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Wu X, Zhang Z, Li Y, Zhao Y, Ren Y, Tian Y, Hou M, Guo Y, Li Q, Tian W, Jiang R, Zhang Y, Gong Y, Li H, Li G, Liu X, Kang X, Li D, Tian Y. Estrogen promotes gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression by regulating tachykinin 3 and prodynorphin systems in chicken. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103820. [PMID: 38759565 PMCID: PMC11127269 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The "KNDy neurons" located in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) of mammals are known to co-express kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (DYN), and have been identified as key mediators of the feedback regulation of steroid hormones on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). However, in birds, the genes encoding kisspeptin and its receptor GPR54 are genomic lost, leaving unclear mechanisms for feedback regulation of GnRH by steroid hormones. Here, the genes tachykinin 3 (TAC3) and prodynorphin (PDYN) encoding chicken NKB and DYN neuropeptides were successfully cloned. Temporal expression profiling indicated that TAC3, PDYN and their receptor genes (TACR3, OPRK1) were mainly expressed in the hypothalamus, with significantly higher expression at 30W than at 15W. Furthermore, overexpression or interference of TAC3 and PDYN can regulate the GnRH mRNA expression. In addition, in vivo and in vitro assays showed that estrogen (E2) could promote the mRNA expression of TAC3, PDYN, and GnRH, as well as the secretion of GnRH/LH. Mechanistically, E2 could dimerize the nuclear estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) to regulate the expression of TAC3 and PDYN, which promoted the mRNA and protein expression of GnRH gene as well as the secretion of GnRH. In conclusion, these results revealed that E2 could regulate the GnRH expression through TAC3 and PDYN systems, providing novel insights for reproductive regulation in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Zihao Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yijie Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yudian Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yangguang Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yixiang Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Meng Hou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yulong Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Qi Li
- Henan zhumadian agricultural school, zhumadian, 463000, China
| | - Weihua Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruirui Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yujie Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Hong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Guoxi Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Xiangtao Kang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Donghua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yadong Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Innovation and Utilization of Chicken Germplasm Resources, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
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Szczerba K, Stokowa-Soltys K. What Is the Correlation between Preeclampsia and Cancer? The Important Role of Tachykinins and Transition Metal Ions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:366. [PMID: 36986466 PMCID: PMC10058266 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal ions are irreplaceable in many biological processes. They are components of numerous metalloproteins and serve as cofactors or structural elements for enzymes. Interestingly, iron, copper and zinc play important roles in accelerating or preventing neoplastic cell transformation. Noteworthily, a lot of proliferative and invasive mechanisms are exploited by both malignant tumors and pregnancy. Cancer cells, as well as developing placenta cells, create a microenvironment supportive of immunologic privilege and angiogenesis. Therefore, pregnancy and cancer progression share many similarities. Moreover, during preeclampsia and cancer, significant changes in relevant trace element concentrations, tachykinin levels, expressions of neurokinin receptors, oxidative stress and angiogenic imbalance are observed. This sheds a new light on the role of metal ions and tachykinins in cancer progression and pregnancy, especially in preeclamptic women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kamila Stokowa-Soltys
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
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Abstract
Pubertal onset is known to result from reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is controlled by complex interactions of genetic and nongenetic factors. Most cases of precocious puberty (PP) are diagnosed as central PP (CPP), defined as premature activation of the HPG axis. The cause of CPP in most girls is not identifiable and, thus, referred to as idiopathic CPP (ICPP), whereas boys are more likely to have an organic lesion in the brain. ICPP has a genetic background, as supported by studies showing that maternal age at menarche is associated with pubertal timing in their offspring. A gain of expression in the kisspeptin gene (KISS1), gain-of-function mutation in the kisspeptin receptor gene (KISS1R), loss-of-function mutation in makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3), and loss-of-function mutations in the delta-like homolog 1 gene (DLK1) have been associated with ICPP. Other genes, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-1 (GABRA1), lin-28 homolog B (LIN28B), neuropeptide Y (NPYR), tachykinin 3 (TAC3), and tachykinin receptor 3 (TACR3), have been implicated in the progression of ICPP, although their relationships require elucidation. Environmental and socioeconomic factors may also be correlated with ICPP. In the progression of CPP, epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation, histone posttranslational modifications, and noncoding ribonucleic acids may mediate the relationship between genetic and environmental factors. CPP is correlated with short- and long-term adverse health outcomes, which forms the rationale for research focusing on understanding its genetic and nongenetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Suk Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hae Sang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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Salman H, Shah M, Ali A, Aziz A, Vitale SG. Assessment of Relationship of Serum Neurokinin-B Level in the Pathophysiology of Pre-eclampsia: A Case-Control Study. Adv Ther 2018; 35:1114-1121. [PMID: 29923045 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-018-0723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy-induced disorder that complicates approximately 5-7% of pregnancies. It is the leading cause of maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIM To determine the role of serum neurokinin-B level in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia. METHODS This was a case-control study. A total of 80 pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy were included in the study. They were divided into two groups (40 pre-eclamptic and 40 normotensive) according to the presence or absence of clinical parameters of pre-eclampsia. Serum level of neurokinin-B was measured with ELISA. RESULTS Maternal age, weight, BMI, pulse, systolic BP and diastolic BP were statistically higher in the pre-eclampsia group compared to the normotensive group (P < 0.0001). Moreover, statistically higher levels were observed for neurokinin-B in the normotensive group as compared to the pre-eclamptic group. The mean value of neurokinin-B was 83.50 ng/L in the pre-eclamptic group compared to 111.5 ng/L in the normotensive group (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION Higher levels of serum neurokinin-B were observed in the normotensive pregnant females as compared to the pre-eclamptic females. Thus, apparently, it seems that serum neurokinin-B plays no role in the pathophysiology of pre-eclampsia, and further large multicentre prospective studies may be required to ascertain its role.
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MCRT, a chimeric peptide based on morphiceptin and PFRTic-NH2, regulates the depressor effects induced by endokinin A/B. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 792:33-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Akkoyun DÇ, Akyüz A, Alpsoy Ş, Gürel A, Güler N, Değirmenci H, Gürkan Ü. Plasma urotensin II and neurokinin B levels in acute myocardial infarction and stable coronary artery disease. Anatol J Cardiol 2014; 15:628-33. [PMID: 25550175 PMCID: PMC5336863 DOI: 10.5152/akd.2014.5596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This aim of the study is to investigate whether there are possible plasma urotensin-II (U-II) and neurokinin B (NKB) level changes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or not and plasma urotensin-II (U-II) and neurokinin B (NKB) level changes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and to evaluate whether there is any relationship between these changes and the pathogenesis of these diseases. Methods: This is a prospective case-control study. Three groups were formed from randomly admitted patients with AMI, stable CAD, and controls. Biochemical parameters and U-II and NKB levels were measured. Patients with congestive heart failure, chronic hepatic and renal failure, severe cardiac valve disease, and severe pulmonary hypertension were excluded from the study. The normality of the data was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. We compared the three groups with one-way ANOVA and Tukey test (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test). Results: Compared with controls (n=31) and CAD patients (n=32), AMI patients (n=32) had lower U-II and NKB levels. In cases of stable CAD, U-II and NKB levels were similar. A positive correlation was found between U-II and NKB (r=0.720; p=0.000). U-II and NKB were poorly correlated with left ventricle ejection fraction but not with C-reactive protein. Conclusion: We found that U-II and NKB levels were lower in patients with AMİ in than those with CAD or the control group. According to our findings, the decreased U-II and NKB levels were related to complicated atherosclerotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dursun Çayan Akkoyun
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Namık Kemal University; Tekirdağ-Turkey.
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Tusset C, Noel SD, Trarbach EB, Silveira LFG, Jorge AAL, Brito VN, Cukier P, Seminara SB, Mendonça BBD, Kaiser UB, Latronico AC. Mutational analysis of TAC3 and TACR3 genes in patients with idiopathic central pubertal disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 56:646-52. [PMID: 23329188 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302012000900008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the presence of variants in the TAC3 and TACR3 genes, which encode NKB and its receptor (NK3R), respectively, in a large cohort of patients with idiopathic central pubertal disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two hundred and thirty seven patients were studied: 114 with central precocious puberty (CPP), 73 with normosmic isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH), and 50 with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). The control group consisted of 150 Brazilian individuals with normal pubertal development. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the entire coding region of both TAC3 and TACR3 genes were amplified and automatically sequenced. RESULTS We identified one variant (p.A63P) in NKB and four variants, p.G18D, p.L58L (c.172C>T), p.W275* and p.A449S in NK3R, which were absent in the control group. The p.A63P variant was identified in a girl with CPP, and p.A449S in a girl with CDGP. The known p.G18D, p.L58L, and p.W275* variants were identified in three unrelated males with normosmic IHH. CONCLUSION Rare variants in the TAC3 and TACR3 genes were identified in patients with central pubertal disorders. Loss-of-function variants of TACR3 were associated with the normosmic IHH phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cintia Tusset
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Neurokinin Bs and neurokinin B receptors in zebrafish-potential role in controlling fish reproduction. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:10269-74. [PMID: 22689988 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1119165109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine regulation of vertebrate reproduction is achieved by the coordinated actions of several peptide neurohormones, tachykinin among them. To study the evolutionary conservation and physiological functions of neurokinin B (NKB), we identified tachykinin (tac) and tac receptor (NKBR) genes from many fish species, and cloned two cDNA forms from zebrafish. Phylogenetic analysis showed that piscine Tac3s and mammalian neurokinin genes arise from one lineage. High identity was found among different fish species in the region encoding the NKB; all shared the common C-terminal sequence. Although the piscine Tac3 gene encodes for two putative tachykinin peptides, the mammalian ortholog encodes for only one. The second fish putative peptide, referred to as neurokinin F (NKF), is unique and found to be conserved among the fish species when tested in silico. tac3a was expressed asymmetrically in the habenula of embryos, whereas in adults zebrafish tac3a-expressing neurons were localized in specific brain nuclei that are known to be involved in reproduction. Zebrafish tac3a mRNA levels gradually increased during the first few weeks of life and peaked at pubescence. Estrogen treatment of prepubertal fish elicited increases in tac3a, kiss1, kiss2, and kiss1ra expression. The synthetic zebrafish peptides (NKBa, NKBb, and NKF) activated Tac3 receptors via both PKC/Ca(2+) and PKA/cAMP signal-transduction pathways in vitro. Moreover, a single intraperitoneal injection of NKBa and NKF significantly increased leuteinizing hormone levels in mature female zebrafish. These results suggest that the NKB/NKBR system may participate in neuroendocrine control of fish reproduction.
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Kalló I, Vida B, Deli L, Molnár CS, Hrabovszky E, Caraty A, Ciofi P, Coen CW, Liposits Z. Co-localisation of kisspeptin with galanin or neurokinin B in afferents to mouse GnRH neurones. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:464-76. [PMID: 22129075 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02262.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreting neurones, which form the final common pathway for the central regulation of reproduction, are directly targeted by kisspeptin (KP) via the G protein-coupled receptor, GPR54. In these multiple labelling studies, we used ovariectomised mice treated with 17β-oestradiol (OVX + E(2)) or vehicle (OVX + oil) to determine: (i) the ultrastructural characteristics of KP-immunoreactive (IR) afferents to GnRH neurones; (ii) their galanin or neurokinin B (NKB) content; and (iii) the co-expression of galanin or NKB with KP in the two major subpopulations of KP neurones located in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V) and the arcuate nucleus (Arc). Electron microscopic investigation of the neuronal juxtapositions revealed axosomatic and axodendritic synapses; these showed symmetrical or asymmetrical characteristics, suggesting a phenotypic diversity of KP afferents. Heterogeneity of afferents was also demonstrated by differential co-expression of neuropeptides; in OVX + E(2) mice, KP afferents to GnRH neurones showed galanin-immunoreactivity with an incidence of 22.50 ± 2.41% and NKB-immunoreactivity with an incidence of 5.61 ± 2.57%. In OVX + oil animals, galanin-immunoreactivity in the KP afferents showed a major reduction, appearing in only 5.78 ± 1.57%. Analysis for co-localisation of galanin or NKB with KP was extended to the perikaryal level in animal models, which showed the highest KP incidence; these were OVX + E(2) females for the RP3V and OVX + oil females for the ARC. In the RP3V of colchicine-treated OVX + E(2) animals, 87.84 ± 2.65% of KP-IR neurones were galanin positive. In the Arc of the colchicine-treated OVX + oil animals, galanin immunoreactivity was detected in only 12.50 ± 1.92% of the KP expressing neurones. By contrast, the incidence of co-localisation with NKB in the Arc of those animals was 98.09 ± 1.30%. In situ hybridisation histochemistry of sections from OVX + E(2) animals identified galanin message in more than a third of the KP neurones in the RP3V (38.67 ± 11.57%) and in the Arc (42.50 ± 12.52%). These data suggest that GnRH neurones are innervated by chemically heterogeneous KP cell populations, with a small proportion deriving from the Arc group. The presence of galanin within KP axons innervating GnRH neurones and the oestrogen-dependent regulation of that presence add a new dimension to the roles played by galanin in the central regulation of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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Jin Q, Lu L, Yang Y, Dong S. Effects of endokinin A/B, endokinin C/D, and endomorphin-1 on the regulation of mean arterial blood pressure in rats. Peptides 2011; 32:2428-35. [PMID: 22037058 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 10/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Endokinins are four novel human tachykinins, including endokinins A (EKA), B (EKB), C (EKC), and D (EKD). Endokinin A/B (EKA/B) is the common C-terminal decapeptide in EKA and EKB, while endokinin C/D (EKC/D) is the common C-terminal duodecapeptide in EKC and EKD. In this study, we attempted to investigate the interactions between EKA/B, EKC/D, and endomorphin-1 (EM-1) on the depressor effect at peripheral level. The effects of EKA/B produced a U-shaped curve. The maximal effect was caused by 10 nmol/kg. EKC/D and EM-1 showed a dose-dependent relationship. Co-administration of EKA/B (0.1, 1, 10 nmol/kg) with EM-1 produced effects similar to those of EKA/B alone but slightly lower. Co-injection of EKA/B (100 nmol/kg) with EM-1 caused an effect stronger than any separate injection. Co-administration of EKC/D (10 nmol/kg) with EM-1 (30 nmol/kg) caused a depressor effect, which was one of the tradeoffs of EM-1 and EKC/D. Mechanism studies showed that SR140333B could block the depressor effects of EKA/B, EKC/D, EM-1, EKA/B+EM-1, and EKC/D+EM-1; SR48968C could block EM-1, EKA/B, EKC/D, and EKC/D+EM-1 and partially block EKA/B+EM-1; SR142801 could block EM-1, EKC/D, and EKC/D+EM-1 and partially block EKA/B and EKA/B+EM-1; naloxone could block EM-1, EKC/D, and EKC/D+EM-1 and partially block EKA/B and EKA/B+EM-1. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester partially decreased depressor intensity and half-recovery time of EKA/B and EKC/D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoying Jin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences
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Teles MG, Silveira LFG, Tusset C, Latronico AC. New genetic factors implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty: the role of kisspeptin system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 346:84-90. [PMID: 21664234 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Human puberty is triggered by the reemergence of GnRH pulsatile secretion with progressive activation of the gonadal function. A number of genes have been identified in the complex regulatory neuroendocrine network that controls puberty initiation. KISS1 and KISS1R genes, which encode kisspeptin and its cognate receptor, respectively, are considered crucial factors for acquisition of normal reproductive function. Recently, rare missense mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the kisspeptin system were associated with puberty onset. Two gain-of-function mutations of the KISS1 and KISS1R genes were implicated in the pathogenesis of GnRH-dependent precocious puberty, previously considered idiopathic. These discoveries have yielded significant insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of this important life transition time. Here, we review the current molecular defects that are implicated in human GnRH-dependent precocious puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Gurgel Teles
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42 da Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia do Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ganjiwale AD, Rao GS, Cowsik SM. Molecular Modeling of Neurokinin B and Tachykinin NK3 Receptor Complex. J Chem Inf Model 2011; 51:2932-8. [DOI: 10.1021/ci2000264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali D. Ganjiwale
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi − 110 067, India
| | - Gita Subba Rao
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudha M. Cowsik
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi − 110 067, India
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Farina A, Zucchini C, De Sanctis P, Morano D, Sekizawa A, Purwosunu Y, Okai T, Rizzo N. Gene expression in chorionic villous samples at 11 weeks of gestation in women who develop pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy: implications for screening. Prenat Diagn 2011; 31:181-5. [PMID: 21268038 DOI: 10.1002/pd.2675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2010] [Revised: 10/30/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the gene expression profile in chorionic villous samples (CVSs) of women destined to develop pre-eclampsia (PE). METHOD Case-control study encompassing five women destined to develop PE [cases matched for gestational age with 30 controls]. We quantified mRNA expression on tissue samples from CVS of normal and PE patients. We then assessed mRNA expressions of cathepsin (CTSD), angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), interleukin 8, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10, neurokinin B (NKB), matrix metallopeptidase 9, major histocompatibility complex, class I, C (HLA-C)and human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G). Data were analyzed by nonparametric rank analysis. RESULTS For all the mRNA species considered in this study, except CTSD and ANGPT2, all the mean observed ranks in the PE group were significantly altered compared with the rank expectation among controls. mRNA for NKB and HLA-C were the markers with the highest degree of aberration in PE, compared with those in controls. CONCLUSION Our study has directly showed that gene expressions relating to trophoblastic cell invasion or utero-placental hemodynamic adaptation are altered in the first trimester trophoblasts that go on to develop PE later. These results posit the use of residual CVS as a possible screening method for PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Farina
- Division of Prenatal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Liu Y, Li Y, Xu X, Chen X, Chen H. Neurokinin B and urotensin II levels in pre-eclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2010; 23:869-73. [PMID: 20017703 DOI: 10.3109/14767050903358355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify neurokinin B (NKB) and urotensin II (UII) plasma levels in pre-eclampsia (PE) and to determine the relationship between plasma NKB and UII levels. METHOD A total of 60 women in the third trimester of pregnancy were recruited, 40 women with PE (study patients) and 20 age- and BMI-matched normotensive women (healthy controls). They were divided into three groups: the 20 normotensive pregnant women (Group 1); 20 women with mild PE (Group 2); 20 women with severe PE (Group 3). The plasma levels of NKB and UII were measured simultaneously by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Compared with controls, levels of NKB were significantly higher in women with mild or severe PE (p < 0.01 for both groups), levels of UII were significantly higher in women with mild or severe PE (p < 0.01 for both groups). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between plasma levels of NKB and UII in pre-eclamptic women (r = 0.783, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that there was an elevation of NKB and UII in the plasma of pre-eclamptic women. NKB and UII may be involved in the pathophysiology of PE and associated with the development of severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Grassin-Delyle S, Naline E, Buenestado A, Risse PA, Sage E, Advenier C, Devillier P. Expression and function of human hemokinin-1 in human and guinea pig airways. Respir Res 2010; 11:139. [PMID: 20929541 PMCID: PMC2959027 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human hemokinin-1 (hHK-1) and endokinins are peptides of the tachykinin family encoded by the TAC4 gene. TAC4 and hHK-1 expression as well as effects of hHK-1 in the lung and airways remain however unknown and were explored in this study. Methods RT-PCR analysis was performed on human bronchi to assess expression of tachykinin and tachykinin receptors genes. Enzyme immunoassay was used to quantify hHK-1, and effects of hHK-1 and endokinins on contraction of human and guinea pig airways were then evaluated, as well as the role of hHK-1 on cytokines production by human lung parenchyma or bronchi explants and by lung macrophages. Results In human bronchi, expression of the genes that encode for hHK-1, tachykinin NK1-and NK2-receptors was demonstrated. hHK-1 protein was found in supernatants from explants of human bronchi, lung parenchyma and lung macrophages. Exogenous hHK-1 caused a contractile response in human bronchi mainly through the activation of NK2-receptors, which blockade unmasked a NK1-receptor involvement, subject to a rapid desensitization. In the guinea pig trachea, hHK-1 caused a concentration-dependant contraction mainly mediated through the activation of NK1-receptors. Endokinin A/B exerted similar effects to hHK-1 on both human bronchi and guinea pig trachea, whereas endokinins C and D were inactive. hHK-1 had no impact on the production of cytokines by explants of human bronchi or lung parenchyma, or by human lung macrophages. Conclusions We demonstrate endogenous expression of TAC4 in human bronchi, the encoded peptide hHK-1 being expressed and involved in contraction of human and guinea pig airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislas Grassin-Delyle
- Laboratory of pulmonary pharmacology UPRES EA220, Foch Hospital, University Versailles-Saint Quentin en Yvelines, 11 rue Guillaume Lenoir, Suresnes, France.
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16
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Rance NE, Krajewski SJ, Smith MA, Cholanian M, Dacks PA. Neurokinin B and the hypothalamic regulation of reproduction. Brain Res 2010; 1364:116-28. [PMID: 20800582 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the genes encoding either neurokinin B (NKB) or its receptor, NK3 (NK3R), result in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, characterized by an absence of pubertal development and low circulating levels of LH and gonadal steroids. These studies implicate NKB and NK3R as essential elements of the human reproductive axis. Studies over the last two decades provide evidence that a group of neurons in the hypothalamic infundibular/arcuate nucleus form an important component of this regulatory circuit. These neurons are steroid-responsive and coexpress NKB, kisspeptin, dynorphin, NK3R, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) in a variety of mammalian species. Compelling evidence in the human indicates these neurons function in the hypothalamic circuitry regulating estrogen negative feedback on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Moreover, in the rat, they form a bilateral, interconnected network that projects to NK3R-expressing GnRH terminals in the median eminence. This network provides an anatomical framework to explain how coordination among NKB/kisspeptin/dynorphin/NK3R/ERα neurons could mediate feedback information from the gonads to modulate pulsatile GnRH secretion. There is substantial (but indirect) evidence that this network may be part of the neural circuitry known as the "GnRH pulse generator," with NK3R signaling as an important component. This theory provides a compelling explanation for the occurrence of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in patients with inactivating mutations in the TAC3 or TACR3 genes. Future studies will be needed to determine whether NKB signaling plays a permissive role in the onset of puberty or is part of the driving force initiating the maturation of reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi E Rance
- Department of Pathology, and the Evelyn F. McNight Brain Research Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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Abstract
At the start of the last decade, we provided evidence that levels of the peptide neurokinin B were highly elevated in pre-eclampsia. We hypothesized that elevated levels of neurokinin B may be an indicator of pre-eclampsia and that treatment with certain neurokinin receptor antagonists may be useful in alleviating the symptoms. At the time of the original hypothesis many questions remained outstanding. These included - Does neurokinin B have any diagnostic value in the detection and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia? - What is the cause of the elevated levels of neurokinin B during pre-eclampsia? - What is the physiological significance of neurokinin B in the placenta? This review discusses the answers to these questions taking into account the subsequent developments of the past ten years and analyzing the plethora of discoveries that have arisen from those initial observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel M Page
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, UK.
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18
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Yang Y, Dong S. Effects of Endokinin A/B and Endokinin C/D on the modulation of pain in mice. Peptides 2010; 31:94-100. [PMID: 19854230 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Revised: 10/14/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Endokinins are novel tachykinins encoded on the human TAC4 and consist of Endokinin A (EKA), B (EKB), C (EKC) and D (EKD). To date, the function of Endokinins in pain processing was not fully understood. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Endokinin A/B (EKA/B, the common C-terminal decapeptide in EKA and EKB) and Endokinin C/D (EKC/D, the common C-terminal duodecapeptide in EKC and EKD) on pain modulation at supraspinal level in mice. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of EKA/B (1, 3, 12, 20nmol/mouse) dose dependently induced potent analgesic effect. This effect could be fully antagonized by SR140333B but not SR48968C or SR142801. Naloxone could also block the analgesic effect, suggesting that this analgesic effect is related to opioid receptors. However, i.c.v. administration of EKA/B (10, 30, 100pmol/mouse) caused hyperalgesic effect significantly, with a "U" shape curve. Interestingly, the hyperalgesic effect induced by EKA/B could be attenuated by SR140333B, SR142801 but not SR48968C. I.c.v. administration of EKC/D (1, 3, 12, 20nmol/mouse) also dose dependently induced analgesic effect, which could not be blocked by SR48968C or SR142801 or naloxone. But to our astonishment, it could be significantly enhanced by SR140333B. More interestingly, the hyperalgesic effect induced by EKA/B could be significantly attenuated by EKC/D. In addition, the analgesic effect induced by co-administration of EKA/B and EKC/D was much less stronger than the effect of either EKA/B or EKC/D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Yang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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19
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Page NM, Morrish DW, Weston-Bell NJ. Differential mRNA splicing and precursor processing of neurokinin B in neuroendocrine tissues. Peptides 2009; 30:1508-13. [PMID: 19433124 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2009] [Revised: 04/28/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The tachykinin neurokinin B which is encoded on the tachykinin 3 precursor, has prominent roles in both neuronal and endocrine systems, yet little is known about its evolution, potential splice variants and the manner in which it is processed. Here, we deduce the diversity within the vertebrate tachykinin 3 precursors, and identify novel tachykinin 3 splice variants and precursors. A total of 35 different tachykinin 3 precursors were identified in mammals, birds and reptiles. Nine additional alternatively spliced tachykinin 3 mRNA transcripts were also discovered in humans leading to the formation of three tachykinin 3 precursors (named alpha, beta and gamma tachykinin 3), but no novel tachykinin. gamma tachykinin 3, albeit rarer, was not found to encode neurokinin B. Differential processing of the tachykinin 3 precursor in the human placenta leads to the formation of potential NH2-terminally extended forms of neurokinin B. Moreover, we found increased proteolytic cleavage of the tachykinin 3 precursor during the pregnancy syndrome of pre-eclampsia. We have established neurokinin B to be an evolutionarily conserved peptide, nonetheless the significance of the three different tachykinin 3 precursors is not clear, but could represent an evolutionarily redundant splicing mechanism once employed by an ancestral gene that encoded two tachykinins. Our results indicate that differential mRNA splicing and precursor processing is likely to play an important role in differentiating the actions of the tachykinin 3 gene products in both neuronal and endocrine tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel M Page
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University London, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom.
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Tjoa ML, Oudejans CBM, van Vugt JMG, Blankenstein MA, van Wijk IJ. Markers for Presymptomatic Prediction of Preeclampsia and Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Hypertens Pregnancy 2009; 23:171-89. [PMID: 15369650 DOI: 10.1081/prg-120028292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are both characterized by placental malfunction. The pathological processes of abnormal trophoblast invasion, partial absence of maternal spiral artery modification, increased apoptosis of trophoblast cells, and placental ischemia are all associated with the release of specific molecules. These proteins, as well as cell-free fetal DNA and RNA might be detected in the maternal peripheral circulation, quantified, and used for early identification and prediction of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction, prior to the appearance of the clinical symptoms. As preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction are associated with increased maternal, perinatal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality, early identification of these pregnancy associated complications will permit the design of appropriate preventive measures. In this review a variety of factors reported to be useful as potential markers for early detection of pregnancies at increased risk will be discussed. Molecules associated with the establishment of the placenta and essential in fetal-maternal interactions, like interleukin 2-receptor, insulinlike growth factor-1, and insulinlike growth factor binding protein-1, placenta growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, inhibin A, activin A, and human chorionic gonadotrophin seem to be the most likely candidates for presymptomatic markers for preeclampsia and/or intrauterine growth restriction. Detection and discrimination of these molecules through the placental RNA in maternal plasma based strategy has become a realistic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Lee Tjoa
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Fu CY, Zhao YL, Dong L, Chen Q, Ni JM, Wang R. In vivo characterization of the effects of human hemokinin-1 and human hemokinin-1(4-11), mammalian tachykinin peptides, on the modulation of pain in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2008; 22:850-60. [PMID: 18262387 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2007] [Revised: 12/09/2007] [Accepted: 12/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human hemokinin-1 (h HK-1) and its truncated form h HK-1(4-11) are mammalian tachykinin peptides encoded by the recently identified TAC4 gene in human, and the biological functions of these peptides have not been well investigated. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of h HK-1 and h HK-1(4-11) in pain modulation at the supraspinal level in mice using the tail immersion test. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of h HK-1 (0.3, 1, 3 and 6 nmol/mouse) produced a dose- and time-related antinociceptive effect. This effect was significantly antagonized by the NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333, but not by the NK(2) receptor antagonist SR48968, indicating that the analgesic effect induced by i.c.v. h HK-1 is mediated through the activation of NK(1) receptors. Interestingly, naloxone, beta-funaltrexamine and naloxonazine, but not naltrindole and nor-binaltorphimine, could also block the analgesic effect markedly, suggesting that this effect is related to descending mu opioidergic neurons (primary mu(1) subtype). Human HK-1(4-11) could also induce a dose- and time-dependent analgesic effect after i.c.v. administration, however, the potency of analgesia was less than h HK-1. Surprisingly, SR140333 could not modify this analgesic effect, suggesting that this effect is not mediated through the NK(1) receptors like h HK-1. SR48968 could modestly enhance the analgesic effect induced by h HK-1(4-11), indicating that a small amount of h HK-1(4-11) may bind to NK(2) receptors. Furthermore, none of the opioid receptor (OR) antagonists could markedly block the analgesia of h HK-1(4-11), suggesting that the analgesic effect is not mediated through the descending opioidergic neurons. Blocking of delta ORs significantly enhanced the analgesia, indicating that delta OR is a negatively modulatory factor in the analgesic effect of h HK-1(4-11). It is striking that bicuculline (a competitive antagonist at GABA(A) receptors) effectively blocked the analgesia induced by h HK-1(4-11), suggesting that this analgesic effect is mediated through the descending inhibitory GABAergic neurons. The novel mechanism involved in the analgesic effect of h HK-1(4-11), which is different from that of h HK-1, may pave the way for a new strategy for the investigation and control of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Y Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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22
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Ghosh P, Saha SK, Bhattacharya S, Bhattacharya S, Mukherjee S, Roy SS. Tachykinin family genes and their receptors are differentially expressed in the hypothyroid ovary and pituitary. Cell Physiol Biochem 2007; 20:357-68. [PMID: 17762164 DOI: 10.1159/000107521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma tachykinin levels are known to be altered with sexual acyclicity and loss of reproductive function. Ovulatory dysfunction, as seen in postmenopausal women, is also often encountered in hypothyroid patients. To know the involvement of different tachykinin genes in hypothyroidism-associated reproductive disorders, we performed DD-PCR with the pituitary RNA of control and hypothyroid rats to see the differentially expressed gene profile. Subsequently, we selected a few clones, tachykinin being one of them. Since its expression was up regulated in hypothyroidism as it does in the sexually acyclic females, we wanted to correlate these two phenomena with hypothyroidism associated reproductive disorders. We observed differential expression of tac2 along with other tk genes and their receptors in rat pituitary and ovary, which suggests that hypothyroidism affects the expression of these genes in these tissues. The experiments were repeated in ovarian tissue obtained at surgery from hypothyroid human patients, which showed similar expression pattern of TAC3 (equivalent to rat tac2) and their receptors as in rat ovary. Significant reduction of tac2 expression in reproductively less active rat ovary suggests the association of tac2 with reproductive senescence. Our results suggest that decline in reproductive function in hypothyroidism is associated with altered expression level of tac2 and its receptors. Further investigation in this area could elucidate the possible mechanism of tachykinins' involvement in loss of sexual cyclicity and other reproductive disorders associated with hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Ghosh
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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23
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Zulfikaroglu E, Ugur M, Taflan S, Ugurlu N, Atalay A, Kalyoncu S. Neurokinin B levels in maternal and umbilical cord blood in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. J Perinat Med 2007; 35:200-2. [PMID: 17480147 DOI: 10.1515/jpm.2007.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin (NK) B has been recently demonstrated to be secreted by the placenta in preeclampsia suggesting it may modulate pathophysiological events of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NKB is the circulating factor associated with preeclampsia or not. In 22 preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women, the peripheral and umbilical cord blood NKB levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The NKB levels in women with preeclampsia were 0.70 (0.53-0.92) nmol/L in peripheral blood and 1.92 (1.42-2.35) nmol/L in umbilical cord blood. In normotensive pregnant women, NKB levels were 0.43 (0.29-0.61) nmol/L and 0.14 (0.07-0.33), respectively. Significantly higher levels of NKB were measured in preeclamptic women compared with normotensive pregnant women in umbilical cord blood. These results suggest that NKB enters both fetal and maternal circulation and may modulate fetoplacental hemodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Zulfikaroglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara Dr Zekai Tahir Burak Women Health Teaching and Research Hospital, 06100-Ankara, Turkey.
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Johnson KD, Kim SI, Bresnick EH. Differential sensitivities of transcription factor target genes underlie cell type-specific gene expression profiles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:15939-44. [PMID: 17043224 PMCID: PMC1635106 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0604041103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in transcription factor levels and activities dictate developmental fate. Such a change might affect the full ensemble of target genes for a factor or only uniquely sensitive targets. We investigated the relationship among activity of the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1, chromatin occupancy, and target gene sensitivity. Graded activation of GATA-1 in GATA-1-null cells revealed high-, intermediate-, and low-sensitivity targets. GATA-1 activity requirements for occupancy and transcription often correlated. A GATA-1 amino-terminal deletion mutant severely deregulated the low-sensitivity gene Tac-2. Thus, cells expressing different levels of a cell type-specific activator can have qualitatively distinct target gene expression patterns, and factor mutations preferentially deregulate low-sensitivity genes. Unlike other target genes, GATA-1-mediated Tac-2 regulation was bimodal, with activation followed by repression, and the coregulator Friend of GATA-1 (FOG-1) selectively mediated repression. A GATA-1 mutant defective in FOG-1 binding occupied a Tac-2 regulatory region at levels higher than wild-type GATA-1, whereas FOG-1 facilitated chromatin occupancy at a distinct target site. These results indicate that FOG-1 is a determinant of GATA factor target gene sensitivity by either facilitating or opposing chromatin occupancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby D. Johnson
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, 383 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Shin-Il Kim
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, 383 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Emery H. Bresnick
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, Department of Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, 383 Medical Sciences Center, 1300 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
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Page NM. Characterization of the gene structures, precursor processing and pharmacology of the endokinin peptides. Vascul Pharmacol 2006; 45:200-8. [PMID: 16931167 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2005.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2005] [Accepted: 08/01/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The endokinins represent several species-divergent and peripherally located mammalian tachykinins (hemokinin-1 in mouse and rat, endokinin-1 in rabbit and endokinins A and B in humans) and also the tachykinin gene-related peptides. These peptides are all encoded on the preprotachykinin 4 (TAC4) gene. Their complementary DNA sequences, gene structures and expression profiles have been determined from a number of different mammalian species. They are all flanked by adjacent upstream and downstream dibasic cleavage sites in their respective precursor proteins, except for human EKA/B that instead possesses a N-terminal monobasic cleavage site. Evidence for differential processing in the periphery at the N-terminal cleavage site of the tachykinins could explain why in humans the evolutionary pressure to maintain the N-terminal dibasic cleavage site of EKA/B has been lost. Furthermore, the TAC4 encoded tachykinins all exhibit a remarkable selectivity and potency for the highly species conserved tachykinin NK(1) receptor, similar to that of substance P. Particular consideration is also given to the potential interactions of the endokinins with the short NK(1) receptor isoform and to speculation of whether there could be an "endokinin-sensitive" NK(1) binding site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel M Page
- School of Life Sciences, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE, London.
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Pal S, Wu J, Murray JK, Gellman SH, Wozniak MA, Keely PJ, Boyer ME, Gomez TM, Hasso SM, Fallon JF, Bresnick EH. An antiangiogenic neurokinin-B/thromboxane A2 regulatory axis. J Cell Biol 2006; 174:1047-58. [PMID: 17000881 PMCID: PMC2064395 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200603152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Establishment of angiogenic circuits that orchestrate blood vessel development and remodeling requires an exquisite balance between the activities of pro- and antiangiogenic factors. However, the logic that permits complex signal integration by vascular endothelium is poorly understood. We demonstrate that a "neuropeptide," neurokinin-B (NK-B), reversibly inhibits endothelial cell vascular network assembly and opposes angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane. Disruption of endogenous NK-B signaling promoted angiogenesis. Mechanistic analyses defined a multicomponent pathway in which NK-B signaling converges upon cellular processes essential for angiogenesis. NK-B-mediated ablation of Ca2+ oscillations and elevation of 3'-5' [corrected] cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) reduced cellular proliferation, migration, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor expression and induced the antiangiogenic protein calreticulin. Whereas NK-B initiated certain responses, other activities required additional stimuli that increase cAMP. Although NK-B is a neurotransmitter/ neuromodulator and NK-B overexpression characterizes the pregnancy-associated disorder preeclampsia, NK-B had not been linked to vascular remodeling. These results establish a conserved mechanism in which NK-B instigates multiple activities that collectively oppose vascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumen Pal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Jayanthi LD, Annamalai B, Samuvel DJ, Gether U, Ramamoorthy S. Phosphorylation of the Norepinephrine Transporter at Threonine 258 and Serine 259 Is Linked to Protein Kinase C-mediated Transporter Internalization. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:23326-40. [PMID: 16740633 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m601156200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we have demonstrated the phosphorylation- and lipid raft-mediated internalization of the native norepinephrine transporter (NET) following protein kinase C (PKC) activation (Jayanthi, L. D., Samuvel, D. J., and Ramamoorthy, S. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 19315-19326). Here we tested an hypothesis that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of NET is required for transporter internalization. Phosphoamino acid analysis of 32P-labeled native NETs from rat placental trophoblasts and heterologously expressed wild type human NET (WT-hNET) from human placental trophoblast cells revealed that the phorbol ester (beta-PMA)-induced phosphorylation of NET occurs on serine and threonine residues. Beta-PMA treatment inhibited NE transport, reduced plasma membrane hNET levels, and stimulated hNET phosphorylation in human placental trophoblast cells expressing the WT-hNET. Substance P-mediated activation of the G alpha(q)-coupled human neurokinin 1 (hNK-1) receptor coexpressed with the WT-hNET produced effects similar to beta-PMA via PKC stimulation. In striking contrast, an hNET double mutant harboring T258A and S259A failed to show NE uptake inhibition and plasma membrane redistribution by beta-PMA or SP. Most interestingly, the plasma membrane insertion of the WT-hNET and hNET double mutant were not affected by beta-PMA. Although the WT-hNET showed increased endocytosis and redistribution from caveolin-rich plasma membrane domains following beta-PMA treatment, the hNET double mutant was completely resistant to these PKC-mediated effects. In addition, the PKC-induced phosphorylation of hNET double mutant was significantly reduced. In the absence of T258A and S259A mutations, alanine substitution of all other potential phosphosites within the hNET did not block PKC-induced phosphorylation and down-regulation. These results suggest that Thr-258 and Ser-259 serve as a PKC-specific phospho-acceptor site and that phosphorylation of this motif is linked to PKC-induced NET internalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lankupalle D Jayanthi
- Department of Neurosciences, Division of Neuroscience Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA.
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Mantha AK, Moorthy K, Cowsik SM, Baquer NZ. Neuroprotective Role of Neurokinin B (NKB) on β-amyloid (25–35) Induced Toxicity in Aging Rat Brain Synaptosomes: Involvement in Oxidative Stress and Excitotoxicity. Biogerontology 2006; 7:1-17. [PMID: 16518716 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-005-6043-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2005] [Accepted: 12/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The brain tissue has a large oxidative capacity, but its ability to combat oxidative stress is limited. In aging brain tissue the oxidative stress increases due to decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased oxidative stress leading to neurodegeneration associated with excitotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of neuropeptides, neurokinin B (NKB) and amyloid beta protein fragment Abeta (25-35) and neurotransmitters N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) and Glutamate on rat brain synaptosomes of different age groups. Aging brain functions were assessed by measuring the activities of superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) and intrasynaptosomal [Ca(2+)](i )levels in presence of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters. Increase in age decreased the SOD and MAO enzyme activities; Abeta (25-35) addition further had damaging/toxic effects on the enzymes, whereas NKB alone and in combination with amyloid lowered the toxic effects caused by Abeta (25-35) addition, which was concentration (peptide) and age dependent. Oxidative stress and excitotoxicity are major consequences associated with the age, [Ca(2+)](i )was increased with the age and the neuropeptides and neurotransmitters elicited significant modulatory effects on it. Our study elucidates an increased activity of SOD, decreased activity of MAO and restoration of [Ca(2+)](i) levels in the presence of NKB and suggests an antioxidant, neuromodulatory and neuroprotective role of tachykinin peptide NKB against the beta amyloid induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Mantha
- Molecular and Structural Biophysics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 110067, New Delhi, India
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Mantha AK, Moorthy K, Cowsik SM, Baquer NZ. Membrane Associated Functions of Neurokinin B (NKB) on Aβ (25–35) Induced Toxicity in Aging Rat Brain Synaptosomes. Biogerontology 2006; 7:19-33. [PMID: 16518717 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-005-6044-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2005] [Accepted: 12/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of different concentrations (0.1-5 microM) of neurokinin B (NKB) and Abeta (25-35) on acetylcholine esterase (AChE), Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and membrane fluidity (DPH anisotropy) were investigated in rat brain synaptosomes of 3, 9, 18 and 30 months old. An age dependent decrease was observed for all the three parameters studied. An in vitro incubation of isolated brain synaptosomes with Abeta (25-35) showed toxic effects on all the parameters studied and the peptide had concentration and age dependent effects, while NKB showed stimulating effect on the parameters and the combined NKB+Abeta (25-35) incubations showed a partial reversal effect as compared to the Abeta (25-35) alone. Thus, the results suggest a membrane mediated function for NKB and its role in neuromodulation, neuroprotection and antioxidant property against Abeta (25-35) induced toxicity in aging brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Mantha
- Molecular and Structural Biophysics Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, 110067, New Delhi, India
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Abstract
There is an expanding repertoire of mammalian tachykinins produced by a variety of tachykinin genes, gene splicing events and peptide processing. Novel tachykinin-binding molecules/receptors are proposed, but only, three tachykinin receptors are identified with certainty. The question remains - do more tachykinin receptors exist or is there just the need to reappraise our understanding of the known receptors? The tachykinin NK1 receptor, the preferred receptor for both substance P and the peripheral SP-like endokinins, exists in several tissue-specific conformations and isoforms and may provide some clues. This review addresses recent advances in this exciting field and raises challenging new concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel M Page
- School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, The University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AJ, UK.
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Brylla E, Aust G, Geyer M, Uckermann O, Löffler S, Spanel-Borowski K. Coexpression of preprotachykinin A and B transcripts in the bovine corpus luteum and evidence for functional neurokinin receptor activity in luteal endothelial cells and ovarian macrophages. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 125:125-33. [PMID: 15582723 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2004.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2004] [Revised: 08/06/2004] [Accepted: 08/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nonneuronal cell sources of tachykinins, such as substance P (SP) and neurokinin B (NKB), have been demonstrated in leukocytes, endothelial cells and endocrine cells, and may play a role in corpus luteum (CL) development. For this reason, we analyzed mRNA presence for the two tachykinin precursors together with the neurokinin-1 receptor and the neurokinin-3 receptor (NK-1R and NK-3R, preferred by SP and NKB, respectively) in bovine CL at various stages in the luteal phase. Using the RT-PCR technique, we detected coexpression for the preprotachykinin A gene (PPT-A), which encodes SP and neurokinin A (NKA), and the preprotachykinin B gene (PPT-B) for NKB in the CL at the development, secretion and regression stages. Coexpression was also noted for NK-1R and NK-3R gene transcripts. Cultures of endothelial cells (ECs) derived from bovine CL expressed NK-1R and NK-3R mRNA, as did ovarian macrophages. Agonist treatment induced a stronger intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) increase after activation of NK-1R compared to NK-3R, a result that we verified by calcium imaging. This is the first evidence for functional tachykinin receptor activity in luteal ECs and ovarian macrophages from bovine CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Brylla
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 13, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Löffler S, Schulz A, Brylla E, Nieber K, Spanel-Borowski K. Transcripts of neurokinin B and neurokinin 3 receptor in superovulated rat ovaries and increased number of corpora lutea as a non-specific effect of intraperitoneal agonist application. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 122:131-7. [PMID: 15380930 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2004.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2004] [Revised: 05/26/2004] [Accepted: 06/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a member of the tachykinin family, and its neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3-R) are preferentially found in the central nervous system. Others have recently reported on mRNA from this ligand-receptor system in the uterus and on NK3-R expression increasing with age. NKB and NK3-R mRNAs have also been noted in cumulus cells and oocytes from superovulated rats. Intact ovaries before and after puberty have not been studied. In this study, we stimulated 29-day-old rats by s.c. injections with gonadotropins for estrous cycle synchronization in order to elucidate the NKB-NK3-R system's expression and function in the ovary. Simultaneously, NaCl, the NK3-R agonist (Pro(7))-NKB, the antagonist SB 218795, or thiorphan, a neutral endopeptidase inhibitor of tachykinin degradation, were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3 1/2 consecutive days. First, we demonstrated NKB and NK3-R transcripts in one rat ovary by RT-PCR. No significant mRNA differences were noted between immature ovaries and superovulated ovaries in any of the i.p. applications. Second, the possible role of NK3-R on the ovulatory process was verified by counting corpora lutea (CL) and CL cysts in serial sections of the other ovary derived from the four different groups and embedded in paraffin wax. CL and CL cysts were noted in greater numbers in the pharmacologically treated groups than in the saline-treated group. To validate possible drug effects on the peritoneum, we additionally studied pieces of the omentum majus and retroperitoneal fat tissue. Both tissues were heavily infiltrated by granulocytes similar to a non-specific inflammatory response. The saline-treated group as well as the pharmacologically treated groups appeared to develop this unexpected side effect to a similar degree. We conclude that transcripts of NKB and NK3-R are present before and after puberty in the rat ovary and appear to be expressed at similar levels which may indicate a role for the NKB-NK3-R system in follicle growth. The effect of increased CL formation after application of the NK3-R agonist i.p. is related to a non-specific response.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Gonadotropins, Equine/administration & dosage
- Gonadotropins, Equine/adverse effects
- Gonadotropins, Equine/pharmacology
- Inflammation/chemically induced
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Neurokinin B/genetics
- Ovary/cytology
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/metabolism
- Ovary/pathology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Neurokinin-3/genetics
- Superovulation/drug effects
- Superovulation/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Löffler
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, Liebigstrasse 13, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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Patak E, Pinto FM, Story ME, Pintado CO, Fleming A, Page NM, Pennefather JN, Candenas ML. Functional and molecular characterization of tachykinins and tachykinin receptors in the mouse uterus. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:1125-33. [PMID: 15647454 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.036814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the function and expression of tachykinins, tachykinin receptors, and neprilysin (NEP) in the mouse uterus. A previous study showed that the uterotonic effects of substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and neurokinin B (NKB) in estrogen-treated mice were mainly mediated by the tachykinin NK1 receptor. In the present work, further contractility studies were undertaken to determine the nature of the receptors mediating responses to tachykinins in uteri of late pregnant mice. Endpoint and real-time quantitative RT-PCR were used to analyze the expression of the genes that encode the tachykinins SP/NKA, NKB, and hemokinin-1 (HK-1) (Tac1, Tac2, and Tac4); and the genes that encode tachykinin NK1 (Tacr1), NK2 (Tacr2), and NK3 (Tacr3) receptors in uteri from pregnant and nonpregnant mice. The data show that the mRNAs of tachykinins (particularly NKB and HK-1), tachykinin receptors, and NEP are locally expressed in the mouse uterus, and their expression changes during the estrous cycle and during pregnancy. The tachykinin NK1 receptor is the predominant tachykinin receptor in the nonpregnant and early pregnant mouse and may mediate tachykinin-induced uterine contractions in the nonpregnant mouse. The tachykinin NK2 receptor is predominant in the late pregnant mouse and is the main receptor mediating uterotonic responses to tachykinins at late pregnancy. The tachykinin NK3 receptor is expressed in considerable amounts only in uteri from nonpregnant diestrous animals, and its physiological significance remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Patak
- Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Women's Hospital, Carlton, Victoria 3053, Australia
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Krajewski SJ, Anderson MJ, Iles-Shih L, Chen KJ, Urbanski HF, Rance NE. Morphologic evidence that neurokinin B modulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion via neurokinin 3 receptors in the rat median eminence. J Comp Neurol 2005; 489:372-86. [PMID: 16025449 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that arcuate neurokinin B (NKB) neurons play a role in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion, but there is little information on the relationship between these neurons and the hypothalamic reproductive axis. In the present study, dual-label fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to visualize the relationship between gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and either proNKB or NK3 receptor (NK3R) immunoreactivity. Immunocytochemistry was also combined with i.p. injections of the fluorescent retrograde tracer aminostilbamidine to determine whether arcuate neuroendocrine neurons expressed either proNKB or NK3R. A dense interweaving and close apposition of GnRH and proNKB-immunoreactive (ir) fibers was observed within the rat median eminence, where GnRH axons expressed NK3R immunoreactivity. These data provide morphological evidence that NKB neurons could influence GnRH secretion via interaction with NK3R in the rat median eminence. Colocalization of GnRH and NK3R was also identified in fiber tracts converging within the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. In contrast, only a small number (16%) of GnRH-ir somata exhibited NK3R staining. ProNKB and NK3R-ir somata were identified within the arcuate nucleus, but none of these neurons were labeled by aminostilbamidine. Thus, we found no evidence that arcuate NKB neurons project to the primary capillary plexus of the portal system. Arcuate neuroendocrine neurons, however, were surrounded and closely apposed by proNKB-ir puncta and fibers. These data suggest that NKB neurons could indirectly influence anterior pituitary function by inputs to arcuate neuroendocrine neurons, but through a receptor other than NK3R. Our results provide an anatomic framework for putative interactions between NKB neurons and the hypothalamic reproductive axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Krajewski
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
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Abstract
UNLABELLED In this review, the various biochemical tests that have been proposed for the prediction of preeclampsia are described and evaluated. Placenta hormone markers do not predict future disease. They denounce the early placental changes that are part of the evolving disease and only predict the imminent of preeclamptic syndrome. This explains why tests are better predictors when preeclampsia supervenes shortly, and why screening in the first trimester is unlikely to work as well as in the second trimester. The use of multiple markers in the screening should reflect different aspects of the disease process and could increase the specificity and sensitivity of the screening and work on different etiologic factors. The possible use of second-trimester biochemical screening to predict the risk of preeclampsia remains to be investigated in the high-risk population. TARGET AUDIENCE Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this article, the reader should be able to list the various theories on the etiology of preeclampsia, to relate the various risk factors for the development of preeclampsia, and to describe the various screening tests for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Farag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Barnsley District General Hospital, Barnsley, UK
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D'Anna R, Baviera G, Corrado F, Crisafulli A, Ientile R, Buemi M, Squadrito F. Neurokinin B and nitric oxide plasma levels in pre-eclampsia and isolated intrauterine growth restriction. BJOG 2004; 111:1046-50. [PMID: 15383105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2004.00257.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify if neurokinin B plasma level is increased in pre-eclampsia and IUGR. Also, to ascertain if there is a correlation between neurokinin B plasma level and nitric oxide production. DESIGN A total of 90 pregnant women were studied. Thirty had a gestation complicated by pre-eclampsia and 30 by isolated IUGR; the other 30 were controls. In all patients, neurokinin B plasma level and nitric oxide metabolites (nitrites/nitrates) level were measured. SETTING University, General Hospital, Messina, Italy. METHODS Neurokinin B blood samples were taken at 33.5 weeks of gestation and at term. Samples for nitric oxide breakdown products were taken at delivery from the antecubital vein and then from the umbilical vein. RESULTS Neurokinin B plasma levels in the pre-eclamptic and IUGR groups were significantly higher than controls. Nitric oxide metabolites levels in pre-eclamptic and IUGR patients were also higher than controls. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation among neurokinin B plasma values and nitric oxide metabolite levels either in pre-eclampsia, in IUGR or in the control group. CONCLUSION Neurokinin B could be involved in pregnancy haemodynamic adaptation via nitric oxide production. In pregnancies complicated with pre-eclampsia and IUGR, increased neurokinin B plasma level, correlated well with increased nitric oxide metabolite level, which may be a compensatory mechanism to improve blood flow to the uteroplacental unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario D'Anna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Messina, Italy
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Mantha AK, Chandrashekar IR, Baquer NZ, Cowsik SM. Three Dimensional Structure of Mammalian Tachykinin Peptide Neurokinin B Bound to Lipid Micelles. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2004; 22:137-48. [PMID: 15317475 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2004.10506990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB), a decapeptide of mammalian origin exhibits a variety of biological activities such as regulatory functions in reproduction, pre-eclampsia and neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease. In order to gain insight into structure-function relationship, three-dimensional structure of NKB has been investigated using CD spectropolarimetry and two-dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance (2D 1H-NMR) spectroscopy in aqueous and membrane mimetic solvents. Unambiguous NMR assignments of resonances have been made with the aid of correlation spectroscopy (DQF-COSY and TOCSY) experiments and Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments. Distance constraints obtained from the NMR data have been used to generate a family of structures, which have been refined using restrained energy minimization and dynamics. Our data show that a helical structure is induced in NKB, in presence of perdeuterated dodecyl phosphocholine (DPC) micelles, a membrane model system. Further, the conformation adopted by NKB in presence of DPC micelles represents a structural motif typical of neurokinin-3 selective agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Mantha
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi--110 067, India
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Sawicki G, Dakour J, Morrish DW. Functional proteomics of neurokinin B in the placenta indicates a novel role in regulating cytotrophoblast antioxidant defences. Proteomics 2004; 3:2044-51. [PMID: 14625867 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.200300537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) has recently been demonstrated to be secreted from the placenta in abnormally high amounts in preeclampsia (PE) and to cause hypertension in rats, suggesting it may be a mediator of some pathophysiological features of PE. It is also known that NKB receptors exist in the placenta. To determine the effect of high levels of NKB on the placenta, we have performed proteomics on five separate preparations of cultured purified human term cytotrophoblast cells. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in 20 proteins, of which five were unknown proteins. Proteins important in antioxidant defenses that decreased were thioredoxin, cyclophilin A, cytokeratin 1, and peroxiredoxin 5. Two proteins that inhibit intravascular anticoagulation, cytokeratin 1 and annexin 11 were also decreased. Pathways involving pro-inflammatory cytokine activation of NF-kappa B are opposed by Raf kinase inhibitor protein, which was also decreased. Cofilin 1, a protein involved in defense against bacteria, was also decreased. Among other proteins that were suppressed by NKB were proteasome proteins, desmoplakin, and calgizzarin. Western blots confirmed the decrease in cytokeratin 1 and cyclophilin A protein after NKB exposure. In PE, there is reduced antioxidant activity and increased intravascular coagulation. The findings that high levels of NKB, similar to those observed in PE, can impair these two classes of activity support the hypothesis that high NKB levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Sawicki
- Department of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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Pal S, Nemeth MJ, Bodine D, Miller JL, Svaren J, Thein SL, Lowry PJ, Bresnick EH. Neurokinin-B transcription in erythroid cells: direct activation by the hematopoietic transcription factor GATA-1. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:31348-56. [PMID: 15123623 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m403475200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The GATA family of transcription factors establishes genetic networks that control developmental processes including hematopoiesis, vasculogenesis, and cardiogenesis. We found that GATA-1 strongly activates transcription of the Tac-2 gene, which encodes proneurokinin-B, a precursor of neurokinin-B (NK-B). Neurokinins function through G protein-coupled transmembrane receptors to mediate diverse physiological responses including pain perception and the control of vascular tone. Whereas an elevated level of NK-B was implicated in pregnancy-associated pre-eclampsia (Page, N. M., Woods, R. J., Gardiner, S. M., Lomthaisong, K., Gladwell, R. T., Butlin, D. J., Manyonda, I. T., and Lowry, P. J. (2000) Nature 405, 797-800), the regulation of NK-B synthesis and function are poorly understood. Tac-2 was expressed in normal murine erythroid cells and was induced upon ex vivo erythropoiesis. An estrogen receptor fusion to GATA-1 (ER-GATA-1) and endogenous GATA-1 both occupied a region of Tac-2 intron-7, which contains two conserved GATA motifs. Genetic complementation analysis in GATA-1-null G1E cells revealed that endogenous GATA-2 occupied the same region of intron-7, and expression of ER-GATA-1 displaced GATA-2 and activated Tac-2 transcription. Erythroid cells did not express neurokinin receptors, whereas aortic and yolk sac endothelial cells differentially expressed neurokinin receptor subtypes. Since NK-B induced cAMP accumulation in yolk sac endothelial cells, these results suggest a new mode of vascular regulation in which GATA-1 controls NK-B synthesis in erythroid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumen Pal
- University of Wisconsin Medical School, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, Department of Pharmacology, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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Schlembach D, Scalera F, Fischer T, Marx SG, Beinder E, Garfield RE. Neurokinin B peptide serum levels are higher in normotensive pregnant women than in preeclamptic pregnant women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003; 189:1418-22. [PMID: 14634580 DOI: 10.1067/s0002-9378(03)00775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine neurokinin B levels in serum from preeclamptic and normotensive and to investigate the role of neurokinin B in preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN Peripheral and uterine venous blood neurokinin B levels were measured in 14 normotensive and 8 preeclamptic pregnant women by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS Neurokinin B levels in normotensive women were 4.91 +/- 2.67 nmol/L in peripheral and 5.59 +/- 2.06 nmol/L in uterine blood. In pregnant women with preeclampsia, neurokinin B levels were 2.79 +/- 1.68 nmol/L and 3.20 +/- 1.55 nmol/L, respectively. Neurokinin B levels were significantly higher in normotensive women (P=.032 in peripheral and P=.006 in uterine blood). CONCLUSIONS Neurokinin B serum levels were higher in normotensive women. Higher neurokinin B concentrations in normotensive pregnant women may be due to the advanced gestational age and/or the result of a negative interaction of other vasoactive substances. The role of neurokinin B in preeclampsia remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Schlembach
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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Lecci A, Maggi CA. Peripheral tachykinin receptors as potential therapeutic targets in visceral diseases. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2003; 7:343-62. [PMID: 12783571 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.7.3.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
More than 10 years of intensive preclinical investigation of selective tachykinin (TK) receptor antagonists has provided a rationale to the speculation that peripheral neurokinin (NK)-1, -2 and -3 receptors may be involved in the pathophysiology of various human diseases at the visceral level. In the airways, despite promising effects in animal models of asthma, pilot clinical trials with selective NK-1 or -2 receptor antagonists in asthmatics have been ambiguous, whereas the potential antitussive effects of NK-1, -2 or -3 antagonists have not yet been verified in humans. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and pancreatitis are appealing targets for peripherally-acting NK-1 and -2 antagonists, respectively. In the genito-urinary tract, NK-1 receptor antagonists could offer some protection against nephrotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents, whereas NK-2 receptor antagonists appear to be promising new agents for the treatment of neurogenic bladder hyperreflexia. Finally, there is preclinical evidence for hypothesising an effect of NK-3 receptor antagonists on the cardiovascular disturbance that characterises pre-eclampsia. Other more speculative applications are also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Lecci
- Pharmacology Department of Menarini Ricerche, via Rismondo 12/A, 50131 Florence, Italy.
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Miner D, Rajkovic A. Identification of expressed sequence tags preferentially expressed in human placentas by in silico subtraction. Prenat Diagn 2003; 23:410-9. [PMID: 12749040 DOI: 10.1002/pd.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify expressed sequence tag (EST) clusters preferentially expressed in placentas. METHODS The National Center for Biotechnology's online UniGene database contains 14 placenta libraries. In silico (computer-based) subtraction compared placenta libraries against the remaining libraries to identify transcripts preferentially expressed in placentas. For known genes, placental expression or their use in prenatal diagnosis was then explored online using LocusLink and PubMed. RESULTS Placentas preferentially expressed 475 EST clusters. Of these, 18 EST clusters with no known function were expressed exclusively in placentas. Of the remaining 457 EST clusters, 90 showed preferential placental expression by >/=25 times. Of these 90, literature searches on the 45 EST clusters with known functions showed 44 linked to placental physiology or proposed as markers for prenatal diagnosis [i.e. beta-hCG, pregnancy-specific glycoproteins, human placental lactogens, pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A)]. Selected genes with known function in pregnancy but whose preferential placental expression fell below the factor of 25 threshold were also identified. CONCLUSION In silico subtraction identified 44 previously studied genes involved in placental physiology as well as 63 EST clusters preferentially expressed in placental tissue, which may serve as targets for future studies seeking novel markers for prenatal diagnosis or to better understand placental genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Miner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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44
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Williams MJ, Hamlin GP, Nimmo AJ, Crane LH. Circular versus longitudinal myometrial contractile response to selective tachykinin receptor agonists in rat. Reprod Fertil Dev 2003; 15:311-6. [PMID: 14975228 DOI: 10.1071/rd03021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2003] [Accepted: 10/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study compared the nature and magnitude of the contractile response produced in vitro by selective NK1, NK2 and NK3 tachykinin receptor agonists in circularly and longitudinally oriented strips of myometrium from ovariectomised and ovariectomised oestrogen-treated rats. The nature of the responses produced upon stimulation of the tachykinin receptors varied between the different myometrial preparations and the hormonal environment from which the tissue was taken. Variations included: (i) sustained contraction until washout of agonist; (ii) biphasic contraction until washout of agonist; and (iii) monophasic contraction. The major differences in magnitude of contractions were seen in preparations from oestrogen-treated animals in which responses to stimulation of all tachykinin receptors were reduced in comparison to preparations from non-oestrogen treated animals. Furthermore, the responses in circularly oriented myometrium preparations from oestrogen-treated animals were all markedly reduced compared to responses in longitudinally oriented myometrium preparations. These results suggest that the tachykinin receptors in longitudinally and circularly oriented myometrial layers are differentially regulated, especially in tissue isolated from an oestrogen-dominated environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Williams
- Discipline of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
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Wareing M, Bhatti H, O'hara M, Kenny L, Warren AY, Taggart MJ, Baker PN. Vasoactive effects of neurokinin B on human blood vessels. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003; 188:196-202. [PMID: 12548217 DOI: 10.1067/mob.2003.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disease unique to human pregnancy. Abnormal placentation results in placental hypoperfusion leading to the secretion of a factor(s) by the placenta. Our aim was to investigate whether neurokinin B (NKB) is the circulating factor associated with PE. STUDY DESIGN Vascular effects of NKB were assessed in blood vessels dissected from myometrial and omental biopsy specimens obtained at caesarean section from normal pregnant women (n = 26) or in mesenteric blood vessels obtained from nonpregnant female Wistar rats (n = 4). RESULTS Incubation with NKB did not alter endothelial-dependent relaxation of omental or myometrial arteries. NKB produced a dose-dependent relaxation in preconstricted omental arteries and veins. NKB did not affect vasoactive responsiveness of rat mesenteric arteries. CONCLUSION We conclude from these observations that NKB is not the circulating factor associated with increased vascular resistance in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Lachmeijer AMA, Dekker GA, Pals G, Aarnoudse JG, ten Kate LP, Arngrímsson R. Searching for preeclampsia genes: the current position. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2002; 105:94-113. [PMID: 12381470 DOI: 10.1016/s0301-2115(02)00208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although there is substantial evidence that preeclampsia has a genetic background, the complexity of the processes involved and the fact that preeclampsia is a maternal-fetal phenomenon does not make the search for the molecular basis of preeclampsia genes easy. It is possible that the single phenotype 'preeclampsia' in fact should be divided into different sub-groups on genetic or biochemical level. In the present review, the preeclampsia phenotype and its pathophysiologic features are discussed. Family studies and postulated inheritance models are summarized. A systematic overview is given on the numerous candidate gene studies and gene-expression studies performed so far and on the currently available genome-wide scan data. Despite extensive research the molecular genetic basis of preeclampsia remains unclear. Future studies will hopefully enhance our insights in the molecular pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augusta M A Lachmeijer
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Human Genetics, VU University Medical Centre, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Crane LH, Williams MJ, Nimmo AJ, Hamlin GP. Estrogen-dependent regulation of neurokinin 3 receptor-mediated uterine contractility in the rat. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1480-7. [PMID: 12390879 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.101.002022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptors for neurokinin 1 (NK1-R), neurokinin 2 (NK2-R), and neurokinin 3 (NK3-R) are expressed and functionally active in the uterus, promoting strong contractions of the myometrium. Previously, we demonstrated that myometrial contractility activated by the NK-Rs is regulated by estrogen. In the current study, we furthered our investigations of the role of estrogen in the regulation of NK3-R-mediated myometrial contractility. Estrogen promotes both heterologous and homologous desensitization of NK3-R-mediated uterine contractility. In tissue obtained from estrogen-dominated rats (ovariectomized estrogen-treated rats and rats in estrus), the magnitude of uterine contractions decreased in response to consecutive additions of the NK3-R-selective agonist senktide. By addition of the fourth dose of agonist, the contractile response was routinely barely above baseline. In contrast, in tissue obtained from non-estrogen-dominated rats consecutive doses of senktide resulted in contractions of identical magnitude. The homologous desensitization was specific to the NK3-R, and the desensitization of the NK3-R-mediated response did not affect the magnitude or nature of uterine contractions in response to NK1-R or NK2-R activation. Furthermore, heterologous and homologous desensitization of NK3-R-mediated contractility is dependent upon the duration of exposure to estrogen. This complex mechanism appears to be important in intact tissue; capsaicin-mediated release of endogenous neuropeptides resulted in a desensitization of response to subsequent stimulation with senktide in estrogen-dominated uterine tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda H Crane
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Abstract
Preeclampsia, which manifests itself as hypertension, proteinuria, and edema in pregnancy, requires the presence of trophoblast tissue but not a fetus. It is characterized by abnormal trophoblast invasion of the spiral arteries of the decidua and myometrium leading to a failure to establish an adequate uteroplacental blood flow and, therefore, is thought to give rise to relatively hypoxic trophoblast tissue. This, in turn, may promote an exaggerated state of oxidative stress in the placenta. This hypoxia/oxidative stress may then further attenuate trophoblast invasion but also alters placental villous angiogenesis leading to a poorly developed fetoplacental vasculature with abnormal reactivity. Oxidative stress per se may also affect vascular reactivity, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient delivery to the fetus, which ultimately may be compromised. The synthetic and transport functions of the syncytiotrophoblast may also be altered, and there is an increased rate of trophoblast apoptosis. The linkage among abnormal trophoblast invasion, trophoblast dysfunction, and the maternal disease remains unidentified. The presumptive humoral factor that is released by the preeclamptic placenta to cause maternal disease remains elusive. Current therapies to prevent preeclampsia aim toward preventing the maternal syndrome, not preventing the primary pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Myatt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, PO Box 670526, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0526, USA.
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Page NM, Bell NJ. The human tachykinin NK1 (short form) and tachykinin NK4 receptor: a reappraisal. Eur J Pharmacol 2002; 437:27-30. [PMID: 11864635 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)01278-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Excessive secretion of placental neurokinin B into the circulation during the third trimester of pregnancy is seen in women with preeclampsia. To determine a role for neurokinin B, we have used a number of different animal models to ascertain the expression of the three tachykinin receptors (NK1--both short and long forms, NK2 and NK3) and the putative human tachykinin NK4 receptor in the placenta. Human and rat placenta express all three classical tachykinin receptors. However, we failed to reveal the expression of the short tachykinin NK1 receptor or the tachykinin NK4 receptor in any of 24 human tissues examined including the placenta. We conclude that the proposed short form of the tachykinin NK1 receptor is a truncated genomic clone and that the human tachykinin NK4 receptor is in fact, the guinea pig tachykinin NK3 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel M Page
- School of Animal and Microbial Sciences, The University of Reading, RG6 6AJ, Reading, UK.
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