1
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Rais Y, Drabovich AP. Identification and Quantification of Human Relaxin Proteins by Immunoaffinity-Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38739617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The human relaxins belong to the Insulin/IGF/Relaxin superfamily of peptide hormones, and their physiological function is primarily associated with reproduction. In this study, we focused on a prostate tissue-specific relaxin RLN1 (REL1_HUMAN protein) and a broader tissue specificity RLN2 (REL2_HUMAN protein). Due to their structural similarity, REL1 and REL2 proteins were collectively named a 'human relaxin protein' in previous studies and were exclusively measured by immunoassays. We hypothesized that the highly selective and sensitive immunoaffinity-selected reaction monitoring (IA-SRM) assays would reveal the identity and abundance of the endogenous REL1 and REL2 in biological samples and facilitate the evaluation of these proteins for diagnostic applications. High levels of RLN1 and RLN2 transcripts were found in prostate and breast cancer cell lines by RT-PCR. However, no endogenous prorelaxin-1 or mature REL1 were detected by IA-SRM in cell lines, seminal plasma, or blood serum. The IA-SRM assay of REL2 demonstrated its undetectable levels (<9.4 pg/mL) in healthy control female and male sera and relatively high levels of REL2 in maternal sera across different gestational weeks (median 331 pg/mL; N = 120). IA-SRM assays uncovered potential cross-reactivity and nonspecific binding for relaxin immunoassays. The developed IA-SRM assays will facilitate the investigation of the physiological and pathological roles of REL1 and REL2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Rais
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Andrei P Drabovich
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
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2
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Jung J, Han H. The diverse influences of relaxin-like peptide family on tumor progression: Potential opportunities and emerging challenges. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24463. [PMID: 38298643 PMCID: PMC10828710 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Relaxin-like peptide family exhibit differential expression patterns in various types of cancers and play a role in cancer development. This family participates in tumorigenic processes encompassing proliferation, migration, invasion, tumor microenvironment, immune microenvironment, and anti-cancer resistance, ultimately influencing patient prognosis. In this review, we explore the mechanisms underlying the interaction between the RLN-like peptide family and tumors and provide an overview of therapeutic approaches utilizing this interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunho Han
- Department of Urology, Urological Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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3
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Santos LC, Silva JF. Molecular Factors Involved in the Reproductive Morphophysiology of Female Domestic Cat ( Felis catus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3153. [PMID: 37835759 PMCID: PMC10571923 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193153] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The domestic cat (Felis catus) is considered an important model for the study of feline reproductive morphophysiology. However, although the morphological changes and clinical signs that occur during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are well known, little is known about the molecular mechanisms involved in the reproductive physiology of this animal species. Thus, this paper reviews the current knowledge about the modulation and expression profile of hormonal, immunological, redox, and growth mediators involved in the uterine, ovarian, and placental morphophysiology of domestic cats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- Nucleo de Pesquisas em Reproducao e Endocrinologia, Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus 45662-900, Brazil;
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4
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Sun A, Ye H, Xu Z, Chen J, Xiao W, Zhang T, Sha X, Bi S, Zhou T, Yang H. Serelaxin Alleviates Fibrosis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy via the Notch Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098356. [PMID: 37176063 PMCID: PMC10179109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098356] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the late stage of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), resulting in serious complications. Effective therapeutic drugs are still lacking. We aimed to explore the mechanism of TAO fibrosis and to find a targeted drug. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed on orbital connective tissues from twelve patients with TAO and six healthy controls. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and we identified the hub gene by Cytoscape software. Additionally, the RNA sequencing results were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Bioinformatic prediction identified the functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Further orbital connective tissue and serum samples of the TAO and control groups were collected for subsequent experiments. Histologic staining, Western blotting (WB), qRT-PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), gene overexpression through lentiviral infection or silencing gene by short interfering RNA (siRNA) were performed. We found that the relaxin signaling pathway is an important regulatory pathway in TAO fibrosis pathogenesis. Serelaxin exerts antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in TAO. Furthermore, the downstream Notch pathway was activated by serelaxin and was essential to the antifibrotic effect of serelaxin in TAO. The antifibrotic effect of serelaxin is dependent on RXFP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huijing Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jingqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Te Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaotong Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shaowei Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Tianyi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huasheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
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5
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Peruga M, Kawala B, Sarul M, Kotowicz J, Lis J. Are Currently Selected Laboratory Animals Useful in the Research of How Female Hormones Influence Orthodontic Biomechanics? Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040629. [PMID: 36830416 PMCID: PMC9951669 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal testing was and remains the only method of introducing a certain treatment and medical procedure on humans. On the other hand, animals have their rights resulting from applicable legal acts, including Directive 2010/63/EU and, indirectly, the World Medical Association International Code of Medical Ethics (Helsinki Declaration, 1975, amended 2000). Thus, the question arises whether the credibility of the results of hormonal and orthodontic tests obtained so far and their usefulness for the human population is scientifically justified and worth sacrificing laboratory animals for. Especially that, according to statistical data, about 50% of laboratory animals are euthanized at the conclusion of the experiments. The aim of this article was to determine whether animal experiments are scientifically or morally justified in bringing significant evidence in studies that may validate the influence of changes in the concentration of female hormones secreted by the ovaries in various phases of the menstrual cycle in young patients on the duration of an increased tooth movement rate in orthodontic treatment. Papers reporting the results of the original research into female hormones, either natural or exogeneous ones, likely to alternate the orthodontic tooth movement rate were critically evaluated in terms of animal selection. Thorough analysis supported by veterinary knowledge proved that none of the publications enabled an extrapolation of the results to humans. The evaluation of the relation between the rate of tooth movement upon loading with orthodontic forces and hormones either secreted during the menstrual cycle of women or released from the contraceptives already present in the market, does not require sacrificing laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beata Kawala
- Department of Dentofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał Sarul
- Department of Integrated Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Krakowska 26, 50-425 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Lis
- Independent Adult Orthodontics Clinic, Department of Dentofacial Orthopaedics and Orthodontics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-376 Wrocław, Poland
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Yuan S, Guo D, Liang X, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Xie D. Relaxin in fibrotic ligament diseases: Its regulatory role and mechanism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1131481. [PMID: 37123405 PMCID: PMC10134402 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1131481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic ligament diseases (FLDs) are diseases caused by the pathological accumulation of periarticular fibrotic tissue, leading to functional disability around joint and poor life quality. Relaxin (RLX) has been reported to be involved in the development of fibrotic lung and liver diseases. Previous studies have shown that RLX can block pro-fibrotic process by reducing the excess extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and accelerating collagen degradation in vitro and in vivo. Recent studies have shown that RLX can attenuate connective tissue fibrosis by suppressing TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways to inhibit the activation of myofibroblasts. However, the specific roles and mechanisms of RLX in FLDs remain unclear. Therefore, in this review, we confirmed the protective effect of RLX in FLDs and summarized its mechanism including cells, key cytokines and signaling pathways involved. In this article, we outline the potential therapeutic role of RLX and look forward to the application of RLX in the clinical translation of FLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Yuan
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinzhi Liang
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luhui Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Good Clinical Practice Development, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Denghui Xie, ; Qun Zhang,
| | - Denghui Xie
- Department of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Hospital of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Denghui Xie, ; Qun Zhang,
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Chunduri P, Patel SA, Levick SP. Relaxin/serelaxin for cardiac dysfunction and heart failure in hypertension. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2022; 94:183-211. [PMID: 35659372 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy related hormone relaxin is produced throughout the reproductive system. However, relaxin also has important cardiovascular effects as part of the adaptation that the cardiovascular system undergoes in response to the extra demands of pregnancy. These effects are primarily mediated by the relaxin family peptide receptor 1, which is one of four known relaxin receptors. The effects of relaxin on the cardiovascular system during pregnancy, as well as its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties, have led to extensive studies into the potential of relaxin therapy as an approach to treat heart failure. Cardiomyocytes, cardiac fibroblasts, and endothelial cells all possess relaxin family peptide receptor 1, allowing for direct effects of therapeutic relaxin on the heart. Many pre-clinical animal studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of exogenous relaxin on adverse cardiac remodeling including inflammation, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, as well as effects on cardiac contractile function. Despite this, clinical studies have yielded disappointing results for the synthetic seralaxin, even though seralaxin was well tolerated. This article will provide background on relaxin in the context of normal physiology, as well as the role of relaxin in pregnancy-related adaptations of the cardiovascular system. We will also present evidence from pre-clinical animal studies that demonstrate the potential benefits of relaxin therapy, as well as discussing the results from clinical trials. Finally, we will discuss possible reasons for the failure of these clinical trials as well as steps being taken to potentially improve relaxin therapy for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Chunduri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shrey A Patel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott P Levick
- Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States.
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Shah W, Khan R, Shah B, Khan A, Dil S, Liu W, Wen J, Jiang X. The Molecular Mechanism of Sex Hormones on Sertoli Cell Development and Proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:648141. [PMID: 34367061 PMCID: PMC8344352 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.648141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustaining and maintaining the intricate process of spermatogenesis is liable upon hormones and growth factors acting through endocrine and paracrine pathways. The Sertoli cells (SCs) are the major somatic cells present in the seminiferous tubules and are considered to be the main regulators of spermatogenesis. As each Sertoli cell supports a specific number of germ cells, thus, the final number of Sertoli cells determines the sperm production capacity. Similarly, sex hormones are also major regulators of spermatogenesis and they can determine the proliferation of Sertoli cells. In the present review, we have critically and comprehensively discussed the role of sex hormones and some other factors that are involved in Sertoli cell proliferation, differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we have also presented a model of Sertoli cell development based upon the recent advancement in the field of reproduction. Hence, our review article provides a general overview regarding the sex hormonal pathways governing Sertoli cell proliferation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ranjha Khan
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
| | | | | | | | | | - Jie Wen
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
| | - Xiaohua Jiang
- *Correspondence: Xiaohua Jiang, ; Ranjha Khan, ; Jie Wen,
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9
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Wilhelmi T, Xu X, Tan X, Hulshoff MS, Maamari S, Sossalla S, Zeisberg M, Zeisberg EM. Serelaxin alleviates cardiac fibrosis through inhibiting endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition via RXFP1. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3905-3924. [PMID: 32226528 PMCID: PMC7086357 DOI: 10.7150/thno.38640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Cardiac fibrosis is an integral constituent of every form of chronic heart disease, and persistence of fibrosis reduces tissue compliance and accelerates the progression to heart failure. Relaxin-2 is a human hormone, which has various physiological functions such as mediating renal vasodilation in pregnancy. Its recombinant form Serelaxin has recently been tested in clinical trials as a therapy for acute heart failure but did not meet its primary endpoints. The aim of this study is to examine whether Serelaxin has an anti-fibrotic effect in the heart and therefore could be beneficial in chronic heart failure. Methods: We utilized two different cardiac fibrosis mouse models (ascending aortic constriction (AAC) and Angiotensin II (ATII) administration via osmotic minipumps) to assess the anti-fibrotic potential of Serelaxin. Histological analysis, immunofluorescence staining and molecular analysis were performed to assess the fibrosis level and indicate endothelial cells which are undergoing EndMT. In vitro TGFβ1-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) assays were performed in human coronary artery endothelial cells and mouse cardiac endothelial cells (MCECs) and were examined using molecular methods. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR assay was utilized to identify the Serelaxin effect on chromatin remodeling in the Rxfp1 promoter region in MCECs. Results: Our results demonstrate a significant and dose-dependent anti-fibrotic effect of Serelaxin in the heart in both models. We further show that Serelaxin mediates this effect, at least in part, through inhibition of EndMT through the endothelial Relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). We further demonstrate that Serelaxin administration is able to increase its own receptor expression (RXFP1) through epigenetic regulation in form of histone modifications by attenuating TGFβ-pSMAD2/3 signaling in endothelial cells. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify that Serelaxin increases the expression of its own receptor RXFP1 and that this mediates the inhibition of EndMT and cardiac fibrosis, suggesting that Serelaxin may have a beneficial effect as anti-fibrotic therapy in chronic heart failure.
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10
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Pharmacological Benefits and Risk of Using Hormones in Organ Perfusion and Preservation Solutions in the Aspect of Minimizing Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury during Storage. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6467134. [PMID: 31828112 PMCID: PMC6881579 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6467134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
For several years, research has been carried out on the effectiveness of solutions for perfusion and preservation of organs, including the liver. There is a search for an optimal pharmacological composition of these solutions, allowing to preserve or improve vital functions of the organ for as long as possible until it is transplanted into a recipient. Hormones due to their properties, often resulting from their pleiotropic effects, may be a valuable component for optimizing the composition of liver perfusion and preservation solutions. The paper presents the current state of knowledge on liver perfusion and preservation solutions modified with hormones. It also shows the characteristics of the hormones evaluated, taking into account their physiological functions in the body.
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Yun IS, Kang E, Ahn HM, Kim YO, Rah DK, Roh TS, Lee WJ, Yun CO. Effect of Relaxin Expression from an Alginate Gel-Encapsulated Adenovirus on Scar Remodeling in a Pig Model. Yonsei Med J 2019; 60:854-863. [PMID: 31433583 PMCID: PMC6704020 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2019.60.9.854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Relaxin (RLX) is a transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) antagonist that is believed to function as a potent collagen re-arranger and a major suppressor of extracellular matrix components. Adenoviruses (Ads) are accepted vectors for cancer gene therapy. However, repeated treatments of Ad are limited by short-term biological activity in vivo. The efficacy of sustained RLX expression to scar remodeling was assessed using an injectable alginate gel-matrix system. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pig scar tissue was treated with relaxin-expressing Ad loaded in alginate gel (gel/Ad-RLX). Surface areas, color, and pliability of scars were compared, and various factors influencing scar formation and collagen arrangement were analyzed. RESULTS Gel/Ad-RLX decreased scar size, color index, and pliability. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased levels of major extracellular matrix proteins in the gel/Ad-RLX-treated group. Furthermore, treatment with gel/Ad-RLX reduced expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin and markedly increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in pig scar tissues. Gel/Ad-RLX also significantly downregulated TGF-β1 and upregulated TGF-β3 mRNAs in pig scar tissues. CONCLUSION These results support a prominent role for RLX in scar remodeling and suggest that gel/Ad-RLX may have therapeutic effects on scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Sik Yun
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunhye Kang
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Min Ahn
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Oock Kim
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Kyun Rah
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tai Suk Roh
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jai Lee
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Chae Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- GeneMedicine Co., Ltd., Seoul, Korea
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Simon J, Nemeth E, Nemes A, Husveth-Toth M, Radovits T, Foldes G, Kiss L, Bagyura Z, Skopal J, Merkely B, Gara E. Circulating Relaxin-1 Level Is a Surrogate Marker of Myocardial Fibrosis in HFrEF. Front Physiol 2019; 10:690. [PMID: 31231242 PMCID: PMC6558211 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Relaxin-1 (RLN1) has emerged as a possible therapeutic target in myocardial fibrosis due to its anti-fibrotic effects. Previous randomized clinical trials investigated therapeutic role of exogenous relaxin in patients with acute-on-chronic heart failure (HF) and failed to meet clinical endpoints. Here, we aimed to assess endogenous, circulating RLN1 levels in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) of ischemic origin. Furthermore, we analyzed relation of RLN1 and left ventricular diastolic function, left and right ventricular fibrosis, and invasive hemodynamic measurements. Unique feature of our study is the availability of ex vivo human myocardial tissue. Methods: Human myocardial samples were available from the Transplantation Biobank of the Heart and Vascular Center at Semmelweis University after local ethical approval and informed consent of all participants (n = 47). Tissue was collected immediately after heart explantations; peripheral blood was collected before induction of anesthesia. Myocardial sections were stained for Masson’s trichrome and Picrosirius red staining to quantify fibrosis. Medical records were analyzed (ECG, anthropometry, blood tests, medication, echocardiography, and invasive hemodynamic measurements). Results: Average RLN1 levels in HFrEF population were significantly higher than measured in age and gender matched healthy control human subjects (702 ± 283 pg/ml in HFrEF vs. 44 ± 27 pg/ml in control n = 47). We found a moderate inverse correlation between RLN1 levels and degree of myocardial fibrosis in both ventricles (r = −0.357, p = 0.014 in the right ventricle vs. r = −0.321, p = 0.028 in the left ventricle with Masson’s trichrome staining). Parallel, a moderate positive correlation was found in left ventricular diastolic function (echocardiography, E/A wave values) and RLN1 levels (r = 0.456, p = 0.003); a negative correlation with RLN1 levels and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (r = −0.373, p = 0.023), and diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = −0.894, p < 0.001). RLN1 levels showed moderate correlation with RLN2 levels (r = 0.453, p = 0.0003). Conclusion: Increased RLN1 levels were accompanied by lower myocardial fibrosis rate, which is a novel finding in our patient population with coronary artery disease and HFrEF. RLN1 can have a biomarker role in ventricular fibrosis; furthermore, it may influence hemodynamic and vasomotor activity via neurohormonal mechanisms of action. Given these valuable findings, RLN1 may be targeted in anti-fibrotic therapeutics and in perioperative care of heart transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Simon
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Endre Nemeth
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Annamaria Nemes
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Tamas Radovits
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Foldes
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Loretta Kiss
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bagyura
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Skopal
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bela Merkely
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edit Gara
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Martin B, Romero G, Salama G. Cardioprotective actions of relaxin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:45-53. [PMID: 30625345 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin is a hormone of pregnancy first discovered for its ability to induce ligament relaxation in nonpregnant guinea pig and is important for softening of the birth canal during parturition, decidualization, implantation, nipple development and increased maternal renal perfusion, glomerular filtration, and cardiac output. Subsequently, relaxin has been shown to exert multiple beneficial cardiovascular effects during pathological events such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and myocardial infarction, including suppression of arrhythmia and inflammation, and reversal of fibrosis. Despite extensive studies, the mechanisms underlying relaxin's effects are not well understood. Relaxin signals primarily through its G protein coupled receptor, the relaxin family peptide receptor-1, to activate multiple signaling pathways and this review summarizes our understanding of these pathways as they relate to the cardioprotective actions of relaxin, focusing on relaxin's anti-fibrotic, anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory properties. Further, this review includes a brief overview of relaxin in clinical trials for heart failure and progress in the development of relaxin mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Martin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guillermo Romero
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Guy Salama
- Department of Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
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Meroni SB, Galardo MN, Rindone G, Gorga A, Riera MF, Cigorraga SB. Molecular Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways Involved in Sertoli Cell Proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:224. [PMID: 31040821 PMCID: PMC6476933 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are somatic cells present in seminiferous tubules which have essential roles in regulating spermatogenesis. Considering that each Sertoli cell is able to support a limited number of germ cells, the final number of Sertoli cells reached during the proliferative period determines sperm production capacity. Only immature Sertoli cells, which have not established the blood-testis barrier, proliferate. A number of hormonal cues regulate Sertoli cell proliferation. Among them, FSH, the insulin family of growth factors, activin, and cytokines action must be highlighted. It has been demonstrated that cAMP/PKA, ERK1/2, PI3K/Akt, and mTORC1/p70SK6 pathways are the main signal transduction pathways involved in Sertoli cell proliferation. Additionally, c-Myc and hypoxia inducible factor are transcription factors which participate in the induction by FSH of various genes of relevance in cell cycle progression. Cessation of proliferation is a pre-requisite to Sertoli cell maturation accompanied by the establishment of the blood-testis barrier. With respect to this barrier, the participation of androgens, estrogens, thyroid hormones, retinoic acid and opioids has been reported. Additionally, two central enzymes that are involved in sensing cell energy status have been associated with the suppression of Sertoli cell proliferation, namely AMPK and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1). Among the molecular mechanisms involved in the cessation of proliferation and in the maturation of Sertoli cells, it is worth mentioning the up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitors p21Cip1, p27Kip, and p19INK4, and of the gap junction protein connexin 43. A decrease in Sertoli cell proliferation due to administration of certain therapeutic drugs and exposure to xenobiotic agents before puberty has been experimentally demonstrated. This review focuses on the hormones, locally produced factors, signal transduction pathways, and molecular mechanisms controlling Sertoli cell proliferation and maturation. The comprehension of how the final number of Sertoli cells in adulthood is established constitutes a pre-requisite to understand the underlying causes responsible for the progressive decrease in sperm production that has been observed during the last 50 years in humans.
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Hirst JJ, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Crombie G, Walker DW, Zakar T. Birth and Neonatal Transition in the Guinea Pig: Experimental Approaches to Prevent Preterm Birth and Protect the Premature Fetus. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1802. [PMID: 30618814 PMCID: PMC6297273 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) displays many features of gestational physiology that makes it the most translationally relevant rodent species. Progesterone production undergoes a luteal to placental shift as in human pregnancy with levels rising during gestation and with labor and delivery occurring without a precipitous decline in maternal progesterone levels. In contrast to other laboratory rodents, labor in guinea pigs is triggered by a functional progesterone withdrawal, which involves the loss of uterine sensitivity to progesterone like in women. In both species the amnion membrane is a major source of labor-inducing prostaglandins, which promote functional progesterone withdrawal by modifying myometrial progesterone receptor expression. These similar features appear to result from convergent evolution rather than closer evolutionally relationship to primates compared to other rodents. Nevertheless, the similarities in the production, metabolism and actions of progesterone and prostaglandins allow information gained in pregnant guinea pigs to be extended to pregnant women with confidence. This includes exploring the effects of pregnancy complications including growth restriction and the mechanisms by which stressful conditions increase the incidence of preterm labor. The relatively long gestation of the guinea pig and the maturity of the pups at birth particularly in brain development means that a greater proportion of brain development happens in utero. This allows adverse intrauterine conditions to make a sustained impact on the developing brain like in compromised human pregnancies. In addition, the brain is exposed to a protective neurosteroid environment in utero, which has been suggested to promote development in the guinea pig and the human. Moreover, in utero stresses that have been shown to adversely affect long term neurobehavioral outcomes in clinical studies, can be modeled successfully in guinea pigs. Overall, these parallels to the human have led to increasing interest in the guinea pig for translational studies of treatments and therapies that potentially improve outcomes following adverse events in pregnancy and after preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Hirst
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Hannah K Palliser
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Julia C Shaw
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Crombie
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - David W Walker
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamas Zakar
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Soubret A, Pang Y, Yu J, Dahlke M. Population pharmacokinetics of serelaxin in patients with acute or chronic heart failure, hepatic or renal impairment, or portal hypertension and in healthy subjects. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:2572-2585. [PMID: 30014598 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Serelaxin is a recombinant human relaxin-2 peptide being developed for the treatment of acute heart failure (AHF). The present analyses aimed to evaluate serelaxin pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration and to identify covariates that may explain pharmacokinetic variability in healthy subjects and patients. METHODS Serum concentration-time data for 613 subjects from nine phase I and II studies were analysed using a nonlinear mixed-effects model to estimate population pharmacokinetics and identify significant covariates. A quantile regression analysis was also conducted to assess the relationship between clearance and covariates by including sparse data from a phase III study. RESULTS A three-compartment disposition model was established to describe serelaxin pharmacokinetics. Three out of 23 covariates, including baseline body mass index (BMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and study A1201, were identified as significant covariates for clearance but with a moderate impact on steady-state concentration, reducing the intersubject variability from 44% in the base model to 41% in the final model with covariates. The steady-state volume of distribution (Vss) was higher in patients with AHF (544 ml kg-1 ) or chronic heart failure (434 ml kg-1 ), compared with typical nonheart failure subjects (347 ml kg-1 ). Quantile regression analysis showed that a 20% increase in BMI or a 20% decrease in eGFR decreased serelaxin clearance by 9.2% or 5.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HF showed higher Vss but similar clearance (and therefore steady-state exposure) vs. non nonheart failure subjects. BMI and eGFR were identified as the main covariates explaining intersubject variability in clearance; however, the impact of these covariates on steady-state concentration was moderate and therefore unlikely to be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Soubret
- Disease Modeling - Clinical Pharmacology, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yinuo Pang
- AbbVie Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacometrics, AbbVie Inc., Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jing Yu
- Pharmacometrics, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marion Dahlke
- Translational Medicine, Novartis Pharma A.G., Basel, Switzerland
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Jelinic M, Marshall SA, Stewart D, Unemori E, Parry LJ, Leo CH. Peptide hormone relaxin: from bench to bedside. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 314:R753-R760. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00276.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The peptide hormone relaxin has numerous roles both within and independent of pregnancy and is often thought of as a “pleiotropic hormone.” Relaxin targets several tissues throughout the body, and has many functions associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and the vasculature. This review considers the potential therapeutic applications of relaxin in cervical ripening, in vitro fertilization, preeclampsia, acute heart failure, ischemia-reperfusion, and cirrhosis. We first outline the animal models used in preclinical studies to progress relaxin into clinical trials and then discuss the findings from these studies. In many cases, the positive outcomes from preclinical animal studies were not replicated in human clinical trials. Therefore, the focus of this review is to evaluate the various animal models used to develop relaxin as a potential therapeutic and consider the limitations that must be addressed in future studies. These include the use of human relaxin in animals, duration of relaxin treatment, and the appropriateness of the clinical conditions being considered for relaxin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jelinic
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis Stewart
- Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Sunnyvale, California
| | | | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Science and Maths Cluster, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore
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18
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Meadows KL. Ischemic stroke and select adipose-derived and sex hormones: a review. Hormones (Athens) 2018; 17:167-182. [PMID: 29876798 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0034-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the USA and is the leading cause of serious, long-term disability worldwide. The principle sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), both endogenous and exogenous, have profound effects on various stroke outcomes and have become the focus of a number of studies evaluating risk factors and treatment options for ischemic stroke. In addition, the expression of other hormones that may influence stroke outcome, including select adipose-derived hormones (adiponectin, leptin, and ghrelin), can be regulated by sex hormones and are also the focus of several ischemic stroke studies. This review aims to summarize some of the preclinical and clinical studies investigating the principle sex hormones, as well as select adipose-derived hormones, as risk factors or potential treatments for ischemic stroke. In addition, the potential for relaxin, a lesser studied sex hormone, as a novel treatment option for ischemic stroke is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy L Meadows
- Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Rd., North Grafton, MA, 01536, USA.
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19
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Jung BK, Lee WJ, Kang E, Ahn HM, Kim YO, Rah DK, Yun CO, Yun IS. Effect of Relaxin Expressing Adenovirus on Scar Remodeling: A Preliminary Study. Arch Craniofac Surg 2017; 18:9-15. [PMID: 28913296 PMCID: PMC5556751 DOI: 10.7181/acfs.2017.18.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Relaxin is a transforming growth factor β1 antagonist. To determine the effects of relaxin on scar reduction, we investigated the scar remodeling process by injecting relaxin-expressing adenoviruses using a pig scar model. Methods Scars with full thickness were generated on the backs of Yorkshire pigs. Scars were divided into two groups (relaxin [RLX] and Control). Adenoviruses were injected into the RLX (expressing relaxin) and Control (not expressing relaxin) groups. Changes in the surface areas, color index and pliability of scars were compared. Results Fifty days after treatment, the surface areas of scars decreased, the color of scars was normalized, and the pliability of scars increased in RLX group. Conclusion Relaxin-expressing adenoviruses improved the surface area, color, and pliability of scars. The mechanism of therapeutic effects on scar formation should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bok Ki Jung
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Jai Lee
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eunhye Kang
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Min Ahn
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Oock Kim
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Kyun Rah
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Sik Yun
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Wang D, Luo Y, Myakala K, Orlicky DJ, Dobrinskikh E, Wang X, Levi M. Serelaxin improves cardiac and renal function in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9793. [PMID: 28851937 PMCID: PMC5574886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09470-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Serelaxin, a recombinant form of the naturally occurring peptide hormone relaxin-2, is a pleiotropic vasodilating hormone that has been studied in patients with acute heart failure. In this study, the effects of serelaxin on cardiac and renal function, fibrosis, inflammation and lipid accumulation were studied in DOCA-salt treated rats. Uninephrectomized rats were assigned to two groups: controls provided with normal drinking water and DOCA provided with DOCA pellets and sodium chloride drinking water. After 4 weeks, the DOCA-salt rats were randomly selected and implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering vehicle or serelaxin for another 4 weeks. Treatment with serelaxin prevented cardiac and renal dysfunction in DOCA-salt rats. Serelaxin prevented cardiac and renal fibrosis, as determined by Picrosirius Red staining and Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) Microscopy. Treatment of DOCA-salt rats with serelaxin decreased renal inflammation, including the expression of TGF-β, NFκB, MCP-1, IL-1, IL-6, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and CD68 macrophages. Serelaxin also decreased lipid accumulation in kidney in part by decreasing SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, ChREBP, FATP1, HMGCoAR, and LDL receptor, and increasing Acox1 and ABCA1. In summary, serelaxin reversed DOCA-salt induced cardiac and renal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Yuhuan Luo
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Komuraiah Myakala
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Xiaoxin Wang
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA
| | - Moshe Levi
- Renal Diseases and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of Colorado ANSCHUTZ MEDICAL CAMPUS, Aurora, Colorado, 80045, USA.
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Snowdon VK, Lachlan NJ, Hoy AM, Hadoke PWF, Semple SI, Patel D, Mungall W, Kendall TJ, Thomson A, Lennen RJ, Jansen MA, Moran CM, Pellicoro A, Ramachandran P, Shaw I, Aucott RL, Severin T, Saini R, Pak J, Yates D, Dongre N, Duffield JS, Webb DJ, Iredale JP, Hayes PC, Fallowfield JA. Serelaxin as a potential treatment for renal dysfunction in cirrhosis: Preclinical evaluation and results of a randomized phase 2 trial. PLoS Med 2017; 14:e1002248. [PMID: 28245243 PMCID: PMC5330452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic liver scarring from any cause leads to cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and a progressive decline in renal blood flow and renal function. Extreme renal vasoconstriction characterizes hepatorenal syndrome, a functional and potentially reversible form of acute kidney injury in patients with advanced cirrhosis, but current therapy with systemic vasoconstrictors is ineffective in a substantial proportion of patients and is limited by ischemic adverse events. Serelaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2) is a peptide molecule with anti-fibrotic and vasoprotective properties that binds to relaxin family peptide receptor-1 (RXFP1) and has been shown to increase renal perfusion in healthy human volunteers. We hypothesized that serelaxin could ameliorate renal vasoconstriction and renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHODS AND FINDINGS To establish preclinical proof of concept, we developed two independent rat models of cirrhosis that were characterized by progressive reduction in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate and showed evidence of renal endothelial dysfunction. We then set out to further explore and validate our hypothesis in a phase 2 randomized open-label parallel-group study in male and female patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Forty patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with serelaxin intravenous (i.v.) infusion (for 60 min at 80 μg/kg/d and then 60 min at 30 μg/kg/d) or terlipressin (single 2-mg i.v. bolus), and the regional hemodynamic effects were quantified by phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography at baseline and after 120 min. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in total renal artery blood flow. Therapeutic targeting of renal vasoconstriction with serelaxin in the rat models increased kidney perfusion, oxygenation, and function through reduction in renal vascular resistance, reversal of endothelial dysfunction, and increased activation of the AKT/eNOS/NO signaling pathway in the kidney. In the randomized clinical study, infusion of serelaxin for 120 min increased total renal arterial blood flow by 65% (95% CI 40%, 95%; p < 0.001) from baseline. Administration of serelaxin was safe and well tolerated, with no detrimental effect on systemic blood pressure or hepatic perfusion. The clinical study's main limitations were the relatively small sample size and stable, well-compensated population. CONCLUSIONS Our mechanistic findings in rat models and exploratory study in human cirrhosis suggest the therapeutic potential of selective renal vasodilation using serelaxin as a new treatment for renal dysfunction in cirrhosis, although further validation in patients with more advanced cirrhosis and renal dysfunction is required. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01640964.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria K Snowdon
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Neil J Lachlan
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Hoy
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick W F Hadoke
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Scott I Semple
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Clinical Research Imaging Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Dilip Patel
- Department of Radiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Will Mungall
- Biological Services, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy J Kendall
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Thomson
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ross J Lennen
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maurits A Jansen
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Carmel M Moran
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Pellicoro
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Shaw
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L Aucott
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rajnish Saini
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Judy Pak
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Denise Yates
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | | | - Jeremy S Duffield
- Division of Nephrology and Lung Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David J Webb
- British Heart Foundation/University of Edinburgh Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John P Iredale
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Hayes
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan A Fallowfield
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Domińska K, Ochędalski T, Kowalska K, Matysiak-Burzyńska ZE, Płuciennik E, Piastowska-Ciesielska AW. A common effect of angiotensin II and relaxin 2 on the PNT1A normal prostate epithelial cell line. J Physiol Biochem 2016; 72:381-92. [PMID: 27119161 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-016-0489-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive tract which produces both angiotensin II (Ang II) and relaxin 2 (RLN2). The present study analyzes the effect of both these peptide hormones at concentration 10(-8)M on viability, proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion of normal prostate epithelial cells (PNT1A). Improved survival in two- and three-dimensional cell cultures was noted as well as visual changes in colony size and structure in Geltrex™. Stimulatory influence on cell viability of each peptide applied single was lower than in combination. Enhanced survival of PNT1A cells appears to be associated with increased BCL2/BAX messenger RNA (mRNA) expression ratio. Modulation of cell spreading and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion dynamics were also altered as an influence of tested hormone application. However, long-term Ang II and RLN2 effects may lead to an increase of normal prostate cell migration and invasion abilities. Moreover, gelatin zymography revealed that both gelatinases A and B were augmented by Ang II treatment, whereas RLN2 significantly stimulated only MMP-9 secretion. These results support the hypothesis that deregulation of locally secreted peptide hormones such as Ang II and RLN2 may take part in the development of certain cancers, including prostate cancer. Moreover, the observed ability of relaxin 2 to act as a regulator of mRNA expression levels not only LGR7 but also classic angiotensin receptors suggested that renin-angiotensin system and relaxin family peptide system are functionally linked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Domińska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Ochędalski
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Kowalska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Zuzanna E Matysiak-Burzyńska
- Department of Comparative Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Molecular Cancerogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
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Squecco R, Garella R, Idrizaj E, Nistri S, Francini F, Baccari MC. Relaxin Affects Smooth Muscle Biophysical Properties and Mechanical Activity of the Female Mouse Colon. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4398-410. [PMID: 26360621 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The hormone relaxin (RLX) has been reported to influence gastrointestinal motility in mice. However, at present, nothing is known about the effects of RLX on the biophysical properties of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Other than extending previous knowledge of RLX on colonic motility, the purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of the hormone to induce changes in resting membrane potential (RMP) and on sarcolemmal ion channels of colonic SMCs of mice that are related to its mechanical activity. To this aim, we used a combined mechanical and electrophysiological approach. In the mechanical experiments, we observed that RLX caused a decay of the basal tone coupled to an increase of the spontaneous contractions, completely abolished by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). The electrophysiological results indicate for the first time that RLX directly affects the SMC biophysical properties inducing hyperpolarization of RMP and cycles of slow hyperpolarization/depolarization oscillations. The effects of RLX on RMP were abolished by ODQ as well as by a specific inhibitor of the cGMP-dependent protein kinase, KT5823. RLX reduced Ca(2+) entry through the voltage-dependent L-type channels and modulated either voltage- or ATP-dependent K(+) channels. These effects were abolished by ODQ, suggesting the involvement of the nitric oxide/guanylate cyclase pathway in the effects of RLX on RMP and ion channel modulation. These actions of RLX on membrane properties may contribute to the regulation of the proximal colon motility by the nitric oxide/cGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biophysical Phenomena/drug effects
- Calcium/metabolism
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/drug effects
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Carbazoles/pharmacology
- Colon/cytology
- Colon/drug effects
- Colon/metabolism
- Cyclic GMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Motility
- Guanylate Cyclase/antagonists & inhibitors
- KATP Channels/drug effects
- KATP Channels/metabolism
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Mice
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/drug effects
- Myenteric Plexus/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Oxadiazoles/pharmacology
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/drug effects
- Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated/metabolism
- Quinoxalines/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Relaxin/pharmacology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcolemma/drug effects
- Sarcolemma/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Squecco
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Francini
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Sections of Physiology (R.S., R.G., E.I., F.F., M.C.B.) and Anatomy and Histology (S.N.), Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Zhou X, Chen X, Cai JJ, Chen LZ, Gong YS, Wang LX, Gao Z, Zhang HQ, Huang WJ, Zhou H. Relaxin inhibits cardiac fibrosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition via the Notch pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:4599-611. [PMID: 26316699 PMCID: PMC4541540 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s85399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin (RLX) can prevent cardiac fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the possible mechanism and signal transduction pathway of RLX inhibiting cardiac fibrosis. METHODS Isoproterenol (5 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) was used to establish the cardiac fibrosis model in rats, which were administered RLX. The cardiac function, related targets of cardiac fibrosis, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) were measured. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) was used to induce EndMT in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which were pretreated with RLX, 200 ng·mL(-1), then with the inhibitor of Notch. Transwell cell migration was used to evaluate cell migration. CD31 and vimentin content was determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. Notch protein level was examined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS RLX improved cardiac function in rats with cardiac fibrosis; it reduced the content of collagen I and III, increased the microvascular density of the myocardium, and suppressed the EndMT in heart tissue. In vitro, RLX decreased the mobility of human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by TGF-β, increased the expression of endothelial CD31, and decreased vimentin content. Compared to TGF-β and RLX co-culture alone, TGF-β + RLX + Notch inhibitor increased cell mobility and the EndMT, but decreased the levels of Notch-1, HES-1, and Jagged-1 proteins. CONCLUSION RLX may inhibit the cardiac fibrosis via EndMT by Notch-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - X Chen
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - J J Cai
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - L Z Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wenzhou Central Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Y S Gong
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - L X Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Z Gao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - H Q Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - W J Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - H Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China
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Feugang JM, Greene JM, Sanchez-Rodríguez HL, Stokes JV, Crenshaw MA, Willard ST, Ryan PL. Profiling of relaxin and its receptor proteins in boar reproductive tissues and spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:46. [PMID: 25990010 PMCID: PMC4445784 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin levels in seminal plasma have been associated with positive effects on sperm motility and quality, and thus having potential roles in male fertility. However, the origin of seminal relaxin, within the male reproductive tract, and the moment of its release in the vicinity of spermatozoa remain unclear. Here, we assessed the longitudinal distribution of relaxin and its receptors RXFP1 and RXFP2 in the reproductive tract, sex accessory glands, and spermatozoa of adult boars. METHODS Spermatozoa were harvested from three fertile boars and reproductive tract (testes and epididymis) and sex accessory gland (prostate and seminal vesicles) tissues were collected post-mortem from each boar. Epididymis ducts were sectioned into caput, corpus, and cauda regions, and spermatozoa were mechanically collected. All samples were subjected to immunofluorescence and/or western immunoblotting for relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP2 detection. Immunolabeled-spermatozoa were submitted to flow cytometry analyses and data were statistically analyzed with ANOVA. RESULTS Both receptors were detected in all tissues, with a predominance of mature and immature isoforms of RXFP1 and RXFP2, respectively. Relaxin signals were found in the testes, with Leydig cells displaying the highest intensity compared to other testicular cells. The testicular immunofluorescence intensity of relaxin was greater than that of other tissues. Epithelial basal cells exhibited the highest relaxin immunofluorescence intensity within the epididymis and the vas deferens. The luminal immunoreactivity to relaxin was detected in the seminiferous tubule, epididymis, and vas deferens ducts. Epididymal and ejaculated spermatozoa were immunopositive to relaxin, RXFP1, and RXFP2, and epididymal corpus-derived spermatozoa had the highest immunoreactivities across epididymal sections. Both vas deferens-collected and ejaculated spermatozoa displayed comparable, but lowest immunofluorescence signals among groups. The entire sperm length was immunopositive to both relaxin and receptors, with relaxin signal being robust in the acrosome area and RXFP2, homogeneously distributed than RXFP1 on the head of ejaculated spermatozoa. CONCLUSIONS Immunolocalization indicates that relaxin-receptor complexes may have important roles in boar reproduction and that spermatozoa are already exposed to relaxin upon their production. The findings suggest autocrine and/or paracrine actions of relaxin on spermatozoa, either before or after ejaculation, which have possible roles on the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Robert P. Hanson Biomedical Sciences Laboratories, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| | - Hector L Sanchez-Rodríguez
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, Mayaguez Campus, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
| | - John V Stokes
- Department of Basic Sciences, Flow Cytometry facility core, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Mark A Crenshaw
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA.
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Gur S, Sikka SC. The characterization, current medications, and promising therapeutics targets for premature ejaculation. Andrology 2015; 3:424-42. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Gur
- Department of Pharmacology; School of Pharmacy; Ankara University; Ankara Turkey
- Department of Urology; Tulane University Health Sciences Center; New Orleans LA USA
| | - S. C. Sikka
- Department of Urology; Tulane University Health Sciences Center; New Orleans LA USA
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Feugang JM, Rodríguez-Muñoz JC, Dillard DS, Crenshaw MA, Willard ST, Ryan PL. Beneficial effects of relaxin on motility characteristics of stored boar spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:24. [PMID: 25880070 PMCID: PMC4393568 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin is detected in seminal plasma of many species and its association with sperm motility may be beneficial in some aspects of assisted reproduction. Here, we immunolocalized relaxin receptors and investigated the effects of exogenous relaxin on motility characteristics, viability, and cAMP content of boar spermatozoa after storage. METHODS Commercial doses of boar semen were obtained on the collection day (Day 0) and kept in shipping containers at room temperature for up to 4 days (Day 4). On Day 0, spermatozoa were fixed for immunofluorescence detection of relaxin receptors RXFP1 and RXFP2 (Experiment 1). Semen aliquots were taken from the same dose at Day 0, Day 1, and Day 2 (Experiment 2a), and Day 2 and Day 4 (Experiment 2b) for analyses. Alive spermatozoa were purified and incubated (1 h-37°C) with 0, 50, or 100 ng relaxin/ml (Experiment 2a) and 0, 100, or 500 ng relaxin/ml (Experiment 2b). Afterward, aliquots of each treatment group were subjected to motility (Experiments 2), viability (Experiment 3) analyses, and cAMP quantification (Experiment 4). Data (3-4 independent replicates) were statistically analyzed (ANOVA followed by pairwise comparisons) and p values less or equal to 0.05 was set for significant difference. RESULTS Both RXFP1 and RXFP2 receptors were immunolocalized on the entire spermatozoon. Relaxin concentration of 100 ng/ml significantly improved the proportions of motile, progressive, and rapid spermatozoa up to Day 2. Only 500 ng relaxin/ml provided beneficial effects on Day 4. The viability of spermatozoa was not affected by relaxin (100 ng/ml) during storage, but the extent of mitochondria membrane damages was significantly decreased. Furthermore, relaxin did not affect the cAMP contents of spermatozoa during storage, in our conditions. CONCLUSIONS Relaxin could be a valuable motility booster of stored- or aged-spermatozoa for assisted reproduction techniques. However, the related-intracellular signaling cascades of relaxin in boar spermatozoa remain undetermined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Juan C Rodríguez-Muñoz
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Darby S Dillard
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Mark A Crenshaw
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Scott T Willard
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Facility for Organismal and Cellular Imaging (FOCI), Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA.
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Dschietzig TB. Recombinant human relaxin-2: (how) can a pregnancy hormone save lives in acute heart failure? Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2014; 14:343-55. [PMID: 24934696 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-014-0078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute heart failure (AHF) syndrome, characterized by pulmonary and/or venous congestion owing to increased cardiac filling pressures with or without diminished cardiac output, is still associated with high post-discharge mortality and hospitalization rates. Many novel and promising therapeutic approaches, among them endothelin-1, vasopressin and adenosine antagonists, calcium sensitization, and recombinant B-type natriuretic hormone, have failed in large studies. Likewise, the classic drugs, vasodilators, diuretics, and inotropes, have never been shown to lower mortality.The phase III trial RELAX-AHF tested recombinant human relaxin-2 (rhRlx) and found it to improve clinical symptoms moderately, to be neutral regarding the combination of death and hospitalization at day 60, to be safe, and to lower mortality at day 180. This review focuses on basic research and pre-clinical findings that may account for the benefit of rhRlx in AHF. The drug combines short-term hemodynamic advantages, such as moderate blood pressure decline and functional endothelin-1 antagonism, with a wealth of protective effects harboring long-term benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-oxidative actions. These pleiotropic effects are exerted through a complex and intricate signaling cascade involving the relaxin-family peptide receptor-1, the glucocorticoid receptor, nitric oxide, and a cell type-dependent variety of kinases and transcription factors.
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Samuel CS, Bodaragama H, Chew JY, Widdop RE, Royce SG, Hewitson TD. Serelaxin Is a More Efficacious Antifibrotic Than Enalapril in an Experimental Model of Heart Disease. Hypertension 2014; 64:315-22. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S. Samuel
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
| | - Hasangika Bodaragama
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
| | - Jacqueline Y. Chew
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
| | - Robert E. Widdop
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
| | - Simon G. Royce
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
| | - Tim D. Hewitson
- From the Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.S.S., H.B., J.Y.C., R.E.W., S.G.R.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health (C.S.S.) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (C.S.S.), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (T.D.H.); and Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital,
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Upregulation of relaxin after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage in rabbits. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:836397. [PMID: 25133183 PMCID: PMC4123578 DOI: 10.1155/2014/836397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although relaxin causes vasodilatation in systemic arteries, little is known about its role in cerebral arteries. We investigated the expression and role of relaxin in basilar arteries after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rabbits. METHODS Microarray analysis with rabbit basilar artery RNA was performed. Messenger RNA expression of relaxin-1 and relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) was investigated with quantitative RT-PCR. RXFP1 expression in the basilar artery was investigated with immunohistochemistry. Relaxin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were investigated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using human brain vascular smooth muscle cells (HBVSMC) preincubated with relaxin, myosin light chain phosphorylation (MLC) was investigated with immunoblotting after endothelin-1 stimulation. RESULTS After SAH, RXFP1 mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated on day 3, whereas relaxin-1 mRNA was significantly upregulated on day 7. The relaxin concentration in CSF was significantly elevated on days 5 and 7. Pretreatment with relaxin reduced sustained MLC phosphorylation induced by endothelin-1 in HBVSMC. CONCLUSION Upregulation of relaxin and downregulation of RXFP1 after SAH may participate in development of cerebral vasospasm. Downregulation of RXFP1 may induce a functional decrease in relaxin activity during vasospasm. Understanding the role of relaxin may provide further insight into the mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm.
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Rastrelli G, Corona G, Lotti F, Boddi V, Mannucci E, Maggi M. Relationship of Testis Size and LH Levels with Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Older Men with Sexual Dysfunction. J Sex Med 2013; 10:2761-73. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Early animal and clinical studies have provided some evidence to support an inhibitory effect of relaxin on preterm birth for women in preterm labour. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of relaxin for women in preterm labour on preterm birth and associated maternal and neonatal/infant health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 June 2013), and the reference lists of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of relaxin compared with no treatment, a placebo, or an alternative tocolytic, for preventing preterm birth for women in preterm labour. Primary review outcomes included birth within 28 hours of treatment, birth within seven days of treatment, perinatal mortality, and a serious neonatal adverse outcome composite. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. MAIN RESULTS We included three quasi-randomised controlled trials, with a total of 149 women and their babies. All three trials were at a high risk of bias. When comparing women receiving relaxin with those who did not receive relaxin, there was a significant reduction in birth within seven days of treatment in one trial of 30 women (risk ratio (RR) 0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.87), yet no significant difference was seen for perinatal mortality in this trial (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.32 to 2.15). The second and third included trials did not report on any of the primary outcomes pre-specified in the review, including birth within 48 hours of treatment, birth within seven days of treatment, perinatal mortality, and serious neonatal adverse outcomes.One trial found a significant increase in pregnancy prolongation for women receiving relaxin (RR 8.00, 95% CI 1.14 to 56.33; 30 women). None of the three included trials found significant differences in the outcomes of fetal death, neonatal death, birthweight or preterm birth, and no trial reported on longer-term outcomes for the babies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is limited randomised controlled trial evidence available on the effect of relaxin during pregnancy for preventing preterm birth for women in preterm labour. Evidence from one quasi-randomised trial suggested a reduction in birth within seven days of treatment for women receiving relaxin, compared with women in a control group, however this trial was at a high risk of bias and included only 30 women. There is thus insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of relaxin in women in preterm labour for preventing preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Bain
- ARCH: Australian Research Centre for Health of Women and Babies, The Robinson Institute, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 5006
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Choi IK, Strauss R, Richter M, Yun CO, Lieber A. Strategies to increase drug penetration in solid tumors. Front Oncol 2013; 3:193. [PMID: 23898462 PMCID: PMC3724174 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2013.00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant improvement in modalities for treatment of cancer that led to a longer survival period, the death rate of patients with solid tumors has not changed during the last decades. Emerging studies have identified several physical barriers that limit the therapeutic efficacy of cancer therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapeutic agents, anti-tumor immune cells, and gene therapeutics. Most solid tumors are of epithelial origin and, although malignant cells are de-differentiated, they maintain intercellular junctions, a key feature of epithelial cells, both in the primary tumor as well as in metastatic lesions. Furthermore, nests of malignant epithelial tumor cells are shielded by layers of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin) whereby tumor vasculature rarely penetrates into the tumor nests. In this chapter, we will review potential strategies to modulate the ECM and epithelial junctions to enhance the intratumoral diffusion and/or to remove physical masking of target receptors on malignant cells. We will focus on peptides that bind to the junction protein desmoglein 2 and trigger intracellular signaling, resulting in the transient opening of intercellular junctions. Intravenous injection of these junction openers increased the efficacy and safety of therapies with monoclonal antibodies, chemotherapeutics, and T cells in mouse tumor models and was safe in non-human primates. Furthermore, we will summarize approaches to transiently degrade ECM proteins or downregulate their expression. Among these approaches is the intratumoral expression of relaxin or decorin after adenovirus- or stem cell-mediated gene transfer. We will provide examples that relaxin-based approaches increase the anti-tumor efficacy of oncolytic viruses, monoclonal antibodies, and T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il-Kyu Choi
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University , Seoul , South Korea
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Sasser JM. The emerging role of relaxin as a novel therapeutic pathway in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R559-65. [PMID: 23883673 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00528.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports a potential therapeutic role of relaxin in fibrotic diseases, including chronic kidney disease. Relaxin is a pleiotropic hormone, best characterized for its role in the reproductive system; however, recent studies have demonstrated a role of relaxin in the cardiorenal system. Both relaxin and its receptor, RXFP1, are expressed in the kidney, and relaxin has been shown to play a role in renal vasodilation, in sodium excretion, and as an antifibrotic agent. Together, these findings suggest that the kidney is a target organ of relaxin. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to describe the functional and structural impacts of relaxin treatment on the kidney and to discuss evidence that relaxin prevents disease progression in several experimental models of kidney disease. In addition, this review will present potential mechanisms that are involved in the therapeutic actions of relaxin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Sasser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Sassoli C, Chellini F, Pini A, Tani A, Nistri S, Nosi D, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Bani D, Formigli L. Relaxin prevents cardiac fibroblast-myofibroblast transition via notch-1-mediated inhibition of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63896. [PMID: 23704950 PMCID: PMC3660557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone relaxin (RLX) is produced by the heart and has beneficial actions on the cardiovascular system. We previously demonstrated that RLX stimulates mouse neonatal cardiomyocyte growth, suggesting its involvement in endogenous mechanisms of myocardial histogenesis and regeneration. In the present study, we extended the experimentation by evaluating the effects of RLX on primary cultures of neonatal cardiac stromal cells. RLX inhibited TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transition, as judged by its ability to down-regulate α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen expression. We also found that the hormone up-regulated metalloprotease (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression and downregulated the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-2 in TGF-β1-stimulated cells. Interestingly, the effects of RLX on cardiac fibroblasts involved the activation of Notch-1 pathway. Indeed, Notch-1 expression was significantly decreased in TGF-β1-stimulatedfibroblasts as compared to the unstimulated controls; this reduction was prevented by the addition of RLX to TGF-β1-stimulated cells. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of endogenous Notch-1 signaling by N-3,5-difluorophenyl acetyl-L-alanyl-2-phenylglycine-1,1-dimethylethyl ester (DAPT), a γ-secretase specific inhibitor, as well as the silencing of Notch-1 ligand, Jagged-1, potentiated TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and abrogated the inhibitory effects of RLX. Interestingly, RLX and Notch-1 exerted their inhibitory effects by interfering with TGF-β1 signaling, since the addition of RLX to TGF-β1-stimulated cells caused a significant decrease in Smad3 phosphorylation, a typical downstream event of TGF-β1 receptor activation, while the treatment with a prevented this effect. These data suggest that Notch signaling can down-regulate TGF-β1/Smad3-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transition and that RLX could exert its well known anti-fibrotic action through the up-regulation of this pathway. In conclusion, the results of the present study beside supporting the role of RLX in the field of cardiac fibrosis, provide novel experimental evidence on the molecular mechanisms underlying its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Sassoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Flaminia Chellini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Tani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Nistri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Nosi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Zecchi-Orlandini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Formigli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Cernaro V, Lacquaniti A, Lupica R, Buemi A, Trimboli D, Giorgianni G, Bolignano D, Buemi M. Relaxin: new pathophysiological aspects and pharmacological perspectives for an old protein. Med Res Rev 2013; 34:77-105. [PMID: 23401142 DOI: 10.1002/med.21277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human relaxin-2 (hereafter simply defined as "relaxin") is a 6-kDa peptidic hormone best known for the physiological role played during pregnancy in the growth and differentiation of the reproductive tract and in the renal and systemic hemodynamic changes. This factor can also be involved in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension and heart failure, in the molecular pathways of fibrosis and cancer, and in angiogenesis and bone remodeling. It belongs to the relaxin peptide family, whose members comprehensively exert numerous effects through interaction with different types of receptors, classified as relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors (RXFP1, RXFP2, RXFP3, RXFP4). Research looks toward the in-depth examination and complete understanding of relaxin in its various pleiotropic actions. The intent is to evaluate the likelihood of employing this substance for therapeutic purposes, for instance in diseases where a deficit could be part of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, also avoiding any adverse effect. Relaxin is already being considered as a promising drug, especially in acute heart failure. A careful study of the different RXFPs and their receptors and the comprehension of all biological activities of these hormones will probably provide new drugs with a potential wide range of therapeutic applications in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Cernaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98100, Italy
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Xiao J, Huang Z, Chen CZ, Agoulnik IU, Southall N, Hu X, Jones RE, Ferrer M, Zheng W, Agoulnik AI, Marugan JJ. Identification and optimization of small-molecule agonists of the human relaxin hormone receptor RXFP1. Nat Commun 2013; 4:1953. [PMID: 23764525 PMCID: PMC4915074 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The anti-fibrotic, vasodilatory and pro-angiogenic therapeutic properties of recombinant relaxin peptide hormone have been investigated in several diseases, and recent clinical trial data has shown benefit in treating acute heart failure. However, the remodelling capacity of these peptide hormones is difficult to study in chronic settings because of their short half-life and the need for intravenous administration. Here we present the first small-molecule series of human relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 agonists. These molecules display similar efficacy as the natural hormone in several functional assays. Mutagenesis studies indicate that the small molecules activate relaxin receptor through an allosteric site. These compounds have excellent physical and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties to support further investigation of relaxin biology and animal efficacy studies of the therapeutic benefits of relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Xiao
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, Discovery Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, USA
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Baccari MC, Traini C, Garella R, Cipriani G, Vannucchi MG. Relaxin exerts two opposite effects on mechanical activity and nitric oxide synthase expression in the mouse colon. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 303:E1142-50. [PMID: 22932783 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00260.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hormone relaxin exerts a variety of functions on the smooth muscle of reproductive and nonreproductive organs, most of which occur through a nitric oxide (NO)-mediated mechanism. In the stomach and ileum, relaxin causes muscle relaxation by modulating the activity and expression of different nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms region-dependently. Nothing is known on the effects of relaxin in the colon, the gut region expressing the highest number of neuronal (n) NOSβ-immunoreactive neurons and mainly involved in motor symptoms of pregnancy and menstrual cycle. Therefore, we studied the effects of relaxin exposure in the mouse proximal colon in vitro evaluating muscle mechanical activity and NOS isoform expression. The functional experiments showed that relaxin decreases muscle tone and increases amplitude of spontaneous contractions; the immunohistochemical results showed that relaxin increases nNOSβ and endothelial (e) NOS expression in the neurons and decreases nNOSα and eNOS expression in the smooth muscle cells (SMC). We hypothesized that, in the colon, relaxin primarily increases the activity and expression of nNOSβ and eNOS in the neurons, causing a reduction of the muscle tone. The downregulation of nNOSα and eNOS expression in the SMC associated with increased muscle contractility could be the consequence of continuous exposue of these cells to the NO of neuronal origin. These findings may help to better understand the physiology of NO in the gastrointestinal tract and the role that the "relaxin-NO" system plays in motor disorders such as functional bowel disease.
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MESH Headings
- Anesthetics, Local/pharmacology
- Animals
- Colon/blood supply
- Colon/cytology
- Colon/innervation
- Colon/metabolism
- Colon, Ascending/cytology
- Colon, Ascending/drug effects
- Colon, Ascending/innervation
- Colon, Ascending/metabolism
- Colon, Transverse/cytology
- Colon, Transverse/drug effects
- Colon, Transverse/innervation
- Colon, Transverse/metabolism
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Female
- Guanylate Cyclase/antagonists & inhibitors
- In Vitro Techniques
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/cytology
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/drug effects
- Interstitial Cells of Cajal/metabolism
- Mechanical Phenomena
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/blood supply
- Muscle, Smooth/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/drug effects
- Neurons/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Donors/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I/metabolism
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism
- Osmolar Concentration
- Relaxin/metabolism
- Submucous Plexus/cytology
- Submucous Plexus/drug effects
- Submucous Plexus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Baccari
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Hsu K, Crowther CA, Heatley E. Relaxin for preventing preterm birth in threatened preterm labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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41
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Human relaxin-2: historical perspectives and role in cancer biology. Amino Acids 2012; 43:1131-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-012-1375-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Nascimento AR, Pimenta MT, Lucas TFG, Royer C, Porto CS, Lazari MFM. Intracellular signaling pathways involved in the relaxin-induced proliferation of rat Sertoli cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 691:283-91. [PMID: 22819701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of Sertoli cell number is a key event to determine normal spermatogenesis. We have previously shown that relaxin and its G-protein coupled receptor RXFP1 are expressed in rat Sertoli cells, and that relaxin stimulates Sertoli cell proliferation. This study examined the mechanisms underlying the mitogenic effect of relaxin in a primary culture of Sertoli cells removed from testes of immature rats. Stimulation with exogenous relaxin increased Sertoli cell number and the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), but did not affect the mRNA level of the differentiation markers cadherins 1 and 2. Relaxin-induced Sertoli cell proliferation was blocked by inhibition of MEK/ERK1/2 or PI3K/AKT pathways, but not by inhibition of PKC or EGFR activity. Relaxin induced a rapid and transient activation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was MEK and SRC-dependent, and involved upstream activation of G(i). AKT activation could be detected 5 min after relaxin stimulation, and was still detected after 24h of stimulation with relaxin. Relaxin-induced AKT phosphorylation was G(i)- but not PKA-dependent, and it was blocked by both PI3K and MEK inhibitors. In conclusion, the mitogenic effect of relaxin in Sertoli cell involves coupling to G(i) and activation of both MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Rosa Nascimento
- Section of Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Hossain MA, Wade JD, Bathgate RAD. Chimeric relaxin peptides highlight the role of the A-chain in the function of H2 relaxin. Peptides 2012; 35:102-6. [PMID: 22414484 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human gene-2 (H2) relaxin is a member of the insulin-relaxin peptide superfamily. Because of the potential clinical applications of H2 relaxin, there is a need for novel analogs that have improved biological activity and receptor specificity. In this respect, we have chemically assembled chimeric peptides consisting of the B-chain of H2 relaxin in combination with A-chains from other insulin/relaxin family members. The peptides were prepared using solid phase peptide synthesis together with regioselective disulfide bond formation and characterized by RP-HPLC, MALDI-TOF MS and amino acid analysis. Their in vitro activity was assessed in RXFP1 or RXFP2 expressing cells. Replacement of the H2 relaxin A-chain resulted in parallel losses of binding affinity and activity on RXFP1. Not surprisingly H1A-H2B demonstrated the highest activity as the H1 A-chain shares high homology with H2 relaxin whereas INSLA-H2B, which shows low homology, had very poor activity. Importantly A-chain replacements had a dramatic effect on RXFP2 activity similar to previous results demonstrating different modes of activation of A-chain variants on RXFP1 and RXFP2. H3A-H2B is particularly interesting as it displays moderate activity at RXFP1 but poor activity at RXFP2 indicating that it may be a template for specific RXFP1 agonist development. Our study confirms that the activity of H2 relaxin at both RXFP1 and RXFP2 relies on interactions with both the B- and A-chains, and also provide new biochemical insights into the mechanism of relaxin action that the A-chain needs to be in native or near-native form for strong RXFP1 or RXFP2 agonist activity.
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Arroyo JI, Hoffmann FG, Opazo JC. Gene Duplication and Positive Selection Explains Unusual Physiological Roles of the Relaxin Gene in the European Rabbit. J Mol Evol 2012; 74:52-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-012-9487-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lee WJ, Kim YO, Choi IK, Rah DK, Yun CO. Adenovirus-relaxin gene therapy for keloids: implication for reversing pathological fibrosis. Br J Dermatol 2012; 165:673-7. [PMID: 21623756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Keloids or hypertrophic scars are pathological proliferations of the dermal skin layer resulting from excessive collagen deposition. Because the hormone relaxin (RLX) inhibits collagen synthesis and expression in stimulated fibroblasts, an adenovirus expressing RLX (dE1-RGD/lacZ/RLX) was generated. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect of RLX-expressing adenovirus on expression of various extracellular matrix (ECM) components in primary keloid spheroids. METHODS The expression levels of type I and III collagen, fibronectin and elastin were investigated by immunohistochemistry in primary keloid spheroids transduced with the RLX-expressing adenovirus. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of major ECM components (e.g. type I and III collagen, elastin and fibronectin) was markedly reduced in primary keloid spheroids transduced with dE1-RGD/lacZ/RLX. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the antifibrotic effect of RLX-expressing adenovirus may have therapeutic effects on keloids by reversing pathological fibrosis and preventing keloid recurrence after surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- W J Lee
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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46
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Lee WJ, Yun CO, Yun IS, Kim YO, Choi IK, Yun TJ, Rah DK. Augmentation of rat skin flap viability by relaxin-expressing adenovirus. Wound Repair Regen 2011; 19:709-17. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2011.00733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2010] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Won Jai Lee
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Yonsei University; Seoul; Korea
| | | | - In Sik Yun
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Yonsei University; Seoul; Korea
| | - Yong-Oock Kim
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Yonsei University; Seoul; Korea
| | | | | | - Dong Kyun Rah
- Institute for Human Tissue Restoration; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Yonsei University; Seoul; Korea
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Samuel CS, Cendrawan S, Gao XM, Ming Z, Zhao C, Kiriazis H, Xu Q, Tregear GW, Bathgate RAD, Du XJ. Relaxin remodels fibrotic healing following myocardial infarction. J Transl Med 2011; 91:675-90. [PMID: 21221074 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In the setting of myocardial infarction (MI), implanted stem cell viability is low and scar formation limits stem cell homing, viability, and integration. Thus, interventions that favorably remodel fibrotic healing may benefit stem cell therapies. However, it remains unclear whether it is feasible and safe to remodel fibrotic healing post-MI without compromising ventricular remodeling and dysfunction. This study, therefore, determined the anti-fibrotic and other effects of the hormone, relaxin in a mouse model of MI. Adult male mice underwent left coronary artery ligation-induced MI and were immediately treated with recombinant human relaxin (MI+RLX) or vehicle (MI+VEH) over 7 or 30 days, representing time points of early and mature fibrotic healing. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and catheterization, while comprehensive immunohistochemistry, morphometry, and western blotting were performed to explore the relaxin-induced mechanisms of action post-MI. RLX significantly inhibited the MI-induced progression of cardiac fibrosis over 7 and 30 days, which was associated with a reduction in TGF-β1 expression, myofibroblast differentiation, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in addition to a promotion of matrix metalloproteinase-13 levels and de novo blood vessel growth (all P<0.05 vs respective measurements from MI+VEH mice). Despite the evident fibrotic healing post-MI, relaxin did not adversely affect the incidence of ventricular free-wall rupture or the extent of LV remodeling and dysfunction. These combined findings demonstrate that RLX favorably remodels the process of fibrotic healing post-infarction by lowering the density of mature scar tissue in the infarcted myocardium, border zone, and non-infarcted myocardium, and may, therefore, facilitate cell-based therapies in the setting of ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrishan S Samuel
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Vannucchi MG, Garella R, Cipriani G, Baccari MC. Relaxin counteracts the altered gastric motility of dystrophic (mdx) mice: functional and immunohistochemical evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 300:E380-91. [PMID: 21081707 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00375.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Impaired gastric motility ascribable to a defective nitric oxide (NO) production has been reported in dystrophic (mdx) mice. Since relaxin upregulates NO biosynthesis, its effects on the motor responses and NO synthase (NOS) expression in the gastric fundus of mdx mice were investigated. Mechanical responses of gastric strips were recorded via force displacement transducers. Evaluation of the three NOS isoforms was performed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Wild-type (WT) and mdx mice were distributed into three groups: untreated, relaxin pretreated, and vehicle pretreated. In strips from both untreated and vehicle-pretreated animals, electrical field stimulation (EFS) elicited contractile responses that were greater in mdx than in WT mice. In carbachol-precontracted strips, EFS induced fast relaxant responses that had a lower amplitude in mdx than in WT mice. Only in the mdx mice did relaxin depress the amplitude of the neurally induced excitatory responses and increase that of the inhibitory ones. In the presence of L-NNA, relaxin was ineffective. In relaxin-pretreated mdx mice, the amplitude of the EFS-induced contractile responses was decreased and that of the fast relaxant ones was increased compared with untreated mdx animals. Responses to methacholine or papaverine did not differ among preparations and were not influenced by relaxin. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed a significant decrease in neuronal NOS expression and content in mdx compared with WT mice, which was recovered in the relaxin-pretreated mdx mice. The results suggest that relaxin is able to counteract the altered contractile and relaxant responses in the gastric fundus of mdx mice by upregulating nNOS expression.
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Hossain MA, Chow Suet Man B, Zhao C, Xu Q, Du XJ, Wade JD, Samuel CS. H3 Relaxin Demonstrates Antifibrotic Properties via the RXFP1 Receptor. Biochemistry 2011; 50:1368-75. [DOI: 10.1021/bi1013968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qi Xu
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, St. Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Victoria 8008, Australia
| | - Xiao-Jun Du
- Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, St. Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Victoria 8008, Australia
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50
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Feugang JM, Greene JM, Willard ST, Ryan PL. In vitro effects of relaxin on gene expression in porcine cumulus-oocyte complexes and developing embryos. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:15. [PMID: 21272344 PMCID: PMC3045296 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relaxin hormone peptide is found in porcine follicular and utero-tubal fluids, but its possible actions during early embryo development are still undetermined. Here, we investigated the effects of porcine relaxin during oocyte maturation and embryo development, and gene expression in the pig. METHODS Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were obtained from ovarian follicles of sows. In experiment 1, COCs were matured in the presence of 0, 20, or 40 ng relaxin/ml, or 10% (v/v) porcine follicular fluid. In experiment 2, COCs were in vitro matured, fertilized and resulting embryos were cultured in the presence of 0, 20, or 40 ng relaxin/ml. In experiment 3, COCs were matured in the presence of 40 ng relaxin/ml, fertilized and zygotes were cultured as indicated in experiment 2. We evaluated the proportions of matured oocytes in experiment 1, cleaved and blastocysts on Day 2 and Day 7 post insemination in all experiments. The total cell number of blastocysts was also evaluated. In parallel, transcription levels of both relaxin and its receptors (RXFP1 and RXFP2), as well as a pro- (Bax) and anti- (Bcl2-like 1) apoptotic-related genes were determined. All data were analyzed by ANOVA and significant differences were fixed for P < 0.05. RESULTS In experiment 1, relaxin significantly increased the proportions of matured oocytes and cleaved embryos, as well as the expression level of RXFP2 mRNA compared to RXFP1 (P < 0.05). There was no effect on endogenous expression of relaxin and Bcl2-like1/Bax ratios. In all experiments, relaxin did not affect the proportions of blastocysts, but did significantly increase their total cell numbers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no effect of relaxin was observed on Bcl2-like1/Bax expression ratios, which were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Exogenous relaxin influences its own receptors expression, improves oocyte nuclear maturation. Its beneficial effect on total cell number of blastocysts appears to be through a Bcl2-like1/Bax-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean M Feugang
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
| | - Jonathan M Greene
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
| | - Scott T Willard
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mississippi State University, 402 Dorman Hall, Mississippi, MS 38762, USA
| | - Peter L Ryan
- Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, 4025 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
- Department of Pathobiology & Population Medicine, Mississippi State University, 240 Wise Center Dr, Mississippi State, MS 38762, USA
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