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Duranti C, Bagni G, Iorio J, Colasurdo R, Devescovi V, Arcangeli A. Effects of Germanium embedded fabric on the chondrogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells. Tissue Cell 2024; 90:102507. [PMID: 39128191 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102507] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a clinical state which is identified by the degeneration of articular cartilage. OA is a common condition (>500 millions of people affected worldwide), whose frequency is anticipated to continue to rise (> 110 % increase worldwide since 2019). The treatment for early-stage OA is based on a combination of therapeutic approaches, which can include regenerative medicine based on Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs). Germanium embedded Incrediwear® functional Cred40 fabric has been shown to have positive effects on OA clinically and is envisaged to give encouraging effects also on tissue regeneration. Still, the biological mechanisms underlying this therapeutic modality have not yet been fully defined. We tested the hypothesis that Germanium-embedded Incrediwear® functional Cred40 fabric could enhance chondrogenic differentiation. To this purpose, we applied Incrediwear® to human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) induced to chondrogenic differentiation in vitro. Chondrogenic markers (ACAN, SOX9, RUNX2, COL2A1, COL10A1) were quantified following 21 days of treatment. We also assessed extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition (specifically Collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)) using Alcian Blue and Sirius Red staining. Here, we provide pilot data to demonstrate that Germanium-embedded Incrediwear® functional Cred40 fabric can enhance hADSCs chondrogenic differentiation and maturity and potentially induce events of cartilage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; MCK Therapeutics Srl, Via Ciliegiole 98, Pistoia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Bagni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Jessica Iorio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Rossella Colasurdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Valentina Devescovi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; MCK Therapeutics Srl, Via Ciliegiole 98, Pistoia, Italy.
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Arcangeli A, Iorio J, Duranti C. Targeting the hERG1 and β1 integrin complex for cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:145-157. [PMID: 38372580 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2318449] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite great advances, novel therapeutic targets and strategies are still needed, in particular for some carcinomas in the metastatic stage (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the clear cell renal carcinoma). Ion channels may be considered good cancer biomarkers and targets for antineoplastic therapy. These concepts are particularly relevant considering the hERG1 potassium channel as a novel target for antineoplastic therapy. AREAS COVERED A great deal of evidence demonstrates that hERG1 is aberrantly expressed in human cancers, in particular in aggressive carcinomas. A relevant cornerstone was the discovery that, in cancer cells, the channel is present in a very peculiar conformation, strictly bound to the β1 subunit of integrin receptors. The hERG1/β1 integrin complex does not occur in the heart. Starting from this evidence, we developed a novel single chain bispecific antibody (scDb-hERG1-β1), which specifically targets the hERG1/β1 integrin complex and exerts antineoplastic effects in preclinical experiments. EXPERT OPINION Since hERG1 blockade cannot be pursued for antineoplastic therapy due to the severe cardiac toxic effects (ventricular arrhythmias) that many hERG1 blockers exert, different strategies must be identified to specifically target hERG1 in cancer. The targeting of the hERG1/β1 integrin complex through the bispecific antibody scDb-hERG1-β1 can overcome such hindrances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
- CSDC (Center for the Study of complex dynamics), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- MCK Therapeutics srl, Pistoia (PT), Italy
| | - Jessica Iorio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
- MCK Therapeutics srl, Pistoia (PT), Italy
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Santini L, Duranti C, Palandri C, Giammarino L, Musumeci M, Carlucci L, Capitani C, Colasurdo R, Recchia F, Cerbai E, Coppini R, Arcangeli A. Cardiac safety assessment of a novel recombinant bispecific antibody targeting the ether-à-go-go related gene 1 (hERG1)-β1 integrin macromolecular complex. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1237431. [PMID: 37767396 PMCID: PMC10520717 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1237431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In the last decades, mounting evidence has pointed out the human ether-á-go-go-related gene (hERG1) potassium channel as a novel biomarker in human cancers. However, hERG1 sustains the cardiac repolarizing current IKr and its blockade can induce a prolonged QT interval at the ECG, which increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. This represents a major hindrance for targeting hERG1 for antineoplastic therapeutic purposes. Based on our discovery that hERG1 resides in a macromolecular complex with the β1 subunit of integrin adhesion receptors only in tumors, and not in the heart, we generated (and patented WO2019/015936) a novel engineered, single chain, bispecific antibody in the format of a diabody (scDb-hERG1-β1). This antibody has been proven to target with high affinity the hERG1/β1 integrin complex and to exert a good antineoplastic activity in preclinical mouse models. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the cardiac safety of the scDb-hERG1-β1, determining the action potential duration (APD) of human cardiomyocytes, either atrial (from valve-disease patients) or ventricular (from aortic stenosis patients). Cardiac cells were incubated in vitro with i) the scDb-hERG1-β1, ii) the full length anti-hERG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb-hERG1) and iii) its single chain Fragment variable derivative (scFv-hERG1), from which the scDb-hERG1-β1 was assembled. All the tests were performed before and after treatment with the specific hERG1 blocker E4031. In addition, we have performed preliminary experiments, analyzing the effects of the scDb-hERG1/β1 in vivo measuring the QT interval length of the surface ECG after its injection intravenously in farm-pigs. Results: The scDb-hERG1-β1 did not produce any lengthening of APD compared to control (vehicle) conditions, either in atrial or ventricular cardiomyocytes, whereas both the hERG1-mAb and the scFv-hERG1 produced a significant APD prolongation. The addition of E4031 further prolonged APD. The scDb-hERG1-β1 did not produce any alterations of the QT (and QTc) interval values, once injected intravenously in farm pigs. Discussion: Overall, the above evidences plead for the cardiac safety of the scDb-hERG1-β1, suggesting that an application of this antibody for anti-cancer therapy will be untainted by cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Santini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Palandri
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Giammarino
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Monica Musumeci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Carlucci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Capitani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Rossella Colasurdo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabio Recchia
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Sala C, Staderini M, Lottini T, Duranti C, Angelini G, Constantin G, Arcangeli A. Expression of the ether-a-gò-gò-related gene 1 channel during B and T lymphocyte development: role in BCR and TCR signaling. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111471. [PMID: 37744334 PMCID: PMC10515723 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional relevance of K+ and Ca2+ ion channels in the "Store Operated Calcium Entry" (SOCE) during B and T lymphocyte activation is well proven. However, their role in the process of T- and B- cell development and selection is still poorly defined. In this scenario, our aim was to characterize the expression of the ether à-go-go-related gene 1 (ERG1) and KV1.3 K+ channels during the early stages of mouse lymphopoiesis and analyze how they affect Ca2+signaling, or other signaling pathways, known to mediate selection and differentiation processes of lymphoid clones. We provide here evidence that the mouse (m)ERG1 is expressed in primary lymphoid organs, bone marrow (BM), and thymus of C57BL/6 and SV129 mice. This expression is particularly evident in the BM during the developmental stages of B cells, before the positive selection (large and small PreB). mERG1 is also expressed in all thymic subsets of both strains, when lymphocyte positive and negative selection occurs. Partially overlapping results were obtained for KV1.3 expression. mERG1 and KV1.3 were expressed at significantly higher levels in B-cell precursors of mice developing an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The pharmacological blockage of ERG1 channels with E4031 produced a significant reduction in intracellular Ca2+ after lymphocyte stimulation in the CD4+ and double-positive T-cell precursors' subsets. This suggests that ERG1 might contribute to maintaining the electrochemical gradient responsible for driving Ca2+ entry, during T-cell receptor signaling which sustains lymphocyte selection checkpoints. Such role mirrors that performed by the shaker-type KV1.3 potassium channel during the activation process of mature lymphocytes. No effects on Ca2+ signaling were observed either in B-cell precursors after blocking KV1.3 with PSORA-4. In the BM, the pharmacological blockage of ERG1 channels produced an increase in ERK phosphorylation, suggesting an effect of ERG1 in regulating B-lymphocyte precursor clones' proliferation and checkpoint escape. Overall, our results suggest a novel physiological function of ERG1 in the processes of differentiation and selection of lymphoid precursors, paving the way to further studies aimed at defining the expression and role of ERG1 channels in immune-based pathologies in addition to that during lymphocyte neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Sala
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Staderini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziano Lottini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Angelini
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Gabriela Constantin
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Pathology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Singh R, Kaur S, Yadav S, Bhatia S. Gonadotropins as pharmacological agents in assisted reproductive technology and polycystic ovary syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:194-215. [PMID: 36863888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy associated with subfertility/infertility and pregnancy complications. Most PCOS women opt for assisted reproductive technologies (ART) for successful conception; however, optimization of the relative doses of the gonadotropins [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH)/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)] for appropriate steroidogenesis, without causing ovarian hyperstimulatory syndrome (OHSS), is challenging. Embryonic factors probably do not contribute to pregnancy loss in PCOS women, albeit hormonal imbalance impairs the metabolic microenvironment critical for oocyte maturation and endometrial receptivity. Certain clinical studies have confirmed the role of metabolic corrections in increasing the rate of pregnancy in PCOS women. This review focuses on the impact of untimely high LHCGR and/or LH levels on oocyte/embryo quality, pregnancy outcomes in ART, and exploring LHCGR as a potential drug target in PCOS women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Singh
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproduction, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
| | - Surleen Kaur
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproduction, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Suman Yadav
- Division of Molecular Endocrinology and Reproduction, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Department of Zoology, Ramjas College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Locus Coeruleus Neurons' Firing Pattern Is Regulated by ERG Voltage-Gated K + Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315334. [PMID: 36499661 PMCID: PMC9738708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Locus coeruleus (LC) neurons, with their extensive innervations throughout the brain, control a broad range of physiological processes. Several ion channels have been characterized in LC neurons that control intrinsic membrane properties and excitability. However, ERG (ether-à-go-go-related gene) K+ channels that are particularly important in setting neuronal firing rhythms and automaticity have not as yet been discovered in the LC. Moreover, the neurophysiological and pathophysiological roles of ERG channels in the brain remain unclear despite their expression in several structures. By performing immunohistochemical investigations, we found that ERG-1A, ERG-1B, ERG-2 and ERG-3 are highly expressed in the LC neurons of mice. To examine the functional role of ERG channels, current-clamp recordings were performed on mouse LC neurons in brain slices under visual control. ERG channel blockade by WAY-123,398, a class III anti-arrhythmic agent, increased the spontaneous firing activity and discharge irregularity of LC neurons. Here, we have shown the presence of distinct ERG channel subunits in the LC which play an imperative role in modulating neuronal discharge patterns. Thus, we propose that ERG channels are important players behind the changes in, and/or maintenance of, LC firing patterns that are implicated in the generation of different behaviors and in several disorders.
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Iorio J, Antonuzzo L, Scarpi E, D’Amico M, Duranti C, Messerini L, Sparano C, Caputo D, Lavacchi D, Borzomati D, Antonelli A, Nibid L, Perrone G, Coppola A, Coppola R, di Costanzo F, Lastraioli E, Arcangeli A. Prognostic role of hERG1 Potassium Channels in Neuroendocrine Tumours of the Ileum and Pancreas. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810623. [PMID: 36142530 PMCID: PMC9504580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
hERG1 potassium channels are widely expressed in human cancers of different origins, where they affect several key aspects of cellular behaviour. The present study was designed to evaluate the expression and clinical relevance of hERG1 protein in cancer tissues from patients suffering from neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of ileal (iNETs) and pancreatic (pNETs) origin, with available clinicopathological history and follow-up. The study was carried out by immunohistochemistry with an anti-hERG1 monoclonal antibody. In a subset of samples, a different antibody directed against the hERG1/β1 integrin complex was also used. The analysis showed for the first time that hERG1 is expressed in human NETs originating from either the ileum or the pancreas. hERG1 turned out to have a prognostic value in NETs, showing (i) a statistically significant positive impact on OS of patients affected by ileal NETs, regardless the TNM stage; (ii) a statistically significant positive impact on OS of patients affected by aggressive (TNM stage IV) disease, either ileal or pancreatic; (iii) a trend to a negative impact on OS of patients affected by less aggressive (TNM stage I-III) disease, either ileal or pancreatic. Moreover, in order to evaluate whether ERG1 was functionally expressed in a cellular model of pNET, the INS1E rat insulinoma cell line was used, and it emerged that blocking ERG1 with a specific inhibitor of the channel (E4031) turned out in a significant reduction in cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Iorio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Scarpi
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Messerini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Clotilde Sparano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Damiano Caputo
- General Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lavacchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Domenico Borzomati
- General Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Nibid
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Perrone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Coppola
- General Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Coppola
- General Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elena Lastraioli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Complex Dynamics Study Centre (CSDC), University of Florence, 50100 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)5-5275-1319
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Complex Dynamics Study Centre (CSDC), University of Florence, 50100 Florence, Italy
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Park SR, Kim SK, Kim SR, Park JR, Lim S, Hong IS. Novel roles of luteinizing hormone (LH) in tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:605. [PMID: 35831270 PMCID: PMC9279474 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the synthesis and secretion of the key steroid hormone estrogen, which subsequently promotes ovarian follicular growth and development. Therefore, the administration of exogenous LH to achieve superovulation (multiple ovulations) and an LH surge is commonly used as the most effective therapeutic option in a majority of in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics. However, a relatively low pregnancy rate (between 20% and 35%) is one of the most challenging aspects of LH-based infertility treatment. Furthermore, the major cause of this low pregnancy rate in LH-based infertility treatment remains unidentified. Recent studies have shown that endometrial stem cell loss or deficiency can significantly decrease tissue regeneration ability during the menstrual cycle and reduce endometrial receptivity. In this context, we postulated that the low pregnancy rates following LH-based ovarian hyperactivation may be the result of the adverse effects of consecutive exogenous LH administration on endometrial stem cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study revealed for the first time that in addition to its previously reported roles in stimulating ovarian functions through the pituitary-gonadal axis, LH brings about the extragonadal suppression of various tissue regeneration-associated functions in endometrial stem cells, such as self-renewal, migration ability, multilineage differentiation potential, and pluripotency/stemness, by inhibiting pro-survival Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo, and as a consequence, it decreases the endometrial receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kwan Kim
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ran Park
- grid.412010.60000 0001 0707 9039Division of Science Education, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Soyi Lim
- grid.411653.40000 0004 0647 2885Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, 21999 Republic of Korea ,grid.256155.00000 0004 0647 2973Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, 406-840 Republic of Korea
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Ultra-Low Electromagnetic Fields Application on In Vitro Cartilage Regeneration: A Pilot Study to Improve Treatment of Osteoarticular Diseases. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Extremely low-frequency and low-intensity electromagnetic fields show positive effects on the treatment of several osteoarticular diseases, such as osteoarthritis, and are currently applied in the clinical setting with promising results on tissue regeneration. However, the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects triggered by this type of physical stimulation still need to be deciphered. We tested the hypothesis that ultra-low complex electromagnetic fields stimulation using an innovative medical device could enhance chondrogenesis in human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), and analyzed its biological effects. Chondrogenic lineage markers, like ACAN, SOX9, RUNX2, COL2A1, and COL10A1, were evaluated after 21 days of treatment. Thus far, we have provided preliminary evidence that a dedicated pattern of ultra-weak complex electromagnetic sequences emitted by a cutting-edge technology can promote cartilage regeneration, inducing the chondrogenic differentiation and maturity of ADSCs.
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The Roles of Luteinizing Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone in Spermatogenesis and Folliculogenesis Revisited. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312735. [PMID: 34884539 PMCID: PMC8658012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis involve cell–cell interactions and gene expression orchestrated by luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). FSH regulates the proliferation and maturation of germ cells independently and in combination with LH. In humans, the requirement for high intratesticular testosterone (T) concentration in spermatogenesis remains both a dogma and an enigma, as it greatly exceeds the requirement for androgen receptor (AR) activation. Several data have challenged this dogma. Here we report our findings on a man with mutant LH beta subunit (LHβ) that markedly reduced T production to 1–2% of normal., but despite this minimal LH stimulation, T production by scarce mature Leydig cells was sufficient to initiate and maintain complete spermatogenesis. Also, in the LH receptor (LHR) knockout (LuRKO) mice, low-dose T supplementation was able to maintain spermatogenesis. In addition, in antiandrogen-treated LuRKO mice, devoid of T action, the transgenic expression of a constitutively activating follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mutant was able to rescue spermatogenesis and fertility. Based on rodent models, it is believed that gonadotropin-dependent follicular growth begins at the antral stage, but models of FSHR inactivation in women contradict this claim. The complete loss of FSHR function results in the complete early blockage of folliculogenesis at the primary stage, with a high density of follicles of the prepubertal type. These results should prompt the reassessment of the role of gonadotropins in spermatogenesis, folliculogenesis and therapeutic applications in human hypogonadism and infertility.
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