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Holterhus PM, Kulle A, Busch H, Spielmann M. Classic genetic and hormonal switches during fetal sex development and beyond. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:163-171. [PMID: 38840820 PMCID: PMC10842585 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Critical genetic and hormonal switches characterize fetal sex development in humans. They are decisive for gonadal sex determination and subsequent differentiation of the genital and somatic sex phenotype. Only at the first glace these switches seem to behave like the dual 0 and 1 system in computer sciences and lead invariably to either typically male or female phenotypes. More recent data indicate that this model is insufficient. In addition, in case of distinct mutations, many of these switches may act variably, causing a functional continuum of alterations of gene functions and -dosages, enzymatic activities, sex hormone levels, and sex hormone sensitivity, giving rise to a broad clinical spectrum of biological differences of sex development (DSD) and potentially diversity of genital and somatic sex phenotypes. The gonadal anlage is initially a bipotential organ that can develop either into a testis or an ovary. Sex-determining region Y (SRY) is the most important upstream switch of gonadal sex determination inducing SOX9 further downstream, leading to testicular Sertoli cell differentiation and the repression of ovarian pathways. If SRY is absent (virtually "switched off"), e. g., in 46,XX females, RSPO1, WNT4, FOXL2, and other factors repress the male pathway and promote ovarian development. Testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as AMH, are the most important upstream hormonal switches in phenotypic sex differentiation. Masculinization of the genitalia, i. e., external genital midline fusion forming the scrotum, growth of the genital tubercle, and Wolffian duct development, occurs in response to testosterone synthesized by steroidogenic cells in the testis. Müllerian ducts will not develop into a uterus and fallopian tubes in males due to Anti-Müllerian-Hormone (AMH) produced by the Sertoli cells. The functionality of these two hormone-dependent switches is ensured by their corresponding receptors, the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) and the transmembrane AMH type II receptor. The absence of high testosterone and high AMH is crucial for anatomically female genital development during fetal life. Recent technological advances, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, will likely shed more light on the nature of these molecular switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU)Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics IKielGermany
| | - Alexandra Kulle
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU)Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics IKielGermany
| | - Hauke Busch
- University of LübeckMedical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED)Ratzeburger Allee 16023562LübeckGermany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- University of LübeckInstitute of Human GeneticsLübeckGermany
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2
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Wang T, Zhao G, Yu S, Zheng Y, Guo H, Wang H, Zhao P, Xie W, Ren W, Yuan B. Sequencing of the Pituitary Transcriptome after GnRH Treatment Uncovers the Involvement of lncRNA-m23b/miR-23b-3p/CAMK2D in FSH Synthesis and Secretion. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040846. [PMID: 37107604 PMCID: PMC10137480 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland is a key participant in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, as it secretes a variety of hormones and plays an important role in mammalian reproduction. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone(GnRH) signaling molecules can bind to GnRH receptors on the surfaces of adenohypophysis gonadotropin cells and regulate the expression of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone(LH) through various pathways. An increasing number of studies have shown that noncoding RNAs mediate the regulation of GnRH signaling molecules in the adenohypophysis. However, the expression changes and underlying mechanisms of genes and noncoding RNAs in the adenohypophysis under the action of GnRH remain unclear. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of the rat adenohypophysis before and after GnRH treatment to identify differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs. We found 385 mRNAs, 704 lncRNAs, and 20 miRNAs that were significantly differentially expressed in the rat adenohypophysis. Then, we used a software to predict the regulatory roles of lncRNAs as molecular sponges that compete with mRNAs to bind miRNAs, and construct a GnRH-mediated ceRNA regulatory network. Finally, we enriched the differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNA target genes, and ceRNA regulatory networks to analyze their potential roles. Based on the sequencing results, we verified that GnRH could affect FSH synthesis and secretion by promoting the competitive binding of lncRNA-m23b to miR-23b-3p to regulate the expression of Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase II Delta(CAMK2D). Our findings provide strong data to support exploration of the physiological processes in the rat adenohypophysis under the action of GnRH. Furthermore, our profile of lncRNA expression in the rat adenohypophysis provides a theoretical basis for research on the roles of lncRNAs in the adenohypophysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Guokun Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Song Yu
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Haixiang Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Haoqi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Peisen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wenyin Xie
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Wenzhi Ren
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Model, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
- Correspondence: (W.R.); (B.Y.); Tel.: +86-431-8783-6562 (W.R.); +86-431-8783-6536 (B.Y.)
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
- Correspondence: (W.R.); (B.Y.); Tel.: +86-431-8783-6562 (W.R.); +86-431-8783-6536 (B.Y.)
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Amato CM, Yao HHC. Developmental and sexual dimorphic atlas of the prenatal mouse external genitalia at the single-cell level. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2103856118. [PMID: 34155146 PMCID: PMC8237666 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103856118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth defects of the external genitalia are among the most common in the world. Proper formation of the external genitalia requires a highly orchestrated process that involves special cell populations and sexually dimorphic hormone signaling. It is clear what the end result of the sexually dimorphic development is (a penis in the male versus clitoris in the female); however, the cell populations involved in the process remain poorly defined. Here, we used single-cell messenger RNA sequencing in mouse embryos to uncover the dynamic changes in cell populations in the external genitalia during the critical morphogenetic window. We found that overall, male and female external genitalia are largely composed of the same core cellular components. At the bipotential stage of development (embryonic day or E14.5), few differences in cell populational composition exist between male and female. Although similar in cell population composition, genetic differences in key sexual differentiation developmental pathways arise between males and females by the early (E16.5) and late (E18.5) differentiation stages. These differences include discrete cell populations with distinct responsiveness to androgen and estrogen. By late sexual differentiation (E18.5), unique cell populations in both male and female genitalia become apparent and are enriched with androgen- and estrogen-responsive genes, respectively. These data provide insights into the morphogenesis of the external genitalia that could be used to understand diseases associated with defects in the external genitalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Maurizio Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
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Hiremath DS, Priviero FBM, Webb RC, Ko C, Narayan P. Constitutive LH receptor activity impairs NO-mediated penile smooth muscle relaxation. Reproduction 2021; 161:31-41. [PMID: 33112284 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Timely activation of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) is critical for fertility. Activating mutations in LHCGR cause familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) due to premature synthesis of testosterone. A mouse model of FMPP (KiLHRD582G), expressing a constitutively activating mutation in LHCGR, was previously developed in our laboratory. KiLHRD582G mice became progressively infertile due to sexual dysfunction and exhibited smooth muscle loss and chondrocyte accumulation in the penis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that KiLHRD582G mice had erectile dysfunction due to impaired smooth muscle function. Apomorphine-induced erection studies determined that KiLHRD582G mice had erectile dysfunction. Penile smooth muscle and endothelial function were assessed using penile cavernosal strips. Penile endothelial cell content was not changed in KiLHRD582G mice. The maximal relaxation response to acetylcholine and the nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, was significantly reduced in KiLHRD582G mice indicating an impairment in the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated signaling. Cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels were significantly reduced in KiLHRD582G mice in response to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside and the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, BAY 41-2272. Expression of NOS1, NOS3 and PKRG1 were unchanged. The Rho-kinase signaling pathway for smooth muscle contraction was not altered. Together, these data indicate that KiLHRD582G mice have erectile dysfunction due to impaired NO-mediated activation of soluble guanylate cyclase resulting in decreased levels of cGMP and penile smooth muscle relaxation. These studies in the KiLHRD582G mice demonstrate that activating mutations in the mouse LHCGR cause erectile dysfunction due to impairment of the NO-mediated signaling pathway in the penile smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak S Hiremath
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Fernanda B M Priviero
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center and Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - R Clinton Webb
- Cardiovascular Translational Research Center and Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - CheMyong Ko
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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Hiremath DS, Geerling EC, Hai L, Narayan P. High levels of androgens cause chondrocyte accumulation and loss of smooth muscle in the mouse penile body†. Biol Reprod 2020; 102:1225-1233. [PMID: 32068232 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are essential for penile development and for maintaining penile structural and functional integrity. Loss of androgen levels or function results in a decrease in smooth muscle content, accumulation of adipocytes in the corpora cavernosa, and inhibition of erectile function. Our previous studies with a mouse model (KiLHRD582G) of constitutive luteinizing hormone receptor activity also showed structural abnormalities in the penis caused by a decrease in smooth muscle content, accumulation of chondrocytes, and sexual dysfunction. As KiLHRD582G mice exhibit very high levels of testosterone at all postnatal ages, the goal of this study was to determine if the elevated androgen levels were responsible for the morphological changes in the penis. Implantation of testosterone capsules in wild-type mice at neonatal (2 weeks) and postpubertal (5 weeks) ages resulted in the accumulation of chondrocytes in the corpora cavernosa of the adult animals. Mice implanted with testosterone capsules at 2 weeks of age exhibited a 4-fold increase in serum testosterone with a 1.5-fold loss of smooth muscle at 24 weeks of age. Collagen content was unchanged. Only 57% of testosterone implanted mice were fertile at 24 weeks of age. Mice implanted with testosterone capsules at 5 weeks of age showed no decrease in smooth muscle content at 24 weeks, although serum testosterone levels were elevated 5-fold. Implantation with dihydrotestosterone also resulted in chondrocyte accumulation and a 2-fold loss in smooth muscle content. Together, these studies demonstrate that supraphysiological levels of androgens cause structural changes in the penile corpora cavernosa and impair fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak S Hiremath
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Geerling
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Lan Hai
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL, USA
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Wen Y, Liu G, Zhang Y, Li H. MicroRNA-205 is associated with diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction via down-regulating the androgen receptor. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3257-3270. [PMID: 30729682 PMCID: PMC6484320 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major class of regulatory genes in majority metazoans, microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in various diseases including diabetes mellitus (DM). Lack of androgens has previously been associated with DM-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED). In addition, the biological functioning of androgen is mediated by androgen receptor (AR). Herein, we sought to investigate whether miRs participate in AR-associated DMED. Sprague-Dawlay rats were employed to establish DMED models. After modelling, levels of miR-205 and AR in their cavernous bodies were measured. The relationship between miR-205 and AR was verified using a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The underlying regulatory mechanisms of miR-205 were investigated in concert with the treatment of mimics or inhibitors of miR-205, or AR overexpression in the cavernous smooth muscle cells (CSMCs) isolated from rats with DMED. Meanwhile, the effects of miR-205 and AR on cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using MTT assay and flow cytometry respectively. Rats with DMED presented with increased miR-205 and decreased AR levels in the cavernous bodies. AR was identified as a target gene of miR-205. Down-regulation of miR-205 or up-regulation of AR could increase proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of CSMCs in addition to improvements in the erectile functioning of rats with DMED. In summary, miR-205 may contribute to the pathogenesis of DMED via down-regulation of AR expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wen
- Department of EndocrinologyChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Guohui Liu
- Department of CardiologyChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of UrologyChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Hai Li
- Department of UrologyChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
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7
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Acebedo AR, Suzuki K, Hino S, Alcantara MC, Sato Y, Haga H, Matsumoto KI, Nakao M, Shimamura K, Takeo T, Nakagata N, Miyagawa S, Nishinakamura R, Adelstein RS, Yamada G. Mesenchymal actomyosin contractility is required for androgen-driven urethral masculinization in mice. Commun Biol 2019; 2:95. [PMID: 30886905 PMCID: PMC6408527 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic external genitalia (eExG) shows dynamic differences between males and females. In genotypic males, eExG are masculinized in response to androgen signaling. Disruption of this process can give rise to multiple male reproductive organ defects. Currently, mechanisms of androgen-driven sexually dimorphic organogenesis are still unclear. We show here that mesenchymal-derived actomyosin contractility, by MYH10, is essential for the masculinization of mouse eExG. MYH10 is expressed prominently in the bilateral mesenchyme of male eExG. Androgen induces MYH10 protein expression and actomyosin contractility in the bilateral mesenchyme. Inhibition of actomyosin contractility through blebbistatin treatment and mesenchymal genetic deletion induced defective urethral masculinization with reduced mesenchymal condensation. We also suggest that actomyosin contractility regulates androgen-dependent mesenchymal directional cell migration to form the condensation in the bilateral mesenchyme leading to changes in urethral plate shape to accomplish urethral masculinization. Thus, mesenchymal-derived actomyosin contractility is indispensable for androgen-driven urethral masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvin R. Acebedo
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Shinjiro Hino
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Mellissa C. Alcantara
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582 Japan
| | - Hisashi Haga
- Transdisciplinary Life Science Course, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0810 Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Organization for Research, Shimane University, Izumo, Shimane, 693-8501 Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Nakao
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-0811 Japan
| | - Robert S. Adelstein
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1762 USA
| | - Gen Yamada
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, 641-8509 Japan
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Oh JK, Im YJ, Park K, Paick JS. Effects of combined growth hormone and testosterone treatments in a rat model of micropenis. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:/journals/ec/aop/ec-18-0200.xml. [PMID: 30352406 PMCID: PMC6215796 DOI: 10.1530/ec-18-0200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Although it is well known that penile growth is dependent on androgens, few clinical studies have reported successful treatment of micropenis with testosterone, likely due to concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of prolonged testosterone use. Thus, we assessed the synergenic effects of growth hormone (GH) treatments with and without testosterone on phallic growth in a rat model of micropenis. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (C), microphallus (MP), testosterone (T), GH (G) and GH plus testosterone (GT) treatment groups, and microphallus was induced by secondary hypogonadism. Pre-pubertal treatments with testosterone, GH or the combination were initiated from 7 days after birth and were maintained until 12 weeks of age. To assess the efficacy of treatments, phallic dimensions were determined and histological markers of cavernosal integrity were evaluated. Skeletal and gonadal safety profiles of the treatments were then assessed according to right tibial lengths and testicular weights, respectively. No monotreatments normalised penile dimensions, whereas combination treatments led to complete restoration. The combination treatment also prevented decreases in histological indicators of cavernosal integrity, including smooth muscle actin and collagen III expression levels and fat globule accumulation and sinusoidal density. These synergenic effects of GH treatments on penile growth may follow changes in androgen receptor expression levels and were accompanied by decreased testicular volume losses. Although the physiological conditions of phallic growth differ between humans and rats, this proof-of-concept study provides a strategy for circumventing the problems of testosterone monotherapy for human micropenis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kyu Oh
- Department of UrologyCollege of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jae Im
- Department of UrologyCollege of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwanjin Park
- Department of UrologyCollege of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seung Paick
- Department of UrologyCollege of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Leimgruber C, Quintar AA, Peinetti N, Scalerandi MV, Nicola JP, Miano JM, Maldonado CA. Testosterone Rescues the De-Differentiation of Smooth Muscle Cells Through Serum Response Factor/Myocardin. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2806-2817. [PMID: 27861881 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Prostatic smooth muscle cells (pSMCs) differentiation is a key factor for prostatic homeostasis, with androgens exerting multiple effects on these cells. Here, we demonstrated that the myodifferentiator complex Srf/Myocd is up-regulated by testosterone in a dose-dependent manner in primary cultures of rat pSMCs, which was associated to the increase in Acta2, Cnn1, and Lmod1 expressions. Blocking Srf or Myocd by siRNAs inhibited the myodifferentiator effect of testosterone. While LPS led to a dedifferentiated phenotype in pSMCs, characterized by down-regulation of Srf/Myocd and smooth muscle cell (SMC)-restricted genes, endotoxin treatment on Myocd-overexpressing cells did not result in phenotypic alterations. Testosterone at a physiological dose was able to restore the muscular phenotype by normalizing Srf/Myocd expression in inflammation-induced dedifferentiated pSMCs. Moreover, the androgen reestablished the proliferation rate and IL-6 secretion increased by LPS. These results provide novel evidence regarding the myodifferentiating role of testosterone on SMCs by modulating Srf/Myocd. Thus, androgens preserve prostatic SMC phenotype, which is essential to maintain the normal structure and function of the prostate. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2806-2817, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Leimgruber
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Amado A Quintar
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nahuel Peinetti
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María V Scalerandi
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan P Nicola
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI-CONICET), Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Joseph M Miano
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Cristina A Maldonado
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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10
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Liu L, Li E, Li F, Luo L, Zhao S, Kang R, Luo J, Zhao Z. Effect of Testosterone on the Phenotypic Modulation of Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells in a Castrated Rat Model. Urology 2017; 103:273.e1-273.e6. [PMID: 28214569 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of testosterone (T) on the phenotypic modulation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) cells in a castrated rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, castration, and castration with T supplementation (castration + T). Erectile function, histologic change, and biochemical markers were assessed for phenotypic modulation of CCSM cells in corporal tissue. Moreover, the primary rat CCSM cells were isolated and examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS Our data showed that serum T level, mean weight of the body, erectile function, and smooth muscle-to-collagen ratio were significantly decreased in the castration group compared with those in the control and castration + T groups. The expressions of CCSM cells' phenotypic markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin, calponin, and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain 11, were markedly lower, whereas osteopontin protein expression was significantly higher in castrated rats than in control and castrated + T rats. In addition, the immunofluorescence staining of α-smooth muscle actin and calponin markedly decreased in the primary CCSM cells of the castrated rats compared with the intensity of the control and the castration + T rats. CONCLUSION CCSM cells undergo phenotype modulation in castrated rats, whereas T reversed the alterations. T may play a key role in the phenotype modulation of CCSM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luhao Liu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ermao Li
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Futian Li
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianmin Luo
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ran Kang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jintai Luo
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Urology and Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Zhao S, Liu L, Kang R, Li F, Li E, Zhang T, Luo J, Zhao Z. Shengjing Capsule Improves Erectile Function Through Regulation of Nitric Oxide-induced Relaxation in Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle in a Castrated Rat Model. Urology 2016; 91:243.e7-243.e12. [PMID: 26919964 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2016.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of Shengjing capsule on erectile function in a castrated rat model, and further to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5 per group), including sham group, castration group, testosterone replacement group, high-dose Shengjing capsule group, medium-dose Shengjing capsule group, and low-dose Shengjing capsule group. The weight of the body and androgen-sensitive organs, and the serum level of testosterone were assessed. Erectile function was evaluated using cavernous nerve electrical stimulation after treatment. Corpus cavernosum tissue was examined by Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot. RESULTS Serum testosterone level, mean weights of body, and accessory sexual organs were not significantly different between Shengjing capsule treatment and the castration groups (P > .05 for all). Significant recovery of erectile function and the increased smooth muscle components were observed in the Shengjing capsule treatment group as compared with the castration group (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). The gene and protein expression of 3 subtypes of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-neuronal (nNOS), inducible (iNOS), and endothelial (eNOS) -in cavernous tissue in Shengjing capsule-treated rats were significantly higher than in the castration group (P < .05 for all). Phosphodiesterase type 5 messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression in each group followed a trend similar to that of smooth muscle content. CONCLUSION These results show that Shengjing capsule improves the erectile function by protecting the smooth muscle content and enhancing NOS activity in penile tissues of castrated male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Luhao Liu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ran Kang
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Futian Li
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ermao Li
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jintai Luo
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Urology & Andrology, Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of GuangZhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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12
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Andersson KE. This Month in Investigative Urology. J Urol 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Burnett AL. Androgen dependent penile development and erection physiology-a molecular connection? J Urol 2014; 192:8-9. [PMID: 24742597 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Burnett
- The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, The John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
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