Intra-pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone signaling regulates hepatic lipid metabolism in mice

Using Selenium-enriched Mutated Probiotics as Enhancer for Fertility Parameters in Mice

Increasing fertility rates have become one of the factors that concern all people in the world. Therefore, the study aims to use two mutated strains of probiotics enriched with selenium (PSe40/60/1 and BSe50/20/1) to improve fertility. Thirty Swiss albino male mice were divided into three groups; control, LP + S was given Lactobacillus plantarum PSe40/60/1 plus selenium, and BL + S was given Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 plus selenium. Free testosterone, LH, and FSH were measured in serum by biochemical analysis. Testicular tissues were examined by histopathological analysis. The count and motility of sperm, and sperm abnormalities were determined by microscopic examination. The method of qRT-PCR was used to detect gene expression of Tspyl1, Hsd3b6, and Star genes. The biochemical results showed that serum content of free testosterone (FT) hormone had significantly increase in the BL + S and LP + S groups compared with control. Levels of LH and FSH hormones were the highest in the BL + S group. The treated groups showed all developmental stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatogenesis, spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule spermatids, as well as intact Sertoli cells and Leydig cells without changes. When compared to the control group, sperm count and motility increased in the BL + S group, while sperm abnormalities decreased. The expression of Tspyl1 gene in testicular tissues decreased in the LP + S and BL + S groups, while the expression of Star and Hsd3b6 genes was higher in the BL + S group and lower in the LP + S group compared with the control group. Therefore, Bifidobacterium longum BSe50/20/1 enriched with selenium could be useful in enhancing male fertility.

The relationship between follicle-stimulating hormone and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in men

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between male hormones and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in males.

METHODS

Data from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES) were used to analyze the male hormone levels between MAFLD patients and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for MAFLD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic performance of male hormones for MAFLD.

RESULT

A total of 1578 individuals were included, with 482 individuals (30.54%) of MAFLD, including 293 (18.57%) with mild disease and 189 (11.98%) with moderate-to-severe disease. The MAFLD patients were significantly older than those without MAFLD. The LH, FSH, and SHBG levels in the MAFLD patients were significantly greater than those in the control group. Age, FSH, LH, SHBG, and estradiol were all risk factors for MAFLD. Age, FSH, and LH were risk factors for moderate-to-severe MAFLD. FSH was an independent risk factor for MAFLD and moderate-to-severe MAFLD. FSH showed an excellent diagnostic value, with an AUC of 0.992 alone and 0.996 after adjusting age.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that FSH may be a potential diagnostic and predictive biomarker for MAFLD.

Effects of follicle-stimulating hormone on energy balance and tissue metabolic health after loss of ovarian function

Loss of ovarian function imparts increased susceptibility to obesity and metabolic disease. These effects are largely attributed to decreased estradiol (E2), but the role of increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in modulating energy balance has not been fully investigated. Previous work that blocked FSH binding to its receptor in mice suggested this hormone may play a part in modulating body weight and energy expenditure after ovariectomy (OVX). We used an alternate approach to isolate the individual and combined contributions of FSH and E2 in mediating energy imbalance and changes in tissue-level metabolic health. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and given the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist degarelix to suppress FSH production. E2 and FSH were then added back individually and in combination for a period of 3 wk. Energy balance, body mass composition, and transcriptomic profiles of individual tissues were obtained. In contrast to previous studies, suppression and replacement of FSH in our paradigm had no effect on body weight, body composition, food intake, or energy expenditure. We did, however, observe organ-specific effects of FSH that produced unique transcriptomic signatures of FSH in retroperitoneal white adipose tissue. These included reductions in biological processes related to lipogenesis and carbohydrate transport. In addition, rats administered FSH had reduced liver triglyceride concentration (P < 0.001), which correlated with FSH-induced changes at the transcriptomic level. Although not appearing to modulate energy balance after loss of ovarian function in rats, FSH may still impart tissue-specific effects in the liver and white adipose tissue that might affect the metabolic health of those organs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We find no effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on energy balance using a novel model in which rats are ovariectomized, subjected to gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonism, and systematically given back FSH by osmotic pump. However, tissue-specific effects of FSH on adipose tissue and liver were observed in this study. These include unique transcriptomic signatures induced by the hormone and a stark reduction in hepatic triglyceride accumulation.

Effects of the Pituitary-targeted Gland Axes on Hepatic Lipid Homeostasis in Endocrine-associated Fatty Liver Disease-A Concept Worth Revisiting

Hepatic lipid homeostasis is not only essential for maintaining normal cellular and systemic metabolic function but is also closely related to the steatosis of the liver. The controversy over the nomenclature of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the past three years has once again sparked in-depth discussions on the pathogenesis of this disease and its impact on systemic metabolism. Pituitary-targeted gland axes (PTGA), an important hormone-regulating system, are indispensable in lipid homeostasis. This review focuses on the roles of thyroid hormones, adrenal hormones, sex hormones, and their receptors in hepatic lipid homeostasis, and summarizes recent research on pituitary target gland axes-related drugs regulating hepatic lipid metabolism. It also calls on researchers and clinicians to recognize the concept of endocrine-associated fatty liver disease (EAFLD) and to re-examine human lipid metabolism from the macroscopic perspective of homeostatic balance.

Multiple-Pathway Synergy Alters Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Response to an Immunocastration Vaccine in Goat

BACKGROUND

Animal reproduction performance is crucial in husbandry. Immunocastrated animals serve as an ideal animal model for studying testicular function. During androgen suppression, the testis undergoes dramatic developmental and structural changes, including the inhibition of hormone secretion and spermatogenesis.

METHODS

To characterize this process, we investigated the effects of castration using a recombinant B2L and KISS1 DNA vaccine, and then identified functional genes in the testes of Yiling goats using RNA-seq and WGS. The experimental animals were divided into three groups: the PVAX-asd group (control), PBK-asd-immunized group, and surgically castrated group.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that the administration of the recombinant PBK-asd vaccine in goats elicited a significant antibody response, and reduced serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), resulting in smaller scrotal circumferences and decreased sexual desire compared to the control group. In addition, RNA transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of the testes revealed that the biological processes after immunocastration mainly focused on the regulation of cell matrix adhesion, histone acetylation, negative regulation of developmental processes, apoptosis, and activation of the complement system and the thrombin cascade reaction system. Then, we integrated the whole-genome sequencing and testis transcriptome, and identified several candidate genes (FGF9, FST, KIT, TH, TCP1, PLEKHA1, TMEM119, ESR1, TIPARP, LEP) that influence steroidogenesis secretion and spermatogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple pathways and polygenic co-expression participate in the response to castration vaccines, altering hormone secretion and spermatogenesis. Taken together, our atlas of the immunocastration goat testis provides multiple insights into the developmental changes and key factors accompanying androgen suppression, and thus may contribute to understanding the genetic mechanism of testis function. Joint analysis of whole genome sequencing and RNA-seq enables reliable screening of candidate genes, benefiting future genome-assisted breeding of goats.

TSH Pulses Finely Tune Thyroid Hormone Release and TSH Receptor Transduction

Detection of circulating TSH is a first-line test of thyroid dysfunction, a major health problem (affecting about 5% of the population) that, if untreated, can lead to a significant deterioration of quality of life and adverse effects on multiple organ systems. Human TSH levels display both pulsatile and (nonpulsatile) basal TSH secretion patterns; however, the importance of these in regulating thyroid function and their decoding by the thyroid is unknown. Here, we developed a novel ultra-sensitive ELISA that allows precise detection of TSH secretion patterns with minute resolution in mouse models of health and disease. We characterized the patterns of ultradian TSH pulses in healthy, freely behaving mice over the day-night cycle. Challenge of the thyroid axis with primary hypothyroidism because of iodine deficiency, a major cause of thyroid dysfunction worldwide, results in alterations of TSH pulsatility. Induction in mouse models of sequential TSH pulses that mimic ultradian TSH profiles in periods of minutes were more efficient than sustained rises in basal TSH levels at increasing both thyroid follicle cAMP levels, as monitored with a genetically encoded cAMP sensor, and circulating thyroid hormone. Hence, this mouse TSH assay provides a powerful tool to decipher how ultradian TSH pulses encode thyroid outcomes and to uncover hidden parameters in the TSH-thyroid hormone set-point in health and disease.

Postnatal Development and Maintenance of Functional Pituitary Gonadotrophs Is Dependent on PI4-Kinase A

Postnatal development of functional pituitary gonadotrophs is necessary for maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty, and reproduction. Here we examined the role of PI4-kinase A, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of PI4P in mouse reproduction by knocking out this enzyme in cells expressing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. Knockout (KO) mice were infertile, reflecting underdeveloped gonads and reproductive tracts and lack of puberty. The number and distribution of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and Gnrh1 expression in postnatal KOs were not affected, whereas Kiss1/kisspeptin expression was increased. KO of PI4-kinase A also did not alter embryonic establishment and neonatal development and function of the gonadotroph population. However, during the postnatal period, there was a progressive loss of expression of gonadotroph-specific genes, including Fshb, Lhb, and Gnrhr, accompanied by low gonadotropin synthesis. The postnatal gonadotroph population also progressively declined, reaching approximately one-third of that observed in controls at 3 months of age. In these residual gonadotrophs, GnRH-dependent calcium signaling and calcium-dependent membrane potential changes were lost, but intracellular administration of inositol-14,5-trisphosphate rescued this signaling. These results indicate a key role for PI4-kinase A in the postnatal development and maintenance of a functional gonadotroph population.

Follicle-stimulating hormone is negatively associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a Chinese elderly population: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Several studies have explored the connection between follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the impact of FSH elevation on NAFLD remains a topic of debate. Hence, this investigation aimed to evaluate the potential correlation between FSH levels and NAFLD in the aging population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational cross-sectional study between July 2017 and August 2018 in our hospital. We used data obtained from 455 patients over 60 years old. Anthropometrics and laboratory tests were performed for each patient. NAFLD was diagnosed by sonographic features and the fatty liver index (LFI).

RESULTS

Of the 455 patients, 200 (43.96%) had NAFLD on their ultrasound and 169 (37.14%) had NAFLD according to the LFI. An intraclass correlation coefficient of the two methods was 80.4% (P < 0.001). People with NAFLD on their ultrasound showed lower FSH levels (52.68 vs. 61.39 IU/L) and more unfavorable metabolic profiles. FSH was negatively correlated with age, alanine aminotransferase, estradiol, testosterone, systolic blood pressure, waist, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, postload plasma glucose and positive associated with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol by Spearman correlation analysis (all P < 0.05). By controlling for all confounding factors, the odds ratios (OR) of FSH for NAFLD were determined in elderly individuals, both men and women, aged 60-70 years and over 70 years. These ORs were found to be 0.937, 0.982, 0.983, and 0.973, respectively, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 0.892-0.984 (P = 0.009), 0.971-0.993 (P = 0.002), 0.967-0.999 (P = 0.033), and 0.958-0.989 (P = 0.001). In addition, our findings demonstrated no significant correlation between FSH and advanced fibrosis when adjusting for potential covariates. The OR for advanced fibrosis was 0.979 (95% CI, 0.938-1.022, P = 0.339). Additionally, ROC curve analysis showed an optimal cut-off value of 66.91 for women and 15.25 for men for NAFLD diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was an inverse relationship observed between levels of FSH in the blood serum and NAFLD in the elderly population. These findings suggest that reduced FSH levels might serve as a potential risk factor or biomarker for NAFLD in the elderly.

Musashi Exerts Control of Gonadotrope Target mRNA Translation During the Mouse Estrous Cycle

The anterior pituitary controls key biological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses through distinct cell types that each secrete specific hormones. The anterior pituitary cells show a remarkable level of cell type plasticity that mediates the shifts in hormone-producing cell populations that are required to meet organismal needs. The molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary cell plasticity are not well understood. Recent work has implicated the pituitary stem cell populations and specifically, the mRNA binding proteins of the Musashi family in control of pituitary cell type identity. In this study we have identified the target mRNAs that mediate Musashi function in the adult mouse pituitary and demonstrate the requirement for Musashi function in vivo. Using Musashi RNA immunoprecipitation, we identify a cohort of 1184 mRNAs that show specific Musashi binding. Identified Musashi targets include the Gnrhr mRNA, which encodes the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), and the Fshb mRNA, encoding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Reporter assays reveal that Musashi functions to exert repression of translation of the Fshb mRNA, in addition to the previously observed repression of the Gnrhr mRNA. Importantly, mice engineered to lack Musashi in gonadotropes demonstrate a failure to repress translation of the endogenous Gnrhr and Fshb mRNAs during the estrous cycle and display a significant heterogeneity in litter sizes. The range of identified target mRNAs suggests that, in addition to these key gonadotrope proteins, Musashi may exert broad regulatory control over the pituitary proteome in a cell type-specific manner.