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Vuralli D, Ciftci N, Demirbilek H. Serum kisspeptin, neurokinin B and inhibin B levels can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish idiopathic CPP from premature thelarche in the early stages of puberty. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:788-795. [PMID: 36879296 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is controversial results about serum kisspeptin, neurokinin-B (NKB), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (INHB) levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Aim of this study is to evaluate serum levels of these four peptides in patients presented with early pubertal signs, and to evaluate their diagnostic validity in the diagnosis of CPP. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PATIENTS Study included 99 girls (51 CPP, 48 premature thelarche [PT]) whose breast development started before 8 years and 42 age-matched healthy prepubertal girls. Clinical findings, antropometric measurements, laboratory and radiological findings were recorded. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test was performed in all cases with early breast development. MEASUREMENTS Kisspeptin, NKB, INHB and AMH levels were measured in fasting serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between mean ages of girls with CPP (7.1 ± 1.2 years), PT (7.2 ± 1.3 years) and prepubertal controls (7.0 ± 1.0 years). Serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels were higher in CPP group compared to PT and control groups, while serum AMH level was lower in CPP group. Serum kisspeptin, NKB, and INHB were all positively correlated with bone age (BA) advancement, and peak luteinizing hormone in GnRH test. Multiple stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most important factors used to differentiate CPP from PT were advanced BA, serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB levels (AUC: 0.819, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS We, first showed in the same patients' group that serum kisspeptin, NKB and INHB were higher in patients with CPP and can be used as alternative parameters to distinguish CPP from PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dogus Vuralli
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurdan Ciftci
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Demirbilek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Garg A, Patel B, Abbara A, Dhillo WS. Treatments targeting neuroendocrine dysfunction in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:156-164. [PMID: 35262967 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is the leading cause of anovulatory subfertility. Increased gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility in the hypothalamus results in preferential luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the pituitary gland, leading to ovarian hyperandrogenism and oligo/anovulation. The resultant hyperandrogenism reduces negative feedback from sex steroids such as oestradiol and progesterone to the hypothalamus, and thus perpetuates the increase in GnRH pulsatility. GnRH neurons do not have receptors for oestrogen, progesterone, or androgens, and thus the disrupted feedback is hypothesized to occur via upstream neurons. Likely candidates for these upstream regulators of GnRH neuronal pulsatility are Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B (NKB), and Dynorphin neurons (termed KNDy neurons). Growing insight into the neuroendocrine dysfunction underpinning the heightened GnRH pulsatility seen in PCOS has led to research on the use of pharmaceutical agents that specifically target the activity of these KNDy neurons to attenuate symptoms of PCOS. This review aims to highlight the neuroendocrine abnormalities that lead to increased GnRH pulsatility in PCOS, and outline data on recent therapeutic advancements that could potentially be used to treat PCOS. Emerging evidence has investigated the use of neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) antagonists as a method of reducing GnRH pulsatility and alleviating features of PCOS such as hyperandrogenism. We also consider other potential mechanisms by which increased GnRH pulsatility is controlled, which could form the basis of future avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Garg
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Seminara SB, Topaloglu AK. Review of human genetic and clinical studies directly relevant to GnRH signalling. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13080. [PMID: 34970798 PMCID: PMC9299506 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
GnRH is the pivotal hormone in controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis in humans and other mammalian species. GnRH function is influenced by a multitude of known and still unknown environmental and genetic factors. Molecular genetic studies on human families with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism over the past two decades have been instrumental in delineating the kisspeptin and neurokinin B signalling, which integrally modulates GnRH release from the hypothalamus. The identification of kisspeptin and neurokinin B ligand-receptor gene pair mutations in patients with absent puberty have paved the way to a greater understanding of the central regulation of the HPG cascade. In this article, we aim to review the literature on the genetic and clinical aspects of GnRH and its receptor, as well as the two ligand-receptor sets directly pertinent to the function of GnRH hormone signalling, kisspeptin/ kisspeptin receptor and NKB/NK3R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B. Seminara
- Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Endocrine Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A. Kemal Topaloglu
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
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Lambrou GI, Bacopoulou F. Kisspeptin and the "Special Relationship" Between Reproduction and Metabolism: A Computational Approach. Med Chem 2021; 16:796-811. [PMID: 31291878 DOI: 10.2174/1573406415666190710182906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kisspeptin is one of the most potent stimulators of GnRH secretion and consequent gonadotropin release from the anterior pituitary. Kisspeptin is considered critical in regulating reproductive function in relation to metabolic cues. Reproductive function is gated by the energy reserves of the individual. Conditions of energy insufficiency, such as Anorexia Nervosa, often disturb reproductive function and fertility. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to investigate similar or comparable hormonal patterns in kisspeptin mechanics using computational methodology tools. METHODS Twenty-two females with typical or atypical anorexia nervosa and fifteen control females, were recruited from the Center for Adolescent Medicine of the University of Athens. Serum levels of Prolactin (PRL), 17-Hydroxy-Progesterone (17OHPR), Free Triiodothyronine (FT3), Triiodothyronine (T3), Free Thyroxine (FT4), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Estradiol (E2) were measured in patients and controls. Data were modelled computationally in order to find similar or comparable patterns between control and anorexic participants, with respect to kisspeptin. RESULTS Kisspeptin manifested symmetrical regression plots between controls and anorexics with respect to 17OHPR, LH and FSH, as well as a threshold pattern among controls, typical and atypical anorexics. CONCLUSION Kisspeptin seems to participate in the anorexic hormonal milieu through threshold or symmetrical mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- George I Lambrou
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Thivon & Levadeias 8, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Flora Bacopoulou
- Center for Adolescent Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Choremeio Research Laboratory, Thivon & Levadeias 8, 11527 Athens, Greece
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5
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Atay E, Kılınç S, Ulfer G, Yigitbasi T, Cakici C, Turan M, Ceran O, Atay Z. The role of makorin ring finger protein-3, kisspeptin, and neurokinin B in the physiology of minipuberty. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:325-332. [PMID: 33675211 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2020-0331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no data regarding the interrelationships of circulating Makorin Ring Finger Protein-3 (MKRN3), Kisspeptin (KISS1), and Neurokinin B (NKB) concentrations during minipuberty in humans. OBJECTIVE To determine temporal changes in circulating concentrations of MKRN3, KISS1, NKB, and gonadotropins and investigate interrelationships between them in healthy full-term (FT) and preterm (PT) infants during minipuberty period. METHODS A prospective study of 6-month follow-up performed. Eighty-seven healthy newborns, 48 FT (19 boys/29 girls), and 39 PT (21 boys/18 girls) (gestational age 31-37 weeks), were included. Blood samples were taken at 7 days (D7), 2 months (M2), and 6 months (M6) of age. Serum MKRN3, KISS1, NKB, LH, FSH, total testosterone (TT), and estradiol (E2) concentrations were measured. RESULTS Seventy infants completed the study. MKRN3, KISS1, and NKB concentrations were similar in FT girls and boys. PT boys and girls also had similar concentrations of MKRN3, KISS1, and NKB. FT babies had significantly higher NKB concentrations than PT babies at D7, M2, and M6. MKRN3 and KISS1 concentrations do not differ between FT and PT babies. A strong positive correlation was found between MKRN3 and KISS1 at each time point and in all groups. FSH, LH, TT/E2 concentrations decrease while those of MKRN3 and KISS1 have a trend to increase toward the end of minipuberty. No correlation was detected between gonadotropins and MKRN3, KISS1, NKB concentrations. CONCLUSION Strong positive correlation demonstrated between KISS1 and MKRN3 suggests that interrelationship between molecules controlling minipuberty is not similar to those at puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enver Atay
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Suna Kılınç
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Health Sciences University Istanbul Bağcılar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gozde Ulfer
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Turkan Yigitbasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cagri Cakici
- Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Turan
- NICU, Istanbul Kosuyolu Medipol Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Omer Ceran
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Atay
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Huang Y, Xia N, Chen M, Yang P, Liu L, Wang J. A copper complex formed with neurokinin B: binding stoichiometry, redox properties, self-assembly and cytotoxicity. Metallomics 2020; 12:1802-1810. [PMID: 33084705 DOI: 10.1039/d0mt00143k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The tachykinin neuropeptide of neurokinin B (NKB) is a copper-binding amyloid peptide with important roles in the regulation of physiological functions and pathophysiological processes in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In this work, the formation of a NKB-Cu2+ complex in a 1 : 1 stoichiometry was confirmed by mass spectrometry. The self-assembly of NKB and its mutant species was investigated by Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and at the same time, the effect of Cu2+ on the aggregation of NKB was studied. As evidenced by cyclic voltammetry, the redox potential of NKB-Cu2+ was determined to be 0.77 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). It has been demonstrated that NKB at low concentrations exerts its neuroprotective function by inhibiting Cu2+-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). In comparison with equivalent Cu2+, the peptide-Cu2+ aggregates aggravated the viability of PC-12 cells more seriously in the absence of AA. These results should be extremely valuable for understanding the NKB/Cu2+ interactions and the toxicity mechanism of Cu2+ associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaliang Huang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, People's Republic of China.
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Asmat MW, Ramzan MH, Ramzan F. Exogenous Neurokinin B Administration May Have a Strong Effect on Negative Feedback Loop of Hypothalamic Pituitary Thyroid Axis. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09925-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abreu AP, Toro CA, Song YB, Navarro VM, Bosch MA, Eren A, Liang JN, Carroll RS, Latronico AC, Rønnekleiv OK, Aylwin CF, Lomniczi A, Ojeda S, Kaiser UB. MKRN3 inhibits the reproductive axis through actions in kisspeptin-expressing neurons. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:4486-4500. [PMID: 32407292 PMCID: PMC7410046 DOI: 10.1172/jci136564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of loss-of-function mutations in MKRN3 in patients with central precocious puberty in association with the decrease in MKRN3 expression in the medial basal hypothalamus of mice before the initiation of reproductive maturation suggests that MKRN3 is acting as a brake on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion during childhood. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism by which MKRN3 prevents premature manifestation of the pubertal process. We showed that, as in mice, MKRN3 expression is high in the hypothalamus of rats and nonhuman primates early in life, decreases as puberty approaches, and is independent of sex steroid hormones. We demonstrated that Mkrn3 is expressed in Kiss1 neurons of the mouse hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and that MKRN3 repressed promoter activity of human KISS1 and TAC3, 2 key stimulators of GnRH secretion. We further showed that MKRN3 has ubiquitinase activity, that this activity is reduced by MKRN3 mutations affecting the RING finger domain, and that these mutations compromised the ability of MKRN3 to repress KISS1 and TAC3 promoter activity. These results indicate that MKRN3 acts to prevent puberty initiation, at least in part, by repressing KISS1 and TAC3 transcription and that this action may involve an MKRN3-directed ubiquitination-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Abreu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carlos A. Toro
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Yong Bhum Song
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Victor M. Navarro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha A. Bosch
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aysegul Eren
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joy N. Liang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rona S. Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ana Claudia Latronico
- Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular, Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Oline K. Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Carlos F. Aylwin
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Sergio Ojeda
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center–OHSU, Hillsboro, Oregon, USA
| | - Ursula B. Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Amodei R, Gribbin K, He W, Lindgren I, Corder KR, Jonker SS, Estill CT, Coolen LM, Lehman MN, Whitler W, Stormshak F, Roselli CE. Role for Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B in Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Secretion in the Fetal Sheep. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa013. [PMID: 32005991 PMCID: PMC7079722 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is active during the critical period for sexual differentiation of the ovine sexually dimorphic nucleus, which occurs between gestational day (GD) 60 and 90. Two possible neuropeptides that could activate the fetal HPG axis are kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB). We used GD85 fetal lambs to determine whether intravenous administration of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) or senktide (NKB agonist) could elicit luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to localize these peptides in brains of GD60 and GD85 lamb fetuses. In anesthetized fetuses, KP-10 elicited robust release of LH that was accompanied by a delayed rise in serum testosterone in males. Pretreatment with the GnRH receptor antagonist (acyline) abolished the LH response to KP-10, confirming a hypothalamic site of action. In unanesthetized fetuses, senktide, as well as KP-10, elicited LH release. The senktide response of females was greater than that of males, indicating a difference in NKB sensitivity between sexes. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone also induced a greater LH discharge in females than in males, indicating that testosterone negative feedback is mediated through pituitary gonadotrophs. Kisspeptin and NKB immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus were more abundant in females than in males. Greater than 85% of arcuate kisspeptin cells costained for NKB. FISH revealed that the majority of these were kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons. These results support the hypothesis that kisspeptin-GnRH signaling regulates the reproductive axis of the ovine fetus during the prenatal critical period acting to maintain a stable androgen milieu necessary for brain masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Amodei
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kyle Gribbin
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Wen He
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Isa Lindgren
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Keely R Corder
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Sonnet S Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Charles T Estill
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Michael N Lehman
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - William Whitler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Fred Stormshak
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Parlak M, Türkkahraman D, Ellidağ HY, Çelmeli G, Parlak AE, Yılmaz N. Basal Serum Neurokinin B Levels in Differentiating Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty from Premature Thelarche. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2017; 9:101-105. [PMID: 28008860 PMCID: PMC5463280 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.3817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To find out the diagnostic role of kisspeptin and neurokinin B in idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and premature thelarche (PT). METHODS The girls who presented with early breast development before the age of 8 years were evaluated. Patients with intracranial pathologies were excluded. Basal and stimulated follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and basal neurokinin B/kisspeptin levels were measured. Patients who had peak value of LH >5 mIU/mL and a bone age (BA)/chronological age (CA) ratio >1.1 were diagnosed as central precocious puberty (CPP), while cases who did not meet these criteria were diagnosed as PT. Healthy age-matched prepubertal girls were included as the control group. RESULTS The study group contained 25 girls with ICPP (7±0.8 years), 35 girls with PT (6.8±0.7 years), and 30 controls (6.7±0.7 years). Basal serum kisspeptin and neurokinin B levels were 2.36±0.47 ng/mL and 2.61±0.32 ng/mL, respectively in the ICPP group, 2.23±0.43 ng/mL and 2.24±0.23 ng/mL, respectively in the PT group, and 1.92±0.33 ng/mL and 2.03±0.24 ng/mL, respectively in the controls. Both kisspeptin and neurokinin B levels were higher in the ICPP and PT groups compared to controls (p<0.05). Moreover, basal neurokinin B level was different between ICPP and PT groups (p<0.01). A serum neurokinin B level of 2.42 ng/mL provided the most appropriate level to differentiate ICPP from PT, with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 77.1%. CONCLUSION Differentiation of CPP from PT is sometime difficult, and there is a need for a simple method for the differential diagnosis. Our results suggest that basal serum neurokinin B level can be used as an adjunctive parameter to differentiate ICCP from PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Parlak
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Doğa Türkkahraman
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, Antalya, Turkey, E-mail:
| | - Hamit Yaşar Ellidağ
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Biochemistry, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Çelmeli
- Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, Clinic of Pediatric Endocrinology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Eda Parlak
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Radiology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Necat Yılmaz
- Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Biochemistry, Antalya, Turkey
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11
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George JT, Kakkar R, Marshall J, Scott ML, Finkelman RD, Ho TW, Veldhuis J, Skorupskaite K, Anderson RA, McIntosh S, Webber L. Neurokinin B Receptor Antagonism in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:4313-4321. [PMID: 27459523 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy in women, is characterized by high secretion levels of LH and T. Currently, there is no treatment licensed specifically for PCOS. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate whether a targeted therapy would decrease LH pulse frequency in women with PCOS, subsequently reducing serum LH and T concentrations and thereby presenting a novel therapeutic approach to the management of PCOS. DESIGN This study is a double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. SETTINGS University hospitals and private clinical research centers were included. PARTICIPANTS Women with PCOS aged 18-45 years participated. INTERVENTION Intervention included AZD4901 (a specific neurokinin-3 [NK3] receptor antagonist) at a dose of 20, 40, or 80 mg/day or matching placebo for 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Change from baseline in the area under the LH serum concentration-time curve over 8 hours (area under the curve) on day 7 relative to placebo was measured. RESULTS Of a total 67 randomized patients, 65 were evaluable. On day 7, the following baseline-adjusted changes relative to placebo were observed in patients receiving AZD4901 80 mg/day: 1) a reduction of 52.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.6-67.3%) in LH area under the curve; 2) a reduction of 28.7% (95% CI, 13.9-40.9%) in total T concentration; and 3) a reduction of 3.55 LH pulses/8 hours (95% CI, 2.0-5.1) (all nominal P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The NK3 receptor antagonist AZD4901 specifically reduced LH pulse frequency and subsequently serum LH and T concentrations, thus presenting NK3 receptor antagonism as a potential approach to treating the central neuroendocrine pathophysiology of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyothis T George
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rahul Kakkar
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jayne Marshall
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin L Scott
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard D Finkelman
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Tony W Ho
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Veldhuis
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karolina Skorupskaite
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Anderson
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart McIntosh
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Webber
- Diabetes Trials Unit (J.T.G.), Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom; AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts (R.K., M.L.S.) Mereside, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom (J.M., S.M., L.W.), Wilmington, Delaware (R.D.F.); and Gaithersburg Maryland (T.W.H.); Endocrine Research Unit (J.V.), Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Center for Translational Science Activities, Rochester, Minnesota; MRC Centre for Reproductive Health (K.S., R.A.A.), The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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12
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Varnäs K, Finnema SJ, Stepanov V, Takano A, Tóth M, Svedberg M, Møller Nielsen S, Khanzhin NA, Juhl K, Bang-Andersen B, Halldin C, Farde L. Neurokinin-3 Receptor Binding in Guinea Pig, Monkey, and Human Brain: In Vitro and in Vivo Imaging Using the Novel Radioligand, [18F]Lu AF10628. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyw023. [PMID: 26993630 PMCID: PMC5006196 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous autoradiography studies have suggested a marked interspecies variation in the neuroanatomical localization and expression levels of the neurokinin 3 receptor, with high density in the brain of rat, gerbil, and guinea pig, but at the time offered no conclusive evidence for its presence in the human brain. Hitherto available radioligands have displayed low affinity for the human neurokinin 3 receptor relative to the rodent homologue and may thus not be optimal for cross-species analyses of the expression of this protein. METHODS A novel neurokinin 3 receptor radioligand, [(18)F]Lu AF10628 ((S)-N-(cyclobutyl(3-fluorophenyl)methyl)-8-fluoro-2-((3-[(18)F]-fluoropropyl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxo-1,2-dihydroisoquinoline-4-carboxamide), was synthesized and used for autoradiography studies in cryosections from guinea pig, monkey, and human brain as well as for positron emission tomography studies in guinea pig and monkey. RESULTS The results confirmed previous observations of interspecies variation in the neurokinin 3 receptor brain localization with more extensive distribution in guinea pig than in primate brain. In the human brain, specific binding to the neurokinin 3 receptor was highest in the amygdala and in the hypothalamus and very low in other regions examined. Positron emission tomography imaging showed a pattern consistent with that observed using autoradiography. The radioactivity was, however, found to accumulate in skull bone, which limits the use of this radioligand for in vivo quantification of neurokinin 3 receptor binding. CONCLUSION Species differences in the brain distribution of neurokinin 3 receptors should be considered when using animal models for predicting human neurokinin 3 receptor pharmacology. For positron emission tomography imaging of brain neurokinin 3 receptors, additional work is required to develop a radioligand with more favorable in vivo properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Varnäs
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm, Sweden (Drs Varnäs, Finnema, Stepanov, Takano, Tóth, Svedberg, Halldin, and Farde); Lundbeck Research, H. Lundbeck A/S, 9 Ottiliavej, DK-2500 Copenhagen-Valby, Denmark (Drs Møller Nielsen, Khanzhin, Juhl, and Bang-Andersen); AstraZeneca Translational Science Centre at Karolinska Institutet, PET CoE, Stockholm, Sweden (Dr Farde).Present address: Glycom A/S, Diplomvej 373, 1, DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark (N.A.K.).
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13
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Abreu AP, Kaiser UB. Pubertal development and regulation. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2016; 4:254-264. [PMID: 26852256 PMCID: PMC5192018 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(15)00418-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Puberty marks the end of childhood and is a period when individuals undergo physiological and psychological changes to achieve sexual maturation and fertility. The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis controls puberty and reproduction and is tightly regulated by a complex network of excitatory and inhibitory factors. This axis is active in the embryonic and early postnatal stages of life and is subsequently restrained during childhood, and its reactivation culminates in puberty initiation. The mechanisms underlying this reactivation are not completely known. The age of puberty onset varies between individuals and the timing of puberty initiation is associated with several health outcomes in adult life. In this Series paper, we discuss pubertal markers, epidemiological trends of puberty initiation over time, and the mechanisms whereby genetic, metabolic, and other factors control secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone to determine initiation of puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Abreu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Pinto FM, Bello AR, Gallardo-Castro M, Valladares F, Almeida TA, Tena-Sempere M, Candenas L. Analysis of the Expression of Tachykinins and Tachykinin Receptors in the Rat Uterus During Early Pregnancy1. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:51. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.130617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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15
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Abacı A, Çatlı G, Anık A, Küme T, Çalan ÖG, Dündar BN, Böber E. Significance of serum neurokinin B and kisspeptin levels in the differential diagnosis of premature thelarche and idiopathic central precocious puberty. Peptides 2015; 64:29-33. [PMID: 25572302 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic role of serum neurokinin B level and its relationship with kisspeptin and leptin, which are known to be involved in the initiation of pubertal process. Girls who presented with breast development (<8 years) were included in the study. All patients underwent bone age assessment. Basal levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were measured and gonadotropin releasing hormone stimulation test was performed. Patients with a bone age/chronological age ratio >1 and a peak luteinizing hormone response in gonadotropin releasing hormone stimulation test >5mIU/L were included in the central precocious puberty group, while patients who did not meet these criteria were included in the premature thelarche group. Patients with organic pathologies were excluded. Healthy prepubertal girls with similar age were included as the control group. Leptin, kisspeptin and neurokinin B levels were measured by ELISA method. The study included 20 girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty 22 girls with premature thelarche and 24 prepubertal controls. While serum kisspeptin, leptin and neurokinin B levels were significantly higher in central precocious puberty and premature thelarche groups compared to controls, no significant difference was found between central precocious puberty and premature thelarche groups. Increased serum levels of leptin, kisspeptin and neurokinin B in patients with premature thelarche and central precocious puberty suggest that they take part during the initiation of pubertal process, however, these markers are not able to differentiate patients with central precocious puberty from premature thelarche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayhan Abacı
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Gönül Çatlı
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Anık
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tuncay Küme
- Department of Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Özlem Gürsoy Çalan
- Department of Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bumin Nuri Dündar
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ece Böber
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Dokuz Eylul University, Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
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16
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Glanowska KM, Moenter SM. Differential regulation of GnRH secretion in the preoptic area (POA) and the median eminence (ME) in male mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:231-41. [PMID: 25314270 PMCID: PMC4272400 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
GnRH release in the median eminence (ME) is the central output for control of reproduction. GnRH processes in the preoptic area (POA) also release GnRH. We examined region-specific regulation of GnRH secretion using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry to detect GnRH release in brain slices from adult male mice. Blocking endoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake to elevate intracellular calcium evokes GnRH release in both the ME and POA. This release is action potential dependent in the ME but not the POA. Locally applied kisspeptin induced GnRH secretion in both the ME and POA. Local blockade of inositol triphospate-mediated calcium release inhibited kisspeptin-induced GnRH release in the ME, but broad blockade was required in the POA. In contrast, kisspeptin-evoked secretion in the POA was blocked by local gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, but broad gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone application was required in the ME. Although action potentials are required for GnRH release induced by pharmacologically-increased intracellular calcium in the ME and kisspeptin-evoked release requires inositol triphosphate-mediated calcium release, blocking action potentials did not inhibit kisspeptin-induced GnRH release in the ME. Kisspeptin-induced GnRH release was suppressed after blocking both action potentials and plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels. This suggests that kisspeptin action in the ME requires both increased intracellular calcium and influx from the outside of the cell but not action potentials. Local interactions among kisspeptin and GnRH processes in the ME could thus stimulate GnRH release without involving perisomatic regions of GnRH neurons. Coupling between action potential generation and hormone release in GnRH neurons is thus likely physiologically labile and may vary with region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna M Glanowska
- Neuroscience Graduate Program (K.M.G.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908; and Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology (S.M.M.), Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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17
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Hua W, Luo L, Tian Y, Song M, Liu Y, Cui P, Song S, Jiang S, Li F, Fang F. Analysis of the serum concentrations of kisspeptin and neurokinin B in the geese during reproductive cycle and their localisation in the ovary. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 151:78-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Hu G, Lin C, He M, Wong AOL. Neurokinin B and reproductive functions: "KNDy neuron" model in mammals and the emerging story in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:94-108. [PMID: 25172151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, neurokinin B (NKB), the gene product of the tachykinin family member TAC3, is known to be a key regulator for episodic release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Its regulatory actions are mediated by a subpopulation of kisspeptin neurons within the arcuate nucleus with co-expression of NKB and dynorphin A (commonly called the "KNDy neurons"). By forming an "autosynaptic feedback loop" within the hypothalamus, the KNDy neurons can modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility and subsequent LH release in the pituitary. NKB regulation of LH secretion has been recently demonstrated in zebrafish, suggesting that the reproductive functions of NKB may be conserved from fish to mammals. Interestingly, the TAC3 genes in fish not only encode the mature peptide of NKB but also a novel tachykinin-like peptide, namely NKB-related peptide (or neurokinin F). Recent studies in zebrafish also reveal that the neuroanatomy of TAC3/kisspeptin system within the fish brain is quite different from that of mammals. In this article, the current ideas of "KNDy neuron" model for GnRH regulation and steroid feedback, other reproductive functions of NKB including its local actions in the gonad and placenta, the revised model of tachykinin evolution from invertebrates to vertebrates, as well as the emerging story of the two TAC3 gene products in fish, NKB and NKB-related peptide, will be reviewed with stress on the areas with interesting questions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfu Hu
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chengyuan Lin
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mulan He
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anderson O L Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Abstract
It has been known for over a century that these cranial nerves exist, and that they are not typographical errors nor a sensational event reported in the medical literature. A number of scientific articles on anatomy highlight how textbooks on descriptive anatomy do not always consider variables such as differences related to the geographical areas where people live, and these differences do exist. This is an important concept not only for surgeons, but also for all medical professionals who use manual techniques when treating their patients, ie, osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other manual therapists. This paper highlights the latest developments regarding these cranial nerves, offering at the same time some ideas for further reflection when looking at clinical scenarios that appear to bear little relationship to each other. Inclusion of these concepts in everyday anamnesis is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bordoni
- Don Carlo Gnocchi IRCCS, Department of Cardiology, Milan
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20
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Molnár CS, Vida B, Sipos MT, Ciofi P, Borsay BÁ, Rácz K, Herczeg L, Bloom SR, Ghatei MA, Dhillo WS, Liposits Z, Hrabovszky E. Morphological evidence for enhanced kisspeptin and neurokinin B signaling in the infundibular nucleus of the aging man. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5428-39. [PMID: 23011920 PMCID: PMC3473202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Peptidergic neurons synthesizing kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) in the hypothalamic infundibular nucleus have been implicated in negative sex steroid feedback to GnRH neurons. In laboratory rodents, testosterone decreases KP and NKB expression in this region. In the present study, we addressed the hypothesis that the weakening of this inhibitory testosterone feedback in elderly men coincides with enhanced KP and NKB signaling in the infundibular nucleus. This central hypothesis was tested in a series of immunohistochemical studies on hypothalamic sections of male human individuals that were divided into arbitrary "young" (21-49 yr, n = 11) and "aged" (50-67 yr, n = 9) groups. Quantitative immunohistochemical experiments established that the regional densities of NKB-immunoreactive (IR) perikarya and fibers, and the incidence of afferent contacts they formed onto GnRH neurons, exceeded several times those of the KP-IR elements. Robust aging-dependent enhancements were identified in the regional densities of KP-IR perikarya and fibers and the incidence of afferent contacts they established onto GnRH neurons. The abundance of NKB-IR perikarya, fibers, and axonal appositions to GnRH neurons also increased with age, albeit to lower extents. In dual-immunofluorescent studies, the incidence of KP-IR NKB perikarya increased from 36% in young to 68% in aged men. Collectively, these immunohistochemical data suggest an aging-related robust enhancement in central KP signaling and a moderate enhancement in central NKB signaling. These changes are compatible with a reduced testosterone negative feedback to KP and NKB neurons. The heavier KP and NKB inputs to GnRH neurons in aged, compared with young, men may play a role in the enhanced central stimulation of the reproductive axis. It requires clarification to what extent the enhanced KP and NKB signaling upstream from GnRH neurons is an adaptive response to hypogonadism or, alternatively, a consequence of a decline in the androgen sensitivity of KP and NKB neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla S Molnár
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
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21
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Gill JC, Navarro VM, Kwong C, Noel SD, Martin C, Xu S, Clifton DK, Carroll RS, Steiner RA, Kaiser UB. Increased neurokinin B (Tac2) expression in the mouse arcuate nucleus is an early marker of pubertal onset with differential sensitivity to sex steroid-negative feedback than Kiss1. Endocrinology 2012; 153:4883-93. [PMID: 22893725 PMCID: PMC3512019 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
At puberty, neurokinin B (NKB) and kisspeptin (Kiss1) may help to amplify GnRH secretion, but their precise roles remain ambiguous. We tested the hypothesis that NKB and Kiss1 are induced as a function of pubertal development, independently of the prevailing sex steroid milieu. We found that levels of Kiss1 mRNA in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are increased prior to the age of puberty in GnRH/sex steroid-deficient hpg mice, yet levels of Kiss1 mRNA in wild-type mice remained constant, suggesting that sex steroids exert a negative feedback effect on Kiss1 expression early in development and across puberty. In contrast, levels of Tac2 mRNA, encoding NKB, and its receptor (NK3R; encoded by Tacr3) increased as a function of puberty in both wild-type and hpg mice, suggesting that during development Tac2 is less sensitive to sex steroid-dependent negative feedback than Kiss1. To compare the relative responsiveness of Tac2 and Kiss1 to the negative feedback effects of gonadal steroids, we examined the effect of estradiol (E(2)) on Tac2 and Kiss1 mRNA and found that Kiss1 gene expression was more sensitive than Tac2 to E(2)-induced inhibition at both juvenile and adult ages. This differential estrogen sensitivity was tested in vivo by the administration of E(2). Low levels of E(2) significantly suppressed Kiss1 expression in the ARC, whereas Tac2 suppression required higher E(2) levels, supporting differential sensitivity to E(2). Finally, to determine whether inhibition of NKB/NK3R signaling would block the onset of puberty, we administered an NK3R antagonist to prepubertal (before postnatal d 30) females and found no effect on markers of pubertal onset in either WT or hpg mice. These results indicate that the expression of Tac2 and Tacr3 in the ARC are markers of pubertal activation but that increased NKB/NK3R signaling alone is insufficient to trigger the onset of puberty in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Gill
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Duque E, Mangas A, Salinas P, Díaz-Cabiale Z, Narváez JA, Coveñas R. Mapping of alpha-neo-endorphin- and neurokinin B-immunoreactivity in the human brainstem. Brain Struct Funct 2012; 218:131-49. [PMID: 22318412 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-012-0388-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the distribution of alpha-neo-endorphin- or neurokinin B-immunoreactive fibres and cell bodies in the adult human brainstem with no prior history of neurological or psychiatric disease. A low density of alpha-neo-endorphin-immunoreactive cell bodies was only observed in the medullary central gray matter and in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (gelatinosa part). Alpha-neo-endorphin-immunoreactive fibres were moderately distributed throughout the human brainstem. A high density of alpha-neo-endorphin-immunoreactive fibres was found only in the solitary nucleus (caudal part), in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (caudal part), and in the gelatinosa part of the latter nucleus. Neurokinin B-immunoreactive cell bodies (low density) were found in the periventricular central gray matter, the reticular formation of the pons and in the superior colliculus. The distribution of the neurokinin-immunoreactive fibres was restricted. In general, for both neuropeptides the density of the immunoreactive fibres was low. In the human brainstem, the proenkephalin system was more widely distributed than the prodynorphin system, and the preprotachykinin A system (neurokinin A) was more widely distributed than the preprotachykinin B system (neurokinin B).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewing Duque
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (Lab. 143), Pontificia Bolivariana-Montería University, Montería, Colombia
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