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Santillo A, Falvo S, Venditti M, Di Maio A, Chieffi Baccari G, Errico F, Usiello A, Minucci S, Di Fiore MM. D-Aspartate Depletion Perturbs Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040621. [PMID: 37189369 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) are present in vertebrate testis during post-natal development, coinciding with the onset of testosterone production, which suggests that this atypical amino acid might participate in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. To elucidate the unknown role of D-Asp on testicular function, we investigated steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in a one-month-old knockin mouse model with the constitutive depletion of D-Asp levels due to the targeted overexpression of D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), which catalyzes the deaminative oxidation of D-Asp to generate the corresponding α-keto acid, oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium ions. In the Ddo knockin mice, we found a dramatic reduction in testicular D-Asp levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular 17β-HSD, the enzyme involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Additionally, in the testes of these Ddo knockin mice, the expression of PCNA and SYCP3 proteins decreased, suggesting alterations in spermatogenesis-related processes, as well as an increase in the cytosolic cytochrome c protein levels and TUNEL-positive cell number, which indicate an increase in apoptosis. To further investigate the histological and morphometric testicular alterations in Ddo knockin mice, we analyzed the expression and localization of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) and disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), two proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization. Our results showed that the testicular levels of DAAM1 and PREP in Ddo knockin mice were different from those in wild-type animals, suggesting that the deficiency of D-Asp is associated with overall cytoskeletal disorganization. Our findings confirmed that physiological D-Asp influences testosterone biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in germ cell proliferation and differentiation, which are required for successful reproduction.
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d-aspartate and N-methyl-d-aspartate promote proliferative activity in mouse spermatocyte GC-2 cells. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100601. [PMID: 35032869 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
D-Aspartate (D-Asp) and its methylated form N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) promote spermatogenesis by stimulating the biosynthesis of sex steroid hormones. d-Asp also induces spermatogonia proliferation directly by activating the ERK/Aurora B pathway. In the present study, a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2) which represents a stage between preleptotene spermatocyte and round spermatids was exposed to 200 μM d-Asp or 50 μM NMDA for 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h to explore the influence of these amino acids on cell proliferation and mitochondrial activities occurring during this process. By Western blotting analyses, the expressions of AMPAR (GluA1-GluA2/3 subunits), cell proliferation as well as mitochondria functionality markers were determined at different incubation times. The results revealed that d-Asp or NMDA stimulate proliferation and meiosis in the GC-2 cells via the AMPAR/ERK/Akt pathway, which led to increased levels of the PCNA, p-H3, and SYCP3 proteins. The effects of d-Asp and NMDA on the mitochondrial functionality of the GC-2 cells strongly suggested an active role of these amino acids in germ cell maturation. In both d-Asp- and NMDA-treated GC-2 cells mitochondrial biogenesis as well as mitochondrial fusion are increased while mitochondria fission is inhibited. Finally, the findings showed that NMDA significantly increased the expressions of the CII, CIII, CIV, and CV complexes of oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS), whereas d-Asp induced a significant increase in the expressions only of the CIV and CV complexes. The present study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the role of d-Asp and NMDA in promoting spermatogenesis.
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Thakkar R, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Brain-derived estrogen and neural function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:793-817. [PMID: 34823913 PMCID: PMC8816863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E2 (BDE2). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE2 has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E2 synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA; Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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Falvo S, Santillo A, Di Fiore MM, Rosati L, Chieffi Baccari G. JNK/Elk1 signaling and PCNA protein expression in the brain of hibernating frog Pelophylax esculentus. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:529-536. [PMID: 33970561 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and neurogenesis are known to play a role in neuronal survival during hibernation. Herein, we investigate the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and Ets like-1 protein (Elk1) kinase involved in cell survival, as well as the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a cell proliferation marker, in the brain of the frog Pelophylax esculentus. The study was conducted on female and male frogs collected during the annual cycle. Our results demonstrated that JNK activity increased during the hibernating phase in relation to the active phase. Interestingly, P-Elk1 levels were positively correlated with P-JNK levels, suggesting that the JNK/Elk1 pathway is pivotal in mediating neuroprotective adaptations that are essential to successful hibernation. On the contrary, we detected higher PCNA expression levels during the active period compared with the hibernating period. A sex dimorphism was observed in the expression levels of P-JNK/P-Elk1 that were specifically higher in males, and in the expression of PCNA reporting higher levels in female brains. Much remains to be learned regarding the regulation of hibernation, however, our findings provide new insights into the role of MAPK and proliferative pathways in hibernation, adding new knowledge concerning the mechanisms activated in the brain of ectothermic species to counteract the damage resulting from extreme temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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Usiello A, Di Fiore MM, De Rosa A, Falvo S, Errico F, Santillo A, Nuzzo T, Chieffi Baccari G. New Evidence on the Role of D-Aspartate Metabolism in Regulating Brain and Endocrine System Physiology: From Preclinical Observations to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8718. [PMID: 33218144 PMCID: PMC7698810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous amino acids serine and aspartate occur at high concentrations in free D-form in mammalian organs, including the central nervous system and endocrine glands. D-serine (D-Ser) is largely localized in the forebrain structures throughout pre and postnatal life. Pharmacologically, D-Ser plays a functional role by acting as an endogenous coagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Less is known about the role of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) in mammals. Notably, D-Asp has a specific temporal pattern of occurrence. In fact, free D-Asp is abundant during prenatal life and decreases greatly after birth in concomitance with the postnatal onset of D-Asp oxidase expression, which is the only enzyme known to control endogenous levels of this molecule. Conversely, in the endocrine system, D-Asp concentrations enhance after birth during its functional development, thereby suggesting an involvement of the amino acid in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. The substantial binding affinity for the NMDAR glutamate site has led us to investigate the in vivo implications of D-Asp on NMDAR-mediated responses. Herein we review the physiological function of free D-Asp and of its metabolizing enzyme in regulating the functions of the brain and of the neuroendocrine system based on recent genetic and pharmacological human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Usiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Francesco Errico
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
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Di Fiore MM, Santillo A, Falvo S, Pinelli C. Celebrating 50+ years of research on the reproductive biology and endocrinology of the green frog: An overview. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 298:113578. [PMID: 32739437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This issue is dedicated to the late Professor Giovanni Chieffi, and this article is an overview of the research on Comparative Endocrinology of reproduction using Rana esculenta (alias Pelophylax esculentus) as a model system. Starting from the early 1970s till today, a large quantity of work have been conducted both in the fields of experimental endocrinology and in the definition of the diffuse neuroendocrine system, with a major focus on the increasing role of regulatory peptides. The various aspects investigated concerned the histological descriptions of principal endocrine glands of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the localization and distribution in the HPG of several different substances (i.e. neurosteroids, hypothalamic peptide hormones, pituitary gonadotropins, gonadal sex steroids, and other molecules), the determination of sex hormone concentrations in both serum and tissues, the hormone manipulations, as well as the gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their respective receptors. All together these researches, often conducted considering different periods of the annual reproductive cycle of the green frog, allowed to understand the mechanism of cascade control/regulation of the HPG axis of R. esculenta, characterizing the role of different hormones in the two sexes, and testing the hypotheses about the function of single hormones in different target organs. It becomes evident from the review that, in their simplest form, several features of this species are specular as compared to those of other vertebrate species and that reproduction in this frog species is either under endogenous multi-hormonal control or by a wide array of different factors. Our excursus of this research, spanning almost five decades, shows that R. esculenta has been intensively and successfully used as an animal model in reproductive endocrinology as well as several field studies such as those involving environmental concerns that focus on the effects of endocrine disruptors and other environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudia Pinelli
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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D-Aspartate Upregulates DAAM1 Protein Levels in the Rat Testis and Induces Its Localization in Spermatogonia Nucleus. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050677. [PMID: 32353957 PMCID: PMC7277804 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell differentiation during spermatogenesis requires a proper actin dynamic, regulated by several proteins, including formins. Disheveled-Associated-Activator of Morphogenesis1 (DAAM1) belongs to the formins and promotes actin polymerization. Our results showed that oral D-Aspartate (D-Asp) administration, an excitatory amino acid, increased DAAM1 protein levels in germ cells cytoplasm of rat testis. Interestingly, after the treatment, DAAM1 also localized in rat spermatogonia (SPG) and mouse GC-1 cells nuclei. We provided bioinformatic evidence that DAAM1 sequence has two predicted NLS, supporting its nuclear localization. The data also suggested a role of D-Asp in promoting DAAM1 shuttling to the nuclear compartment of those proliferative cells. In addition, the proliferative action induced by D-Asp is confirmed by the increased levels of PCNA, a protein expressed in the nucleus of cells in the S phase and p-H3, a histone crucial for chromatin condensation during mitosis and meiosis. In conclusion, we demonstrated, for the first time, an increased DAAM1 protein levels following D-Asp treatment in rat testis and also its localization in the nucleus of rat SPG and in mouse GC-1 cells. Our results suggest an assumed role for this formin as a regulator of actin dynamics in both cytoplasm and nuclei of the germ cells.
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Di Fiore MM, Boni R, Santillo A, Falvo S, Gallo A, Esposito S, Baccari GC. D-Aspartic Acid in Vertebrate Reproduction: Animal Models and Experimental Designs ‡. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9090445. [PMID: 31484465 PMCID: PMC6770039 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the animal models and experimental designs that have been used during the past twenty years to demonstrate the prominent role played by d-aspartate (d-Asp) in the reproduction of vertebrates, from amphibians to humans. We have tabulated the findings of in vivo and in vitro experiments that demonstrate the effects of d-Asp uptake on hormone production and gametogenesis in vertebrate animal models. The contribution of each animal model to the existing knowledge on the role of d-Asp in reproductive processes has been discussed. A critical analysis of experimental designs has also been carried out. Experiments performed on wild animal species suggest a role of d-Asp in the mechanisms that regulate the reproductive cycle. Several in vivo and in vitro studies carried out on mouse and rat models have facilitated an understanding of the molecular pathways activated by D-Asp in both steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, with particular emphasis on testosterone biosynthesis. Some attempts using d-Asp for the improvement of reproductive activity in animals of commercial interest have yielded mixed results. The increased transcriptome activity of enzymes and receptors involved in the reproductive activity in d-Asp-treated broiler roosters revealed further details on the mechanism of action of d-Asp on the reproductive processes. The close relationship between d-Asp and reproductive activity has emerged, particularly in relation to its effects exerted on semen quality, proposing therapeutic applications of this amino acid in andrology and in medically-assisted procreation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Raffaele Boni
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università della Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gallo
- Dipartimento di Biologia ed Evoluzione degli Organismi Marini, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
| | - Sabrina Esposito
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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Goudarzvand M, Panahi Y, Yazdani R, Miladi H, Tahmasebi S, Sherafat A, Afraei S, Abouhamzeh K, Jamee M, Al-Hussieni KJMR, Mohammadi H, Mohebbi A, Hossein-Khannazer N, Zaki-Dizaji M, Di Fiore MM, D'Aniello A, Azizi G. The Effects of D-aspartate on Neurosteroids, Neurosteroid Receptors, and Inflammatory Mediators in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:316-325. [PMID: 30289086 DOI: 10.2174/1871530318666181005093459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a widely used model for multiple sclerosis. The present study has been designed to compare the efficiencies of oral and intraperitoneal (IP) administration of D-aspartate (D-Asp) on the onset and severity of EAE, the production of neurosteroids, and the expression of neurosteroid receptors and inflammatory mediators in the brain of EAE mice. METHODS In this study, EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice treated with D-Asp orally (D-Asp-Oral) or by IP injection (D-Asp-IP). On the 20th day, brains (cerebrums) and cerebellums of mice were evaluated by histological analyses. The brains of mice were analyzed for: 1) Neurosteroid (Progesterone, Testosterone, 17β-estradiol) concentrations; 2) gene expressions of cytokines and neurosteroid receptors by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and 3) quantitative determination of D-Asp using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Further, some inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were identified in the mouse serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that after D-Asp was administered, it was taken up and accumulated within the brain. Further, IP injection of D-Asp had more beneficial effects on EAE severity than oral gavage. The concentration of the testosterone and 17β-estradiol in D-Asp-IP group was significantly higher than that of the control group. There were no significant differences in the gene expression of cytokine and neurosteroid receptors between control, D-Asp-IP, and D-Asp-Oral groups. However, IP treatment with D-Asp significantly reduced C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and MMP-2 serum levels compared to control mice. CONCLUSION IP injection of D-Asp had more beneficial effects on EAE severity, neurosteroid induction and reduction of inflammatory mediators than oral gavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Goudarzvand
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Yaser Panahi
- North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Reza Yazdani
- Research Centre for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hosein Miladi
- Department of Pathology, Imam Khomeini Hospital affiliated to Social Security Organization, Arak, Iran
| | - Saeed Tahmasebi
- Department of Biology, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
| | - Amin Sherafat
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States
| | - Sanaz Afraei
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kosar Abouhamzeh
- Research Centre for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Jamee
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Iran
| | | | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohebbi
- Growth and Development Research Centre, Paediatrics Centre of Excellence, Children's Medical Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Hossein-Khannazer
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Zaki-Dizaji
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Universita della Campania "L. Vanvitelli" Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antimo D'Aniello
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gholamreza Azizi
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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Rosati L, Di Fiore MM, Prisco M, Di Giacomo Russo F, Venditti M, Andreuccetti P, Chieffi Baccari G, Santillo A. Seasonal expression and cellular distribution of star and steroidogenic enzymes in quail testis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 332:198-209. [PMID: 31433565 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The quail Coturnix coturnix is a seasonal breeder with a physiological switch on/off of gonadic activity. Photoperiod and temperature are the major environmental factors regulating the spermatogenesis. To more thoroughly comprehend the steroidogenic pathways that govern the seasonal reproductive cycle, we have investigated the localization of StAR protein and steroidogenic enzymes (3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red) as well as androgen and estrogen levels, in the testis of reproductive and nonreproductive quails. We demonstrated that StAR, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red were always present in the somatic (Leydig and Sertoli cells) and germ cells (spermatogonia, spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and spermatozoa). In addition, by western blot analysis, we demonstrated that 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red showed the highest expression levels during the reproductive testis compared with nonreproductive one. Accordingly, we also found that during the reproductive phase the highest titres of testosterone, 17β-estradiol, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone are recorded. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that in C. coturnix: (a) both somatic and germ cells are involved in the local synthesis of sex hormones; (b) 17β-HSD, P450 aromatase, and 5α-Red expressions, as well as testicular androgens and estrogens, increased in reproductive quail testis. This study strongly indicates that the steroidogenic process in quail testis exhibits seasonal changes with the promotion of both androgenic and estrogenic pathways in the reproductive period, suggesting their synergic mechanism in the spermatogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Marina Prisco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Piero Andreuccetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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11
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Pinelli C, Santillo A, Chieffi Baccari G, Falvo S, Di Fiore MM. Effects of chemical pollutants on reproductive and developmental processes in Italian amphibians. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1324-1332. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pinelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie AmbientaliBiologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie AmbientaliBiologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie AmbientaliBiologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie AmbientaliBiologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie AmbientaliBiologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" Caserta Italy
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12
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Santillo A, Rosati L, Prisco M, Chieffi Baccari G, Andreuccetti P, Falvo S, Di Fiore MM. Aromatase immunolocalization and activity in the lizard's brain: Dynamic changes during the reproductive cycle. C R Biol 2019; 342:18-26. [PMID: 30709696 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the present study is to highlight the role of aromatase in the neuroendocrine control of the reproductive cycle of the male lizard Podarcis sicula during the three significant phases, i.e. the pre-reproductive, reproductive, and post-reproductive stages. Using immunohistochemical, biochemical, and hormonal tools, we have determined the localization and the activity of P450 aromatase (P450 aro) in the lizard's brain together with the determination of hormonal profile of sex steroids, i.e. testosterone and 17β-estradiol. The present data demonstrated that the localization of P450 is shown in brain regions involved in the regulation of the reproductive behavior (medial septum, preoptic area, and hypothalamus). Its activity, as well as the intensity of the signal, is modified according to the period of reproduction, resulting in functional dynamic changes. P450 aro activity and signal intensity decrease in the pre-reproductive period and progressively increase during the reproductive stage until it reaches the maximum peak level at the post-reproductive phase. P450 aro determines a local estrogen synthesis, balancing the testosterone and estradiol levels, and therefore its role is crucial, since it plays an important role in the neuroendocrine/behavioral regulation of the reproductive processes in the male lizard P. sicula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Marina Prisco
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Piero Andreuccetti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, via Mezzocannone 8, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
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13
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Li Y, Han H, Yin J, He X, Tang Z, Li T, Yao K, Yin Y. d- andl-Aspartate regulates growth performance, inflammation and intestinal microbial community in young pigs. Food Funct 2019; 10:1028-1037. [DOI: 10.1039/c8fo01410h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dietary 1%d-Asp andl-Asp affect the growth performance and inflammation in young pigs, which might be associated with gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Hui Han
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Jie Yin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Xingguo He
- Changsha LvYe Bio-technology Co
- Ltd
- Changsha
- China
| | - Zhiyi Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Tiejun Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Kang Yao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
| | - Yulong Yin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Physiology and Metabolic Process; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Region
- Institute of Subtropical Agriculture
- Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production; Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production; Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Changsha
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14
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Falvo S, Chieffi Baccaria G, Spaziano G, Rosati L, Venditti M, Di Fiore MM, Santillo A. StAR protein and steroidogenic enzyme expressions in the rat Harderian gland. C R Biol 2018. [PMID: 29534958 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Harderian gland (HG) of the rat (Rattus norvegicus) secretes copious amounts of lipids, such as cholesterol. Here we report a study of the expressions of the StAR protein and key steroidogenic enzymes in the HG of male and female rats. The objective of the present investigation was to ascertain (a) whether the rat HG is involved in steroid production starting with cholesterol, and (b) whether the pattern of gene and protein expressions together with the enzymatic activities display sexual dimorphism. The results demonstrate, for the first time, the expression of StAR gene and protein, and Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b3, Srd5a1, Srd5a2 and Cyp19a1 genes in the rat HG. StAR mRNA and protein expressions were much greater in males than in females. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a non-homogeneous StAR distribution among glandular cells. Hsd17b3 and Cyp19a1 mRNA levels were higher in males than in females, whereas Srd5a1 mRNA levels were higher in females than in males. No significant differences were observed in mRNA levels of Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1 and Srd5a2 between sexes. Furthermore, the in vitro experiments demonstrated a higher 5α-reductase activity in the female as compared to the male HG vice versa a higher P450 aro activity in males as compared to females. These results suggest that the Harderian gland can be classified as a steroidogenic tissue because it synthesizes cholesterol, expresses StAR and steroidogenic enzymes involved in both androgen and estrogen synthesis. The dimorphic expression and activity of the steroidogenic enzymes may suggest sex-specific hormonal effects into the HG physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Falvo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccaria
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Spaziano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, Federico II Naples University, Napoli, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Department of Environmental, Biological, and Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technologies, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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15
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Di Fiore MM, Santillo A, Falvo S, Chieffi Baccari G, Venditti M, Di Giacomo Russo F, Lispi M, D'Aniello A. Sex hormone levels in the brain of d-aspartate-treated rats. C R Biol 2017; 341:9-15. [PMID: 29203165 DOI: 10.1016/j.crvi.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
d-Aspartate (d-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid present in the central nervous system and endocrine glands of various animal taxa. d-Asp is implicated in neurotransmission, physiology of learning, and memory processes. In gonads, it plays a crucial role in sex hormone synthesis. We have investigated the effects of chronic (30 days d-Asp drinking solution) and acute (i.p. injection of 2μmol/g bw d-Asp) treatments on sex steroid synthesis in rat brain. Furthermore, to verify the direct effect of d-Asp on neurosteroidogenic enzyme activities, brain homogenates were incubated with different substrates (cholesterol, progesterone, or testosterone) with or without the addition of d-Asp. Enzyme activities were measured by evaluating the in vitro conversion rate of (i) cholesterol to progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol, (ii) progesterone to testosterone and 17β-estradiol, (iii) testosterone to 17β-estradiol. We found that d-Asp oral administration produced an increase of approximately 40% in progesterone, 110% in testosterone, and 35% in 17β-estradiol. Similarly, the results of the acute experiment showed that at 30min after d-Asp treatment, the progesterone, testosterone, and 17β-estradiol levels increased by 29-35%, and at 8h they further increased by a 100% increment. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the addition of d-Asp to brain homogenate+substrate induces a significant increase in progesterone, testosterone and 17β-estradiol suggesting that the amino acid upregulates the local activity of steroidogenic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Di Giacomo Russo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- Medical Affair Department Fertility TA, Merck-Serono SAS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antimo D'Aniello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie ambientali, biologiche e farmaceutiche, Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; Department of Neurobiology and Comparative Physiology, Zoological Station "Anthon Dohrn", Naples, Italy.
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16
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Patel AV, Kawai T, Wang L, Rubakhin SS, Sweedler JV. Chiral Measurement of Aspartate and Glutamate in Single Neurons by Large-Volume Sample Stacking Capillary Electrophoresis. Anal Chem 2017; 89:12375-12382. [PMID: 29064231 PMCID: PMC5800852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b03435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
d-Amino acids (d-AAs) are endogenous molecules found throughout the metazoan, the functions of which remain poorly understood. Measurements of low abundance and heterogeneously distributed d-AAs in complex biological samples, such as cells and multicellular structures of the central nervous system (CNS), require the implementation of sensitive and selective analytical approaches. In order to measure the d- and l-forms of aspartate and glutamate, we developed and applied a stacking chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection method. The achieved online analyte preconcentration led to a 480-fold enhancement of detection sensitivity relative to capillary zone electrophoresis, without impacting separation resolution or analysis time. Additionally, the effects of inorganic ions on sample preconcentration and CE separation were evaluated. The approach enabled the relative quantification of d-aspartate and d-glutamate in individual neurons mechanically isolated from the CNS of the sea slug Aplysia californica, a well characterized neurobiological model. Levels of these structurally similar d-AAs were significantly different in subpopulations of cells collected from the investigated neuronal clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit V. Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Takayuki Kawai
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Liping Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Stanislav S. Rubakhin
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jonathan V. Sweedler
- Department of Chemistry and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
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17
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Di Fiore MM, Chieffi Baccari G. Seasonal changes and sexual dimorphism in gene expression of StAR protein, steroidogenic enzymes and sex hormone receptors in the frog brain. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 246:226-232. [PMID: 28027903 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The brain of amphibians contains all the key enzymes of steroidogenesis and has a high steroidogenic activity. In seasonally-breeding amphibian species brain steroid levels fluctuate synchronously with the reproductive cycle. Here we report a study of gene expression of StAR protein, key steroidogenic enzymes and sex hormone receptors in the telencephalon (T) and diencephalon-mesencephalon (D-M) of male and female reproductive and post-reproductive Pelophylax esculentus, a seasonally breeding anuran amphibian. Significant differences in gene expression were observed between (a) the reproductive and post-reproductive phase, (b) the two brain regions and (c) male and female frogs. During the reproductive phase, star gene expression increased in the male (both T and D-M) but not in the female brain. Seasonal fluctuations in expression levels of hsd3b1, hsd17b1, srd5a1 and cyp19a1 genes for neurosteroidogenic enzymes occurred in D-M region of both sexes, with the higher levels in reproductive period. Moreover, the D-M region generally showed higher levels of gene expression than the T region in both sexes. Gene expression was higher in females than males for most genes, suggesting higher neurosteroid production in female brain. Seasonal and sex-linked changes were also observed in gene expression for androgen (ar) and estrogen (esr1, esr2) receptors, with the males showing the highest ar levels in reproductive phase and the highest esr1 and esr2 levels in post-reproductive phase; in contrast, females showed the maximum expression for all three genes in reproductive phase. The results are the first evidence for seasonal changes and sexual dimorphism of gene expression of the neurosteroidogenic pathway in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy.
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Vivaldi, 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
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18
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Improvement of post-thawed sperm quality and fertility of Arian rooster by oral administration of d-aspartic acid. Theriogenology 2017; 92:69-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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19
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Farajkhoda T. An overview on ethical considerations in stem cell research in Iran and ethical recommendations. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.2.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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20
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Roshanzamir F, Safavi SM. The putative effects of D-Aspartic acid on blood testosterone levels: A systematic review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2017. [DOI: 10.29252/ijrm.15.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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21
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Molecular Mechanisms Elicited by d-Aspartate in Leydig Cells and Spermatogonia. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071127. [PMID: 27428949 PMCID: PMC4964501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A bulk of evidence suggests that d-aspartate (d-Asp) regulates steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in vertebrate testes. This review article focuses on intracellular signaling mechanisms elicited by d-Asp possibly via binding to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in both Leydig cells, and spermatogonia. In Leydig cells, the amino acid upregulates androgen production by eliciting the adenylate cyclase-cAMP and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. d-Asp treatment enhances gene and protein expression of enzymes involved in the steroidogenic cascade. d-Asp also directly affects spermatogonial mitotic activity. In spermatogonial GC-1 cells, d-Asp induces phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT serine-threonine kinase proteins, and stimulates expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and aurora kinase B (AURKB). Further stimulation of spermatogonial GC-1 cell proliferation might come from estradiol/estrogen receptor β (ESR2) interaction. d-Asp modulates androgen and estrogen levels as well as the expression of their receptors in the rat epididymis by acting on mRNA levels of Srd5a1 and Cyp19a1 enzymes, hence suggesting involvement in spermatozoa maturation.
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22
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Chieffi P, Di Fiore MM, Senese R, Chieffi Baccari G. D-Aspartate Induces Proliferative Pathways in Spermatogonial GC-1 Cells. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:490-5. [PMID: 26189884 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
D-aspartate (D-Asp) is an endogenous amino acid present in vertebrate tissues, with particularly high levels in the testis. In vivo studies indicate that D-Asp indirectly stimulates spermatogenesis through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Moreover, in vitro studies have demonstrated that D-Asp up-regulates testosterone production in Leydig cells by enhancing expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. In this study, a cell line derived from immortalized type-B mouse spermatogonia retaining markers of mitotic germ cells (GC-1) was employed to explore more direct involvement of D-Asp in spermatogenesis. Activity and protein expression of markers of cell proliferation were determined at intervals during incubation in D-Asp-containing medium. D-Asp induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt proteins, stimulated expression of PCNA and Aurora B, and enhanced mRNA synthesis and protein expression of P450 aromatase and protein expression of Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ). These results are the first demonstration of a direct effect of D-Asp on spermatogonial mitotic activity. Considering that spermatogonia express the NR1 subunit of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartic Acid receptor (NMDAR), we suggest that their response to D-Asp depends on NMDAR-mediated activation of the ERK and Akt pathways and is further enhanced by activation of the P450 aromatase/ERβ pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Paolo Chieffi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosalba Senese
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
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23
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Falvo S, Di Fiore MM, Burrone L, Baccari GC, Longobardi S, Santillo A. Androgen and oestrogen modulation by D-aspartate in rat epididymis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:1865-1872. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone (T) synthesised in Leydig cells enters the epididymis and may there be converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5α-reductase (5α-red) or into 17β-oestradiol (E2) by P450 aromatase (P450-aro). D-aspartate (D-Asp) is known to induce T synthesis in the testis. In this study, we investigated the effects of in vivo D-Asp administration in two major regions of the rat epididymis (Region I: initial segment, caput, corpus; Region II: cauda). The results suggest that exogenous D-Asp was taken up by both regions of rat epididymis. D-Asp administration induced a rapid increase in T, followed by a more gradual decrease in the T : DHT ratio in Region I. In Region II, T levels rapidly decreased and the T : DHT ratio was consistently lower relative to the control. Expression of 5α-red and androgen receptor genes showed a good correlation with DHT levels in both regions. D-Asp treatment also induced an increase of both E2 levels and oestradiol receptor-α (ERα) expression in Region I, whereas neither E2 levels nor ERα expression were affected in Region II. The early increase of P450-aro expression in Region I and late increase in Region II suggests a direct involvement of D-Asp modulation in P450-aro gene expression. Our results suggest that D-Asp modulates androgen and oestrogen levels and expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors in the rat epididymis by acting on the expression of 5α-red and P450-aro genes.
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Bissegger S, Martyniuk CJ, Langlois VS. Transcriptomic profiling in Silurana tropicalis testes exposed to finasteride. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 203:137-45. [PMID: 24530632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of endocrine disrupting chemicals found in aquatic ecosystems with estrogenic and androgenic modes of action have increased over the past two decades due to a surge of evidence of adverse effects in wildlife. Chemicals that disrupt androgen signalling and steroidogenesis can result in an imbalanced conversion of testosterone (T) into 17β-estradiol (E2) and other androgens such as 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT). Therefore, a better understanding of how chemicals perturb these pathways is warranted. In this study, the brain, liver, and testes of Silurana tropicalis were exposed ex vivo to the human drug finasteride, a potent steroid 5α-reductase inhibitor and a model compound to study the inhibition of the conversion of T into 5α-DHT. These experiments were conducted (1) to determine organ specific changes in sex steroid production after treatment, and (2) to elucidate the transcriptomic response to finasteride in testicular tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure hormone levels in media following finasteride incubation for 6 h. Finasteride significantly increased T levels in the media of liver and testis tissue, but did not induce any changes in E2 and 5α-DHT production. Gene expression analysis was performed in frog testes and data revealed that finasteride treatment significantly altered 1,434 gene probes. Gene networks associated with male reproduction such as meiosis, hormone biosynthesis, sperm entry, gonadotropin releasing hormone were affected by finasteride exposure as well as other pathways such as oxysterol synthesis, apoptosis, and epigenetic regulation. For example, this study suggests that the mode of action by which finasteride induces cellular damage in testicular tissue as reported by others, is via oxidative stress in testes. This data also suggests that 5-reductase inhibition disrupts the expression of genes related to reproduction. It is proposed that androgen-disrupting chemicals may mediate their action via 5-reductases and that the effects of environmental pollutants are not limited to the androgen receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bissegger
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Christopher J Martyniuk
- Department of Biology and the Canadian River Institute, University of New Brunswick, NB, Canada.
| | - Valérie S Langlois
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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Current knowledge of d-aspartate in glandular tissues. Amino Acids 2014; 46:1805-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1759-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Chieffi P, Burrone L, Chieffi Baccari G, Longobardi S, Di Fiore MM. d-aspartate affects NMDA receptor-extracellular signal–regulated kinase pathway and upregulates androgen receptor expression in the rat testis. Theriogenology 2014; 81:744-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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