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Zhou Q, Yu T, Li W, Nasser R, Chidwala N, Mo J. Prostaglandin A3 regulates the colony development of Odontotermes formosanus by reducing worker proportion. CROP HEALTH 2024; 2:11. [PMID: 38984319 PMCID: PMC11232360 DOI: 10.1007/s44297-024-00030-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Subterranean termites cause significant economic losses worldwide due to their destruction of agricultural and forest plants. In the past, soil termiticides were commonly used to control subterranean termites because they were effective and affordable. However, due to growing environmental concerns, these harmful substances have become less popular as they cause damage to non-target organisms and lead to environmental contamination. Baits crafted from plants and other easily metabolized compounds serve as excellent alternatives. In this study, we gathered branches from the promising plant, Magnolia grandiflora L. (MGL), along with branches from five other tree species that are potential food for termites. These branches were used as food to observe the population growth of Odontotermes formosanus. Additionally, a mix of branches from all six species was used to feed the control group (MIX). The study results showed that MGL nutrition significantly inhibited worker development, resulting in a significantly lower worker-to-soldier ratio (WSR). Furthermore, LC‒MS/MS analysis revealed that the level of prostaglandin A3 (PGA3) in workers significantly increased when they were under MGL nutrition. Additionally, ICP-MS analysis indicated a significant increase in calcium concentrations in the branches of MGL and combs under MGL nutrition. Moreover, there was a significant increase in peroxidase (POD) activity in workers under MGL nutrition. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of MGL nutrition on worker development may be due to excessive PGA3 synthesis, as Ca2+ and POD are involved in the synthesis process of PGs in insects. Subsequent verification experiments strongly support this hypothesis, as the WSR of colonies fed PGA3-added MIX was significantly lower than that of the MIX alone. This study introduces a new concept for developing environmentally friendly biological control methods for O. formosanus and sheds light on the potential role of PGs in termite development. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44297-024-00030-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihuan Zhou
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ting Yu
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Wuhan Li
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Raghda Nasser
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia, 61519 Egypt
| | - Nooney Chidwala
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Jianchu Mo
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Insect Sciences, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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2
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Zucchi A, Innocenzi E, Onorato A, Dolci S, Colopi A, Balistreri CR, Grimaldi P. PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO CB 2 RECEPTORS AGONIST DIFFERENTIALLY IMPACTS MALE AND FEMALE GERM CELLS VIA HISTONE MODIFICATION. Mech Ageing Dev 2023:111840. [PMID: 37385302 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2023.111840] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use during pregnancy is increasing in the last few years potentially because of decreased perception of the risk of harm. Regardless, recent evidence demonstrated that prenatal cannabis exposure is associated with adverse outcomes. To date there is limited evidence of the impact of cannabis exposure during pregnancy on the reproductive health of the offspring. The biological effects of cannabis are mediated by two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. We previously demonstrated that CB2 is highly expressed in mouse male and female fetal germ cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure to a selective CB2 agonist, JWH-133, on the long-term reproductive health of male and female offspring and on the involved molecular epigenetic mechanisms. Notably, we focused on epigenetic histone modifications that can silence or activate gene expression, playing a pivotal role in cell differentiation. We reported that prenatal activation of CB2 has a sex-specific impact on germ cell development of the offspring. In male it determines a delay of germ cell differentiation coinciding with an enrichment of H3K27me3, while in female it causes a reduction of the follicles number through an increased apoptotic process not linked to modified H3K27me3 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Zucchi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Innocenzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Onorato
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Dolci
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Colopi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Rita Balistreri
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paola Grimaldi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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3
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Peserico A, Barboni B, Russo V, Nardinocchi D, Turriani M, Cimini C, Bernabò N, Parolini O, Silini AR, Antonucci I, Stuppia L, Berardinelli P, Falanga I, Perruzza D, Valbonetti L, Mauro A. AEC and AFMSC Transplantation Preserves Fertility of Experimentally Induced Rat Varicocele by Expressing Differential Regenerative Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108737. [PMID: 37240083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid derived cells are regarded as a promising stem cell source for developing regenerative medicine techniques, although they have never been tested on male infertility diseases such as varicocele (VAR). The current study aimed to examine the effects of two distinct cell sources, human Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (hAFMSCs) and amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs), on male fertility outcomes in a rat induced VAR model. To explain cell-dependent enhancement of reproductive outcomes in rats transplanted with hAECs and hAFMSCs, insights on testis morphology, endocannabinoid system (ECS) expression and inflammatory tissue response have been carried out alongside cell homing assessment. Both cell types survived 120 days post-transplantation by modulating the ECS main components, promoting proregenerative M2 macrophages (Mφ) recruitment and a favorable anti-inflammatory IL10 expression pattern. Of note, hAECs resulted to be more effective in restoring rat fertility rate by enhancing both structural and immunoresponse mechanisms. Moreover, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that hAECs contributed to CYP11A1 expression after transplantation, whereas hAFMSCs moved towards the expression of Sertoli cell marker, SOX9, confirming a different contribution into the mechanisms leading to testis homeostasis. These findings highlight, for the first time, a distinct role of amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid derived cells in male reproduction, thus proposing innovative targeted stem-based regenerative medicine protocols for remedying high-prevalence male infertility conditions such as VAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Peserico
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Delia Nardinocchi
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Maura Turriani
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Costanza Cimini
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ornella Parolini
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonietta Rosa Silini
- Centro di Ricerca E. Menni, Fondazione Poliambulanza Istituto Ospedaliero, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Ivana Antonucci
- Department of Oral Sciences, Nano and Biotechnologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Oral Sciences, Nano and Biotechnologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Berardinelli
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Falanga
- Medline Srl, Via Galileo Ferraris 1, 84018 Scafati, Italy
| | - Davide Perruzza
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, S.I.S.Me.R., Via Mazzini 12, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Via R. Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Bina M. Defining Candidate Imprinted loci in Bos taurus. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1036. [PMID: 37239396 PMCID: PMC10217866 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Using a whole-genome assembly of Bos taurus, I applied my bioinformatics strategy to locate candidate imprinting control regions (ICRs) genome-wide. In mammals, genomic imprinting plays essential roles in embryogenesis. In my strategy, peaks in plots mark the locations of known, inferred, and candidate ICRs. Genes in the vicinity of candidate ICRs correspond to potential imprinted genes. By displaying my datasets on the UCSC genome browser, one could view peak positions with respect to genomic landmarks. I give two examples of candidate ICRs in loci that influence spermatogenesis in bulls: CNNM1 and CNR1. I also give examples of candidate ICRs in loci that influence muscle development: SIX1 and BCL6. By examining the ENCODE data reported for mice, I deduced regulatory clues about cattle. I focused on DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHSs). Such sites reveal accessibility of chromatin to regulators of gene expression. For inspection, I chose DHSs in chromatin from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) ES-E14, mesoderm, brain, heart, and skeletal muscle. The ENCODE data revealed that the SIX1 promoter was accessible to the transcription initiation apparatus in mouse ESCs, mesoderm, and skeletal muscles. The data also revealed accessibility of BCL6 locus to regulatory proteins in mouse ESCs and examined tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minou Bina
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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5
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Mazzeo F, Meccariello R. Cannabis and Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095663. [PMID: 37174181 PMCID: PMC10177768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Western counties and its abuse is particularly high in male adolescents and young adults. Its main psychotropic component, the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), interferes in the endogenous endocannabinoid system. This signaling system is involved in the control of many biological activities, including the formation of high-quality male gametes. Direct adverse effects of Δ9-THC in male reproduction are well known in both animal models and humans. Nevertheless, the possibility of long-term effects due to epigenetic mechanisms has recently been reported. In this review, we summarize the main advances in the field suggesting the need to pay attention to the possible long-term epigenetic risks for the reproductive health of cannabis users and the health of their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mazzeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche, Giuridiche, Informatiche e Motorie, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
- Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity and Sports Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Nola, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
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6
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Kipryushina YO, Maiorova MA, Yakovlev KV. An approach to quantitate maternal transcripts localized in sea urchin egg cortex using RT-qPCR with accurate normalization. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0260831. [PMID: 35709154 PMCID: PMC9202947 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The sea urchin egg cortex is a peripheral region of eggs comprising a cell membrane and adjacent cytoplasm, which contains actin and tubulin cytoskeleton, cortical granules and some proteins required for early development. Method for isolation of cortices from sea urchin eggs and early embryos was developed in 1970s. Since then, this method has been reliable tool to study protein localization and cytoskeletal organization in cortex of unfertilized eggs and embryos during first cleavages. This study was aimed to estimate the reliability of RT-qPCR to analyze levels of maternal transcripts that are localized in egg cortex. Firstly, we selected seven potential reference genes, 28S, Cycb, Ebr1, GAPDH, Hmg1, Smtnl1 and Ubb, the transcripts of which are maternally deposited in sea urchin eggs. The candidate reference genes were ranked by five different algorithms (BestKeeper, CV, ΔCt, geNorm and NormFinder) based on calculated level of stability in both eggs as well as isolated cortices. Our results showed that gene ranking differs in total RNA and mRNA samples, though Ubb is most suitable reference gene in both cases. To validate feasibility of comparative analysis of eggs and isolated egg cortices, we selected Daglb-2 as a gene of interest, which transcripts are potentially localized in cortex according to transcriptome analysis, and observed increased level of Daglb-2 in egg cortices by RT-qPCR. This suggests that proposed RNA isolation method with subsequent quantitative RT-qPCR analysis can be used to determine cortical association of transcripts in sea urchin eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia O. Kipryushina
- Laboratory of Cytotechnology, A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Mariia A. Maiorova
- Laboratory of Cytotechnology, A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Konstantin V. Yakovlev
- Laboratory of Cytotechnology, A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, Russia
- * E-mail:
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7
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Transcriptome Analysis of the Nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Litoditis marina in Different Food Environments. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10050580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diets regulate animal development, reproduction, and lifespan. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. We previously showed that a chemically defined CeMM diet attenuates the development and promotes the longevity of C. elegans, but whether it impacts other nematodes is unknown. Here, we studied the effects of the CeMM diet on the development and longevity of the marine nematode Litoditis marina, which belongs to the same family as C. elegans. We further investigated genome-wide transcriptional responses to the CeMM and OP50 diets for both nematodes, respectively. We observed that the CeMM diet attenuated L. marina development but did not extend its lifespan. Through KEEG enrichment analysis, we found that many of the FOXO DAF-16 signaling and lysosome and xenobiotic metabolism related genes were significantly increased in C. elegans on the CeMM diet, which might contribute to the lifespan extension of C. elegans. Notably, we found that the expression of lysosome and xenobiotic metabolism pathway genes was significantly down-regulated in L. marina on CeMM, which might explain why the CeMM diet could not promote the lifespan of L. marina compared to bacterial feeding. Additionally, the down-regulation of several RNA transcription and protein generation and related processes genes in C. elegans on CeMM might not only be involved in extending longevity, but also contribute to attenuating the development of C. elegans on the CeMM diet, while the down-regulation of unsaturated fatty acids synthesis genes in L. marina might contribute to slow down its growth while on CeMM. This study provided important insights into how different diets regulate development and lifespan, and further genetic analysis of the candidate gene(s) of development and longevity will facilitate exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying how diets regulate animal physiology and health in the context of variable nutritional environments.
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8
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Załęcka J, Pankiewicz K, Issat T, Laudański P. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Association between Endometriosis and Ectopic Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073490. [PMID: 35408850 PMCID: PMC8998627 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial cells outside the uterine cavity. It is estimated that it affects 10% of women of reproductive age. Its pathogenesis covers a wide range of abnormalities, including adhesion, proliferation, and cell signaling disturbances. It is associated with a significant deterioration in quality of life as a result of chronic pelvic pain and may also lead to infertility. One of the most serious complications of endometriosis is an ectopic pregnancy (EP). Currently, the exact mechanism explaining this phenomenon is unknown; therefore, there are no effective methods of prevention. It is assumed that the pathogenesis of EP is influenced by abnormalities in the contraction of the fallopian tube muscles, the mobility of the cilia, and in the fallopian microenvironment. Endometriosis can disrupt function on all three levels and thus contribute to the implantation of the embryo beyond the physiological site. This review takes into account aspects of the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of endometriosis and EP, with particular emphasis on the similarities between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Załęcka
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Pankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Tadeusz Issat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, Kasprzaka 17a, 01-211 Warsaw, Poland; (K.P.); (T.I.)
| | - Piotr Laudański
- 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Starynkiewicza 1/3, 02-015 Warsaw, Poland;
- OVIklinika Infertility Center, Połczyńska 31, 01-377 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence:
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9
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The Endocannabinoid System in the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Possible Mediators of the Immune Activity? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094954. [PMID: 34066927 PMCID: PMC8125337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Anandamide (AEA) is one of the best characterized members of the endocannabinoid family and its involvement in many pathophysiological processes has been well documented in vertebrates and invertebrates. Here, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of key elements of the endocannabinoid system in hemocytes isolated from the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. We also show the effects of exogenous AEA, as well as of capsaicin, on the cell ability to migrate and to activate the respiratory burst, upon in vitro stimulation of phagocytosis. Interestingly, our findings show that both AEA and capsaicin suppress the hemocyte response and that the use of selective antagonists of CB2 and TRPV1 receptors revert their inhibitory effects. Overall, present data support previous evidence on the presence of endocannabinoid signaling in mollusks and advance our knowledge about the evolutionary origins of this endogenous system and its role in the innate response of mollusks.
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10
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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11
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Behringer V, Krumbholz A, Stevens JMG, Keiler AM, Zierau O, Hohmann G. Exploring the Utility of Hair Endocannabinoids for Monitoring Homeostasis in Bonobos. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 94:83-98. [PMID: 33434116 DOI: 10.1086/712658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractQuantifying physiological challenges has gained increasing importance in evolutionary biology, behavioral physiology, and conservation. One matrix that is particularly useful for obtaining long-term records of physiological changes in mammals is hair. Potential markers are components of the endocannabinoid (EC) system, which regulates homeostasis of the brain as well as the endocrine and immune systems. Here, we present results from the first study to measure ECs (anandamide [AEA], 2-archidonyl glycerol [2-AG]) and EC-like compounds (N-palmitoylethanolamine [PEA], N-oleoylethanolamine [OEA], N-stearoylethanolamine [SEA]) in the hair of a nonhuman primate. We found that AEA, SEA, PEA, and OEA can be reliably measured in hair samples. When comparing the measurements of hair from different body parts, we found that variations of some analytes suggest that hair location is likely to affect results. For changes in health status, measurements of ECs and EC-like compounds reflected differences at both intra- and interindividual levels. We concluded that the EC system potentially provides novel tools to assess well-being, health status, and metabolic stress-not only in the hair of humans but also in that of domestic and wild animals. Measuring changes in ECs and EC-like compounds may improve the long-term monitoring of health status in captive and wild primates and may serve as a useful measure in animal welfare programs.
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12
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Neuromolecular Mechanisms of Cannabis Action. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1264:15-28. [PMID: 33332001 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Most of our current understanding of the neuromolecular mechanisms of Cannabis action focusses on two plant cannabinoids, THC and CBD. THC acts primarily through presynaptic CB cannabinoid receptors to regulate neurotransmitter release in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. CBD action, on the other hand, is probably mediated through multiple molecular targets.
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13
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2020; 43:629-645. [PMID: 33126999 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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14
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The Cannabinoid Receptor CB1 Stabilizes Sperm Chromatin Condensation Status During Epididymal Transit by Promoting Disulphide Bond Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093117. [PMID: 32354121 PMCID: PMC7247701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor CB1 regulates differentiation of spermatids. We recently characterized spermatozoa from caput epididymis of CB1-knock-out mice and identified a considerable number of sperm cells with chromatin abnormality such as elevated histone content and poorly condensed chromatin. In this paper, we extended our findings and studied the role of CB1 in the epididymal phase of chromatin condensation of spermatozoa by analysis of spermatozoa from caput and cauda epididymis of wild-type and CB1-knock-out mouse in both a homozygous or heterozygous condition. Furthermore, we studied the impact of CB1-gene deletion on histone displacement mechanism by taking into account the hyperacetylation of histone H4 and players of displacement such as Chromodomain Y Like protein (CDYL) and Bromodomain testis-specific protein (BRDT). Our results show that CB1, via local and/or endocrine cell-to-cell signaling, modulates chromatin remodeling mechanisms that orchestrate a nuclear condensation extent of mature spermatozoa. We show that CB1-gene deletion affects the epididymal phase of chromatin condensation by interfering with inter-/intra-protamine disulphide bridges formation, and deranges the efficiency of histone removal by reducing the hyper-acetylation of histone H4. This effect is independent by gene expression of Cdyl and Brdt mRNA. Our results reveal a novel and important role for CB1 in sperm chromatin condensation mechanisms.
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Zufferey F, Donzé N, Rahban R, Senn A, Stettler E, Rudaz S, Nef S, Rossier MF. Semen endocannabinoids are correlated to sperm quality in a cohort of 200 young Swiss men. Andrology 2020; 8:1126-1135. [PMID: 32167658 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A role for endocannabinoids in the male and female reproductive systems has been highlighted during the recent decades. Some of these compounds bind the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, which is abundantly expressed in the central nervous system but also present in the reproductive system, while others act as 'entourage compounds' modulators. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between sperm quality and endocannabinoid profiles in a cohort of 200 young Swiss men and whether the presence of specific xenobiotics could influence these profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen analysis was performed according to WHO guidelines. Endocannabinoid profiles in blood and semen, as well as bisphenol A and S in urine, were determined by LC-MSMS methods. The presence of selected drugs was tested in urine by immunological screening, and urinary tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites were quantified by GC-MS. RESULTS Anandamide concentrations in seminal fluid and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) concentrations in blood serum appeared inversely correlated with sperm motility, while semen palmytoylethanolamide (PEA) was positively linked to sperm concentration. Moreover, OEA and PEA in seminal fluid were associated with better sperm morphology. Interestingly, the concentrations of the same endocannabinoids measured in both blood and semen were not correlated, and the presence of THC metabolites in some individuals was linked to lower concentrations of endocannabinoids. CONCLUSIONS In the context of the general decline of the sperm count observed within the male population, endocannabinoids in semen constitute a class of promising biochemical markers that open new perspectives as a complement for the usual evaluation of semen quality or for the toxicological screening of individuals' exposure to putative endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Zufferey
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Donzé
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland
| | - Rita Rahban
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Senn
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Stettler
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Serge Rudaz
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universities of Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michel F Rossier
- Service of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, Central Institute of Hospitals, Hospital of Valais, Sion, Switzerland.,Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Faculty of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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16
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Sex-related differences in subjective, but not neural, cue-elicited craving response in heavy cannabis users. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 209:107931. [PMID: 32113057 PMCID: PMC8173440 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies indicate that female cannabis users progress through the milestones of cannabis use disorder (CUD) more quickly than male users, likely due to greater subjective craving response in women relative to men. While studies have reported sex-related differences in subjective craving, differences in neural response and the relative contributions of neural and behavioral response remain unclear. METHODS We examined sex-related differences in neural and behavioral response to cannabis cues and cannabis use measures in 112 heavy cannabis users (54 females). We used principal component analysis to determine the relative contributions of neural and behavioral response and cannabis use measures. RESULTS We found that principal component (PC) 1, which accounts for the most variance in the dataset, was correlated with neural response to cannabis cues with no differences between male and female users (p = 0.21). PC2, which accounts for the second-most variance, was correlated with subjective craving such that female users exhibited greater subjective craving relative to male users (p = 0.003). We also found that CUD symptoms correlated with both PC1 and PC2, corroborating the relationship between craving and CUD severity. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that neural activity primarily underlies response to cannabis cues and that a complex relationship characterizes a convergent neural response and a divergent subjective craving response that differs between the sexes. Accounting for these differences will increase efficacy of treatments through personalized approaches.
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Santoro A, Chianese R, Troisi J, Richards S, Nori SL, Fasano S, Guida M, Plunk E, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Neuro-toxic and Reproductive Effects of BPA. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:1109-1132. [PMID: 31362658 PMCID: PMC7057208 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190726112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. It has recognized activity as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and has suspected roles as a neurological and reproductive toxicant. It interferes in steroid signaling, induces oxidative stress, and affects gene expression epigenetically. Gestational, perinatal and neonatal exposures to BPA affect developmental processes, including brain development and gametogenesis, with consequences on brain functions, behavior, and fertility. Methods: This review critically analyzes recent findings on the neuro-toxic and reproductive effects of BPA (and its ana-logues), with focus on neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, glia and microglia activity, cognitive functions, and the central and local control of reproduction. Results: BPA has potential human health hazard associated with gestational, peri- and neonatal exposure. Beginning with BPA’s disposition, this review summarizes recent findings on the neurotoxicity of BPA and its analogues, on neuronal dif-ferentiation, synaptic plasticity, neuro-inflammation, neuro-degeneration, and impairment of cognitive abilities. Furthermore, it reports the recent findings on the activity of BPA along the HPG axis, effects on the hypothalamic Gonadotropin Releas-ing Hormone (GnRH), and the associated effects on reproduction in both sexes and successful pregnancy. Conclusion: BPA and its analogues impair neuronal activity, HPG axis function, reproduction, and fertility. Contrasting re-sults have emerged in animal models and human. Thus, further studies are needed to better define their safety levels. This re-view offers new insights on these issues with the aim to find the “fil rouge”, if any, that characterize BPA’s mechanism of action with outcomes on neuronal function and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Sean Richards
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States.,Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Stefania Lucia Nori
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guida
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Plunk
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2020; 29:301-317. [PMID: 32169264 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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19
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The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031113. [PMID: 32046164 PMCID: PMC7037698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is a cell-signalling system widely distributed in biological tissues that includes endogenous ligands, receptors, and biosynthetic and hydrolysing machineries. The impairment of the ES has been associated to several pathological conditions like behavioural, neurological, or metabolic disorders and infertility, suggesting that the modulation of this system may be critical for the maintenance of health status and disease treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exert long-term effects on gene expression without any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, affecting health maintenance and influencing both disease load and resistance. This potentially reversible "epigenetic" modulation of gene expression occurs through the chemical modification of DNA and histone protein tails or the specific production of regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Recent findings demonstrate the epigenetic modulation of the ES in biological tissues; in the same way, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists induce widespread or gene-specific epigenetic changes with the possibility of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the offspring explained by the transmission of deregulated epigenetic marks in the gametes. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epigenetics of the ES, with particular attention on the emerging role in reproduction and fertility.
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Forner-Piquer I, Fakriadis I, Mylonas CC, Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V, Maradonna F, Calduch-Giner J, Pérez-Sánchez J, Carnevali O. Effects of Dietary Bisphenol A on the Reproductive Function of Gilthead Sea Bream ( Sparus aurata) Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205003. [PMID: 31658598 PMCID: PMC6835794 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205003] [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: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), a known endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), was administered by diet to gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) in order to study its effects on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and gonadal steroidogenesis. 2-year-old male gilthead sea bream were fed with two different concentrations of BPA (LOW at 4 and HIGH at 4000 µg/kg body weight for 21 days during the reproductive season. Exposure to 4000 µg BPA/kg bw/day (BPA HIGH) reduced sperm motility and altered the straight-line velocity (VSL) and linearity (LIN). Effects on steroidogenesis were evident, with testosterone (T) being up-regulated by both treatments and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) down-regulated by BPA HIGH. Plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) were not affected. The Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) increased in the BPA HIGH group. Interestingly, the levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds were significantly reduced after both treatments. Unpredictably, a few changes were noticed in the expression of genes coding for ECS enzymes, while the receptors were up-regulated depending on the BPA dose. Reproductive markers in testis (leptin receptor (lepr), estrogen receptors (era, erb), progesterone receptors (pr) and the gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (gnrhr)) were up-regulated. BPA induced the up-regulation of the hepatic genes involved in oogenesis (vitellogenin (vtg) and zona pellucida 1 (zp1)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Ioannis Fakriadis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece.
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, Heraklion, 71003 Crete, Greece.
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy.
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
| | - Josep Calduch-Giner
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain.
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy.
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Hale BJ, Fernandez RF, Kim SQ, Diaz VD, Jackson SN, Liu L, Brenna JT, Hermann BP, Geyer CB, Ellis JM. Acyl-CoA synthetase 6 enriches seminiferous tubules with the ω-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid and is required for male fertility in the mouse. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:14394-14405. [PMID: 31399511 PMCID: PMC6768642 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an ω-3 dietary-derived polyunsaturated fatty acid of marine origin enriched in testes and necessary for normal fertility, yet the mechanisms regulating the enrichment of DHA in the testes remain unclear. Long-chain ACSL6 (acyl-CoA synthetase isoform 6) activates fatty acids for cellular anabolic and catabolic metabolism by ligating a CoA to a fatty acid, is highly expressed in testes, and has high preference for DHA. Here, we investigated the role of ACSL6 for DHA enrichment in the testes and its requirement for male fertility. Acsl6-/- males were severely subfertile with smaller testes, reduced cauda epididymal sperm counts, germ cell loss, and disorganization of the seminiferous epithelium. Total fatty acid profiling of Acsl6-/- testes revealed reduced DHA and increased ω-6 arachidonic acid, a fatty acid profile also reflected in phospholipid composition. Strikingly, lipid imaging demonstrated spatial redistribution of phospholipids in Acsl6-/- testes. Arachidonic acid-containing phospholipids were predominantly interstitial in control testes but diffusely localized across Acsl6-/- testes. In control testes, DHA-containing phospholipids were predominantly within seminiferous tubules, which contain Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells but relocalized to the interstitium in Acsl6-/- testes. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ACSL6 is an initial driving force for germ cell DHA enrichment and is required for normal spermatogenesis and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Hale
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Regina F Fernandez
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Sora Q Kim
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907
| | - Victoria D Diaz
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249
| | - Shelley N Jackson
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Structural Biology Core, Baltimore, Maryland 21224
| | - Lei Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Chemistry, and Nutrition, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78723
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - J Thomas Brenna
- Departments of Pediatrics, Chemistry, and Nutrition, Dell Pediatric Research Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78723
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249
| | - Christopher B Geyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Jessica M Ellis
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
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Demiray SB, Goker ENT, Tavmergen E, Yilmaz O, Calimlioglu N, Soykam HO, Oktem G, Sezerman U. Differential gene expression analysis of human cumulus cells. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2019; 46:76-86. [PMID: 31181875 PMCID: PMC6572664 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2019.46.2.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study was performed to explore the possibility that each oocyte and its surrounding cumulus cells might have different genetic expression patterns that could affect human reproduction. Methods Differential gene expression analysis was performed for 10 clusters of cumulus cells obtained from 10 cumulus-oocyte complexes from 10 patients. Same procedures related to oocyte maturation, microinjection, and microarray analyses were performed for each group of cumulus cells. Two differential gene expression analyses were performed: one for the outcome of clinical pregnancy and one for the outcome of live birth. Results Significant genes resulting from these analyses were selected and the top 20 affected pathways in each group were analyzed. Circadian entrainment is determined to be the most affected pathway for clinical pregnancy, and proteoglycans in cancer pathway is the most affected pathway for live birth. Circadian entrainment is also amongst the 12 pathways that are found to be in top 20 affected pathways for both outcomes, and has both lowest p-value and highest number of times found count. Conclusion Although further confirmatory studies are necessary, findings of this study suggest that these pathways, especially circadian entrainment in cumulus cells, may be essential for embryo development and pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirin Bakti Demiray
- Assisted Reproduction Unit, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Erol Tavmergen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Yilmaz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nilufer Calimlioglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Gulperi Oktem
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ugur Sezerman
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Zhu Y, Tan Q, Zhang L, Yao J, Zhou H, Hu P, Liang X, Liu H. The migration of docosahexenoic acid (DHA) to the developing ovary of female zebrafish (Danio rerio). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 233:97-105. [PMID: 30978471 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fish selectively reserves docosahexenoic acid (DHA) in ovary during gonadal development. However, no direct proof supports this. The present study tried to elucidate the DHA migration to the developing ovary of female zebrafish. An injection study of 13C-labeled DHA for DHA tracing was conducted, and another injection study of unlabeled-DHA (DHA-injected group) and BSA-saline (control group) was conducted for lipid and DHA content detection, related gene expression analyses, and histological observation. The results showed that the rapid absorption of lipid occurred at stage III with a constant accumulation of DHA in the ovary. The proportion of oocytes at stage III on day 7 and 21, and at stage IV on day 3 and 21 in DHA-injected group was significantly higher than that in control group, respectively (P < .05). The injected 13C-labeled DHA was accumulated twice in the ovary respectively on day 1 and 7, and remained at a relatively high level. In DHA-injected group, the fatp4 expression was significantly higher in ovary on day 3, 5 and 7 (P < .05), and significantly lower (P < .05) in liver on day 5, 14 and in muscle on day 1, 5 and 7 than that in control group. In conclusion, the present study suggested a migration of DHA from the liver and muscle to the gonads when necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qingsong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Leisen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Junpeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Pengcheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xufang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Walker OLS, Holloway AC, Raha S. The role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:3. [PMID: 30646937 PMCID: PMC6332911 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-018-0478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been increasing interest in the role of endocannabinoids as critical modulators of the female reproductive processes. Endocannabinoids are natural ligands of cannabinoid, vanilloid, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Together with their receptors, enzymes and downstream signaling targets, they form the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the ECS is known to modulate pain and neurodevelopment, it is also known to impact the female reproductive system where it affects folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and ovarian endocrine secretion. In addition, the ECS affects oviductal embryo transport, implantation, uterine decidualization and placentation. There is a complex interplay between the ECS and the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and an intricate crosstalk between the ECS and steroid hormone production and secretion. Exogenous cannabinoids, derived from plants such as Cannabis sativa, are also ligands for cannabinoid receptors. These have been shown to have clinical outcomes related to ECS dysregulation, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, along with adverse effects on female reproduction. The aim of this review is to describe and discuss data from human, animal, and in vitro studies that support the important role of the endocannabinoid system in female reproductive tissues and processes. In particular, we will discuss some of the mechanisms by which endocannabinoid signaling can affect ovarian function in both physiological and pathophysiological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- O’ Llenecia S. Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N11H, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Alison C. Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N52A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Sandeep Raha
- Department of Pediatrics, and the Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSC 3N11H, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
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Forner-Piquer I, Mylonas CC, Fakriadis I, Papadaki M, Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V, Calduch-Giner J, Pérez-Sánchez J, Carnevali O. Effects of diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) on the endocannabinoid and reproductive systems of male gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) during the spawning season. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:727-741. [PMID: 30600365 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a plasticizer used to improve plastic performance in a large variety of items which has been reported as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) in several organisms. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cellular signaling system, whose functionality is tightly involved with reproductive function. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the effects of DiNP on the gonadal ECS and on the reproductive function of male gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, an important marine aquacultured species in Europe, during the reproductive season. Fish were fed for 21 days with two diets contaminated with different nominal concentrations of DiNP (DiNP LOW at 15 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1 and DiNP HIGH at 1500 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1), based on the tolerable daily intake (TDI) ruled by the European Food Safety Authority for humans. The transcription of several genes related to the ECS was affected by the DiNP. Specifically, DiNP reduced the levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like mediators, concomitant with the increase of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. At the histological level, DiNP LOW induced the highest occurrence of individuals with regressed testes. Steroidogenesis was affected significantly, since plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), the main active androgen in fish, was significantly decreased by the DiNP HIGH treatment, while plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) levels were raised, associated with an increase of the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Additionally, the level of testosterone (T) was significantly increased in the DiNP LOW group, however, the same DiNP concentration reduced the levels of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P). The production of sperm was in general not affected, since spermiation index, sperm density, survival and the duration of forward motility did not exhibit any changes compared to controls. However, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) showed that DiNP reduced the percentage of motile cells. The results clearly suggest a negative effect of DiNP via the diet on the male endocrine system of gilthead sea bream during the reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Fakriadis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Papadaki
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Josep Calduch-Giner
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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26
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Perruzza D, Bernabò N, Rapino C, Valbonetti L, Falanga I, Russo V, Mauro A, Berardinelli P, Stuppia L, Maccarrone M, Barboni B. Artificial Neural Network to Predict Varicocele Impact on Male Fertility through Testicular Endocannabinoid Gene Expression Profiles. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3591086. [PMID: 30539009 PMCID: PMC6258097 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3591086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between varicocele and fertility has always been a matter of debate because of the absence of predictive clinical indicators or molecular markers able to define the severity of this disease. Even though accumulated evidence demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in male reproductive biology, particularly in the testicular compartment, to date no data point to a role for ECS in the etiopathogenesis of varicocele. Therefore, the present research has been designed to investigate the relationship between testicular ECS gene expression and fertility, using a validated animal model of experimental varicocele (VAR), taking advantage of traditional statistical approaches and artificial neural network (ANN). Experimental induction of VAR led to a clear reduction of spermatogenesis in left testes ranging from a mild (Johnsen score 7: 21%) to a severe (Johnsen score 4: 58%) damage of the germinal epithelium. However, the mean number of new-borns recorded after two sequential matings was quite variable and independent of the Johnsen score. While the gene expression of biosynthetic and degrading enzymes of AEA (NAPE-PLD and FAAH, respectively) and of 2-AG (DAGLα and MAGL, respectively), as well as their binding cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), did not change between testes and among groups, a significant downregulation of vanilloid (TRPV1) expression was recorded in left testes of VAR rats and positively correlated with animal fertility. Interestingly, an ANN trained by inserting the left and right testicular ECS gene expression profiles (inputs) was able to predict varicocele impact on male fertility in terms of mean number of new-borns delivered (outputs), with a very high accuracy (average prediction error of 1%). The present study provides unprecedented information on testicular ECS gene expression patterns during varicocele, by developing a freely available predictive ANN model that may open new perspectives in the diagnosis of varicocele-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Perruzza
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Falanga
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Paolo Berardinelli
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti and Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00164 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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Chianese R, Coccurello R, Viggiano A, Scafuro M, Fiore M, Coppola G, Operto FF, Fasano S, Laye S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Impact of Dietary Fats on Brain Functions. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1059-1085. [PMID: 29046155 PMCID: PMC6120115 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171017102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate dietary intake and nutritional status have important effects on brain functions and on brain health. Energy intake and specific nutrients excess or deficiency from diet differently affect cognitive processes, emotions, behaviour, neuroendocrine functions and synaptic plasticity with possible protective or detrimental effects on neuronal physiology. Lipids, in particular, play structural and functional roles in neurons. Here the importance of dietary fats and the need to understand the brain mechanisms activated by peripheral and central metabolic sensors. Thus, the manipulation of lifestyle factors such as dietary interventions may represent a successful therapeutic approach to maintain and preserve brain health along lifespan. METHODS This review aims at summarizing the impact of dietary fats on brain functions. RESULTS Starting from fat consumption, nutrient sensing and food-related reward, the impact of gut-brain communications will be discussed in brain health and disease. A specific focus will be on the impact of fats on the molecular pathways within the hypothalamus involved in the control of reproduction via the expression and the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. Lastly, the effects of specific lipid classes such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and of the "fattest" of all diets, commonly known as "ketogenic diets", on brain functions will also be discussed. CONCLUSION Despite the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms is still a work in progress, the clinical relevance of the manipulation of dietary fats is well acknowledged and such manipulations are in fact currently in use for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,UO Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sophie Laye
- INRA, Bordeaux University, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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28
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Forner-Piquer I, Santangeli S, Maradonna F, Rabbito A, Piscitelli F, Habibi HR, Di Marzo V, Carnevali O. Disruption of the gonadal endocannabinoid system in zebrafish exposed to diisononyl phthalate. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:1-8. [PMID: 29793103 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
DiNP (Di-isononyl phthalate) has been recently introduced as DEHP (Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) substitute and due to its chemical properties, DiNP is commonly used in a large variety of plastic items. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid signaling system involved in a plethora of physiological pathways including the control of the reproductive and metabolic processes. In this study, the effects of DiNP on the ECS of zebrafish (male and female) gonads were analyzed. Adult zebrafish were chronically exposed for 21 days via water to 3 environmentally relevant concentrations of DiNP (42 μg/L; 4.2 μg/L; 0.42 μg/L). In females, the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and the number of fertilized eggs were reduced by the lowest concentration of DiNP tested. The levels of two endocannabinoids, Anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), were not affected, while a reduction of the N-oleoyl-ethanolamine (OEA) level was observed. Transcriptional changes were reported in relation to genes coding for the ECS receptors and the enzymes involved in the ECS pathway. DiNP exposure in males reduced the GSI as well as changed the levels of endocannabinoids. Moreover, DiNP treatment induced significative changes in the genes coding for the ECS receptors and enzymes, and significantly increased the activity of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In summary, in zebrafish, exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of DiNP disrupted the ECS and affected reproduction in a gender specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Stefania Santangeli
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesca Maradonna
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rabbito
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Hamid R Habibi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy; INBB, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Consorzio Interuniversitario, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Menstrual cycle rhythmicity: metabolic patterns in healthy women. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14568. [PMID: 30275458 PMCID: PMC6167362 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The menstrual cycle is an essential life rhythm governed by interacting levels of progesterone, estradiol, follicular stimulating, and luteinizing hormones. To study metabolic changes, biofluids were collected at four timepoints in the menstrual cycle from 34 healthy, premenopausal women. Serum hormones, urinary luteinizing hormone and self-reported menstrual cycle timing were used for a 5-phase cycle classification. Plasma and urine were analyzed using LC-MS and GC-MS for metabolomics and lipidomics; serum for clinical chemistries; and plasma for B vitamins using HPLC-FLD. Of 397 metabolites and micronutrients tested, 208 were significantly (p < 0.05) changed and 71 reached the FDR 0.20 threshold showing rhythmicity in neurotransmitter precursors, glutathione metabolism, the urea cycle, 4-pyridoxic acid, and 25-OH vitamin D. In total, 39 amino acids and derivatives and 18 lipid species decreased (FDR < 0.20) in the luteal phase, possibly indicative of an anabolic state during the progesterone peak and recovery during menstruation and the follicular phase. The reduced metabolite levels observed may represent a time of vulnerability to hormone related health issues such as PMS and PMDD, in the setting of a healthy, rhythmic state. These results provide a foundation for further research on cyclic differences in nutrient-related metabolites and may form the basis of novel nutrition strategies for women.
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30
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Marx TK, Reddeman R, Clewell AE, Endres JR, Béres E, Vértesi A, Glávits R, Hirka G, Szakonyiné IP. An Assessment of the Genotoxicity and Subchronic Toxicity of a Supercritical Fluid Extract of the Aerial Parts of Hemp. J Toxicol 2018; 2018:8143582. [PMID: 29977291 PMCID: PMC6011091 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8143582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A battery of toxicological studies was conducted on a supercritical CO2 extract of the aerial parts of the Cannabis sativa plant, containing approximately 25% cannabinoids. No evidence of genotoxicity was found in a bacterial reverse mutation test (Ames), in an in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test, or in an in vivo mouse micronucleus study. A 14-day repeated oral dose-range finding study conducted in Wistar rats at 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg bw/day resulted in effects where a NOAEL could not be concluded. Based on those results, a 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats using doses of 100, 360, and 720 mg/kg bw/day, followed by a 28-day recovery period for two satellite groups. Significant decreases in body weight, body weight gain, and differences in various organ weights compared to controls were observed. At the end of the recovery period, many of the findings were trending toward normal; thus, the changes appeared to be reversible. The NOAEL for the hemp extract in Hsd.Han Wistar rats was considered to be 100 mg/kg bw/day for males and 360 mg/kg bw/day for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tennille K. Marx
- AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., 2800 E Madison St., Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Robin Reddeman
- AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., 2800 E Madison St., Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Amy E. Clewell
- AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., 2800 E Madison St., Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - John R. Endres
- AIBMR Life Sciences, Inc., 2800 E Madison St., Suite 202, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - Erzsébet Béres
- Toxi-Coop Zrt., Magyar Jakobinusok Tere 4/B, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Adél Vértesi
- Toxi-Coop Zrt., Magyar Jakobinusok Tere 4/B, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Róbert Glávits
- Toxi-Coop Zrt., Magyar Jakobinusok Tere 4/B, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Gábor Hirka
- Toxi-Coop Zrt., Magyar Jakobinusok Tere 4/B, Budapest 1122, Hungary
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31
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Migliaccio M, Ricci G, Suglia A, Manfrevola F, Mackie K, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chioccarelli T, Cobellis G. Analysis of Endocannabinoid System in Rat Testis During the First Spermatogenetic Wave. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:269. [PMID: 29896156 PMCID: PMC5986923 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are lipid mediators, enzymatically synthesized and hydrolyzed, that bind cannabinoid receptors. Together with their receptors and metabolic enzymes, they form the "endocannabinoid system" (ECS). Anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are the main endocannabinoids studied in testis. In this study, using the first wave of spermatogenesis as an in vivo model to verify the progressive appearance of germ cells in seminiferous tubules [i.e., spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids], we analyzed the expression of the main enzymes and receptors of ECS in rat testis. In particular, the expression profile of the main enzymes metabolizing AEA and 2-AG as well as the expression of cannabinoid receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, and specific markers of mitotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic germ cell appearance or activities have been analyzed by RT-PCR and appropriately correlated. Our aim was to envisage a relationship between expression of ECS components and temporal profile of germ cell appearance or activity as well as among ECS components. Results show that expression of ECS components is related to germ cell progression. In particular, CB2 and 2-AG appear to be related to mitotic/meiotic stages, while CB1 and AEA appear to be related to spermatogonia stem cells activity and spermatids appearance, respectively. Our data also suggest that a functional interaction among ECS components occurs in the testis. Indeed, in vitro-incubated testis show that AEA-CB2 activity affects negatively monoacylglycerol-lipase levels via upregulation of CB1 suggesting a CB1/CB2-mediated relationship between AEA and 2-AG. Finally, we provide the first evidence that CB1 is present in fetal gonocytes, during mitotic arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia Ricci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratorio di Istologia ed Embriologia, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Suglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Manfrevola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, Università degli Studi della Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gilda Cobellis,
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32
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Maia J, Almada M, Silva A, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N, Sá SI, Fonseca BM. The endocannabinoid system expression in the female reproductive tract is modulated by estrogen. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:40-47. [PMID: 28743542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is involved in several physiological events that resulted in a growing interest in its modulation. Moreover, the uterine levels of anandamide (AEA), the major endocannabinoid, must be tightly regulated to create proper embryo implantation conditions. However, there are no evidences about the regulation of AEA in uterus by estrogen. Thus, the aim of this study is to elucidate whether estradiol benzoate (EB) and tamoxifen (TAM) administration to ovariectomized (OVX) rats can induce changes in the expression of cannabinoid receptors and AEA-metabolic enzymes in uterus by evaluating gene transcription and protein levels by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, the plasmatic and uterine levels of AEA and of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), the major cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) products, were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The immunohistochemistry showed that cannabinoid receptors, as well as AEA-metabolic enzymes are mainly located in the epithelial cells of both lumen and glands and, to a lesser extent, in the muscle cells. Moreover, EB administration to OVX rats significantly increased CB1, CB2, NAPE-PLD, FAAH and COX-2 expression and transcription. These effects were absent in TAM and TAM+EB treatments showing that this response is estrogen receptor dependent. Additionally, although uterine levels of AEA remained unchanged in EB or TAM treated animals, they showed a rise with EB treatment in plasma. The latter also produced a decrease in uterine PGE2 levels. In summary, these data collectively indicate that the expression of ECS components, as well as, the AEA and PGE2 levels in rat uterus is modulated by EB. Thus, estradiol may have a direct regulatory role in the modulation of ECS in female reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Maia
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Silva
- CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - G Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - N Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - S I Sá
- CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Marchetti D, Di Masi G, Cittadini F, La Monaca G, De Giovanni N. Placenta as alternative specimen to detect in utero cannabis exposure: A systematic review of the literature. Reprod Toxicol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N. The CB 2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:4449-4470. [PMID: 27402121 PMCID: PMC5075023 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The CB2 receptor is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids. It is mainly expressed in immune tissues, highlighting the possibility that the endocannabinoid system has an immunomodulatory role. In this respect, the CB2 receptor was shown to modulate immune cell functions, both in cellulo and in animal models of inflammatory diseases. In this regard, numerous studies have reported that mice lacking the CB2 receptor have an exacerbated inflammatory phenotype. This suggests that therapeutic strategies aiming at modulating CB2 signaling could be promising for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we review the pharmacology of the CB2 receptor, its expression pattern, and the signaling pathways induced by its activation. We next examine the regulation of immune cell functions by the CB2 receptor and the evidence obtained from primary human cells, immortalized cell lines, and animal models of inflammation. Finally, we discuss the possible therapies targeting the CB2 receptor and the questions that remain to be addressed to determine whether this receptor could be a potential target to treat inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Marie-Renée Blanchet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Michel Laviolette
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada.
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35
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Suglia A, Chianese R, Migliaccio M, Ambrosino C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Chioccarelli T. Bisphenol A induces hypothalamic down-regulation of the the cannabinoid receptor 1 and anorexigenic effects in male mice. Pharmacol Res 2016; 113:376-383. [PMID: 27641926 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A is an environment-polluting industrial chemical able to interfere with the endocrine system. An obesogenic effect in perinatally exposed rodents has been described as estrogenic activity. We exposed male mice to Bisphenol A during fetal-perinatal period (from 10 days post coitum to 31 days post partum) and investigated the effects of this early-life exposure at 78 days of age. Body weight, food intake, fat mass, and hypothalamic signals related to anorexigenic control of food intake were analyzed. Results show that Bisphenol A exposure reduced body weight and food intake. In addition, the exposure decreased epididymal fat mass and adiposity, acting negatively on adipocyte volume. At hypothalamic level, Bisphenol A exposure reduced the expression of the cannabinoid receptor 1 and induced gene expression of cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript-1. This observation suggests that Bisphenol A induces activation of anorexigenic signals via down-regulation of the hypothalamic cannabinoid receptor 1 with negative impact on food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Suglia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Migliaccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Department of Science and Technology University of Sannio, Via Port'Arsa 11, 82100, Benevento, Italy; IRGS, Biogem, Via Camporeale, 83031, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sez. Bottazzi, II University of Naples, 80138, Napoli, Italy
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36
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Effects of Neuroendocrine CB1 Activity on Adult Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27375550 PMCID: PMC4891325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids control male reproduction acting at central and local level via cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been characterized in the testis, in somatic and germ cells of mammalian and non-mammalian animal models, and its activity related to Leydig cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, spermiogenesis, sperm quality, and maturation. In this short review, we provide a summary of the insights concerning neuroendocrine CB1 activity in male reproduction focusing on adult Leydig cell ontogenesis and steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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37
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Ciaramella V, Meccariello R, Chioccarelli T, Sirleto M, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Chianese R. Anandamide acts via kisspeptin in the regulation of testicular activity of the frog, Pelophylax esculentus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:75-84. [PMID: 26586207 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the frog Pelophylax esculentus, the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) modulates Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) system in vitro and down-regulates steroidogenic enzymes in vivo. Thus, male frogs were injected with AEA ± SR141716A, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) antagonist, to evaluate possible effects on GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems, gonadotropin receptors and steroid levels. In frog diencephalons, AEA negatively affected both GnRH and Kiss1/Gpr54 systems. In testis, AEA induced the expression of gonadotropin receptors, cb1, gnrh2 and gnrhr3 meanwhile reducing gnrhr2 mRNA and Kiss1/Gpr54 proteins. Furthermore, aromatase (Cyp19) expression increased in parallel to testosterone decrease and estradiol increase. In vitro treatment of testis with AEA revealed direct effects on Cyp19 and induced the expression of the AEA-degrading enzyme Faah. Lastly, AEA effects on Faah were counteracted by the antiestrogen ICI182780, indicating estradiol mediated effect. In conclusion, for the first time we show in a vertebrate that AEA regulates testicular activity through kisspeptin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Monica Sirleto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
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Wolfson ML, Correa F, Leishman E, Vercelli C, Cymeryng C, Blanco J, Bradshaw HB, Franchi AM. Lipopolysaccharide-induced murine embryonic resorption involves changes in endocannabinoid profiling and alters progesterone secretion and inflammatory response by a CB1-mediated fashion. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 411:214-22. [PMID: 25958042 PMCID: PMC4458170 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genital tract infections are a common complication of human pregnancy that can result in miscarriage. We have previously shown that a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces embryonic resorption in a murine model of inflammatory miscarriage. This is accompanied by a dramatic decrease in systemic progesterone levels associated with a robust pro-inflammatory response that results in embryo resorption. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the endogenous cannabinoid system (eCS), through cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), plays a role in regulating progesterone levels and, therefore, the pro-inflammatory response. We show that LPS treatment in pregnant mice causes significant changes in the eCS ligands, which are reversed by progesterone treatment. We further show the CB1-KO mice maintain higher plasma progesterone levels after LPS treatment, which is associated with a feebler uterine inflammatory response and a significant drop in embryo resorption. These data suggest that manipulation of CB1 receptors and/or ligands is a potential therapeutic avenue to decrease infection-induced miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel L Wolfson
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Fernando Correa
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Emma Leishman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Claudia Vercelli
- Biomedicine Research Institute of Buenos Aires, Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society (MPSP), National Research Council, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cora Cymeryng
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Blanco
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Heather B Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ana María Franchi
- Laboratory of Physiopathology of Pregnancy and Labor, Center for Pharmacological and Botanical Studies, National Research Council, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance of drug exposure: The effects of alcohol, opiates, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 118:21-33. [PMID: 25839742 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Familial inheritance of drug abuse is composed of both genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a means by which parental drug use can influence several generations of offspring. Recent evidence suggests that parental drug exposure produces behavioral, biochemical, and neuroanatomical changes in future generations. The focus of this review is to discuss these multigenerational and transgenerational phenotypes in the offspring of animals exposed to drugs of abuse. Specifically, changes found following the administration of alcohol, opioids, cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine will be discussed. In addition, epigenetic modifications to the genome following administration of these drugs will be detailed as well as their potential for transmission to the next generation.
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40
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Kisspeptin drives germ cell progression in the anuran amphibian Pelophylax esculentus: a study carried out in ex vivo testes. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 211:81-91. [PMID: 25452028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, via Gpr54 receptor, regulates puberty onset in most vertebrates. Thus, the direct involvement of kisspeptin activity in testis physiology was investigated in the anuran amphibian, Pelophylax esculentus. In this vertebrate gpr54 mRNA has been localized in both interstitial compartment and spermatogonia (SPG), whereas SPG proliferation requires the cooperation between estradiol and testicular Gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gnrh). In the pre-reproductive period, dose response curve to assess the effects of Kisspeptin-10 (Kp-10) was carried out in vitro (dose range: 10(-9)-10(-6)M; incubation times: 1 and 4h); proliferative activity and germ cell progression were evaluated by expression analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (pcna), estrogen receptor beta (erβ), Gnrh system (gnrh1, gnrh2, gnrhr1, r2, r3) and by the count of empty, mitotic and meiotic tubules. All selected markers were up regulated at 4h Kp-10 incubation. Histological analysis also proved the increase of mitotic activity and the progression of spermatogenesis. Besides Kp-10 modulation of testicular Gnrh system, in vitro treatment with 17β-estradiol (10(-6)M) ± the antagonist ICI182-780 (10(-5)M) revealed gnrh2 and gnrhr3 estrogen dependent expression. In the reproductive period, testes were incubated for 1 and 4h with Kp-10 (10(-7)M) or Kp-10 (10(-7)M)+kisspeptin antagonist [Kp-234 (10(-6)M)]. Results obtained in the pre-reproductive period were confirmed and Kp-234 completely counteracted Kp-10 effects. In conclusion, Kp-10 modulated the expression of pcna, erβ, gnrhs and gnrhrs, inducing the progression of the spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Sezione "F. Bottazzi", Seconda Università di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
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41
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Abstract
The lasting research on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has now provided solid and convincing evidence that proves the detrimental effects of recreational drug abuse (a growing habit among teenagers) on fertility. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) affect reproductive events from gametogenesis to fertilization, from embryo implantation to the final outcome of pregnancy and, thus, they have been proposed as suitable biomarkers to predict the reproductive potential of male and female gametes in clinical practice. Novel tools for reproductive medicine are highly sought after, and here we report the latest findings on the impact of the ECS on fertility, demonstrating how basic research can be translated into new medical strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
- School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy.
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42
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis: an obligatory target for endocannabinoids to inhibit steroidogenesis in frog testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:88-93. [PMID: 24566122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids - primarily anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) - are lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). They affect neuroendocrine activity inhibiting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and testosterone production in rodents, through a molecular mechanism supposed to be hypothalamus dependent. In order to investigate such a role, we choose the seasonal breeder, the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta, an experimental model in which components of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. In February, at the onset of a new spermatogenetic wave, we carried out in vitro incubations of frog testis with AEA, at 10(-9)M dose. Such a treatment had no effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 17alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (cyp17) nor 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ-5-4 isomerase (3β-HSD), key enzymes of steroidogenesis. To understand whether or not the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis could be essential to support the role of endocannabinoids in steroidogenesis, frogs were injected with AEA, at 10(-8)M dose. Differently from in vitro experiment, the in vivo administration of AEA reduced the expression of cyp17 and 3β-HSD. Whereas the effect on 3β-HSD was counteracted by SR141716A (Rimonabant) - a selective antagonist of CB1, thus indicating a CB1 dependent modulation - the effect on cyp17 was not, suggesting a possible involvement of receptors other than CB1, probably the type-1 vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), since AEA works as an endocannabinoid and an endovanilloid as well. In conclusion our results indicate that endocannabinoids, via CB1, inhibit the expression of 3β-HSD in frog testis travelling along the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Italy
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Hajdu Z, Nicolussi S, Rau M, Lorántfy L, Forgo P, Hohmann J, Csupor D, Gertsch J. Identification of Endocannabinoid System-Modulating N-Alkylamides from Heliopsis helianthoides var. scabra and Lepidium meyenii. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:1663-9. [PMID: 24972328 DOI: 10.1021/np500292g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zsanett Hajdu
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Simon Nicolussi
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark Rau
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - László Lorántfy
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Peter Forgo
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Judit Hohmann
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dezső Csupor
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, NCCR TransCure, University of Bern, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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44
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Rapino C, Battista N, Bari M, Maccarrone M. Endocannabinoids as biomarkers of human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:501-16. [PMID: 24516083 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a condition of the reproductive system that affects ∼10-15% of couples attempting to conceive a baby. More than half of all cases of infertility are a result of female conditions, while the remaining cases can be attributed to male factors, or to a combination of both. The search for suitable biomarkers of pregnancy outcome is a challenging issue in human reproduction, aimed at identifying molecules with predictive significance of the reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Among the various candidates, endocannabinoids (eCBs), and in particular anandamide (AEA), represent potential biomarkers of human fertility disturbances. Any perturbation of the balance between synthesis and degradation of eCBs will result in local changes of their tone in human female and male reproductive tracts, which in turn regulates various pathophysiological processes, oocyte and sperm maturation included. METHODS PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched for papers using relevant keywords like 'biomarker', 'endocannabinoid', 'infertility', 'pregnancy' and 'reproduction'. RESULTS In this review, we discuss different studies on the measurements of AEA and related eCBs in human reproductive cells, tissues and fluids, where the local contribution of these bioactive lipids could be critical in ensuring normal sperm fertilizing ability and pregnancy. CONCLUSION Based on the available data, we suggest that the AEA tone has the potential to be exploited as a novel diagnostic biomarker of infertility, to be used in association with assays of conventional hormones (e.g. progesterone, β-chorionic gonadotrophin) and semen analysis. However further quantitative research of its predictive capacity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy StemTeCh Group, Chieti, Italy
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Bari
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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45
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Björklund E, Larsson TNL, Jacobsson SOP, Fowler CJ. Ketoconazole inhibits the cellular uptake of anandamide via inhibition of FAAH at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87542. [PMID: 24466356 PMCID: PMC3900727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The antifungal compound ketoconazole has, in addition to its ability to interfere with fungal ergosterol synthesis, effects upon other enzymes including human CYP3A4, CYP17, lipoxygenase and thromboxane synthetase. In the present study, we have investigated whether ketoconazole affects the cellular uptake and hydrolysis of the endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligand anandamide (AEA). Methodology/Principal Findings The effects of ketoconazole upon endocannabinoid uptake were investigated using HepG2, CaCo2, PC-3 and C6 cell lines. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity was measured in HepG2 cell lysates and in intact C6 cells. Ketoconazole inhibited the uptake of AEA by HepG2 cells and CaCo2 cells with IC50 values of 17 and 18 µM, respectively. In contrast, it had modest effects upon AEA uptake in PC-3 cells, which have a low expression of FAAH. In cell-free HepG2 lysates, ketoconazole inhibited FAAH activity with an IC50 value (for the inhibitable component) of 34 µM. Conclusions/Significance The present study indicates that ketoconazole can inhibit the cellular uptake of AEA at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, primarily due to its effects upon FAAH. Ketoconazole may be useful as a template for the design of dual-action FAAH/CYP17 inhibitors as a novel strategy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmelie Björklund
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Stig O. P. Jacobsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christopher J. Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Bovolin P, Cottone E, Pomatto V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R. Endocannabinoids are Involved in Male Vertebrate Reproduction: Regulatory Mechanisms at Central and Gonadal Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24782832 PMCID: PMC3995072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are natural lipids regulating a large array of physiological functions and behaviors in vertebrates. The eCB system is highly conserved in evolution and comprises several specific receptors (type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors), their endogenous ligands (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. In the last few years, eCBs have been described as critical signals in the control of male and female reproduction at multiple levels: centrally, by targeting hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neurons and pituitary, and locally, with direct effects on the gonads. These functions are supported by the extensive localization of cannabinoid receptors and eCB metabolic enzymes at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals, as well as bonyfish and amphibians. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that eCBs centrally regulate gonadal functions by modulating the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-gonadotropin-steroid network through direct and indirect mechanisms. Several proofs of local eCB regulation have been found in the testis and male genital tracts, since eCBs control Sertoli and Leydig cells activity, germ cell progression, as well as the acquisition of sperm functions. A comparative approach usually is a key step in the study of physiological events leading to the building of a general model. Thus, in this review, we summarize the action of eCBs at different levels of the male reproductive axis, with special emphasis, where appropriate, on data from non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bovolin
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Patrizia Bovolin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy e-mail:
| | - Erika Cottone
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pomatto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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Shahjahan M, Kitahashi T, Parhar IS. Central pathways integrating metabolism and reproduction in teleosts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:36. [PMID: 24723910 PMCID: PMC3971181 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Energy balance plays an important role in the control of reproduction. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms connecting the two systems are not well understood especially in teleosts. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in the regulation of both energy balance and reproduction, and contains a number of neuropeptides, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), orexin, neuropeptide-Y, ghrelin, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone, melanin-concentrating hormone, cholecystokinin, 26RFamide, nesfatin, kisspeptin, and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone. These neuropeptides are involved in the control of energy balance and reproduction either directly or indirectly. On the other hand, synthesis and release of these hypothalamic neuropeptides are regulated by metabolic signals from the gut and the adipose tissue. Furthermore, neurons producing these neuropeptides interact with each other, providing neuronal basis of the link between energy balance and reproduction. This review summarizes the advances made in our understanding of the physiological roles of the hypothalamic neuropeptides in energy balance and reproduction in teleosts, and discusses how they interact with GnRH, kisspeptin, and pituitary gonadotropins to control reproduction in teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Shahjahan
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Takashi Kitahashi
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
- *Correspondence: Ishwar S. Parhar, Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya 46150, Malaysia e-mail:
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Meccariello R, Battista N, Bradshaw HB, Wang H. Updates in reproduction coming from the endocannabinoid system. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:412354. [PMID: 24550985 PMCID: PMC3914453 DOI: 10.1155/2014/412354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an evolutionarily conserved master system deeply involved in the central and local control of reproductive functions in both sexes. The tone of these lipid mediators-deeply modulated by the activity of biosynthetic and hydrolyzing machineries-regulates reproductive functions from gonadotropin discharge and steroid biosynthesis to the formation of high quality gametes and successful pregnancy. This review provides an overview on ECS and reproduction and focuses on the insights in the regulation of endocannabinoid production by steroids, in the regulation of male reproductive activity, and in placentation and parturition. Taken all together, evidences emerge that the activity of the ECS is crucial for procreation and may represent a target for the therapeutic exploitation of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- *Rosaria Meccariello:
| | - Natalia Battista
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Heather B. Bradshaw
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Haibin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Melford SE, Taylor AH, Konje JC. Of mice and (wo)men: factors influencing successful implantation including endocannabinoids. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 20:415-28. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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