nandrolone and methandrostenolone in primary neuronal cultures. J Neurosci Res 2011; 89:592-600. [PMID: 21290409 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2010] [Revised: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is associated with multiple neurobehavioral disturbances. The sites of action and the neurobiological sequels of AAS abuse are unclear at present. We investigated whether two different AASs, nandrolone and methandrostenolone, could affect neuronal survival in culture. The endogenous androgenic steroid testosterone was used for comparison. Both testosterone and nandrolone were neurotoxic at micromolar concentrations, and their effects were prevented by blockade of androgen receptors (ARs) with flutamide. Neuronal toxicity developed only over a 48-hr exposure to the steroids. The cell-impermeable analogues testosterone-BSA and nandrolone-BSA, which preferentially target membrane-associated ARs, were also neurotoxic in a time-dependent and flutamide-sensitive manner. Testosterone-BSA and nandrolone-BSA were more potent than their parent compounds, suggesting that membrane-associated ARs were the relevant sites for the neurotoxic actions of the steroids. Unlike testosterone and nandrolone, toxicity by methandrostenolone and methandrostenolone-BSA was insensitive to flutamide, but it was prevented by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU-486. Methandrostenolone-BSA was more potent than the parent compound, suggesting that its toxicity relied on the preferential activation of putative membrane-associated GRs. Consistently with the evidence that membrane-associated GRs can mediate rapid effects, a brief challenge with methandrostenolone-BSA was able to promote neuronal toxicity. Activation of putative membrane steroid receptors by nontoxic (nanomolar) concentrations of either nandrolone-BSA or methandrostenolone-BSA became sufficient to increase neuronal susceptibility to the apoptotic stimulus provided by β-amyloid (the main culprit of AD). We speculate that AAS abuse might facilitate the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases not usually linked to drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Caraci
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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26
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Attardi BJ, Koduri S, Hild SA. Relative progestational and androgenic activity of four progestins used for male hormonal contraception assessed in vitro in relation to their ability to suppress LH secretion in the castrate male rat. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 328:16-21. [PMID: 20599585 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 06/11/2010] [Accepted: 06/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Male hormonal contraceptive regimens are generally combinations of an androgen and a progestin which suppress gonadotropin secretion and, consequently, spermatogenesis. The activities of four synthetic progestins, levonorgestrel (LNG), norethindrone acetate (NETA), cyproterone acetate (CPA), and nestorone (NES), used in combination with testosterone for male hormonal contraception were compared in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays (steroid hormone receptor binding and transactivation) focused on their relative androgenic vs progestational potencies. The relative androgenic potencies were LNG approximately NETA>CPA>NES. Their order of potency as progestins was NES>LNG>CPA approximately NETA. A bioassay was developed using the castrate adult male rat to assess the activity of these progestins in vivo. Rats were treated with several doses (0.1-3.2mg/kg/day) of LNG, NETA, CPA, or NES for 21 days, and blood was collected at various times for measurement of LH levels in serum. LH was suppressed to baseline by LNG at 0.8 and 1.6 mg/kg/day; NETA was effective at 3.2mg/kg/day; and NES and CPA showed no or minimal LH suppression at doses up to 3.2mg/kg/day. We concluded, therefore, that suppression of LH is correlated with androgenic, rather than progestational, potency of the synthetic progestins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Attardi
- BIOQUAL, Inc. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Toxicology, 9600 Medical Center Dr., Rockville, MD 20850, USA.
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27
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Nikolopoulos DD, Spiliopoulou C, Theocharis SE. Doping and musculoskeletal system: short-term and long-lasting effects of doping agents. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2010; 25:535-63. [PMID: 21039821 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2010.00881.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Doping is a problem that has plagued the world of competition and sports for ages. Even before the dawn of Olympic history in ancient Greece, competitors have looked for artificial means to improve athletic performance. Since ancient times, athletes have attempted to gain an unfair competitive advantage through the use of doping substances. A Prohibited List of doping substances and methods banned in sports is published yearly by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Among the substances included are steroidal and peptide hormones and their modulators, stimulants, glucocorticosteroids, β₂-agonists, diuretics and masking agents, narcotics, and cannabinoids. Blood doping, tampering, infusions, and gene doping are examples of prohibited methods indicated on the List. Apart from the unethical aspect of doping, as it abrogates fair-play's principle, it is extremely important to consider the hazards it presents to the health and well-being of athletes. The referred negative effects for the athlete's health have to do, on the one hand, by the high doses of the performance-enhancing agents and on the other hand, by the relentless, superhuman strict training that the elite or amateur athletes put their muscles, bones, and joints. The purpose of this article is to highlight the early and the long-lasting consequences of the doping abuse on bone and muscle metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios D Nikolopoulos
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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28
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2009; 16:260-77. [PMID: 19390324 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32832c937e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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29
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Detection of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse in doping control using mammalian reporter gene bioassays. Anal Chim Acta 2009; 637:247-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2008.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2008] [Revised: 09/11/2008] [Accepted: 09/11/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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30
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Abstract
Androgens can increase muscular mass and strength and remain the most frequently abused and widely available drugs used in sports doping. Banning the administration of natural or synthetic androgens has led to a variety of strategies to circumvent the ban of the most effective ergogenic agents for power sports. Among these, a variety of indirect androgen doping strategies aiming to produce a sustained rise in endogenous testosterone have been utilized. These include oestrogen blockade by drugs that act as oestrogen receptor antagonists (antioestrogen) or aromatase inhibitors. The physiological and pharmacological basis for the effects of oestrogen blockade in men, but not women, are reviewed.
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