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Dos Santos FCA, Negre AFP, Rodríguez DAO, de Sousa GC, Rodrigues GA, Sanches BDA, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR, Biancardi MF. Female Prostate Development: Morphological Analysis of the Budding Dynamic. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:272-280. [PMID: 35039106 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927621014008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The presence of the prostate in female mammals has long been known. However, pieces of information related to its development are still lacking. The aim of this study was to explore the budding dynamic during the initial prostate development in female gerbils. Pregnant females were timed, the fetuses were euthanized, and the urogenital sinus was dissected out between the embryonic days 20 and 24 (E20-E24 groups). Newborn pups (1-day-old; P1 group) underwent the same procedures. The female prostate development was based on epithelial buds which arose far from the paraurethral mesenchyme (PAM). The epithelial buds reached the PAM at prenatal day 24, crossing a small gap in the smooth muscle layer between the periurethral mesenchyme (PEM) and the PAM. Steroid nuclear receptors such as the androgen receptor and estrogen receptor alpha were localized in the PEM through the urethral wall, although some epithelial labeling was also present in the urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE). P63-positive cells were found only in the UGE, becoming restricted to the basal compartment after the 23rd prenatal day. The results showed that the gerbil female prostate exhibits a distinct budding pattern as compared to the male prostate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C A Dos Santos
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Ana F P Negre
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel A O Rodríguez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Géssica C de Sousa
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Giovanna A Rodrigues
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo13083-862, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Biology, State University of São Paulo, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo15054-000, Brazil
| | - Manoel F Biancardi
- Department of Histology, Embryology, and Cell Biology, Federal University of Goiás, Campus Samambaia, Goiânia, Goiás74690-900, Brazil
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2
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Cunha GR, Li Y, Mei C, Derpinghaus A, Baskin LS. Ontogeny of estrogen receptors in human male and female fetal reproductive tracts. Differentiation 2020; 118:107-131. [PMID: 33176961 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews and provides new observations on the ontogeny of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia. Included in this study are observations on the human fetal uterine tube, the uterotubal junction, uterus, cervix, vagina, penis and clitoris. We also summarize and report on the ontogeny of estrogen receptors in the human fetal prostate, prostatic urethra and epididymis. The ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2, which spans from 8 to 21 weeks correlates well with the known "window of susceptibility" (7-15 weeks) for diethylstilbestrol (DES)-induced malformations of the human female reproductive tract as determined through examination of DES daughters exposed in utero to this potent estrogen. Our fairly complete mapping of the ontogeny of ESR1 and ESR2 in developing human male and female internal and external genitalia provides a mechanistic framework for further investigation of the role of estrogen in normal development and of abnormalities elicited by exogenous estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Cao Mei
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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3
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Taylor JA, Jones MB, Besch-Williford CL, Berendzen AF, Ricke WA, vom Saal FS. Interactive Effects of Perinatal BPA or DES and Adult Testosterone and Estradiol Exposure on Adult Urethral Obstruction and Bladder, Kidney, and Prostate Pathology in Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113902. [PMID: 32486162 PMCID: PMC7313472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstructive voiding disorder (OVD) occurs during aging in men and is often, but not always, associated with increased prostate size, due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or prostate cancer. Estrogens are known to impact the development of both OVD and prostate diseases, either during early urogenital tract development in fetal–neonatal life or later in adulthood. To examine the potential interaction between developmental and adult estrogen exposure on the adult urogenital tract, male CD-1 mice were perinatally exposed to bisphenol A (BPA), diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a positive control, or vehicle negative control, and in adulthood were treated for 4 months with Silastic capsules containing testosterone and estradiol (T+E2) or empty capsules. Animals exposed to BPA or DES during perinatal development were more likely than negative controls to have urine flow/kidney problems and enlarged bladders, as well as enlarged prostates. OVD in adult T+E2-treated perinatal BPA and DES animals was associated with dorsal prostate hyperplasia and prostatitis. The results demonstrate a relationship between elevated exogenous estrogen levels during urogenital system development and elevated estradiol in adulthood and OVD in male mice. These findings support the two-hit hypothesis for the development of OVD and prostate diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.A.T.); (M.B.J.)
| | - Maren Bell Jones
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.A.T.); (M.B.J.)
| | | | - Ashley F. Berendzen
- Biomolecular Imaging Center, Harry S Truman VA Hospital and University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - William A. Ricke
- George M. O’Brien Center of Research Excellence, Department of Urology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Frederick S. vom Saal
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; (J.A.T.); (M.B.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(573)-356-9621
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4
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Uchtmann KS, Taylor JA, Timms BG, Stahlhut RW, Ricke EA, Ellersieck MR, Vom Saal FS, Ricke WA. Fetal bisphenol A and ethinylestradiol exposure alters male rat urogenital tract morphology at birth: Confirmation of prior low-dose findings in CLARITY-BPA. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 91:131-141. [PMID: 31756437 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a contaminant in virtually all Americans. To examine BPA's adverse effects, the FDA-NCTR, NIEHS, and 14 groups of academic scientists formed a consortium: CLARITY-BPA. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of a wide range of doses of BPA on fetal development of the NCTR CD-SD male rat urogenital sinus (UGS). Pregnant rats were administered BPA or positive control ethinylestradiol (EE2) daily, via oral gavage, from gestational day 6 through parturition. Tissues were collected on postnatal day 1 and the UGS was analyzed using computer-assisted 3-D reconstruction. Importantly, only low doses of BPA, as well as EE2, significantly changed birth weight and UGS morphology, including an increased size of the colliculus and decreased size of the urethra, consistent with prior reported BPA and EE2 effects. Our findings provide further evidence that BPA mediates nonmonotonic developmental effects on the fetal urogenital sinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen S Uchtmann
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA; George M. O'Brien Center of Research Excellence, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Julia A Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Barry G Timms
- Division of Basic Biological Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069 USA
| | - Richard W Stahlhut
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | - Emily A Ricke
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA; George M. O'Brien Center of Research Excellence, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Mark R Ellersieck
- Department of Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 USA
| | | | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA; Molecular & Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA; George M. O'Brien Center of Research Excellence, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705 USA.
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5
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Bhandari RK, Taylor JA, Sommerfeld-Sager J, Tillitt DE, Ricke WA, vom Saal FS. Estrogen receptor 1 expression and methylation of Esr1 promoter in mouse fetal prostate mesenchymal cells induced by gestational exposure to bisphenol A or ethinylestradiol. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2019; 5:dvz012. [PMID: 31463084 PMCID: PMC6705189 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Fetal/neonatal environmental estrogen exposures alter developmental programing of the prostate gland causing onset of diseases later in life. We have previously shown in vitro that exposures to 17β-estradiol (E2) and the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A, at concentrations relevant to human exposure, cause an elevation of estrogen receptor α (Esr1) mRNA in primary cultures of fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells; a similar result was observed in the fetal rat urogenital sinus. Effects of these chemicals on prostate mesenchyme in vivo are not well understood. Here we show effects in mice of fetal exposure to the estrogenic drug in mixed oral contraceptives, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), at a concentration of EE2 encountered by human embryos/fetuses whose mothers become pregnant while on EE2-containing oral contraceptives, or bisphenol A at a concentration relevant to exposures observed in human fetuses in vivo. Expression of Esr1 was elevated by bisphenol A or EE2 exposures, which decreased the global expression of DNA methyltransferase 3A (Dnmt3a), while methylation of Esr1 promoter was significantly increased. These results show that exposures to the environmental estrogen bisphenol A and drug EE2 cause transcriptional and epigenetic alterations to expression of estrogen receptors in developing prostate mesenchyme in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramji K Bhandari
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- United States Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
- Correspondence address. Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 321 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27412, USA. Tel: +1-336-256-0493; Fax: +1-336-334-5839; E-mail:
| | - Julia A Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Donald E Tillitt
- United States Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, Molecular Environmental Toxicology Program, George M. O’Brien Center of Research Excellence, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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6
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Cunha GR, Vezina CM, Isaacson D, Ricke WA, Timms BG, Cao M, Franco O, Baskin LS. Development of the human prostate. Differentiation 2018; 103:24-45. [PMID: 30224091 PMCID: PMC6234090 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a detailed compilation of human prostatic development that includes human fetal prostatic gross anatomy, histology, and ontogeny of selected epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation markers and signaling molecules throughout the stages of human prostatic development: (a) pre-bud urogenital sinus (UGS), (b) emergence of solid prostatic epithelial buds from urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE), (c) bud elongation and branching, (d) canalization of the solid epithelial cords, (e) differentiation of luminal and basal epithelial cells, and (f) secretory cytodifferentiation. Additionally, we describe the use of xenografts to assess the actions of androgens and estrogens on human fetal prostatic development. In this regard, we report a new model of de novo DHT-induction of prostatic development from xenografts of human fetal female urethras, which emphasizes the utility of the xenograft approach for investigation of initiation of human prostatic development. These studies raise the possibility of molecular mechanistic studies on human prostatic development through the use of tissue recombinants composed of mutant mouse UGM combined with human fetal prostatic epithelium. Our compilation of human prostatic developmental processes is likely to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer as the neoformation of ductal-acinar architecture during normal development is shared during the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States.
| | - Chad M Vezina
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - William A Ricke
- Department of Urology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Barry G Timms
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD 57069, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
| | - Omar Franco
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University Health System, 1001 University Place, Evanston, IL 60201, United States
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States
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7
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Toivanen R, Shen MM. Prostate organogenesis: tissue induction, hormonal regulation and cell type specification. Development 2017; 144:1382-1398. [PMID: 28400434 DOI: 10.1242/dev.148270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate organogenesis is a complex process that is primarily mediated by the presence of androgens and subsequent mesenchyme-epithelial interactions. The investigation of prostate development is partly driven by its potential relevance to prostate cancer, in particular the apparent re-awakening of key developmental programs that occur during tumorigenesis. However, our current knowledge of the mechanisms that drive prostate organogenesis is far from complete. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of prostate development, focusing on recent findings regarding sexual dimorphism, bud induction, branching morphogenesis and cellular differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Toivanen
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Development, Urology, and Systems Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Michael M Shen
- Departments of Medicine, Genetics and Development, Urology, and Systems Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA
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8
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Vom Saal FS. TRIENNIAL REPRODUCTION SYMPOSIUM: Environmental programming of reproduction during fetal life: Effects of intrauterine position and the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A. J Anim Sci 2017; 94:2722-36. [PMID: 27482660 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
During critical periods in fetal life, there is an increased vulnerability to perturbations in endocrine function due to environmental factors. Small shifts in concentrations of hormones that regulate the differentiation of organs, such as estradiol and testosterone, can have permanent effects on morphology, enzymatic activity, and hormone receptors in tissues as well as neurobehavioral effects. These changes can lead to effects throughout life, including impacting the risk for various diseases (referred to as the Developmental Origins of Adult Health and Disease hypothesis). The intrauterine position phenomenon concerns the consequence for fetuses of randomly implanting next to embryos of the same or opposite sex. An intrauterine position next to males vs. females results in small differences in serum testosterone and estradiol during fetal life that are associated with marked effects on life history (such as lifetime fecundity) in both males and females born in litters (mice, rats, gerbils, rabbits, and swine) as well as human twins. Research with mice subsequently demonstrated that a very small experimental change in fetal serum estradiol levels altered organogenesis and caused permanent changes in organ function. Taken together, these findings led to the hypothesis that environmental chemicals that mimic or antagonize hormone action (e.g., endocrine disrupting chemicals) could also be causing harm at very low exposures (the "low dose" hypothesis) within the range of exposure of humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. There is now extensive evidence from experimental laboratory animals, sheep, and humans that fetal exposure to very low (presumably safe) doses of the endocrine disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA), which exhibits estrogenic activity, can cause permanent changes that can increase the risk of a wide array of diseases. The reasons that federal regulatory agencies are ignoring the massive literature showing adverse effects of BPA and other endocrine disrupting chemicals are discussed.
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9
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Antoniassi JQ, Fochi RA, Góes RM, Vilamaior PSL, Taboga SR. Corticosterone influences gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) prostatic morphophysiology and alters its proliferation and apoptosis rates. Int J Exp Pathol 2017; 98:134-146. [PMID: 28664583 PMCID: PMC5573771 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones that are widely used in medicine; but although side effects are generally recognised, little is known about the precise mechanisms that is implicated in many of these side effects. Furthermore, GCs are highly correlated with stress and behaviour disorders. This study evaluated the effects of the glucocorticoid corticosterone on the ventral prostate of the Mongolian gerbil. Male gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) (n = 5) received intraperitoneal injections of saline or corticosterone in doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day and 1.5 mg/kg/day for 5 days; while some of the animals were killed immediately after the treatment, the others were killed 5 days after the treatment period. The data show that corticosterone influences the structure and functionality of this organ. This hormone has anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic properties in the prostate. In addition, the frequencies of the androgen (AR), oestrogen (ERα, ERβ) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors changed. The frequencies of AR, GR and ERβ decreased in the Ct1/5 group; in the groups with rest period, the frequencies of GR increased and ERβ decreased in the epithelium. Changes in the proliferative index, apoptotic index and receptor activity may have contributed to the emergence of prostatic morphological alterations, such as the presence of cellular debris and inflammatory cells. Different doses of corticosterone had variable effects on the prostate, with a higher dose showing subtler effects and a lower dose showing more striking effects. The corticosterone effects on nuclear receptors were reverted or attenuated after a rest period, which was not observed for proliferation and apoptosis. In summary, we have demonstrated that corticosterone might influence the prostatic morphophysiology and that these changes may be linked in some way to the altered receptor distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Quilles Antoniassi
- Department of Structural and Functional BiologyInstitute of BiologyState University of Campinas (UNICAMP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Ricardo Alexandre Fochi
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (IBILCE)University Estadual Paulista (UNESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Rejane Maira Góes
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (IBILCE)University Estadual Paulista (UNESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Patricia Simone Leite Vilamaior
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (IBILCE)University Estadual Paulista (UNESP)São PauloBrazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Structural and Functional BiologyInstitute of BiologyState University of Campinas (UNICAMP)São PauloBrazil
- Department of BiologyInstitute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences (IBILCE)University Estadual Paulista (UNESP)São PauloBrazil
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10
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Mulligan WA, Wegner KA, Keil KP, Mehta V, Taketo MM, Vezina CM. Beta-catenin and estrogen signaling collaborate to drive cyclin D1 expression in developing mouse prostate. Differentiation 2016; 93:66-71. [PMID: 27918915 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Androgen, beta-catenin (CTNNB1), and estrogen pathways stimulate proliferative growth of developing mouse prostate but how these pathways interact is not fully understood. We previously found that androgens induce CTNNB1 signaling in mouse urogenital sinus (UGS) epithelium from which prostatic ductal epithelium derives. Others have shown that low estradiol concentrations induce UGS epithelial proliferative growth. Here, we found that CTNNB1 signaling overlaps cyclin D1 (CCND1) expression in prostatic buds and we used a genetic approach to test whether CTNNB1 signaling induces CCND1 expression. We observed an unexpected sexually dimorphic response to hyperactive CCNTB1 signaling: in male mouse UGS it increased Ccnd1 mRNA abundance without increasing its protein abundance but in female UGS it increased Ccnd1 mRNA and protein abundance, suggesting a potential role for estrogens in stabilizing CCND1 protein. Treating wild type male UGS explants with androgen and either 17β-estradiol or a proteasome inhibitor increased CCND1 protein and KI67 labeling in prostatic bud epithelium. Together, our results are consistent with an epithelial proliferative growth mechanism linking CTNNB1-driven Ccnd1 transcription and estrogen-mediated CCND1 protein stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Mulligan
- George M. O'Brien Benign Urology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kyle A Wegner
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Vatsal Mehta
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - M Mark Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Yoshida-Konoé-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Chad M Vezina
- George M. O'Brien Benign Urology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1656 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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11
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Bryant SL, Francis JC, Lokody IB, Wang H, Risbridger GP, Loveland KL, Swain A. Sex specific retinoic acid signaling is required for the initiation of urogenital sinus bud development. Dev Biol 2014; 395:209-17. [PMID: 25261715 PMCID: PMC4211671 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian urogenital sinus (UGS) develops in a sex specific manner, giving rise to the prostate in the male and the sinus vagina in the embryonic female. Androgens, produced by the embryonic testis, have been shown to be crucial to this process. In this study we show that retinoic acid signaling is required for the initial stages of bud development from the male UGS. Enzymes involved in retinoic acid synthesis are expressed in the UGS mesenchyme in a sex specific manner and addition of ligand to female tissue is able to induce prostate-like bud formation in the absence of androgens, albeit at reduced potency. Functional studies in mouse organ cultures that faithfully reproduce the initiation of prostate development indicate that one of the roles of retinoic acid signaling in the male is to inhibit the expression of Inhba, which encodes the βA subunit of Activin, in the UGS mesenchyme. Through in vivo genetic analysis and culture studies we show that inhibition of Activin signaling in the female UGS leads to a similar phenotype to that of retinoic acid treatment, namely bud formation in the absence of androgens. Our data also reveals that both androgens and retinoic acid have extra independent roles to that of repressing Activin signaling in the development of the prostate during fetal stages. This study identifies a novel role for retinoic acid as a mesenchymal factor that acts together with androgens to determine the position and initiation of bud development in the male UGS epithelia. We show that sex specific retinoic acid is required for male UGS bud initiation. An increase in retinoic acid can lead to prostate-like formation in females. We find that activin repression is a downstream target of RA signalling. RA is a novel mesenchymal signal regulating bud initiation along the UGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Bryant
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey C Francis
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel B Lokody
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Gail P Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Amanda Swain
- Division of Cancer Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom.
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12
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Wall EH, Hewitt SC, Case LK, Lin CY, Korach KS, Teuscher C. The role of genetics in estrogen responses: a critical piece of an intricate puzzle. FASEB J 2014; 28:5042-54. [PMID: 25212221 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-260307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The estrogens are female sex hormones that are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including reproductive development and function, wound healing, and bone growth. They are mainly known for their roles in reproductive tissues--specifically, 17β-estradiol (E2), the primary estrogen, which is secreted by the ovaries and induces cellular proliferation and growth of the uterus and mammary glands. In addition to the role of estrogens in promoting tissue growth and development during normal physiological states, they have a well-established role in determining susceptibility to disease, particularly cancer, in reproductive tissues. The responsiveness of various tissues to estrogen is genetically controlled, with marked quantitative variation observed across multiple species, including humans. This variation presents both researchers and clinicians with a veritable physiological puzzle, the pieces of which--many of them unknown--are complex and difficult to fit together. Although genetics is known to play a major role in determining sensitivity to estrogens, there are other factors, including parent of origin and the maternal environment, that are intimately linked to heritable phenotypes but do not represent genotype, per se. The objectives of this review article were to summarize the current knowledge of the role of genotype, and uterine and neonatal environments, in phenotypic variation in the response to estrogens; to discuss recent findings and the potential mechanisms involved; and to highlight exciting research opportunities for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H Wall
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont, USA
| | - Sylvia C Hewitt
- Receptor Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; and
| | - Laure K Case
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont, USA
| | - Chin-Yo Lin
- Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth S Korach
- Receptor Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, U.S. National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA; and
| | - Cory Teuscher
- Department of Medicine and Pathology, University of Vermont, Burlington Vermont, USA;
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Da Silva DAL, Zanatelli M, Shinohara FZ, Góes RM, Dos Santos FCA, Vilamaior PSL, Taboga SR. Effects of exposure to estradiol and estradiol plus testosterone on the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) female prostate. Microsc Res Tech 2013; 76:486-95. [PMID: 23529937 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The female prostate is a differentiated organ found in several mammal species, including humans and rodents. This gland has been related to important functions on female reproductive biology. Although the factors, which regulate prostate's development and activity are not well known, its functionality has been related to steroid hormones. It is well established that cyclic changes of estradiol and progesterone levels promote histophysiological adaptations of the whole female body. In contrast, only a few is found about those adaptations in female prostate. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of estradiol and estradiol + testosterone association on gerbil female prostate in order to verify, which hormonal associations are necessary to its homeostasis. For this, adult females had the ovaries surgically removed. After recovering, they received estradiol and estradiol + testosterone doses through 30 days, each 48 h. The prostatic tissue underwent morphological and morphometric-estereological analysis. Hormonal restriction caused great gland involution and decreased secretory activity, aspects that were reverted by exposure to estradiol and estradiol + testosterone. However, these hormones were not able to re-establish the normal prostate histoarchitecture. The immunoreaction of steroid receptors (ER-α, ER-β, and AR) responded differently among the experimental and control groups, and PCNA assay showed a decrease in epithelial cell proliferation within groups that had hormone privation. Therefore, we conclude that estradiol and testosterone are able to influence prostate morphophysiology and the maintenance of gland homeostasis depends on a balance among these and other hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Augusto Lopes Da Silva
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, Physiology and Biophysics, Campinas State University, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Dose-related estrogen effects on gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48311. [PMID: 23144751 PMCID: PMC3483223 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure of mouse fetuses to estrogens results in dose-dependent permanent effects on prostate morphology and function. Fetal prostatic mesenchyme cells express estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and androgen receptors and convert stimuli from circulating estrogens and androgens into paracrine signaling to regulate epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. To obtain mechanistic insight into the role of different doses of estradiol (E2) in regulating mesenchymal cells, we examined E2-induced transcriptomal changes in primary cultures of fetal mouse prostate mesenchymal cells. Urogenital sinus mesenchyme cells were obtained from male mouse fetuses at gestation day 17 and exposed to 10 pM, 100 pM or 100 nM E2 in the presence of a physiological concentration of dihydrotestosterone (0.69 nM) for four days. Gene ontology studies suggested that low doses of E2 (10 pM and 100 pM) induce genes involved in morphological tissue development and sterol biosynthesis but suppress genes involved in growth factor signaling. Genes involved in cell adhesion were enriched among both up-regulated and down-regulated genes. Genes showing inverted-U-shape dose responses (enhanced by E2 at 10 pM E2 but suppressed at 100 pM) were enriched in the glycolytic pathway. At the highest dose (100 nM), E2 induced genes enriched for cell adhesion, steroid hormone signaling and metabolism, cytokines and their receptors, cell-to-cell communication, Wnt signaling, and TGF- β signaling. These results suggest that prostate mesenchymal cells may regulate epithelial cells through direct cell contacts when estrogen level is low whereas secreted growth factors and cytokines might play significant roles when estrogen level is high.
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Vandenberg LN, Colborn T, Hayes TB, Heindel JJ, Jacobs DR, Lee DH, Shioda T, Soto AM, vom Saal FS, Welshons WV, Zoeller RT, Myers JP. Hormones and endocrine-disrupting chemicals: low-dose effects and nonmonotonic dose responses. Endocr Rev 2012; 33:378-455. [PMID: 22419778 PMCID: PMC3365860 DOI: 10.1210/er.2011-1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1975] [Impact Index Per Article: 164.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
For decades, studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have challenged traditional concepts in toxicology, in particular the dogma of "the dose makes the poison," because EDCs can have effects at low doses that are not predicted by effects at higher doses. Here, we review two major concepts in EDC studies: low dose and nonmonotonicity. Low-dose effects were defined by the National Toxicology Program as those that occur in the range of human exposures or effects observed at doses below those used for traditional toxicological studies. We review the mechanistic data for low-dose effects and use a weight-of-evidence approach to analyze five examples from the EDC literature. Additionally, we explore nonmonotonic dose-response curves, defined as a nonlinear relationship between dose and effect where the slope of the curve changes sign somewhere within the range of doses examined. We provide a detailed discussion of the mechanisms responsible for generating these phenomena, plus hundreds of examples from the cell culture, animal, and epidemiology literature. We illustrate that nonmonotonic responses and low-dose effects are remarkably common in studies of natural hormones and EDCs. Whether low doses of EDCs influence certain human disorders is no longer conjecture, because epidemiological studies show that environmental exposures to EDCs are associated with human diseases and disabilities. We conclude that when nonmonotonic dose-response curves occur, the effects of low doses cannot be predicted by the effects observed at high doses. Thus, fundamental changes in chemical testing and safety determination are needed to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Vandenberg
- Tufts University, Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, 200 Boston Avenue, Suite 4600, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
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16
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Reduced prostate branching morphogenesis in stromal fibroblast, but not in epithelial, estrogen receptor α knockout mice. Asian J Androl 2012; 14:546-55. [PMID: 22609821 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early studies suggested that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is involved in estrogen-mediated imprinting effects in prostate development. We recently reported a more complete ERα knockout (KO) mouse model via mating β-actin Cre transgenic mice with floxed ERα mice. These ACTB-ERαKO male mice showed defects in prostatic branching morphogenesis, which demonstrates that ERα is necessary to maintain proliferative events in the prostate. However, within which prostate cell type ERα exerts those important functions remains to be elucidated. To address this, we have bred floxed ERα mice with either fibroblast-specific protein (FSP)-Cre or probasin-Cre transgenic mice to generate a mouse model that has deleted ERα gene in either stromal fibroblast (FSP-ERαKO) or epithelial (pes-ERαKO) prostate cells. We found that circulating testosterone and fertility were not altered in FSP-ERαKO and pes-ERαKO male mice. Prostates of FSP-ERαKO mice have less branching morphogenesis compared to that of wild-type littermates. Further analyses indicated that loss of stromal ERα leads to increased stromal apoptosis, reduced expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and FGF10, and increased expression of BMP4. Collectively, we have established the first in vivo prostate stromal and epithelial selective ERαKO mouse models and the results from these mice indicated that stromal fibroblast ERα plays important roles in prostatic branching morphogenesis via a paracrine fashion. Selective deletion of the ERα gene in mouse prostate epithelial cells by probasin-Cre does not affect the regular prostate development and homeostasis.
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17
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Taylor JA, Richter CA, Ruhlen RL, vom Saal FS. Estrogenic environmental chemicals and drugs: mechanisms for effects on the developing male urogenital system. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 127:83-95. [PMID: 21827855 PMCID: PMC3191287 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Development and differentiation of the prostate from the fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) is dependent on androgen action via androgen receptors (AR) in the UGS mesenchyme. Estrogens are not required for prostate differentiation but do act to modulate androgen action. In mice exposure to exogenous estrogen during development results in permanent effects on adult prostate size and function, which is mediated through mesenchymal estrogen receptor (ER) alpha. For many years estrogens were thought to inhibit prostate growth because estrogenic drugs studied were administered at very high concentrations that interfered with normal prostate development. There is now extensive evidence that exposure to estrogen at very low concentrations during the early stages of prostate differentiation can stimulate fetal/neonatal prostate growth and lead to prostate disease in adulthood. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disrupting chemical that binds to both ER receptor subtypes as well as to AR. Interest in BPA has increased because of its prevalence in the environment and its detection in over 90% of people in the USA. In tissue culture of fetal mouse UGS mesenchymal cells, BPA and estradiol stimulated changes in the expression of several genes. We discuss here the potential involvement of estrogen in regulating signaling pathways affecting cellular functions relevant to steroid hormone signaling and metabolism and to inter- and intra-cellular communications that promote cell growth. The findings presented here provide additional evidence that BPA and the estrogenic drug ethinylestradiol disrupt prostate development in male mice at administered doses relevant to human exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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18
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Wu JH, Jiang XR, Liu GM, Liu XY, He GL, Sun ZY. Oral exposure to low-dose bisphenol A aggravates testosterone-induced benign hyperplasia prostate in rats. Toxicol Ind Health 2011; 27:810-9. [DOI: 10.1177/0748233711399310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The declining level of androgen during aging, associated with an inclining level of estrogen, has been hypothesized to be important in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Within physiologic range, increasing estrogen levels can stimulate prostate to develop and permanently increase prostate size. As an estrogenic endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) might be stimulatory to prostate development. We further hypothesized that low dose BPA could induce hyperplasia prostate to proliferate and aggravate the symptom of BPH in male SD rats. BPH was induced by testosterone and then treated with BPA (10, 30, or 90 μg/kg, i.g., daily), 17β-estradiol (E2; 50.0 μg/kg, s.c., daily), or vehicle for 4 weeks. We found that weight and volume in rats treated with low dose BPA (10 μg/kg) was higher than that of model control, and BPA significantly increased the relative weight of prostate (p < 0.01). For prostate lobes, BPA 10 μg/kg/day significantly increased relative weight of ventral prostate (VP), weight and relative weight of dorsolateral prostate (DLP) (p < 0.05). And histopathology results showed that height of epithelial cell (HEC) of VP and DLP in BPA group were significantly higher than that of model control (p < 0.01). BPA could also decrease testostertone level and increase prostate-specific antigen level. E2 treatment also showed an obvious effect on relative weight of VP and DLP, HEC, and hormone levels. We concluded that environment exposure to low dose of BPA may induce prostate to proliferate and aggravate testosterone-induced benign hyperplasia prostate in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hui Wu
- Fudan University, Shanghai, China, National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China,
| | - Xiu-Rong Jiang
- National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Ming Liu
- National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang-Yun Liu
- National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Lin He
- National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Zu-Yue Sun
- National Evaluation Centre for the Toxicology of Fertility Regulating Drugs, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China
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19
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Hofkamp LE, Bradley S, Geliebter J, Timms BG. Atypical fetal prostate development is associated with ipsilateral hypoplasia of the wolffian ducts in the ACI rat. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2010; 293:747-53. [PMID: 20091891 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
For over a half century, the ACI (August x Copenhagen) rat has been a primary model for studying renal agenesis and ipsilateral hypoplasia (IHP) of the Wolffian-derived structures (WDS). Because the ACI rat is also used as a model for prostate research, it is important to examine the relationship of IHP and urogenital sinus (UGS) development. The prostate is dependent on androgens for proper growth and differentiation. Alteration in androgen production and/or delivery to the UGS has the potential to perturbate normal development. In this study, we investigate whether the ipsilateral loss of the WDS is associated with altered prostate development. Digital images of serial-sectioned fetal ACI rat UGS were used to create three-dimensional (3-D) surface-rendered models of the developing prostate, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and utricle on gestational day 21. The number and volume of prostate ducts developing from the UGS were calculated from the 3-D model data. Animals exhibiting IHP had a significant decrease in total fetal prostate volume (40%; P < 0.005) with significant regional specific differences when compared with normal male ACI rats. Anatomical and histological differences in the utricle, abnormal histology of the ipsilateral testes, and a truncation of the ipsilateral Wolffian ductal mesenchyme were also seen in the animals with IHP. Additional research is needed to further understand the mechanisms and consequences of IHP on prostate growth and development. Alterations to normal prenatal development of the male accessory sex organs can have important consequences for the growth and morphology of the adult gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke E Hofkamp
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, Lee Medical Building, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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20
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Allgeier SH, Lin TM, Moore RW, Vezina CM, Abler LL, Peterson RE. Androgenic regulation of ventral epithelial bud number and pattern in mouse urogenital sinus. Dev Dyn 2010; 239:373-85. [PMID: 19941349 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The ventral urogenital sinus (UGS) of control male mice has two rows of 3-4 prostatic buds at birth, but how androgens regulate ventral bud (VB) number and patterning is unclear. VBs in both sexes appeared to be a mixture of prostatic and urethral buds. UGSs from Tfm male and antiandrogen (flutamide)-exposed mice had small VBs, suggesting that initiation of some VBs is androgen independent. Tfm male mice are widely considered completely androgen insensitive yet their UGSs were 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)- responsive. VBs (6-8) were generally distributed bimodally on the left-right axis at both minimal and normal male androgen signaling. Yet control females and DHT-exposed Tfm males had 13-14 VBs, whose left-right distribution was fairly uniform. These results suggest that VB number and distribution respond biphasically as androgen signaling increases from minimal, and that androgens regulate bud specification. Complete VB agenesis by the selective budding inhibitor 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) required high androgen signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Allgeier
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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21
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Zhang Z, Wang L, Mei M, Zhu Y, Du X, Lee C, Park I, Zhang J, Shi J. Both nongenomic and genomic effects are involved in estradiol's enhancing the phenotype of smooth muscle cells in cultured prostate stromal cells. Prostate 2010; 70:317-32. [PMID: 19862801 DOI: 10.1002/pros.21066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stromal smooth muscle cells (SMCs) play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia. We had reported that estrogen enhances the phenotype of SMC in cultured prostate stromal cells (PRSCs). Here we further investigate the mechanism by which estrogen affects the differentiation of PRSCs. METHODS Primary cultured PRSCs were stimulated with E2 or BSA-E2. The mRNA level of SMC-specific genes, smoothelin, and SM-MHC were measured by qRT-PCR. The SM-MHC protein was measured by Western blot. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-beta1 were measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The MAPK inhibitor PD98059, the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780 and neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1 were used to reveal the mechanism of estrogen effect. RESULTS E2 and BSA-E2 significantly up-regulate the expression of SMC-specific genes in PRSCs. Both forms of estrogen could increase the expression of TGF-beta1, which can be blocked by pre-treating with PD98059. Moreover, PD98059 and TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibody could abrogate the effect of BSA-E2 on cell differentiation. However, they could only inhibit part of E2-induced SMC phenotype enhancement. ICI182,780 could partially suppress the pro-differentiation effect of E2 but had no influence on the effect of BSA-E2. Combined treatment with ICI182,780 and PD98059 can completely abrogate the effect of E2. CONCLUSIONS Estrogen could promote the expression of TGF-beta1 in PRSCs through nongenomic activation of MAPK pathway, and in turn enhance the SMC phenotype. Besides for this nongenomic effect, estrogen can also enhance the SMC phenotype through classical genomic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhisong Zhang
- Bioactive Materials Key Lab of Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Estrogen signaling is not required for prostatic bud patterning or for its disruption by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2009; 239:80-6. [PMID: 19523480 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2009] [Revised: 05/30/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play an important role in prostatic development, health, and disease. While estrogen signaling is essential for normal postnatal prostate development, little is known about its prenatal role in control animals. We tested the hypothesis that estrogen signaling is needed for normal male prostatic bud patterning. Budding patterns were examined by scanning electron microscopy of urogenital sinus epithelium from wild-type mice, mice lacking estrogen receptor (ER)alpha, ERbeta, or both, and wild-type mice exposed to the antiestrogen ICI 182,780. Budding phenotypes did not detectably differ among any of these groups, strongly suggesting that estrogen signaling is not needed to establish the prototypical prostatic budding pattern seen in control males. This finding contributes to our understanding of the effects of low-level estrogen exposure on early prostate development. In utero exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) can greatly alter the pattern in which prostatic buds form and reduce their number. For several reasons, including a prior observation that inhibitory effects of TCDD on prostatic budding in rats depend heavily on the sex of adjacent fetuses, we tested the hypothesis that estrogen signaling is needed for TCDD to disrupt prostatic budding. However, budding did not detectably differ among wild-type mice, or mice lacking ERalpha, ERbeta, or both, that were exposed prenatally to TCDD (5 microg/kg on embryonic day 13.5). Nor did ICI 182,780 detectably affect the response to TCDD. These results strongly suggest that estrogen signaling is not needed for TCDD to inhibit prostatic epithelial budding.
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Abstract
The development of the prostate is dependent upon androgens and stromal-epithelial interactions. Understanding the molecules and mechanisms by which androgens control prostate organogenesis has been a considerable challenge over the past few decades. Similarly, identifying the molecular signals passing between stromal and epithelial cells has been difficult, and consequently understanding how androgens and stromal-epithelial signalling interact is poorly understood. There remains significant uncertainty regarding how androgens control the growth of the prostate, although several pathways have been identified that are required for prostate development or which alter prostate growth. This review will summarize past findings relating to the pathways that might mediate the effects of androgens as well as molecules that act as stromal to epithelial signals in the prostate. It will also examine the approaches used to identify pathways of importance and the historical concepts that have informed these studies. In particular, the question of which mechanisms might be involved in early prostate organogenesis as well as anatomic aspects of organ induction will be described. Finally, models of prostatic development will be proposed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel A Thomson
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The Queen's Institute for Medical Research, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH164TJ, UK.
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Chen M, Hsu I, Wolfe A, Radovick S, Huang K, Yu S, Chang C, Messing EM, Yeh S. Defects of prostate development and reproductive system in the estrogen receptor-alpha null male mice. Endocrinology 2009; 150:251-9. [PMID: 18755802 PMCID: PMC5398428 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor-alpha knockout (ERalphaKO, ERalpha-/-) mice were generated via the Cre-loxP system by mating floxed ERalpha mice with beta-actin (ACTB)-Cre mice. The impact of ERalpha gene deletion in the male reproductive system was investigated. The ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) male mice are infertile and have lost 90% of epididymal sperm when compared with wild-type mice. Serum testosterone levels in ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) male mice are 2-fold elevated. The ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) testes consist of atrophic and degenerating seminiferous tubules with less cellularity in the disorganized seminiferous epithelia. Furthermore, the ventral and dorsal-lateral prostates of ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) mice display reduced branching morphogenesis. Loss of ERalpha could also be responsible for the decreased fibroblast proliferation and changes in the stromal content. In addition, we found bone morphogenetic protein, a mesenchymal inhibitor of prostatic branching morphogenesis, is significantly up-regulated in the ACTB-Cre/ERalpha(-/-) prostates. Collectively, these results suggest that ERalpha is required for male fertility, acts through a paracrine mechanism to regulate prostatic branching morphogenesis, and is involved in the proliferation and differentiation of prostatic stromal compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 656, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
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Hofkamp L, Bradley S, Tresguerres J, Lichtensteiger W, Schlumpf M, Timms B. Region-specific growth effects in the developing rat prostate following fetal exposure to estrogenic ultraviolet filters. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2008; 116:867-872. [PMID: 18629307 PMCID: PMC2453153 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.10983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors is a potential risk factor for humans. Many of these chemicals have been shown to exhibit disruption of normal cellular and developmental processes in animal models. Ultraviolet (UV) filters used as sunscreens in cosmetics have previously been shown to exhibit estrogenic activity in in vitro and in vivo assays. We examined the effects of two UV filters, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) and 3-benzylidene camphor (3-BC), in the developing prostate of the fetal rat. METHODS Pregnant Long Evans rats were fed diets containing doses of 4-MBC and 3-BC that resulted in average daily intakes of these chemicals corresponding to the lowest observed adverse effects level (LOAEL) and the no observed adverse effects level (NOAEL) doses in prior developmental toxicity studies. Using digital photographs of serial sections from postnatal day 1 animals, we identified, contoured, and aligned the epithelial ducts from specific regions of the developing prostate, plus the accessory sex glands and calculated the total volume for each region from three-dimensional, surface-rendered models. RESULTS Fetal exposure to 4-MBC (7.0 mg/kg body weight/day) resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in tissue volume in the prostate and accessory sex glands. Treated males exhibited a 62% increase in the number of ducts in the caudal dorsal prostate. Increased distal branching morphogenesis appears to be a consequence of exposure in the ventral region, resulting in a 106% increase in ductal volume. CONCLUSIONS 4-MBC exposure during development of the male reproductive accessory sex glands exhibited classical growth effects associated with estrogenic endocrine disruptors. The different regional responses suggest that the two developmental processes of ductal outgrowth and branching morphogenesis are affected independently by exposure to the environmental chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Hofkamp
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Sarahann Bradley
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - Jesus Tresguerres
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Margret Schlumpf
- GREEN Tox and Institute of Anatomy, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Barry Timms
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
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McPherson SJ, Ellem SJ, Risbridger GP. Estrogen-regulated development and differentiation of the prostate. Differentiation 2008; 76:660-70. [PMID: 18557760 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2008.00291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Both androgens and estrogens play a significant role in the prostate and are critical for normal prostate growth and development, as well as the maintenance of adult prostatic homeostasis throughout life. It is the balance of these two hormones, rather than each individually, that is important for prostatic development and differentiation. Estrogen action is mediated by the estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta. ERalpha is expressed throughout the prostatic tissue during fetal and early neonatal life, and if activated inappropriately, produces late-life disease, including inflammation and emergence of pre-malignant pathologies. In contrast, ERbeta expression is initiated after ERalpha, is localized primarily to the epithelium, and appears to be important during later periods of development such as puberty and adulthood, acting to regulate cellular proliferation and differentiation in the adult tissue. Therefore, there is also a spatial and temporal balance between ERalpha and ERbeta that is critical for development. Together with the shifting balance between androgens and estrogens themselves, the subtle, yet critical, balance between the activity of ERalpha and ERbeta is what ultimately determines the response of the prostate to estrogen, and is crucial for prostate health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J McPherson
- Centre for Urological Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University 27-31 Wright Street Clayton, Vic., Australia.
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Abstract
The regional anatomy of the human prostate has been debated periodically over the last century with various levels of controversy and agreement, beginning with the concept of lobes and replaced by the current model of zones. During this period a variety of classifications have been proposed, based upon the studies of glandular morphogenesis, responses to hormones or histopathology. The current paradigm suggests that the regional differences seen in the prostate of both animal models and the human are a consequence of specific epithelial-mesenchymal interactions along the cranial-caudal axis of the urogenital sinus. The distinctive regional patterns seen in the rodent prostate and the histological heterogeneity of the human adult gland all point to the modification of the distal portion of the ducts, while the proximal segments retain their spatial relationship to the urethra that was formed during fetal development. This suggests that the early epithelial budding that occurs in utero represents a common, fairly symmetrical pattern of growth in many species, while the regional differences in branching morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation are controlled by the instructional influences of mesenchyme and temporal expression of growth factors. Perturbation of the normal processes involved during critical periods of fetal development during reproductive organ development may also play a role in the susceptibility of the prostate to disease in adulthood. Past descriptions of detailed anatomical studies, which span over a century, have provided much insight into the architecture and processes that form a complex tubulo-alveolar gland. New insights into the ductal detail and the advent of sophisticated analyses of cell-cell interactions and molecular mechanisms controlling pathways of cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis will likely lead to new approaches for prevention and therapy of prostatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry G Timms
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, 414 E. Clark St., Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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Hurd PL, Bailey AA, Gongal PA, Yan RH, Greer JJ, Pagliardini S. Intrauterine position effects on anogenital distance and digit ratio in male and female mice. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2008; 37:9-18. [PMID: 18080736 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-007-9259-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Anogenital distance (AGD) and the ratio of the second (index) to fourth (ring) digit lengths (2D:4D) are two widely used indicators of prenatal androgen exposure. The former is commonly used in rodent models, while the latter is principally used in human studies. We investigated variation in these two traits in C57BL/6J mice to test the hypothesis that variation in these two traits reflect a common underlying variable, presumably testosterone exposure. AGD is a sexually dimorphic trait used to sex young rodents. This distance typically increases and becomes more male-like in female pups when their uterine neighbors are male. 2D:4D is sexually dimorphic in a number of species, including humans and other great apes. Lower digit ratios may be associated with greater exposure to androgens during fetal development in humans. We found the expected sexual dimorphism in AGD, but no significant sex difference in 2D:4D, and no correlation between 2D:4D and AGD. Gestating next to males increased a pup's 2D:4D ratio, but it had no effect on AGD. The lack of correlation between 2D:4D and AGDs in this mouse strain suggests that these two measures do not reflect a common influence of androgen exposure. The possible roles of temporal and localized effects of masculinization are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Hurd
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Chaurand P, Rahman MA, Hunt T, Mobley JA, Gu G, Latham JC, Caprioli RM, Kasper S. Monitoring mouse prostate development by profiling and imaging mass spectrometry. Mol Cell Proteomics 2008; 7:411-23. [PMID: 17991918 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m700190-mcp200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mass spectrometry-based tissue profiling and imaging are technologies that allow identification and visualization of protein signals directly on thin sections cut from fresh frozen tissue specimens. These technologies were utilized to evaluate protein expression profiles in the normal mouse prostate during development (1-5 weeks of age), at sexual maturation (6 weeks of age), and in adult prostate (at 10, 15, or 40 weeks of age). The evolution of protein expression during normal prostate development and maturation were subsequently compared with 15-week prostate tumors derived from genetically engineered mice carrying the Large T antigen gene under regulation of the prostate-specific probasin promoter (LPB-Tag mouse model for prostate cancer). This approach identified proteins differentially expressed at specific time points during prostate development. Furthermore expression of some of these proteins, for example probasin and spermine-binding protein, were associated with prostate maturation, and prostate tumor formation resulted in their loss of expression. Cyclophilin A, a protein found in other cancers, was differentially alpha-acetylated on the N terminus, and both isoforms appeared during normal prostate and prostate tumor development. Imaging mass spectrometry localized the protein signals to specific prostatic lobes or regions. Thus, tissue profiling and imaging can be utilized to analyze the ontogeny of protein expression during prostate morphogenesis and tumorigenesis and identify proteins that could potentially serve as biomarkers for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Chaurand
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center and Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-8575, USA
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30
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Custodio AMG, Santos FC, Campos SG, Vilamaior PS, Góes RM, Taboga SR. Aging Effects on the Mongolian Gerbil Female Prostate (Skene's Paraurethral Glands): Structural, Ultrastructural, Quantitative, and Hormonal Evaluations. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2008; 291:463-74. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.20637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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31
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Durrer S, Ehnes C, Fuetsch M, Maerkel K, Schlumpf M, Lichtensteiger W. Estrogen sensitivity of target genes and expression of nuclear receptor co-regulators in rat prostate after pre- and postnatal exposure to the ultraviolet filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115 Suppl 1:42-50. [PMID: 18174949 PMCID: PMC2174398 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2006] [Accepted: 02/08/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In previous studies, we found that the ultraviolet filter 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor (4-MBC) exhibits estrogenic activity, is a preferential estrogen receptor (ER)-beta ligand, and interferes with development of female reproductive organs and brain of both sexes in rats. Here, we report effects on male development. METHODS 4-MBC (0.7, 7, 24, 47 mg/kg/day) was administered in chow to the parent generation before mating, during gestation and lactation, and to offspring until adulthood. mRNA was determined in prostate lobes by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and protein was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS 4-MBC delayed male puberty, decreased adult prostate weight, and slightly increased testis weight. Androgen receptor (AR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), ER-alpha, and ER-beta expression in prostate were altered at mRNA and protein levels, with stronger effects in dorsolateral than ventral prostate. To assess sensitivity of target genes to estrogens, offspring were castrated on postnatal day 70, injected with 17beta-estradiol (E(2); 10 or 50 microg/kg, sc) or vehicle on postnatal day 84, and sacrificed 6 hr later. Acute repression of AR and IGF-1 mRNAs by E(2), studied in ventral prostate, was reduced by 4-MBC exposure. This was accompanied by reduced co-repressor N-CoR (nuclear receptor co-repressor) protein in ventral and dorsolateral prostate, whereas steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) protein levels were unaffected. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that 4-MBC affects development of male reproductive functions and organs, with a lowest observed adverse effect level of 0.7 mg/kg. Nuclear receptor coregulators were revealed as targets for endocrine disruptors, as shown for N-CoR in prostate and SRC-1 in uterus. This may have widespread effects on gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Margret Schlumpf
- Address correspondence to M. Schlumpf, GREEN Tox, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland. Telephone: 41 43 233 9517. Fax: 41 43 268 9573. E-mail: margret.
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32
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Richter CA, Birnbaum LS, Farabollini F, Newbold RR, Rubin BS, Talsness CE, Vandenbergh JG, Walser-Kuntz DR, vom Saal FS. In vivo effects of bisphenol A in laboratory rodent studies. Reprod Toxicol 2007; 24:199-224. [PMID: 17683900 PMCID: PMC2151845 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2007.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 814] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2007] [Revised: 06/06/2007] [Accepted: 06/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Concern is mounting regarding the human health and environmental effects of bisphenol A (BPA), a high-production-volume chemical used in synthesis of plastics. We have reviewed the growing literature on effects of low doses of BPA, below 50 mg/(kg day), in laboratory exposures with mammalian model organisms. Many, but not all, effects of BPA are similar to effects seen in response to the model estrogens diethylstilbestrol and ethinylestradiol. For most effects, the potency of BPA is approximately 10-1000-fold less than that of diethylstilbestrol or ethinylestradiol. Based on our review of the literature, a consensus was reached regarding our level of confidence that particular outcomes occur in response to low dose BPA exposure. We are confident that adult exposure to BPA affects the male reproductive tract, and that long lasting, organizational effects in response to developmental exposure to BPA occur in the brain, the male reproductive system, and metabolic processes. We consider it likely, but requiring further confirmation, that adult exposure to BPA affects the brain, the female reproductive system, and the immune system, and that developmental effects occur in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Retha R. Newbold
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, DHHS, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Beverly S. Rubin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Chris E. Talsness
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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33
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Richter CA, Taylor JA, Ruhlen RL, Welshons WV, vom Saal FS. Estradiol and Bisphenol A stimulate androgen receptor and estrogen receptor gene expression in fetal mouse prostate mesenchyme cells. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:902-8. [PMID: 17589598 PMCID: PMC1892114 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hormonal alterations during development have lifelong effects on the prostate gland. Endogenous estrogens, including 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), and synthetic estrogenic endocrine disruptors, such as bisphenol A (BPA), have similar effects on prostate development. Increasing exposure to estrogens within the low-dose, physiologic range results in permanent increases in the size and androgen responsiveness of the prostate, whereas exposure within the high-dose, pharmacologic range has the opposite effects. OBJECTIVES We tested the hypothesis that the low-dose effects of estrogens on the developing prostate are associated with increased expression of androgen receptor (Ar) and estrogen receptor 1 (alpha) (Esr1) genes in mesenchyme cells. METHODS Ar and Esr1 mRNA levels were quantified in primary cultures of fetal mouse prostate mesenchyme cells treated with E(2) and BPA. DISCUSSION Ar and Esr1 mRNA expression increased in response to E(2), with thresholds of 0.001 and 0.037 nM, respectively; and in response to BPA, with a threshold of 1 nM for both mRNAs. We did not observe the expected inhibition of Ar mRNA expression by pharmacologic levels of E(2) relative to unexposed cells. CONCLUSIONS The observed induction of gene expression occurred at concentrations within the range of free E(2) previously shown to permanently increase prostate size, thus supporting the involvement of direct effects of estrogens on gene expression in prostate mesenchyme. The effects of BPA occurred within the range of concentrations currently measured in human serum, demonstrating the vulnerability of developing tissues to xenoestrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wade V. Welshons
- Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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34
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Rayner JL, Enoch RR, Wolf DC, Fenton SE. Atrazine-induced reproductive tract alterations after transplacental and/or lactational exposure in male Long–Evans rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2007; 218:238-48. [PMID: 17204298 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2006.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2006] [Revised: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 11/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies showed that early postnatal exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATR) delayed preputial separation (PPS) and increased incidence of prostate inflammation in adult Wistar rats. A cross-fostering paradigm was used in this study to determine if gestational exposure to ATR would also result in altered puberty and reproductive tissue effects in the male rat. Timed-pregnant Long-Evans (LE) rats were dosed by gavage on gestational days (GD) 15-19 with 100 mg ATR/kg body weight (BW) or 1% methylcellulose (controls, C). On postnatal day (PND)1, half litters were cross-fostered, creating 4 treatment groups; C-C, ATR-C, C-ATR, and ATR-ATR (transplacental-milk as source, respectively). On PND4, male offspring in the ATR-ATR group weighed significantly less than the C-C males. ATR-ATR male pups had significantly delayed preputial separation (PPS). BWs at PPS for C-ATR and ATR-ATR males were reduced by 6% and 9%, respectively, from that of C-C. On PND120, lateral prostate weights of males in the ATR-ATR group were significantly increased over C-C. Histological examination of lateral and ventral prostates identified an increased distribution of inflammation in the lateral prostates of C-ATR males. By PND220, lateral prostate weights were significantly increased for ATR-C and ATR-ATR, but there were no significant changes in inflammation in either the lateral or ventral prostate. These results suggest that in LE rats, gestational ATR exposure delays PPS when male offspring suckle an ATR dam, but leads to increased lateral prostate weight via transplacental exposure alone. Inflammation present at PND120 does not increase in severity with time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Rayner
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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35
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Santos FCA, Leite RP, Custódio AMG, Carvalho KP, Monteiro-Leal LH, Santos AB, Góes RM, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR. Testosterone Stimulates Growth and Secretory Activity of the Female Prostate in the Adult Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)1. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:370-9. [PMID: 16707769 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.051789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The prostate of the female gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is similar to the human female prostate (Skene gland) and, despite its reduced size, it is functional and shows secretory activity. However, virtually nothing is known about its physiological regulation. This study was thus undertaken to evaluate the behavior of the gerbil female prostate in a hyperandrogenic condition. Adult females received subcutaneous injections of testosterone cypionate (1 mg/kg body weight every 48 h) up to 21 days. Circulating levels of testosterone and estradiol were monitored, and the prostate and ovaries subjected to structural and immunocytochemical analyses. The treatment resulted in sustained high levels of circulating testosterone, and caused a transient increase in estradiol. There was an increase in epithelial cell proliferation accompanied by significant reorganization of the epithelium and an apparent reduction in secretory activity, followed by a progressive increase in luminal volume density and accumulation of secretory products. Immunocytochemistry identified the expression of androgen receptor and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-related antigen in prostatic epithelial cells. A circulating PSA-related antigen was also found, and its concentration showed strong negative correlation with circulating estrogen. Epithelial dysplasia was detected in the prostate of treated females. Analysis of the ovaries showed the occurrence of a polycystic condition and stromal cell hyperplasia. The results indicate that testosterone has a stimulatory effect on the female prostate, inducing epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, secretory activity, and dysplasia. The results also suggest that prostatic growth and activity, polycystic ovaries, and ovarian stromal cell hyperplasia are related to a hyperandrogenic condition in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C A Santos
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of Campinas, 13083-863 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Chrisman H, Thomson AA. Regulation of urogenital smooth muscle patterning by testosterone and estrogen during prostatic induction. Prostate 2006; 66:696-707. [PMID: 16425200 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smooth muscle (SM) has been proposed to play an important role in controlling prostate organogenesis by regulating signaling between inductive mesenchyme and developing epithelial prostatic buds. METHODS We have examined the effects of testosterone and estrogen upon SM patterning in the embryonic rat urogenital tract (UGT) using in vitro organ cultures, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. RESULTS We observed that testosterone elicited a sexually dimorphic difference in SM structure of embryonic UGTs, in cultures grown with testosterone. The addition of estrogen led to an increase in the rate of SM closure, in both males and females. To quantify the effects of steroids upon SM we used Western blotting of SM actin, which showed that estrogen stimulated SM content, while testosterone reduced SM content. Finally, we examined the expression of ERalpha, ERbeta, PR, and SM actin under different hormonal treatments of UGTs grown in vitro. The expression patterns of ERalpha and ERbeta were largely unchanged by hormonal treatment, while PR showed a much broader expression pattern in response to estradiol. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that testosterone can directly regulate SM patterning and content in the UGT, and that SM is sensitive to both androgens and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Chrisman
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Taylor RA, Cowin P, Couse JF, Korach KS, Risbridger GP. 17beta-estradiol induces apoptosis in the developing rodent prostate independently of ERalpha or ERbeta. Endocrinology 2006; 147:191-200. [PMID: 16223864 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens induce both proliferative and antiproliferative responses in the prostate gland. To date, antiproliferative effects of estrogens are generally considered to be due to systemic antiandrogenic actions. However, estrogen action mediated through estrogen receptor (ER) beta was recently suggested as another mechanism of induction of apoptosis in the prostate. This study aimed to explore the hypothesis that the antiproliferative effects of estrogen are directly mediated through ERbeta using a prostate organ culture system. We previously reported effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) using rat ventral prostate (VP) tissues, and adapted the system for culturing mouse tissues. In both rat and mouse models, estrogen-induced apoptosis was detected that was spatially and regionally localized to the epithelium of the distal tips. Using organ cultures of alphaER knockout (alphaERKO) and betaERKO prostates, we failed to demonstrate that apoptosis induced by E2 was mediated through either receptor subtype. Activation of ER-selective ligands (ERalpha, propyl pyrazole triol, ERbeta, diaryl-proprionitrile, and 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol) in organ culture experiments failed to induce apoptosis, as did the membrane impermeable conjugate E2:BSA, discounting the possibility of nongenomic effects. Consequently, E2 regulation of androgen receptor (AR) expression was examined and, in the presence of nanomolar testosterone levels, E2 caused a specific reduction in AR protein expression in wild-type, alphaERKO, and betaERKO mice, particularly in the distal region where apoptosis was detected. This down-regulation of AR protein provides a possible mechanism for the proapoptotic action of E2 that is independent of ERs or nongenomic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Taylor
- Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Risbridger GP, Almahbobi GA, Taylor RA. Early prostate development and its association with late-life prostate disease. Cell Tissue Res 2005; 322:173-81. [PMID: 15965657 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-005-1121-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2005] [Accepted: 03/23/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of the prostate is an emerging priority area for prostate biologists. Early changes in prostate development permanently alter prostate morphology and function and an understanding of the permanent nature of early events that may influence the onset of late-life disease is vital. Two of the inherent problems involve associating exposure in early life with outcome in late life or maturity and accounting for the influence of genetic, environmental, dietary or metabolic factors during the intervening period. Any one of these factors, alone or in combination, might lead to an explanation of the discrepancies found in the literature regarding the influence of early changes to the prostate in later life. Therefore, it is important to establish a causal link between the hormonal changes that occur during the fetal/neonatal period and that imprint the gland and the onset of late-life pathology. In order to achieve this goal, several technical challenges need to be overcome to permit the objective assessment of prostate branching morphogenesis. Stereological techniques now allow the quantification of several parameters of branching morphogenesis and the identification of specific early changes that are permanent and irreversible with a late-life outcome. This methodology provides the means to determine the action of a range of genes or hormone/growth factors that have been implicated in prostate development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Risbridger
- Centre for Urological Research, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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Shapiro E, Huang H, Masch RJ, McFadden DE, Wilson EL, Wu XR. IMMUNOLOCALIZATION OF ESTROGEN RECEPTOR α AND β IN HUMAN FETAL PROSTATE. J Urol 2005; 174:2051-3. [PMID: 16217392 DOI: 10.1097/01.ju.0000176472.90432.5b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We examined the immunolocalization of estrogen receptor (ER)alpha and ERbeta in the human fetal prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS Tissue sections from human fetal prostates at 7 to 22 weeks of gestation were stained with antibodies to ERalpha, ERbeta, and cytokeratin 10 and 14. RESULTS ERalpha expression was not detected until 15 weeks of gestation with sparse staining in the utricle. By 19 weeks increased ERalpha expression was seen in the luminal cells of the ventral urogenital epithelium (UGE), basal cells of the dorsal UGE, utricle, distal periurethral ducts, peripheral stroma and posterior prostatic duct. K14 was detected in basal cells of the UGE and in several posterior acini. At 22 weeks ERalpha expression was more intense in all of these areas. ERbeta was expressed throughout the UGE, ejaculatory ducts, müllerian ducts and entire stroma at 7 weeks. Intense ERbeta staining was observed in these areas and in the prostatic buds by 8 weeks with persistent intense staining through 22 weeks. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge we report the first immunolocalization of ERalpha in the human fetal prostate and the earliest demonstration of ERbeta expression in the prostate at 7 weeks of gestation. ERbeta expression is intense during ductal morphogenesis, suggesting a role in normal glandular growth and proliferation. The induction of squamous metaplasia in the UGE, distal periurethral ducts and utricle is associated with ERalpha expression in these areas, while the induction of squamous metaplasia in peripheral prostatic acini is associated with peripheral stromal ERalpha expression. This study suggests estrogen signaling pathways in the human fetal prostate via ERalpha that involve epithelial-epithelial and epithelial-stromal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Shapiro
- Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.
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Haqq C, Li R, Khodabakhsh D, Frolov A, Ginzinger D, Thompson T, Wheeler T, Carroll P, Ayala G. Ethnic and racial differences in prostate stromal estrogen receptor alpha. Prostate 2005; 65:101-9. [PMID: 15880569 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates vary widely among individuals of different ethnic/racial groups. We identified a relationship between a subset of genes and race/ethnicity using gene expression profiling. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) was selected for confirmation due to its plausible biological role in cancer susceptibility. METHODS Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was used to verify gene expression results. Protein levels of ERalpha were determined by quantitative immunohistochemistry in a large-scale tissue microarray study (n = 183). RESULTS ERalpha was significantly higher in stroma of Hispanic and Asian men than in Caucasian (P < 0.0001) and African American men (P < 0.0002), who are at higher risk for prostate cancer. In addition, large differences were seen in Q-PCR levels of ERalpha in prostate tissues of organ donors 16-29 years old who had no evidence of cancer. CONCLUSIONS ERalpha exhibits variable expression in men of difference racial/ethnic background. Understanding the molecular basis for these differences may form the basis for prostate cancer prevention strategies with widespread public health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Haqq
- Department of Medicine, Program in Urologic Oncology, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Almahbobi G, Hedwards S, Fricout G, Jeulin D, Bertram JF, Risbridger GP. Computer-based detection of neonatal changes to branching morphogenesis reveals different mechanisms of and predicts prostate enlargement in mice haplo-insufficient for bone morphogenetic protein 4. J Pathol 2005; 206:52-61. [PMID: 15772937 DOI: 10.1002/path.1753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Early changes to branching morphogenesis of the prostate are believed to lead to enlargement of the gland in adult life. However, it has not been possible to demonstrate directly that alterations to branching during the developmental period have a permanent effect on adult prostate size. In order to examine branching morphogenesis in a quantitative manner in neonatal mice, a combination of imaging and computational technology was used to detect and quantify branching using bone morphogenetic protein 4 haplo-insufficient mice that develop enlarged prostate glands in adulthood. Accurate estimates were made of six parameters of branching, including prostate ductal length and volume and number of main ducts, branches, branch points, and tips. The results show that the prostate is significantly larger on day 3, well before the emergence of the phenotype in older animals. The ventral prostate is enlarged because the number of main epithelial ducts is increased; enlargement of the anterior prostate in mutant animals occurs because there are more branches. These lobe-specific mechanisms underlying prostate enlargement indicate the complex nature of gland pathology in mice, rather than a simple increase in weight or volume. This method provides a powerful means to investigate the aetiology of prostate disease in animal models prior to emergence of a phenotype in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghanim Almahbobi
- Centre for Urology Research, Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3168, Australia
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Timms BG, Howdeshell KL, Barton L, Bradley S, Richter CA, vom Saal FS. Estrogenic chemicals in plastic and oral contraceptives disrupt development of the fetal mouse prostate and urethra. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:7014-9. [PMID: 15867144 PMCID: PMC1088066 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502544102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of human fetuses to man-made estrogenic chemicals can occur through several sources. For example, fetal exposure to ethinylestradiol occurs because each year approximately 3% of women taking oral contraceptives become pregnant. Exposure to the estrogenic chemical bisphenol A occurs through food and beverages because of significant leaching from polycarbonate plastic products and the lining of cans. We fed pregnant CD-1 mice ethinylestradiol (0.1 microg/kg per day) and bisphenol A (10 microg/kg per day), which are doses below the range of exposure by pregnant women. In male mouse fetuses, both ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A produced an increase in the number and size of dorsolateral prostate ducts and an overall increase in prostate duct volume. Histochemical staining of sections with antibodies to proliferating cell nuclear antigen and mouse keratin 5 indicated that these increases were due to a marked increase in proliferation of basal epithelial cells located in the primary ducts. The urethra was malformed in the colliculus region and was significantly constricted where it enters the bladder, which could contribute to urine flow disorders. These effects were identical to those caused by a similar dose (0.1 microg/kg per day) of the estrogenic drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), a known human developmental teratogen and carcinogen. In contrast, a 2,000-fold higher DES dose completely inhibited dorsolateral prostate duct formation, revealing opposite effects of high and low doses of estrogen. Acceleration in the rate of proliferation of prostate epithelium during fetal life by small amounts of estrogenic chemicals could permanently disrupt cellular control systems and predispose the prostate to disease in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry G Timms
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA
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Endocrine control of sexual differentiation: effects of the maternal–fetal environment and endocrine disrupting chemicals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-2558(03)34002-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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44
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Nagao T, Wada K, Kuwagata M, Nakagomi M, Watanabe C, Yoshimura S, Saito Y, Usumi K, Kanno J. Intrauterine position and postnatal growth in Sprague–Dawley rats and ICR mice. Reprod Toxicol 2004; 18:109-20. [PMID: 15013070 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2003.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2002] [Revised: 09/10/2003] [Accepted: 10/16/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, steroid hormones are thought to be transported between adjacent fetuses, and male or female fetuses that develop in utero between female fetuses may have higher serum levels of estradiol, and lower serum levels of testosterone, relative to siblings of the same sex that develop between two male fetuses. The consequence in the variation of postnatal growth, development, and function in the intrauterine position, using various parameters such as anogenital distance, preputial separation and vaginal opening, estrous cycle, locomotor activity, and growth of reproductive organs, were examined in Sprague-Dawley rats. ICR mice were treated with 17beta-estradiol before copulation and during pregnancy to address the interaction with endogenous estradiol during pregnancy. In rats, no evidence of effects of prior intrauterine position was observed for any of the parameters examined. Mouse fetal exposure via the mother to low-dose 17beta-estradiol revealed no changes in the rate of postnatal growth in males and females that developed in any intrauterine position in utero. The results of this study suggested that the intrauterine position of the embryos/fetuses did not affect the postnatal growth of the reproductive organs, sexual maturation, or behavior in rats and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuji Nagao
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kinki University, Kowakae 3-4-1, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-8502, Japan.
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45
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Abstract
Induction and branching morphogenesis of the prostate are dependent on androgens, which act via the mesenchyme to induce prostatic epithelial development. One mechanism by which the mesenchyme may regulate the epithelium is through secreted growth factors such as FGF-10. We have examined the male reproductive tract of FGF-10(-/-) mice, and at birth, most of the male secondary sex organs were absent or atrophic, including the prostate, seminal vesicle, bulbourethral gland, and caudal ductus deferens. Rudimentary prostatic buds were occasionally observed in the prostatic anlagen, the urogenital sinus (UGS) of FGF-10(-/-) mice. FGF-10(-/-) testes produced sufficient androgens to induce prostatic development in control UGS organ cultures. Prostatic rudiments from FGF-10(-/-) mice transplanted into intact male hosts grew very little, but showed some signs of prostatic differentiation. In cultures of UGS, the FGF-10 null phenotype was partially reversed by the addition of FGF-10 and testosterone, resulting in the formation of prostatic buds. FGF-10 alone did not stimulate prostatic bud formation in control or FGF-10(-/-) UGS. Thus, FGF-10 appears to act as a growth factor which is required for development of the prostate and several other accessory sex organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie A Donjacour
- Department of Anatomy, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Marker PC, Donjacour AA, Dahiya R, Cunha GR. Hormonal, cellular, and molecular control of prostatic development. Dev Biol 2003; 253:165-74. [PMID: 12645922 DOI: 10.1016/s0012-1606(02)00031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 345] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The prostate is a male accessory sex gland found only in mammals that functions to produce a major fraction of seminal fluid. Interest in understanding the biology of the prostate is driven both by the fascinating nature of the developmental processes that give rise to the prostate and by the high incidence in humans of prostatic diseases, including prostatic adenocarcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the cellular and molecular processes that control prostatic development. Insight into the mechanisms that control prostatic development has come from experimental embryological work as well as from the study of mice and humans harboring mutations that alter prostatic development. These studies have demonstrated a requirement for androgens throughout prostatic development and have revealed a series of reciprocal paracrine signals between the developing prostatic epithelium and prostatic mesenchyme. Finally, these studies have identified several specific gene products that are required for prostatic development. While research in recent years has greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular control of prostatic development, known genes cannot yet explain in molecular terms the complex biological interactions that descriptive and experimental embryological studies have elucidated in the control of prostatic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Marker
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Lamm ML, Catbagan WS, Laciak RJ, Barnett DH, Hebner CM, Gaffield W, Walterhouse D, Iannaccone P, Bushman W. Sonic hedgehog activates mesenchymal Gli1 expression during prostate ductal bud formation. Dev Biol 2002; 249:349-66. [PMID: 12221011 DOI: 10.1006/dbio.2002.0774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Ductal budding in the developing prostate is a testosterone-dependent event that involves signaling between the urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE) and urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM). We show here that ductal bud formation is associated with focused expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the epithelium of nascent prostate buds and in the growing tips of elongating prostate ducts. This pattern of localized Shh expression occurs in response to testosterone stimulation. The gene for the Shh receptor, Ptc1, is expressed in the UGM, as are the members of the Gli gene family of transcriptional regulators (Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3). Expression of Ptc1, Gli1, and Gli2 is localized primarily to mesenchyme surrounding prostate buds, whereas Gli3 is expressed diffusely throughout the UGM. A strong dependence of Gli1 (and Ptc1) expression on Shh signaling is demonstrated by induction of expression in both the intact urogenital sinus and the isolated UGM by exogenous SHH peptide. A similar dependence of Gli2 and Gli3 expression on Shh is not observed. Nonetheless, the chemical inhibitor of Shh signaling, cyclopamine, produced a graded inhibition of Gli gene expression (Gli1>Gli2>Gli3) in urogenital sinus explants that was paralleled by a severe inhibition of ductal budding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn L Lamm
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Witorsch RJ. Endocrine disruptors: can biological effects and environmental risks be predicted? Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2002; 36:118-30. [PMID: 12383724 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2002.1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A large number of diverse nonsteroidal chemicals, referred to as xenoestrogens, bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and evoke biological responses. The activity of most xenoestrogens is weak (from about 1/1000 th to 1/1000000 th that of estradiol). These substances interact with the binding pocket of the ER because they have chemical similarities to estradiol (usually a phenolic A-ring). Reduced activity of xenoestrogens probably results from lack of fit of the remainder of the molecule within the binding pocket. ER binding per se has only limited influence on endocrine disruption. The nature (estrogenic or antiestrogenic) or magnitude of the response is a function of the substance itself, complexities within the various stages of the ER signaling pathway, as well as other factors (such as, plasma binding of xenoestrogens, cross-talk between ER and other signaling pathways, androgen antagonism, and alternate modes of estrogen action). Whereas there is general agreement that high doses of nonsteroidal chemicals can evoke endocrine disruptive effects, there is no consensus that such substances produce low-dose effects or that humans are at risk of endocrine disruption due to exposure to environmentally relevant levels of such chemicals. Furthermore, screening programs to identify hormonally active chemicals (such as the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program) may be premature in view of the complexity of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael J Witorsch
- School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0551, USA.
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Witorsch RJ. Low-dose in utero effects of xenoestrogens in mice and their relevance to humans: an analytical review of the literature. Food Chem Toxicol 2002; 40:905-12. [PMID: 12065211 DOI: 10.1016/s0278-6915(02)00069-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that mouse embryos are sensitive to naturally-occurring and environmental estrogens. These include prostatic enlargement post-partum in male fetuses exposed in utero to low doses of estradiol, diethylstilbestrol (DES) or bisphenol A (BPA). The NIEHS/EPA Endocrine Disruptors Low Dose Peer Review Panel evaluated the relevant studies and concluded that while credible evidence exists for low dose effects of BPA, the effect had not been established as a "general and reproducible finding" based on the number and power of negative studies. The Panel suggested that the discrepancies in data were attributed to conditions, such as intrauterine position, environmental factors, and genetic factors. An issue that is potentially relevant to the health implications of low-dose xenoestrogen exposure in utero, and not previously addressed, is the comparative physiology of gestation in the mouse and human. These two species differ with regard to the extent of involvement and hormonal control of the corpus luteum, organs involved in progestin and estrogen secretion, the specific estrogens produced, and estrogen blood levels attained in the mother and embryo. On the basis of these species differences (particularly, the markedly higher estrogen levels attained in human pregnancy compared to the mouse), it would appear unlikely that low doses of BPA or other xenoestrogens produce adverse endocrine disruptive effects during human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Witorsch
- School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0551, USA.
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Milman HA, Bosland MC, Walden PD, Heinze JE. Evaluation of the adequacy of published studies of low-dose effects of bisphenol A on the rodent prostate for use in human risk assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2002; 35:338-46. [PMID: 12202049 DOI: 10.1006/rtph.2002.1553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies conducted in our laboratories and by others found no consistent correlation between prostate size, prostate pathology, or the development of prostate cancer under a variety of experimental conditions. Furthermore, an evaluation of eight published studies that were conducted in mice and rats following in utero exposure by oral treatment of dams with low levels of bisphenol A (BPA) and that focused on the prostate identified several discrepancies that affect their adequacy for use in human risk assessment. For example, there was inadequate reporting of the purity of BPA and the animal supplier used, and housing of offspring was not the same among the studies. In addition, there were differences between studies with mice and rats in exposure regimen, route of exposure, and numbers of dams or pups used per BPA dose group. Poor inter- and intraspecies correlation (i.e., mouse to rat or between mouse or rat strains) further complicates the ability to use results from these studies to predict potential prostate effects in humans. Thus, we conclude that a finding of increased prostate weight in rodent studies with perinatal exposure in the absence of associated pathologic and/or functional changes is meaningless and not indicative of a potential adverse effect in humans.
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