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Mate NA, Wadhwa G, Taliyan R, Banerjee A. Impact of polyamine supplementation on GnRH expression, folliculogenesis, and puberty onset in young mice. Theriogenology 2024; 229:202-213. [PMID: 39217649 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.07.028] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is pivotal in regulating reproductive functions, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) acting as a central regulator. Recently, polyamines have been shown to regulate the HPG axis, including GnRH expression and ovarian biology in old and adult rodents. The present study firstly highlights the age-specific variation in the polyamine and their corresponding biosynthetic enzymes in the ovary during aging, and further, the study focuses on the effect of polyamines, putrescine, and agmatine, in young female mice. METHOD AND RESULT Immunofluorescence analysis revealed age-related differences in the expression of ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1), spermine (SPM), and spermidine (SPD) in the ovaries, with adult mice exhibiting significantly higher expression levels compared to young and old mice. Likewise, qPCR analysis showed the mRNA levels of Odc1, Spermidine synthase (Srm), and Spermine synthase (Sms) show a significant increase in adult ovaries, which is then followed by a significant decline in old age. Histological examination demonstrated morphological alterations in the ovaries with age, including decreased follicle numbers and increased stromal cells in old mice. Furthermore, treatment with putrescine, a polyamine, in young mice resulted in larger ovaries and increased follicle numbers compared to controls. Additionally, serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and progesterone (P4) were measured, showing elevated levels in polyamine-treated mice. GnRH mRNA expression also increased significantly. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of genes associated with folliculogenesis such as Fshr, Bmp15, Gdf9, Amh, Star, Hsdb3, and Plaur in the ovaries and onset of puberty such as Tac2, and Kiss1, and a decrease in Mkrn3 in the hypothalamus of polyamine-treated mice. CONCLUSION This study investigates the effect of polyamines in young immature female mice, shedding light on their role in upregulating GnRH, and enhancing folliculogenesis. Overall, these findings suggest that polyamines play a crucial role in ovarian aging and HPG axis regulation, offering potential therapeutics to reinstate fertility in reproductively challenged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Anand Mate
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa, India
| | - Geetika Wadhwa
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Rajeev Taliyan
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Campus, Pilani, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, K K Birla Goa Campus, Zuarinagar, Goa, India.
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Marino M, D’Auria R, Mele E, Pastorino GMG, Di Pietro P, D’Angelo S, Della Rocca N, Operto FF, Vecchione C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Viggiano A, Meccariello R, Santoro A. The interplay between kisspeptin and endocannabinoid systems modulates male hypothalamic and gonadic control of reproduction in vivo. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269334. [PMID: 37900144 PMCID: PMC10602894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male reproduction is under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the kisspeptin system (KS) are two major signaling systems in the central and peripheral control of reproduction, but their possible interaction has been poorly investigated in mammals. This manuscript analyzes their possible reciprocal modulation in the control of the HPG axis. Materials and methods Adolescent male rats were treated with kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) and endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the latter alone or in combination with the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The hypothalamic KS system and GnRH expression, circulating sex steroids and kisspeptin (Kiss1) levels, and intratesticular KS and ECS were evaluated by immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Non-coding RNAs (i.e., miR145-5p, miR-132-3p, let7a-5p, let7b-5p) were also considered. Results Circulating hormonal values were not significantly affected by Kp10 or AEA; in the hypothalamus, Kp10 significantly increased GnRH mRNA and aromatase Cyp19, Kiss1, and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) proteins. By contrast, AEA treatment affected the hypothalamic KS at the protein levels, with opposite effects on the ligand and receptor, and SR141716A was capable of attenuating the AEA effects. Among the considered non-coding RNA, only the expression of miR145-5p was positively affected by AEA but not by Kp10 treatment. Localization of Kiss1+/Kiss1R+ neurons in the arcuate nucleus revealed an increase of Kiss1R-expressing neurons in Kp10- and AEA-treated animals associated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles in Kp10-treated animals. In the brain and testis, the selected non-coding RNA was differently modulated by Kp10 or AEA. Lastly, in the testis, AEA treatment affected the KS at the protein levels, whereas Kp10 affected the intragonadal levels of CB1 and FAAH, the main modulator of the AEA tone. Changes in pubertal transition-related miRNAs and the intratesticular distribution of Kiss1, Kiss1R, CB1, and CB2 following KP and AEA treatment corroborate the KS-ECS crosstalk also showing that the CB1 receptor is involved in this interplay. Conclusion For the first time in mammals, we report the modulation of the KS in both the hypothalamus and testis by AEA and revealed the KP-dependent modulation of CB1 and FAAH in the testis. KP involvement in the progression of spermatogenesis is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Elena Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa (U.O.C.) Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Giovanni di Dio Ruggi d’Aragona, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vecchione
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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Santos LC, Dos Anjos Cordeiro JM, da Silva Santana L, Barbosa EM, Santos BR, Mendonça LD, Cunha MCDSG, Machado WM, Santana LR, Kersul MG, Henriques PC, Lopes RA, Snoeck PPDN, Szawka RE, Silva JF. Kisspeptin treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16819. [PMID: 37798396 PMCID: PMC10556046 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We evaluated whether the administration of kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) is capable of restoring gonadal function in hypothyroid male rats. Hypothyroidism was induced with 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) for three months. In the last month, half of the hypothyroid animals were treated with Kp10. Hypothyroidism reduced testicular and sex gland mass, decreased the proliferation of the seminiferous epithelium, and compromised sperm morphology, motility, and vigor. A decrease in plasma LH and testosterone levels and an increase in prolactin secretion were observed in the hypothyroid rats. Hypothyroidism reduced Kiss1 and Kiss1r protein and gene expression and Star and Cyp11a1 mRNA levels in the testis. Furthermore, it reduced Lhb, Prl, and Drd2 and increased Tshb and Gnrhr expression in the pituitary. In the hypothalamus, hypothyroidism increased Pdyn and Kiss1r while reducing Gnrh1. Kp10 treatment in hypothyroid rats restored testicular and seminal vesicle morphology, improved sperm morphology and motility, reversed high prolactin levels, and increased LH and testosterone levels. In addition, Kp10 increased testicular expression of Kiss1, Kiss1r, Fshr, and Nr5a1 and pituitary Kiss1 expression. Our findings describe the inhibitory effects of hypothyroidism on the male gonadal axis and sperm quality and demonstrate that Kp10 treatment reverses high prolactin levels and improves gonadal function and sperm quality in hypothyroid rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Cardoso Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Jeane Martinha Dos Anjos Cordeiro
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa da Silva Santana
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Erikles Macêdo Barbosa
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Reis Santos
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Letícia Dias Mendonça
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara da Silva Galrão Cunha
- Centro de Microscopia Eletronica, Departamento de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - William Morais Machado
- Laboratorio de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa Rodrigues Santana
- Laboratorio de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Maíra Guimarães Kersul
- Laboratorio de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Costa Henriques
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologia e Metabolismo, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Roberta Araújo Lopes
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologia e Metabolismo, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Paola Pereira das Neves Snoeck
- Laboratorio de Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Ciencias Agrarias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Campus Soane Nazare de Andrade, Ilheus, 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Raphael Escorsim Szawka
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologia e Metabolismo, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Juneo Freitas Silva
- 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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Chu X, Javed A, Ashraf MF, Gao X, Jiang S. Primary culture and endocrine functional analysis of Leydig cells in ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1195618. [PMID: 37347106 PMCID: PMC10280297 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1195618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the primary known source of testosterone, which is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the isolation, identification, and functional analysis of testosterone in duck LCs are still ambiguous. The aim of the present study was to establish a feasible method for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs. The highly purified primary duck LCs were isolated from the fresh testes of 2-month-old ducks via the digestion of collagenase IV and Percoll density gradient centrifugation; hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Results revealed that the LCs were prominently noticeable in the testicular interstitium of 2-month-old ducks as compared to 6-month-old and 1-year-old ducks. Furthermore, IHC demonstrated that the cultured LCs occupied 90% area of the petri dish and highly expressed 3β-HSD 24 h after culture (hac) as compared to 48 and 72 hac. Additionally, ELISA and radioimmunoassay indicate that the testosterone level in cellular supernatant was highly expressed in 24 and 48 hac, whereas the testosterone level gradually decreased in 72 and 96 hac, indicating the primary duck LCs secrete testosterone at an early stage. Based on the above results, the present study has effectively developed a technique for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs and identified its biological function in synthesizing testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoya Chu
- Engineering Center of Innovative Veterinary Drugs, Center for Veterinary Drug Research and Evaluation, Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiman Javed
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Faizan Ashraf
- Department of Basic Sciences, Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Xiuge Gao
- Engineering Center of Innovative Veterinary Drugs, Center for Veterinary Drug Research and Evaluation, Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shanxiang Jiang
- Engineering Center of Innovative Veterinary Drugs, Center for Veterinary Drug Research and Evaluation, Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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González-Flores O, Pfaus JG, Luna-Hernández A, Montes-Narváez O, Domínguez-Ordóñez R, Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán MB, García-Juárez M. Estradiol and progesterone-induced lordosis behavior is modulated by both the Kisspeptin receptor and melanin-concentrating hormone in estradiol benzoate-primed rats. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105257. [PMID: 36115135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of estradiol benzoate (E2B) and progesterone (P) induces intense lordosis behavior in ovariectomized rats primed peripherally with E2B. The present study tested the hypothesis that the Kisspeptin (Kiss) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) pathways regulate female sexual behavior induced by these steroid hormones. In Experiment 1, we tested the relevance of the Kiss pathway by ICV infusion of its inhibitor, kiss-234, before administration of E2B or P in estrogen-primed rats. Lordosis induced by E2B alone or with the addition of P was reduced significantly at 30, 120, and 240 min. In Experiment 2, ICV infusion of MCH 30 min before E2B or P significantly reduced lordosis in rats primed with E2B alone. These data support the hypothesis that the Kiss and MCH pathways, which can release or modulate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are involved in E2B- and P-induced lordosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Omar Montes-Narváez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, México
| | - Raymundo Domínguez-Ordóñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México; Licenciatura en Ingeniería Agronómica y Zootecnia, CRC, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, México
| | | | - Marcos García-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, México.
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Abstract
The kisspeptin system includes the cleavage products Kiss1 precursor and kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1R). It was originally discovered and studied in cancer metastasis, but the identification of KISS1/KISS1R gene mutations causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) revealed unexpected effects in reproduction. Nowadays, the kisspeptin system is the main central gatekeeper of the reproductive axis at puberty and adulthood, but it also has a widespread functional role in the control of endocrine functions. At the periphery, Kiss1 and Kiss1R are expressed in the testes, but the need for kisspeptin signaling for spermatogenesis and sperm quality is still unclear and debated. This brief manuscript summarizes the main findings on kisspeptin and male reproduction; upcoming data on sperm maturation are also discussed.
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Mele E, D’Auria R, Scafuro M, Marino M, Fasano S, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R, Santoro A, Meccariello R. Differential Expression of Kisspeptin System and Kisspeptin Receptor Trafficking during Spermatozoa Transit in the Epididymis. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020295. [PMID: 35205340 PMCID: PMC8871750 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus–pituitary–testis axis controls the production of spermatozoa, and the kisspeptin system, comprising Kiss1 and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R), is the main central gatekeeper. The activity of the kisspeptin system also occurs in testis and spermatozoa, but currently the need of peripheral kisspeptin to produce gametes is not fully understood. Hence, we characterized kisspeptin system in rat spermatozoa and epididymis caput and cauda and analyzed the possible presence of Kiss1 in the epididymal fluid. The presence of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in spermatozoa collected from epididymis caput and cauda was evaluated by Western blot; significant high Kiss1 levels in the caput (p < 0.001 vs. cauda) and constant levels of Kiss1R proteins were observed. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that the localization of Kiss1R in sperm head shifts from the posterior region in the epididymis caput to perforatorium in the epididymis cauda. In spermatozoa-free epididymis, Western blot revealed higher expression of Kiss1 and Kiss1R in caput (p < 0.05 vs. cauda). Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that Kiss1 and Kiss1R proteins were mainly localized in the secretory epithelial cell types and in contractile myoid cells, respectively. Finally, both dot blot and Elisa revealed the presence of Kiss1 in the epididymal fluid collected from epididymis cauda and caput, indicating that rat epididymis and spermatozoa possess a complete kisspeptin system. In conclusion, we reported for the first time in rodents Kiss1R trafficking in spermatozoa during the epididymis transit and Kiss1 measure in the epididymal fluid, thus suggesting a possible role for the system in spermatozoa maturation and storage within the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mele
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinopoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marianna Marino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinpoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Via Costantinpoli 16, 80138 Naples, Italy; (S.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy; (R.D.); (M.M.); (A.V.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.M.)
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Raúl Schmidt A, Ignacio Felipe Inserra P, Andrés Cortasa S, Proietto S, Fidel V, Halperin J, Daniel Vitullo A, Berta Dorfman V. Distribution of kisspeptin system and its relation with gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the hypothalamus of the South American plains vizcacha, Lagostomus maximus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 317:113974. [PMID: 34973969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KISS), a key hormone involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, has been localized in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus and the neighboring rostral periventricular nucleus (PeVN), and in the arcuate (ARC) nucleus of the mammalian hypothalamus. In the ARC, the KISS neurons that co-express neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin A (Dyn) are named KNDy cells. The South American plains vizcacha is a rodent with peculiar reproductive traits. Around mid-pregnancy, vizcacha shows the reactivation of its HPO axis with the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), an essential event for the success of gestation. Considering the role of KISS system in GnRH modulation, the aim of this work was to study their neuroanatomical distribution in adult vizcachas. AVPV showed sexual dimorphism with a significant smaller area in males (t-Test, p < 0.05), and KISS immunoreactivity was detected in somas and varicosities homogenously distributed in the AVPV with a concordant sex-related expression pattern. NKB and Dyn expression was also observed in cytoplasm of neurons scattered in the AVPV. Three subpopulations of neurons were detected in the AVPV: neurons expressing Dyn and NKB (DyNK cells), neurons expressing KISS and NKB (KiNK cells), and single NKB expressing neurons. Strikingly, KISS and Dyn were always expressed in different cells. In addition, in the ARC nucleus, KNDy cells were detected. On the other hand, KISS and GnRH expression was detected in different subpopulations of neurons, GnRH cells showed KISS receptor (KISSR or GPR-54) expression, and KISS immunoreactive afferent contacts were detected making close appositions onto somas and dendrites of GnRH cells. These results show similarities and differences between the KISS system in the hypothalamus of the vizcacha and other mammals, and constitute crucial observations about KISS and GnRH relation. Considering the peculiarity of HPO axis regulation in this species, the present work provides a neuroanatomical framework for the further elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying GnRH expression and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Raúl Schmidt
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Pablo Ignacio Felipe Inserra
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Santiago Andrés Cortasa
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Sofía Proietto
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Victoria Fidel
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Alfredo Daniel Vitullo
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Verónica Berta Dorfman
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.
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9
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Xie Q, Kang Y, Zhang C, Xie Y, Wang C, Liu J, Yu C, Zhao H, Huang D. The Role of Kisspeptin in the Control of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis and Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:925206. [PMID: 35837314 PMCID: PMC9273750 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.925206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of kisspeptin as a critical central regulatory factor of GnRH release has given people a novel understanding of the neuroendocrine regulation in human reproduction. Kisspeptin activates the signaling pathway by binding to its receptor kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) to promote GnRH secretion, thereby regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) axis. Recent studies have shown that kisspeptin neurons located in arcuate nucleus (ARC) co-express neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (Dyn). Such neurons are called KNDy neurons. KNDy neurons participate in the positive and negative feedback of estrogen to GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin is a key factor in the initiation of puberty, and also regulates the processes of female follicle development, oocyte maturation, and ovulation through the HPG axis. In male reproduction, kisspeptin also plays an important role, getting involved in the regulation of Leydig cells, spermatogenesis, sperm functions and reproductive behaviors. Mutations in the KISS1 gene or disorders of the kisspeptin/KISS1R system may lead to clinical symptoms such as idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (iHH), central precocious puberty (CPP) and female infertility. Understanding the influence of kisspeptin on the reproductive axis and related mechanisms will help the future application of kisspeptin in disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we critically appraise the role of kisspeptin in the HPG axis, including its signaling pathways, negative and positive feedback mechanisms, and its control on female and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinying Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yafei Kang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenlu Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuxiong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqian Yu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hu Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Donghui Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Rajin TR, Patra MK, Sheikh PA, Singh AK, Mishra GK, Karikalan M, Singh SK, Kumar H, Gaur GK, Krishnaswamy N. Expression of kisspeptin and its receptor in different functional classes of ovarian follicle in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 2021; 179:87-96. [PMID: 34861556 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we reported the differential expression of kisspeptinergic system in the bubaline hypothalamus and corpus luteum. Here, we document the expression of kisspeptin (Kp) and its receptor (Kiss1r) in the ovarian follicles of the buffalo with respect to the functional status. Follicles of ≥10 to ≤13 mm diameter (n = 45) were retrospectively categorized into active (n = 18), intermediate (n = 16) and atretic (n = 11) follicles based on the concentrations of intrafollicular progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2). The P4:E2 ratio was significantly lower in the active follicle (0.43 ± 0.08) than that of the intermediate (3.46 ± 0.53) and atretic (28.4 ± 10.6) follicles (P < 0.05). Relative fold change in the transcripts of kisspeptin (Kiss1), Kiss1r, gonadotrophin receptors, steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1), cytochrome P450 Family 19 subfamily A member 1 (CYP19A1), insulin like growth factor -1 (IGF-1), apoptotic factors (caspase 3 and B-cell lymphoma 2, BCL2) was calculated using qPCR in the follicular wall of the three categories of follicle (n = 8/group). In another experiment, histological sections of the ovary (n = 41) were used to group the follicles as described above and immunostaining of Kp, Kiss1r and aromatase was done. A significant upregulation of StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 in the active follicles supported the endocrine basis of follicular classification. The transcripts of Kiss1 and Kiss1r were upregulated by 19.45 fold and 4.25 fold, respectively in the active follicle as compared to other groups. Immunolocalization studies revealed that Kp and Kiss1r were localized to the basal and antral granulosa cells (GC) of the active and intermediate follicles; however, the staining intensity was stronger in the former group. Strong expression of CYP19A1 in the GC layer of active follicle supported the histological basis of defining the functional status of the follicle. It is concluded that the follicular compartment of the bubaline ovary expressed the constituents of kisspeptinergic system. The expression of Kp and Kiss1r was influenced by the functional status of the follicle with intense localization in the GC layer of the active follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Rajin
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - M K Patra
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India; Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India.
| | - Parveez A Sheikh
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - Amit K Singh
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - Girish K Mishra
- Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Dau Shri Vasudev Chandrakar Kamdhenu Vishwavidyalaya, Durg, 491 001, India
| | - M Karikalan
- Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - S K Singh
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - H Kumar
- Animal Reproduction Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - G K Gaur
- Livestock Production and Management Section, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 234 122, India
| | - N Krishnaswamy
- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Hebbal, Bengaluru, 560 024, India
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11
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Luo P, Feng X, Deng R, Wang F, Zhang Y, Li X, Zhang M, Wan Z, Xiang AP, Xia K, Gao Y, Deng C. An autofluorescence-based isolation of Leydig cells for testosterone deficiency treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111389. [PMID: 34229003 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Effective procedures for the purification of Leydig cells (LCs) can facilitate functional studies and transplantation therapies. However, current methods to purify LCs from testes are still far from satisfactory. Here, we found that testicular autofluorescence existed in the interstitium along with the gradual maturation of LCs from birth to adulthood. These autofluorescent cells were further isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and determined to be composed of LCs and macrophages. To further purify LCs, we combined two fluorescence channels of FACS and successfully separated LCs and macrophages. Of note, we confirmed that the obtained LCs not only possessed high purity, viability and quantity but also had intact steroidogenic activity and excellent responsiveness to luteinizing hormone. Moreover, subcutaneous transplantation of isolated LCs could alleviate the symptoms of testosterone deficiency in castrated mice. In summary, we established an effective autofluorescence-based method for isolating LCs. This method will aid in the future success of using LCs for basic and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Luo
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghai Deng
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zi Wan
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Fang P, She Y, Zhao J, Yan J, Yu X, Jin Y, Wei Q, Zhang Z, Shang W. Emerging roles of kisspeptin/galanin in age-related metabolic disease. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 199:111571. [PMID: 34517021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Age is a major risk factor for developing metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. There is an unprecedented rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes in recent decades. A convincing majority of brain-gut peptides are associated with a higher risk to develop metabolic disorders, and may contribute to the pathophysiology of age-related metabolic diseases. Accumulating basic studies revealed an intriguing role of kisspeptin and galanin involved in the amelioration of insulin resistance in different ways. In patients suffered from obesity and diabetes a significant, sex-related changes in the plasma kisspeptin and galanin levels occurred. Kisspeptin is anorexigenic to prevent obesity, its level is negatively correlative with obesity and insulin resistance. While galanin is appetitive to stimulate food intake and body weight, its level is positively correlative with obesity, HOMA-IR and glucose/triglyceride concentration. In turn, kisspeptin and galanin also distinctly increase glucose uptake and utilization as well as energy expenditure. This article reviews recent evidence dealing with the role of kisspeptin and galanin in the pathophysiology of age-related metabolic diseases. It should be therefore taken into account that the targeted modulation of those peptidergic signaling may be potentially helpful in the future treatment of age-related metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghua Fang
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Physiology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Hanlin College, Taizhou, 225300, China.
| | - Yuqing She
- Department of Endocrinology, Pukou Branch of Jiangsu People's Hospital, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xizhong Yu
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qingbo Wei
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Minister of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhenwen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China.
| | - Wenbin Shang
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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13
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Guo HX, Yuan B, Su MT, Zheng Y, Zhang JY, Han DX, Wang HQ, Huang YJ, Jiang H, Zhang JB. Identification of Circular RNAs in the Anterior Pituitary in Rats Treated with GnRH. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092557. [PMID: 34573523 PMCID: PMC8466137 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The pituitary gland, an important endocrine organ, can secrete a variety of reproductive hormones under the action of hypothalamus-secreted gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Circular RNAs are a class of RNA molecules with stable covalently closed circular structures. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing of GnRH-treated rats to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in the anterior pituitary. The results revealed 1433 related circRNAs, 14 of which were differentially expressed. We predicted targeted relationships between the differentially expressed circRNAs and FSHb-LHb-associated miRNAs. In all, a total of 14 circRNAs were identified that may act on the secretion and regulation of reproductive hormones in GnRH-treated rats. Abstract The pituitary gland, an important endocrine organ, can secrete a variety of reproductive hormones under the action of hypothalamus-secreted gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and plays important roles in animal reproduction. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules with stable covalently closed circular structures. CircRNAs are equipped with miRNA response elements (MREs), which can regulate the expression of target genes by competitively binding miRNAs. However, whether the expression levels of circRNAs in the pituitary gland change under the action of GnRH and whether such changes can further affect the secretion of reproductive hormones are still unclear. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of GnRH-treated rats to identify differentially expressed circRNAs. The results revealed 1433 related circRNAs, 14 of which were differentially expressed. In addition, we randomly selected five differentially expressed circRNAs and tested their relative expression levels by RT-qPCR, the results of which were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. Finally, we predicted targeted relationships between the differentially expressed circRNAs and FSHb-LHb-associated miRNAs. In all, a total of 14 circRNAs were identified that may act on the secretion and regulation of reproductive hormones in GnRH-treated rats. Our expression profiles of circRNAs in the anterior pituitaries of rats treated with GnRH can provide insights into the roles of circRNAs in mammalian development and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hao Jiang
- Correspondence: (H.J.); (J.-B.Z.); Tel.: +86-431-8783-6536 (H.J.); +86-431-8783-6551 (J.-B.Z.)
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Correspondence: (H.J.); (J.-B.Z.); Tel.: +86-431-8783-6536 (H.J.); +86-431-8783-6551 (J.-B.Z.)
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14
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Meccariello R, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Kisspeptins, new local modulators of male reproduction: A comparative overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113618. [PMID: 32950583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that leads to the production of male gametes within the testis through the coordination of mitotic, meiotic and differentiation events, under a deep control of endocrine, paracrine and autocrine modulators along the Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. The kisspeptin system plays a fundamental role along the HPG axis as it is the main positive modulator upstream of the hypothalamic neurons that secrete the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), the decapeptide that supports pituitary gonadotropins and the production of gonadal sex steroid. Currently, kisspeptins and their receptor, KISS1R, have a recognized activity in the central control of puberty onset, sex maturation, reproduction and sex-steroid feedback mechanisms in both animal models and human. However, kisspeptin signaling has been widely reported in peripheral tissues, particularly in the testis of mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates, with functions related to Leydig cells physiology and steroid biosynthesis, spermatogenesis progression and spermatozoa functions, but its mandatory role within the testis is still a matter of discussion. This review provides a summary of the main intratesticular effects of kisspeptin in vertebrates, via a comparative approach. Particular emphasis was devoted to data from the anuran amphibian Pelophylax esculentus, the first animal model in which the direct intratesticular activity of kisspeptin was reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
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