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NGF and Its Role in Immunoendocrine Communication during Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031957. [PMID: 36768281 PMCID: PMC9916855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first neurotrophin described. This neurotrophin contributes to organogenesis by promoting sensory innervation and angiogenesis in the endocrine and immune systems. Neuronal and non-neuronal cells produce and secrete NGF, and several cell types throughout the body express the high-affinity neurotrophin receptor TrkA and the low-affinity receptor p75NTR. NGF is essential for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and the complete development of pancreatic islets. Plus, this factor is involved in regulating lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Immune cells produce and respond to NGF, modulating their inflammatory phenotype and the secretion of cytokines, contributing to insulin resistance and metabolic homeostasis. This neurotrophin regulates the synthesis of gonadal steroid hormones, which ultimately participate in the metabolic homeostasis of other tissues. Therefore, we propose that this neurotrophin's imbalance in concentrations and signaling during metabolic syndrome contribute to its pathophysiology. In the present work, we describe the multiple roles of NGF in immunoendocrine organs that are important in metabolic homeostasis and related to the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome.
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Expression of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor TrkA in the Reproductive System of Adult Zebrafish. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9050225. [PMID: 35622754 PMCID: PMC9144415 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has emerged as an active mediator in different crucial events in the peripheral and central nervous system. At the same time, several studies showed that this neurotrophin can also play a role in non-neuronal tissues (e.g., among gonads). In spite of a large number of studies present in mammals, investigations devoted to NGF and its receptor TrkA in the reproductive system of other animal models, such as teleost fish, are scarce. To increase our knowledge of NGF and its receptor in a vertebrate gonads model, the present report describes the expression patterns of ngf and trka mRNA in the testis and ovary of adult zebrafish. By using chromogenic and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that in the testis of adult zebrafish, ngf and its receptor trka are mainly expressed in spermatogony B and spermatocytes. In the ovary of this fish, ngf and trka are expressed at different stages of oocyte development. Altogether, these results show that this neurotrophin and its receptor have an important role in the reproductive system that is conserved during vertebrate evolution.
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Teng F, Hu F, Zhang M. MicroRNA-125a-5p modulates the proliferation and apoptosis of TM4 Sertoli cells by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 27:6323363. [PMID: 34273154 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells are cells that provide protection and nutrition for developing sperm. Each stage of sperm development occurs on the surface of Sertoli cells. MicroRNA (MiR)-125a-5p is involved in male reproduction. The current research aimed to probe the role of miR-125a-5p in Sertoli cell function. Functionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown facilitated Sertoli cell proliferation, while miR-125a-5p overexpression suppressed Sertoli cell proliferation, as evidenced by 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine incorporation assay. Additionally, miR-125a-5p knockdown inhibited Sertoli cell apoptosis, while miR-125a-5p upregulation facilitated Sertoli cell apoptosis, as evidenced by flow cytometry analysis. Computationally, we identified four predicted mRNA targets of miR-125a-5p. Based on the results of luciferase reporter assay, miR-125a-5p was confirmed to bind to the predicted sequence in the Ras-related protein Rab-3D (RAB3D) 3'UTR. Rescue experiments showed that miR-125a-5p suppressed the proliferative ability of TM4 Sertoli cells and facilitated their apoptosis by targeting RAB3D. Finally, our data confirmed that miR-125a-5p and RAB3D modulated activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, our data showed that miR-125a-5p regulated Sertoli cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting RAB3D and regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengmeng Teng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinses Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzhou 215009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Maosen Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinses Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
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Gao S, Li C, Xu Y, Chen S, Zhao Y, Chen L, Jiang Y, Liu Z, Fan R, Sun L, Wang F, Zhu X, Zhang J, Zhou X. Differential expression of microRNAs in TM3 Leydig cells of mice treated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Cell Biochem Funct 2017; 35:364-371. [DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center; The Second Hospital of Jilin University; Changchun China
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Yun Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Yanwen Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Rong Fan
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Liting Sun
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Fengge Wang
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Xiaoling Zhu
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences; Jilin University; Jilin China
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Jiang YW, Zhao Y, Chen SX, Chen L, Li CJ, Zhou X. NGF promotes mitochondrial function by activating PGC-1α in TM4 Sertoli cells. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28470720 DOI: 10.1111/and.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), which is required for the survival and differentiation of the nervous system, has been proved to play important roles in male reproductive physiology. Several studies have focused on the roles of NGF in the testes. However, no study has reported on the mechanism of paracrine and autocrine actions of NGF in Sertoli cells. This study showed that NGF stimulated mitochondrial activity and biogenesis in TM4 Sertoli cells. Moreover, our results demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α is a possible downstream key target of the NGF signalling pathway. In a 3-nitropropionic acid cell model, NGF treatment attenuated mitochondrial activity defect and depolarisation. This NGF-triggered signalling may help in discovering new therapeutic targets for certain male infertility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y W Jiang
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Y Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - S X Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - L Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - C J Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - X Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of polypeptide growth factors that are required for the proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death of neuronal cells. A growing body of evidence suggests that they may have broader physiological roles in various non-neuronal tissues. The testicles are complex non-neuronal organs in which diverse cell types interact to achieve correct spermatogenesis. Both neurotrophins and their receptors have been detected in various cell types from mammalian testes, suggesting that neurotrophins may regulate or mediate intercellular communication within this organ. This review summarizes the existing data on the cellular distribution and possible biological roles of neurotrophins in the testes. The data reported in the literature indicate that neurotrophins affect somatic cell growth and spermatogenesis and imply that they play a role in regulating testicular development and male reproduction.
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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances BDNF-TrkB signaling in both brain and lymphocyte. J Neurosci 2011; 31:11044-54. [PMID: 21795553 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2125-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) induces neuronal long-term potentiation or depression. Although brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) contribute to the effects of rTMS, their precise role and underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. Here we show that daily 5 Hz rTMS for 5 d improves BDNF-TrkB signaling in rats by increasing the affinity of BDNF for TrkB, which results in higher tyrosine-phosphorylated TrkB, increased recruitment of PLC-γ1 and shc/N-shc to TrkB, and heightened downstream ERK2 and PI-3K activities in prefrontal cortex and in lymphocytes. The elevated BDNF-TrkB signaling is accompanied by an increased association between the activated TrkB and NMDA receptor (NMDAR). In normal human subjects, 5 d rTMS to motor cortex decreased resting motor threshold, which correlates with heightened BDNF-TrkB signaling and intensified TrkB-NMDAR association in lymphocytes. These findings suggest that rTMS to cortex facilitates BDNF-TrkB-NMDAR functioning in both cortex and lymphocytes.
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Levanti MB, Germanà A, de Carlos F, Ciriaco E, Vega JA, Germanà G. Effects of increased nerve growth factor plasma levels on the expression of TrkA and p75 in rat testicles. J Anat 2006; 208:373-9. [PMID: 16533319 PMCID: PMC2100250 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2006.00528.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to their well-known roles within the nervous system, the neurotrophins and their receptors regulate some functions in the reproductive system. In this study we used combined morphological and immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the presence and cellular localization in the rat testicle of the two receptors of nerve growth factor (NGF), i.e. TrkA and p75(NTR). Furthermore, to evaluate whether increased plasma levels of NGF affect the ageing process, 4-methylcathechol (4-MC), an inductor of NGF synthesis, was administered. Both TrkA and p75(NTR) were expressed in rat testicles, but the pattern and intensity of immunoreaction were marginally different between them. In adult rats TrkA was expressed in spermatozoa and spermatids, and p75 was expressed in spermatogonia. In newborn rats TrkA immunoreactivity was found in the Leydig cells, whereas p75 was detected in a cellular layer that surrounds the seminiferous tubules. In adult treated animals the immunoreaction for TrkA and p75(NTR) was also localized in the spermatocytes, whereas in newborn treated rats no changes in the pattern of immunoreaction was observed. The present findings suggest a role of the NGF/TrkA/p75 system in the physiology of reproduction, but the practical relevance of this remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Levanti
- Dipartimento di Morfologia, Biochimica, Fisiologia e Produzione Animale, Sezione di Morfologia, Università di Messina, Italy
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Li C, Watanabe G, Weng Q, Jin W, Furuta C, Suzuki AK, Kawaguchi M, Taya K. Expression of nerve growth factor (NGF), and its receptors TrkA and p75 in the reproductive organs of the adult male rats. Zoolog Sci 2006; 22:933-7. [PMID: 16141707 DOI: 10.2108/zsj.22.933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunolocalization of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, TrkA and p75 in the reproductive organs of adult male rats was investigated. Sections of the testis, efferent duct, epididymis, deferent duct, seminal vesicle, coagulating gland and prostate of adult male rats were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods (ABC). NGF was expressed in Leydig cells, primary spermatocytes and pachytene spermatocytes in the testis. TrkA only immunoreacted to elongate spermatids and p75 showed positive immunostaining in the Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, the pachytene spermatocytes and elongate spermatids. Immunoreactions for NGF and its two receptors were detected in epithelial cells of efferent duct, deferent duct and epididymis. In addition, immunoreactions for NGF and its two receptors were also observed in columnar secretory epithelium lines of the seminal vesicles, prostate and coagulating gland. These results suggest that NGF is an important growth factor in gonadal function of adult male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- ChunMei Li
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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Müller D, Davidoff MS, Bargheer O, Paust HJ, Pusch W, Koeva Y, Jezek D, Holstein AF, Middendorff R. The expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in the prenatal and adult human testis: evidence for functions in Leydig cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2006; 126:199-211. [PMID: 16463180 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-006-0155-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated local functions for neurotrophins in the developing and mature testis of rodents. To examine whether these signaling molecules are present and also potentially active in the human testis, we characterized immunohistochemically the expression and cellular localization of the known neurotrophins and their receptors during prenatal testicular development as well as in the adult human testis. Results obtained revealed the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3 and 4, as well as neurotrophin receptors p75(NTR), TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC during testis morphogenesis. These proteins were also detectable in the adult human testis, and their local expression could be confirmed largely by immunoblot and RT-PCR analyses. Remarkably, the Leydig cells were found to represent the predominant neurotrophin/receptor expression sites within both fetal and adult human testes. Functional assays performed with a mouse tumor Leydig cell line revealed that NGF exposure increases cellular steroid production, indicating a role in differentiation processes. These findings support previously-recognized neuronal characteristics of Leydig cells, provide additional evidence for potential roles of neurotrophins during testis morphogenesis and in the mature testis, and demonstrate for the first time a neurotrophin-induced functional activity in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Müller
- Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, University of Hamburg, Falkenried 88, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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Perrard MH, Vigier M, Damestoy A, Chapat C, Silandre D, Rudkin BB, Durand P. β-nerve growth factor participates in an auto/paracrine pathway of regulation of the meiotic differentiation of rat spermatocytes. J Cell Physiol 2006; 210:51-62. [PMID: 17013810 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
NGF appears to be involved in spermatogenesis. However, mice lacking NGF or TrkA genes do not survive more than a few days whereas p75(NTR) knockout mice are viable and fertile. Therefore, we addressed the effect of betaNGF on spermatogenesis by using the systems of rat germ cell culture we established previously. betaNGF did not modify the number of Sertoli cells, pachytene spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes nor the half-life of round spermatids, but increased the number of secondary meiotic metaphases and decreased the number of round spermatids formed in vitro. These effects of betaNGF were reversible and maximal at about 4 x 10(-11) M. Conversely, K252a, a Trk-specific kinase inhibitor, enhanced the number of round spermatids above that of control cultures. The presence of betaNGF and its receptors TrkA and p75(NTR) was investigated in testis sections, in Sertoli cell and germ cell fractions, and in germ cell and Sertoli cell co-cultures. betaNGF was detected only in germ cells from pachytene spermatocytes of stages VII up to spermatids of stages IX-X. TrkA and p75(NTR) were detected in Sertoli cells and in these germ cells. Taken together, these results indicate that betaNGF should participate in an auto/paracrine pathway of regulation of the second meiotic division of rat spermatocytes in vivo.
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Moon C, Yasuzumi F, Okura N, Kim H, Ahn M, Shin T. Enhanced Expression of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor A in Germ Cells of Rat Testis with Acute Experimental Testicular Torsion. Urol Int 2005; 74:79-85. [PMID: 15711115 DOI: 10.1159/000082715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2004] [Accepted: 07/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND METHODS To examine the involvement of neurotrophic factor receptors in the testis with acute experimental testicular torsion, the expression of tyrosine kinase receptors (trk) A and B, and p75 nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) were studied in the rat testis with ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Apoptosis was detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. RESULTS There was a significant increase in TUNEL-positive reaction in spermatogonia in the seminiferous tubules in rat testes after testicular torsion. Western blot analysis showed that trk A expression reached a significant peak at 12 h after reperfusion (p < 0.01), as compared to sham-operated controls, whereas trk B was not increased in the testis after I/R. Constitutive expression of p75 NGFR was at or below the level detectable by Western blot analysis, and it remained unchanged in the testis after I/R. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that after I/R trk A expression was increased in spermatocytes and spermatids in the seminiferous tubules, in contrast to the basal location of the TUNEL-positive reaction. Immunoreactivity of trk B was seen mainly in the interstitial cells in the sham-operated testis, and its localization was not changed after I/R. CONCLUSION It is postulated that trk A and B, but not p75 NGFR, are involved differently in the survival of testicular cells during acute experimental testicular torsion. In particular, increased trk A seems to be related to germ cell survival following I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changjong Moon
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cheju National University, Jeju, South Korea.
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