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Ubba V, Joseph S, Awe O, Jones D, Dsilva MK, Feng M, Wang J, Fu X, Akbar RJ, Bodnar BH, Hu W, Wang H, Yang X, Yang L, Yang P, Taib B, Ahima R, Divall S, Wu S. Reproductive Profile of Neuronal Androgen Receptor Knockout Female Mice With a Low Dose of DHT. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqad199. [PMID: 38156784 PMCID: PMC10794876 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian syndrome result from the imbalance or increase of androgen levels in females. Androgen receptor (AR) mediates the effects of androgens, and this study examines whether neuronal AR plays a role in reproduction under normal and increased androgen conditions in female mice. The neuron-specific AR knockout (KO) mouse (SynARKO) was generated from a female mouse (synapsin promoter driven Cre) and a male mouse (Ar fl/y). Puberty onset and the levels of reproductive hormones such as LH, FSH, testosterone, and estradiol were comparable between the control and the SynARKO mice. There were no differences in cyclicity and fertility between the control and SynARKO mice, with similar impairment in both groups on DHT treatment. Neuronal AR KO, as in this SynARKO mouse model, did not alleviate the infertility associated with DHT treatment. These studies suggest that neuronal AR KO neither altered reproductive function under physiological androgen levels, nor restored fertility under hyperandrogenic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhave Ubba
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Serene Joseph
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Olubusayo Awe
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Dustin Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Milan K Dsilva
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Mingxiao Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21087, USA
| | - Junjiang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21087, USA
- Departments of Gastrointestinal Surgery and General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaomin Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21087, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Razeen J Akbar
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Brittany H Bodnar
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Wenhui Hu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Medical Genetics & Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Peixin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21201, USA
| | - Bouchra Taib
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Rexford Ahima
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Sara Divall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle’s Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, 98145-5005, USA
| | - Sheng Wu
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21087, USA
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Thangaraj SV, Zeng L, Pennathur S, Lea R, Sinclair KD, Bellingham M, Evans NP, Auchus R, Padmanabhan V. Developmental programming: Impact of preconceptional and gestational exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture on maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus in sheep. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 900:165674. [PMID: 37495149 PMCID: PMC10568064 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gestational exposure to environmental chemicals (ECs) is associated with adverse, sex-specific offspring health effects of global concern. As the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus can have critical effects on pregnancy outcomes and the programming of diseases in offspring, it is important to study the impact of real-life EC exposure, i.e., chronic low levels of mixtures of ECs on these milieus. Sheep exposed to biosolids, derived from human waste, is an impactful model representing the ECs humans are exposed to in real-life. Offspring of sheep grazed on biosolids-treated pasture are characterized by reproductive and metabolic disruptions. OBJECTIVE To determine if biosolids exposure disrupts the maternal steroid, cytokine and oxidative stress milieus, in a fetal sex-specific manner. METHODS Ewes were maintained before mating and through gestation on pastures fertilized with biosolids (BTP), or inorganic fertilizer (Control). From maternal plasma collected mid-gestation, 19 steroids, 14 cytokines, 6 oxidative stress markers were quantified. Unpaired t-test and ANOVA were used to test for differences between control and BTP groups (n = 15/group) and between groups based on fetal sex, respectively. Correlation between the different markers was assessed by Spearman correlation. RESULTS Concentrations of the mineralocorticoids - deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, the glucocorticoids - deoxycortisol, cortisol, cortisone, the sex steroids - androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone, 16-OH-progesterone and reactive oxygen metabolites were higher in the BTP ewes compared to Controls, while the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-17A and anti-inflammatory IL-36RA were decreased in the BTP group. BTP ewes with a female fetus had lower levels of IP-10. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that pre-conceptional and gestational exposure to ECs in biosolids increases steroids, reactive oxygen metabolites and disrupts cytokines in maternal circulation, likely contributors to the aberrant phenotypic outcomes seen in offspring of BTP sheep - a translationally relevant precocial model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S V Thangaraj
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - L Zeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S Pennathur
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - R Lea
- Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - K D Sinclair
- Schools of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, UK
| | - M Bellingham
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - N P Evans
- School of Biodiversity One Health and Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - R Auchus
- Departments of Pharmacology & Internal medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - V Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Wei M, Gao Q, Liu J, Yang Y, Yang J, Fan J, Lv S, Yang S. Development programming: Stress during gestation alters offspring development in sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1497-1511. [PMID: 37697713 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate management practices of domestic animals during pregnancy can be potential stressors, resulting in complex behavioural, physiological and neurological consequences in the developing offspring. Some of these consequences can last into adulthood or propagate to subsequent generations. We systematically summarized the results of different experimental patterns using artificially increased maternal glucocorticoid levels or prenatal maternal physiological stress paradigms, mediators between prenatal maternal stress (PMS) and programming effects in the offspring and the effects of PMS on offspring phenotypes in sheep. PMS can impair birthweight, regulate the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, modify behavioural patterns and cognitive abilities and alter gene expression and brain morphology in offspring. Further research should focus on the effects of programming on gene expression, immune function, gut microbiome, sex-specific effects and maternal behaviour of offspring, especially comparative studies of gestational periods when PMS is applied, continual studies of programming effects on offspring and treatment strategies that effectively reverse the detrimental programming effects of prenatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingji Wei
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Linyi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Linyi, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jingchang Fan
- Jiaxiang County Sheep Breeding Farm, Jiaxiang, China
| | - Shenjin Lv
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Shengmei Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Roudmajani EG, Goudarzvand M, Roodbari NH, Parivar K. Astaxanthin ameliorates the impairment consequence of prenatal bacterial lipopolysaccharide exposure in adult male offspring NMRI mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 257:113993. [PMID: 36240864 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the potential effects of astaxanthin (AST) were investigated on preventing the prenatal LPS-induced injures in mothers and adult male offspring of NMRI mice. Pregnant mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1. Saline + vehicle; 2. Saline + AST: received astaxanthin (4 mg/kg for 3 days, ip) on 11-13 gestation days; 3. LPS + vehicle (LPS-treated group): injected with LPS (20 µg/kg, sc) on gestation day 11; 4. LPS + AST: administrated LPS and astaxanthin on gestation days 11 and 11-13, respectively. In each group, maternal care behaviors and TNF-α serum levels were examined until weaning of male offspring at 23 days. At 60 days old, male pups underwent analysis of body weight and length, serum gonadotropins and testosterone hormone levels, sperm quality, gonadal and brain tissues morphologies, and the expression of SOX9 and GnRH genes by real-time PCR. Serum TNF-α level increased significantly in mothers treated with LPS, while AST reduced it. In adult male offspring, serum hormone levels, sperm quality, and the number of spermatocytes and Leydig cells in the testes improved when AST was administrated. According to histological studies of the brain, neurons in the LPS-treated group were smaller and less active, whereas neurons in the LPS + AST group were larger, more numerous, and more active. LPS significantly reduced GnRH expression, while AST induction improved its expression. AST administration during pregnancy prevented the adverse effects of prenatal exposure to LPS, presumably through its genomic and non-genomic effects, in adult male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahdi Goudarzvand
- Physiology and Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Alborz, Iran.
| | - Nasim Hayati Roodbari
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad university, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kazem Parivar
- Cell and Developmental Biology Faculty Member, Islamic Azad university Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
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Wilson EN, Mabry S, Bradshaw JL, Gardner JJ, Rybalchenko N, Engelland R, Fadeyibi O, Osikoya O, Cushen SC, Goulopoulou S, Cunningham RL. Gestational hypoxia in late pregnancy differentially programs subcortical brain maturation in male and female rat offspring. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:54. [PMID: 36175941 PMCID: PMC9524087 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00463-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia is associated with pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, placental abruption, and gestational sleep apnea. Hypoxic insults during gestation can impact the brain maturation of cortical and subcortical pathways, such as the nigrostriatal pathway. However, the long-term effects of in utero hypoxic stress exposure on brain maturation in offspring are unclear, especially exposure during late gestation. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of gestational hypoxia in late pregnancy on developmental programming of subcortical brain maturation by focusing on the nigrostriatal pathway. METHODS Timed pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia or room air normoxia from gestational day (GD) 15-19 (term 22-23 days). Male and female offspring were assessed during two critical periods: puberty from postnatal day (PND) 40-45 or young adulthood (PND 60-65). Brain maturation was quantified by examining (1) the structural development of the nigrostriatal pathway via analysis of locomotor behaviors and the substantia nigra dopaminergic neuronal cell bodies and (2) the refinement of the nigrostriatal pathway by quantifying ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). RESULTS The major findings of this study are gestational hypoxia has age- and sex-dependent effects on subcortical brain maturation in offspring by adversely impacting the refinement of the nigrostriatal pathway in the absence of any effects on the structural development of the pathway. During puberty, female offspring were impacted more than male offspring, as evidenced by decreased USV call frequency, chirp USV call duration, and simple call frequency. In contrast, male offspring were impacted more than female offspring during young adulthood, as evidenced by increased latency to first USV, decreased simple USV call intensity, and increased harmonic USV call bandwidth. No effects of gestational hypoxia on the structural development of the nigrostriatal pathway were observed. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings demonstrate hypoxic insults during pregnancy mediate developmental programming of the cortical and subcortical pathways, in which male offspring exhibit long-term adverse effects compared to female offspring. Impairment of cortical and subcortical pathways maturation, such as the nigrostriatal pathway, may increase risk for neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., mood disorders, cognitive dysfunction, brain connectivity dysfunction).
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Affiliation(s)
- E Nicole Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Steve Mabry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jessica L Bradshaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Jennifer J Gardner
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Nataliya Rybalchenko
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Rachel Engelland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oluwadarasimi Fadeyibi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Oluwatobiloba Osikoya
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Spencer C Cushen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
- Department of Basic Sciences, Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNT System College of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
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Sánchez-Garrido MA, García-Galiano D, Tena-Sempere M. Early programming of reproductive health and fertility: novel neuroendocrine mechanisms and implications in reproductive medicine. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:346-375. [PMID: 35187579 PMCID: PMC9071071 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, environmental changes taking place during early maturational periods may alter normal development and predispose to the occurrence of diverse pathologies later in life. Indeed, adverse conditions during these critical developmental windows of high plasticity have been reported to alter the offspring developmental trajectory, causing permanent functional and structural perturbations that in the long term may enhance disease susceptibility. However, while solid evidence has documented that fluctuations in environmental factors, ranging from nutrient availability to chemicals, in early developmental stages (including the peri-conceptional period) have discernible programming effects that increase vulnerability to develop metabolic perturbations, the impact and eventual mechanisms involved, of such developmental alterations on the reproductive phenotype of offspring have received less attention. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize recent advances in basic and clinical research that support the concept of DOHaD in the context of the impact of nutritional and hormonal perturbations, occurring during the periconceptional, fetal and early postnatal stages, on different aspects of reproductive function in both sexes. Special emphasis will be given to the effects of early nutritional stress on the timing of puberty and adult gonadotropic function, and to address the underlying neuroendocrine pathways, with particular attention to involvement of the Kiss1 system in these reproductive perturbations. The implications of such phenomena in terms of reproductive medicine will also be considered. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive MEDLINE search, using PubMed as main interface, of research articles and reviews, published mainly between 2006 and 2021, has been carried out. Search was implemented using multiple terms, focusing on clinical and preclinical data from DOHaD studies, addressing periconceptional, gestational and perinatal programming of reproduction. Selected studies addressing early programming of metabolic function have also been considered, when relevant. OUTCOMES A solid body of evidence, from clinical and preclinical studies, has documented the impact of nutritional and hormonal fluctuations during the periconceptional, prenatal and early postnatal periods on pubertal maturation, as well as adult gonadotropic function and fertility. Furthermore, exposure to environmental chemicals, such as bisphenol A, and maternal stress has been shown to negatively influence pubertal development and gonadotropic function in adulthood. The underlying neuroendocrine pathways and mechanisms involved have been also addressed, mainly by preclinical studies, which have identified an, as yet incomplete, array of molecular and neurohormonal effectors. These include, prominently, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and the hypothalamic Kiss1 system, which likely contribute to the generation of reproductive alterations in conditions of early nutritional and/or metabolic stress. In addition to the Kiss1 system, other major hypothalamic regulators of GnRH neurosecretion, such as γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, may be targets of developmental programming. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review addresses an underdeveloped area of reproductive biology and medicine that may help to improve our understanding of human reproductive disorders and stresses the importance, and eventual pathogenic impact, of early determinants of puberty, adult reproductive function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Sánchez-Garrido
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - David García-Galiano
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Vickers MH. Early life nutrition and neuroendocrine programming. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108921. [PMID: 34902348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the nutritional environment in early life can significantly increase the risk for obesity and a range of development of metabolic disorders in offspring in later life, effects that can be passed onto future generations. This process, termed development programming, provides the framework of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm. Early life nutritional compromise including undernutrition, overnutrition or specific macro/micronutrient deficiencies, results in a range of adverse health outcomes in offspring that can be further exacerbated by a poor postnatal nutritional environment. Although the mechanisms underlying programming remain poorly defined, a common feature across the phenotypes displayed in preclinical models is that of altered wiring of neuroendocrine circuits that regulate satiety and energy balance. As such, altered maternal nutritional exposures during critical early periods of developmental plasticity can result in aberrant hardwiring of these circuits with lasting adverse consequences for the offspring. There is also increasing evidence around the role of an altered epigenome and the gut-brain axis in mediating some of the central programming effects observed. Further, although such programming was once considered to result in a permanent change in developmental trajectory, there is evidence, at least from preclinical models, that programming can be reversed via targeted nutritional manipulations during early development. Further work is required at a mechanistic level to allow for identification for early markers of later disease risk, delineation of sex-specific effects and pathways to implementation of strategies aimed at breaking the transgenerational transmission of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Vickers
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
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Vazquez MJ, Daza-Dueñas S, Tena-Sempere M. Emerging Roles of Epigenetics in the Control of Reproductive Function: Focus on Central Neuroendocrine Mechanisms. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab152. [PMID: 34703958 PMCID: PMC8533971 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is an essential function for perpetuation of the species. As such, it is controlled by sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that allow a perfect match between environmental conditions and internal cues to ensure adequate pubertal maturation and achievement of reproductive capacity. Besides classical genetic regulatory events, mounting evidence has documented that different epigenetic mechanisms operate at different levels of the reproductive axis to finely tune the development and function of this complex neuroendocrine system along the lifespan. In this mini-review, we summarize recent evidence on the role of epigenetics in the control of reproduction, with special focus on the modulation of the central components of this axis. Particular attention will be paid to the epigenetic control of puberty and Kiss1 neurons because major developments have taken place in this domain recently. In addition, the putative role of central epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the influence of nutritional and environmental cues on reproductive function will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Vazquez
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Silvia Daza-Dueñas
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland
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9
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Evaluation of reproductive traits and the effect of nutrigenetics on bulls submitted to fetal programming. Livest Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2021.104487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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10
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Zhai QY, Wang JJ, Tian Y, Liu X, Song Z. Review of psychological stress on oocyte and early embryonic development in female mice. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:101. [PMID: 33050936 PMCID: PMC7552561 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-00657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can cause adverse health effects in animals and humans. Accumulating evidence suggests that psychological stress in female mice is associated with ovarian developmental abnormalities accompanied by follicle and oocyte defects. Oocyte and early embryonic development are impaired in mice facing psychological stress, likely resulting from hormone signalling disorders, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alterations in epigenetic modifications, which are primarily mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axes. The present evidence suggests that psychological stress is increasingly becoming the most common causative factor for female subfertility. Here, we review recent progress on the impact of psychological stress on female reproduction, particularly for oocyte and early embryonic development in female mice. This review highlights the connection between psychological stress and reproductive health and provides novel insight on human subfertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Yue Zhai
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Yu Tian
- grid.412608.90000 0000 9526 6338College of Life Sciences, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109 China
| | - Xiaofang Liu
- grid.43308.3c0000 0000 9413 3760Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, 266071 China
| | - Zhenhua Song
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
- grid.410645.20000 0001 0455 0905Qingdao Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071 China
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Ajuogu PK, Al-Aqbi MAK, Hart RA, McFarlane JR, Smart NA. A low protein maternal diet during gestation has negative effects on male fertility markers in rats - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 105:157-166. [PMID: 32654274 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Research indicates that some adult diseases including reproductive pathologies are programmed in utero during foetal development. In particular, maternal low dietary protein, during the most critical developmental periods of male foetal development, may have a detrimental impact on male fertility through direct and epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a gestational low protein diet on fertility markers in male offspring in rats through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A systematic search using PubMed, and EMBASE databases was performed and two investigators independently screened the 1,703 prospective articles. Eleven articles met the eligibility criteria. Outcome measures were pooled using random-effects models and expressed as mean differences (MDs) at 95% CIs for each study. The results reveal significant reduction in testis weight (MD (mean difference) -0.08 g; -0.12, -0.42; p = .0001), epididymal sperm count (MD -35.34 × 106 cells; -52.15, -18.53; p = .0001), number of Sertoli cells (MD -7.27 × 106 (-13.92, -0.62; p = .03), testosterone (T) concentration (MD -0.29 ng/ml; -0.48, -0.09; p = .004) and luteinising hormone (LH) concentration (MD of -0.24 ng/ml; -0.45, 0.04; p = .02) in comparison with controls. In contrast, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentration (MD of 0.07 ng/ml; -0.16, 0.29; p = .56) was not significantly different from controls. We conclude that low gestational dietary protein maternal intake potentially negatively impacts fertility in male progeny later in life. The mechanisms of action responsible for these phenomena remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Ajuogu
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammed A K Al-Aqbi
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.,College of Agriculture, Wasit University, Wasit, Iraq
| | - Robert A Hart
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - James R McFarlane
- Centre for Bioactive Discovery in Heath and Ageing, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Neil A Smart
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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12
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Genome-wide scan highlights the role of candidate genes on phenotypic plasticity for age at first calving in Nellore heifers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6481. [PMID: 32296097 PMCID: PMC7160148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63516-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Age at first calving (AFC) plays an important role in the economic efficiency of beef cattle production. This trait can be affected by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, leading to physiological changes in response to heifers’ adaptation to a wide range of environments. Genome-wide association studies through the reaction norm model were carried out to identify genomic regions associated with AFC in Nellore heifers, raised under different environmental conditions (EC). The SNP effects for AFC were estimated in three EC levels (Low, Medium, and High, corresponding to average contemporary group effects on yearling body weight equal to 159.40, 228.6 and 297.6 kg, respectively), which unraveled shared and unique genomic regions for AFC in Low, Medium, and High EC levels, that varied according to the genetic correlation between AFC in different EC levels. The significant genomic regions harbored key genes that might play an important biological role in controlling hormone signaling and metabolism. Shared genomic regions among EC levels were identified on BTA 2 and 14, harboring candidate genes associated with energy metabolism (IGFBP2, IGFBP5, SHOX, SMARCAL1, LYN, RPS20, MOS, PLAG1, CHCD7, and SDR16C6). Gene set enrichment analyses identified important biological functions related to growth, hormone levels affecting female fertility, physiological processes involved in female pregnancy, gamete generation, ovulation cycle, and age at puberty. The genomic regions highlighted differences in the physiological processes linked to AFC in different EC levels and metabolic processes that support complex interactions between the gonadotropic axes and sexual precocity in Nellore heifers.
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13
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Viguié C, Chaillou E, Gayrard V, Picard-Hagen N, Fowler PA. Toward a better understanding of the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds on health: Human-relevant case studies from sheep models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 505:110711. [PMID: 31954824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There are many challenges to overcome in order to properly understand both the exposure to, and effects of, endocrine disruptors (EDs). This is particularly true with respect to fetal life where ED exposures are a major issue requiring toxicokinetic studies of materno-fetal exchange and identification of pathophysiological consequences. The sheep, a large, monotocous, species, is very suitable for in utero fetal catheterization allowing a modelling approach predictive of human fetal exposure. Predicting adverse effects of EDs on human health is frequently impeded by the wide interspecies differences in the regulation of endocrine functions and their effects on biological processes. Because of its similarity to humans as regards gestational and thyroid physiologies and brain ontogeny, the sheep constitutes a highly appropriate model to move one step further on thyroid disruptor hazard assessment. As a grazing animal, the sheep has also proven to be useful in the evaluation of the consequences of chronic environmental exposure to "real-life" complex mixtures at different stages of the reproductive life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Viguié
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France.
| | - Elodie Chaillou
- PRC, INRAE Val de Loire, UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Véronique Gayrard
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicole Picard-Hagen
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, INP-Purpan, UPS, 31300, Toulouse, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
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14
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Barra R, Morgan C, Sáez-Briones P, Reyes-Parada M, Burgos H, Morales B, Hernández A. Facts and hypotheses about the programming of neuroplastic deficits by prenatal malnutrition. Nutr Rev 2020; 77:65-80. [PMID: 30445479 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in rats have shown that a decrease in either protein content or total dietary calories results in molecular, structural, and functional changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, among other brain regions, which lead to behavioral disturbances, including learning and memory deficits. The neurobiological bases underlying those effects depend at least in part on fetal programming of the developing brain, which in turn relies on epigenetic regulation of specific genes via stable and heritable modifications of chromatin. Prenatal malnutrition also leads to epigenetic programming of obesity, and obesity on its own can lead to poor cognitive performance in humans and experimental animals, complicating understanding of the factors involved in the fetal programming of neuroplasticity deficits. This review focuses on the role of epigenetic mechanisms involved in prenatal malnutrition-induced brain disturbances, which are apparent at a later postnatal age, through either a direct effect of fetal programming on brain plasticity or an indirect effect on the brain mediated by the postnatal development of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Barra
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Morgan
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Regulation, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricio Sáez-Briones
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel Reyes-Parada
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca, Chile
| | - Héctor Burgos
- Núcleo Disciplinar Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile.,Center of Innovation on Information Technologies for Social Applications (CITIAPS), University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bernardo Morales
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hernández
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Novelle MG, Diéguez C. Updating gender differences in the control of homeostatic and hedonic food intake: Implications for binge eating disorder. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 497:110508. [PMID: 31319096 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In an obesity pandemic context, eating disorders (ED) have arisen as serious illnesses associated with severe disturbances and has a clear gender dependent bias. In this manuscript, we provide an overview of the oestrogen role in the homeostatic and hedonic control of food intake. We draw attention to the role of oestrogens in the various reward processes and their possible implication in the development of ED, a condition much more common in women. In here, we have summarized the most relevant studies conducted in animal models over the last few years. In particular, we want to emphasize on the importance of continuing thorough investigations in female animal models. We believe that understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate gender differences in food intake may provide new potential targets for ED treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta G Novelle
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Carlos Diéguez
- Department of Physiology, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IDIS), CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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16
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García-Vargas D, Juárez-Rojas L, Rojas Maya S, Retana-Márquez S. Prenatal stress decreases sperm quality, mature follicles and fertility in rats. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2019; 65:223-235. [PMID: 30689429 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2019.1567870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress disrupts reproductive function in females and males. These alterations have primarily been related to maternal corticosteroid fetal programming due to the stress response, affecting the fetus and causing long-lasting effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prenatal stress on male and female fertility. Dams were exposed to stress by immersion in cold water twice a day for the last week of gestation (days 15-21). In the adulthood, sperm quality, mature follicles, sexual hormones and fertility were assessed in female and male progeny. The results in prenatally stressed females showed lower body weight, longer estrous cycles, lower estradiol and progesterone, and lower number of pups. In prenatally stressed males, lower body weight, increased testicular cell death, as well as decreased testosterone levels, sperm quality, and fertility were observed. Aside from these effects, corticosterone levels in prenatally stressed males and females increased. These results show that prenatal stress can markedly influence infertility in adult female and male progeny. Abbreviations: 3β-HSD: 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; CRH: corticotropin releasing hormone; DEX: dexamethasone; ERα: estrogen receptor alpha; H-E: hematoxylin-eosine; HPA: hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal; KISS: Kisspeptin; ORW: ovarian relative weight; PBS: phosphates; PS: prenatally stressed; PRW: prostatic relative weight; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SRW: seminal relative weight; TdT: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick-end labelling; TRW: testicular relative weight; URW: uterine relative weight.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lizbeth Juárez-Rojas
- b Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción , Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa , Mexico City , México
| | - Susana Rojas Maya
- c Departamento de Neuroendocrinología de la Conducta Reproductiva, Facultad de Veterinaria , Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , México
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- b Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción , Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa , Mexico City , México
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