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Granata L, Gildawie KR, Ismail N, Brenhouse HC, Kopec AM. Immune signaling as a node of interaction between systems that sex-specifically develop during puberty and adolescence. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 57:101143. [PMID: 35933922 PMCID: PMC9357835 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is pivotal for neural and behavioral development across species. During this period, maturation occurs in several biological systems, the most well-recognized being activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis marking pubertal onset. Increasing comparative studies of sex differences have enriched our understanding of systems integration during neurodevelopment. In recent years, immune signaling has emerged as a key node of interaction between a variety of biological signaling processes. Herein, we review the age- and sex-specific changes that occur in neural, hypothalamic-pituitary, and microbiome systems during adolescence. We then describe how immune signaling interacts with these systems, and review recent preclinical evidence indicating that immune signaling may play a central role in integrating changes in their typical and atypical development during adolescence. Finally, we discuss the translational relevance of these preclinical studies to human health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granata
- Northeastern University, 125 Nightingale Hall, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Kelsea R Gildawie
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Rd. North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall 2076A, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada.
| | | | - Ashley M Kopec
- Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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2
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Parikh R, Sorek E, Parikh S, Michael K, Bikovski L, Tshori S, Shefer G, Mingelgreen S, Zornitzki T, Knobler H, Chodick G, Mardamshina M, Boonman A, Kronfeld-Schor N, Bar-Joseph H, Ben-Yosef D, Amir H, Pavlovsky M, Matz H, Ben-Dov T, Golan T, Nizri E, Liber D, Liel Y, Brenner R, Gepner Y, Karnieli-Miller O, Hemi R, Shalgi R, Kimchi T, Percik R, Weller A, Levy C. Skin exposure to UVB light induces a skin-brain-gonad axis and sexual behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109579. [PMID: 34433056 PMCID: PMC8411113 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) light affects endocrinological and behavioral aspects of sexuality via an unknown mechanism. Here we discover that ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure enhances the levels of sex-steroid hormones and sexual behavior, which are mediated by the skin. In female mice, UVB exposure increases hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis hormone levels, resulting in larger ovaries; extends estrus days; and increases anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) expression. UVB exposure also enhances the sexual responsiveness and attractiveness of females and male-female interactions. Conditional knockout of p53 specifically in skin keratinocytes abolishes the effects of UVB. Thus, UVB triggers a skin-brain-gonadal axis through skin p53 activation. In humans, solar exposure enhances romantic passion in both genders and aggressiveness in men, as seen in analysis of individual questionaries, and positively correlates with testosterone level. Our findings suggest opportunities for treatment of sex-steroid-related dysfunctions. UVB exposure increases circulating sex-steroid levels in mice and humans UVB exposure enhances female attractiveness and receptiveness toward males UVB exposure increases females’ estrus phase, HPG axis hormones, and follicle growth Skin p53 regulates UVB-induced sexual behavior and ovarian physiological changes
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma Parikh
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Eschar Sorek
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Shivang Parikh
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Keren Michael
- Department of Human Services, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, Jezreel Valley 1930600, Israel
| | - Lior Bikovski
- The Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; School of Behavioral Sciences, Netanya Academic College, Netanya 4223587, Israel
| | - Sagi Tshori
- Research Authority, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Galit Shefer
- Research Authority, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Taiba Zornitzki
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Hadassah School of Medicine, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hilla Knobler
- Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease Institute, Kaplan Medical Center, Hadassah School of Medicine, Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Maccabitech, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel; Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Mariya Mardamshina
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Arjan Boonman
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noga Kronfeld-Schor
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Hadas Bar-Joseph
- The TMCR Unit, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- IVF Lab & Wolfe PGD-Stem Cell Lab, Fertility Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Cell Biology and Development, Sackler Faculty of Medicine & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Amir
- Fertility Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mor Pavlovsky
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Hagit Matz
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tom Ben-Dov
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba 4428164, Israel
| | - Tamar Golan
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Eran Nizri
- Department of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky (Ichilov) Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Daphna Liber
- Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences, Ono Academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel
| | - Yair Liel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ronen Brenner
- Institute of Pathology, E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon 58100, Israel
| | - Yftach Gepner
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sylvan Adams Sports Institute, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Orit Karnieli-Miller
- Department of Medical Education, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Rina Hemi
- Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ruth Shalgi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ruth Percik
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Institute of Endocrinology, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Aron Weller
- Department of Psychology and the Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Carmit Levy
- Department of Human Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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3
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Lapshtaeva AV, Sychev IV, Goncharova LN. Laboratory predictors of pregnancy in vitro fertilization. Klin Lab Diagn 2021; 66:291-296. [PMID: 34047515 DOI: 10.51620/0869-2084-2021-66-5-291-296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Identification of factors determining both of favorable and unfavorable outcome of IVF will increase the effectiveness of this method and optimize infertility treatment. The aim of the research is to analyze the correlation between serum IL-1α concentration, its gene rs1800587 (C/T) genotype carrier and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4)), and evaluate the prognostic significance of their combinations in women with tube-peritoneal infertility under the IVF program. 120 patients with tube-peritoneal infertility who applied for an IVF program were examined. Depending on the outcome of the procedure, 2 groups of patients were allocated: 1 group - 40 women who had a pregnancy after IVF, 2 group - 80 patients who did not have a pregnancy. The content of IL-1α, TSH, T3, T4 was determined in blood by ELISA. Genotyping was performed on the rs1800587 (C/T) polymorphic marker of the IL-1α gene. TSH, T3, T4 were within the norm for both groups. In our study, women with a TSH concentration of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/L had a chance of a favorable IVF outcome 1.4 times higher than with other TSH levels (p = 0.042901); with a T3 level of 1.0 to 1.8 nmol/L had a chance of becoming pregnant 5.7 times higher than with other levels of T3 (p = 0.00002). For T4 concentration, the confidence test was not achieved (p = 0.068505). The individual indicators of IL-1α, TSH, T3 and carrier of the genotype of the gene IL-1α at the preconceptive stage have lower diagnostic value than their combined combination. Three combinations have maximum predictive value: a combination of the T/T genotype of the IL-1α gene and the TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000048); combination of IL-1α of 28.7 to 85.1 pg/ml, T/T gene genotype IL-1α and TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000048); combination of IL-1α of 28.7 to 85.1 pg/ml, T/T gene genotype IL-1α, TSH level of 0.23 to 1.7 nmol/l and T3 level of 1.0 to 1.8 nmol/l - OR = 8.1 (p = 0.000146). Thus, proposed new prognostic markers of IVF program effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Lapshtaeva
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
| | - I V Sychev
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
| | - L N Goncharova
- Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University»
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Tomczyk M, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D, Bochenek J, Herman A, Herman AP. Anandamide Influences Interleukin-1β Synthesis and IL-1 System Gene Expressions in the Ovine Hypothalamus during Endo-Toxin-Induced Inflammation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020484. [PMID: 33673103 PMCID: PMC7918765 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020484] [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: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pro-inflammatory cytokines are considered to be one of the most important mediators affecting the function of central nervous system during an immune/inflammatory challenge. It was found that in acting on different hypothalamic nuclei, pro-inflammatory cytokines influence the centrally regulated processes including reproduction. Recently, it has been shown that the endocannabinoid system and endogenous cannabinoids may attenuate the inflammatory response. Therefore, in our study we examined the influence of anandamide, one of the earliest known endocannabinoids, on the synthesis of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 system gene expressions in the hypothalamic structures involved in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-ergic activity, and thus the central control of reproduction, during immune stress induced by endotoxin injection. It was found that anandamide inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated synthesis of IL-1β in the hypothalamus, likely affecting posttranscriptional levels of this cytokine synthesis. Anti-inflammatory effect of anandamide at the level of central nervous system might also result from its stimulating action on IL-1 antagonist and IL-1 type II receptor gene expression. This study suggests the potential of endocannabinoids and/or their metabolites in the inhibition of inflammatory process at the level of the central nervous system, as well as their usefulness in the therapy of inflammation-induced neuroendocrine disorders, but further detailed research is required to investigate this issue. Abstract This study evaluated the effect of anandamide (AEA) on interleukin (IL)-1β synthesis and gene expression of IL-1β, its type I (IL-1R1) and II (IL-1R2) receptors, and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN) in the hypothalamic structures, involved in the central control of reproduction, during inflammation. Animals were intravenously (i.v.) injected with bacterial endotoxin-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (400 ng/kg) or saline, and two hours after LPS administration., a third group received i.v. injection of AEA (10 μg/kg). Ewes were euthanized one hour later. AEA injection (p < 0.05) suppressed LPS-induced expression of IL-1β protein in the hypothalamus. The gene expression of IL-1β, IL-1RN, and IL-1R2 in the hypothalamic structures was higher (p < 0.05) in animals treated with both LPS and AEA in comparison to other experimental groups. AEA administration did not influence LPS-stimulated IL-1R1 gene expression. Our study shows that AEA suppressed IL-1β synthesis in the hypothalamus, likely affecting posttranscriptional levels of this cytokine synthesis. However, anti-inflammatory effect of AEA might also result from its stimulating action on IL-1RN and IL-1R2 gene expression. These results indicate the potential of endocannabinoids and/or their metabolites in the inhibition of inflammatory process at the level of central nervous system, and therefore their usefulness in the therapy of inflammation-induced neuroendocrine disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Tomczyk
- Department of Genetic Engineering, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (M.T.); (J.B.)
| | - Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland;
| | - Joanna Bochenek
- Department of Genetic Engineering, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (M.T.); (J.B.)
| | - Anna Herman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw School of Engineering and Health, 02-366 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Andrzej P. Herman
- Department of Genetic Engineering, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (M.T.); (J.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-22-7653300
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5
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Dai X, Hong L, Shen H, Du Q, Ye Q, Chen X, Zhang J. Estradiol-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes contributes to aging-related reproductive function declines in female mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:6089-6108. [PMID: 32259796 PMCID: PMC7185128 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic astrocytes are important contributors that activate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and promote GnRH/LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. However, the potential roles and mechanisms of astrocytes during the early reproductive decline remain obscure. The current study reported that, in intact middle-aged female mice, astrocytes within the hypothalamic RP3V accumulated senescence-related markers with increasing age. It employed an ovariectomized animal model and a cell model receiving estrogen intervention to confirm the estrogen-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes. It found that estrogen metabolites may be an important factor for the estrogen-induced astrocyte senescence. In vitro molecular analysis revealed that ovarian estradiol activated PKA and up-regulated CYPs expression, metabolizing estradiol into 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2. Of note, in middle-aged mice, the progesterone synthesis and the ability to promote GnRH release were significantly reduced. Besides, the expression of growth factors decreased and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines significantly increased in the aging astrocytes. The findings confirm that ovarian estradiol induces the senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes and that the senescent astrocytes compromise the regulation of progesterone synthesis and GnRH secretion, which may contribute to the aging-related declines in female reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Dai
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Luyan Hong
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi. China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, FujianChina
| | - Qinyong Ye
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
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Barabás K, Szabó-Meleg E, Ábrahám IM. Effect of Inflammation on Female Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons: Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020529. [PMID: 31947687 PMCID: PMC7014424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
: Inflammation has a well-known suppressive effect on fertility. The function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the central regulator of fertility is substantially altered during inflammation in females. In our review we discuss the latest results on how the function of GnRH neurons is modified by inflammation in females. We first address the various effects of inflammation on GnRH neurons and their functional consequences. Second, we survey the possible mechanisms underlying the inflammation-induced actions on GnRH neurons. The role of several factors will be discerned in transmitting inflammatory signals to the GnRH neurons: cytokines, kisspeptin, RFamide-related peptides, estradiol and the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway. Since aging and obesity are both characterized by reproductive decline our review also focuses on the mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences of the impact of inflammation on GnRH neurons in aging and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Barabás
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Institute, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Edina Szabó-Meleg
- Departement of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - István M. Ábrahám
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Institute, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
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Herman AP, Skipor J, Krawczyńska A, Bochenek J, Wojtulewicz K, Pawlina B, Antushevich H, Herman A, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. Effect of Central Injection of Neostigmine on the Bacterial Endotoxin Induced Suppression of GnRH/LH Secretion in Ewes during the Follicular Phase of the Estrous Cycle. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184598. [PMID: 31533319 PMCID: PMC6769544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced by a bacterial infection, an immune/inflammatory challenge is a potent negative regulator of the reproduction process in females. The reduction of the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokine is considered as an effective strategy in the treatment of inflammatory induced neuroendocrine disorders. Therefore, the effect of direct administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitor—neostigmine—into the third ventricle of the brain on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretions under basal and immune stress conditions was evaluated in this study. In the study, 24 adult, 2-years-old Blackhead ewes during the follicular phase of their estrous cycle were used. Immune stress was induced by the intravenous injection of LPS Escherichia coli in a dose of 400 ng/kg. Animals received an intracerebroventricular injection of neostigmine (1 mg/animal) 0.5 h before LPS/saline treatment. It was shown that central administration of neostigmine might prevent the inflammatory-dependent decrease of GnRH/LH secretion in ewes and it had a stimulatory effect on LH release. This central action of neostigmine is connected with its inhibitory action on local pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α synthesis in the hypothalamus, which indicates the importance of this mediator in the inhibition of GnRH secretion during acute inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-765-33-02; Fax: +48-22-765-33-03
| | - Janina Skipor
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Agata Krawczyńska
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
| | - Joanna Bochenek
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
| | - Karolina Wojtulewicz
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
| | - Bartosz Pawlina
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
| | - Hanna Antushevich
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
| | - Anna Herman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Warsaw School of Engineering and Health, 02-366 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-100 Jabłonna, Poland; (A.K.); (J.B.); (K.W.); (B.P.); (H.A.); (D.T.-Z.)
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8
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Haziak K, Herman AP, Wojtulewicz K, Pawlina B, Paczesna K, Bochenek J, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. Effect of CD14/TLR4 antagonist on GnRH/LH secretion in ewe during central inflammation induced by intracerebroventricular administration of LPS. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2018; 9:52. [PMID: 30026944 PMCID: PMC6047126 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-018-0267-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune stress induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) influences the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Presence of LPS interacting Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 in the hypothalamus may enable the direct action of LPS on the GnRH/LH secretion. So, the aim of the study was to investigate the influence of intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of TLR4 antagonist on GnRH/LH secretion in anestrous ewes during LPS-induced central inflammation. Animals were divided into three groups icv-treated with: Ringer-Locke solution, LPS and TLR4 antagonist followed by LPS. RESULTS It was demonstrated that TLR4 antagonist reduced LPS-dependent suppression of GnRH gene expression in the preoptic area and in the medial basal hypothalamus, and suppression of receptor for GnRH gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland. It was also shown that TLR4 antagonist reduced suppression of LH release caused by icv injection of LPS. Central administration of LPS stimulated TLR4 gene expression in the medial basal hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS It was indicated that blockade of TLR4 prevents the inhibitory effect of centrally acting LPS on the GnRH/LH secretion. This suggests that some negative effects of bacterial infection on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity at the hypothalamic level may be caused by central action of LPS acting through TLR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Haziak
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Karolina Wojtulewicz
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Bartosz Pawlina
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Kamila Paczesna
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Joanna Bochenek
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
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Loutchanwoot P, Vortherms T. Effects of puerarin on estrogen-regulated gene expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator of ovariectomized rats. Steroids 2018; 135:54-62. [PMID: 29733861 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Effects of puerarin on the hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator function is investigated, for the first time, in ovariectomized rats at the level of mRNA expression of estrogen-responsive genes, e.g., estrogen receptor (ER), GnRH and its receptor (GnRHR). Rats were treated orally for 90 days either with a soy-free diet containing two different doses of puerarin (low dose of 600 mg/kg and high dose of 3000 mg/kg) or estradiol benzoate (E2B) at either low dose (4.3 mg/kg) or high dose (17.3 mg/kg). Levels of mRNA expression in the medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH), mediobasal hypothalamus/median eminence (MBH/ME) and adenohypophysis were measured by quantitative TaqMan® real-time RT-PCR. Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) were measured by radioimmunoassay. In the MPOA/AH, both puerarin and E2B decreased ERα mRNA levels without any significant changes in ERβ and GnRH mRNA levels. Both puerarin and E2B did not significantly alter the expression levels of ERα, ERβ and GnRHR in the MBH/ME. E2B exerted significant effects on the down-regulation of adenohypophyseal GnRHR mRNA transcripts and serum LH levels. Puerarin did not cause significant changes in pituitary GnRHR mRNA transcripts and serum LH and PRL levels. This is the first study to demonstrate that in ovariectomized rat models of ovarian hormone deprivation, puerarin acted as a weak estrogen-active compound in the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator through the downregulation of MPOA/AH ERα mRNA expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panida Loutchanwoot
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-district, Kantarawichai District, Mahasarakham Province 44150, Thailand.
| | - Tina Vortherms
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Herman AP, Krawczyńska A, Bochenek J, Antushevich H, Herman A, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. Involvement of prolactin in the meloxicam-dependent inflammatory response of the gonadotropic axis to prolonged lipopolysaccharide treatment in anoestrous ewes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 28:914-923. [PMID: 25429611 DOI: 10.1071/rd13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
An immune challenge can affect the reproductive process in females. Peripheral administration of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) decreases LH secretion and disrupts ovarian cyclicity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor (meloxicam) on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and LH secretion in anoestrous ewes during systemic inflammation induced by LPS. LPS (400ngkg-1 per day) suppressed LH release. In three individuals, meloxicam (500μgkg-1, i.v.) abolished LPS-induced LH suppression. In another three ewes LH was ineffective. Similar changes were observed in hypothalamic GnRH expression. The effect of meloxicam depended on the circulating level of prolactin: meloxicam abolished inflammatory-dependent suppression of GnRH and LH secretion when plasma prolactin levels were similar to those in untreated animals, but was ineffective in those with elevated levels of prolactin. We conclude that COX-2 inhibitors minimise the negative effect of inflammation on the reproductive system but that this effect may be antagonised by prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej P Herman
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jab?onna, Poland
| | - Agata Krawczyńska
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jab?onna, Poland
| | - Joanna Bochenek
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jab?onna, Poland
| | - Hanna Antushevich
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jab?onna, Poland
| | - Anna Herman
- The Academy of Cosmetics and Health Care, 13 Podwale Street, 00-252 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jab?onna, Poland
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Wojtulewicz K, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D, Herman AP. Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation Suppresses the Effect of Melatonin on the Release of LH from the Ovine Pars Tuberalis Explants-Ex Vivo Study. Molecules 2017; 22:E1933. [PMID: 29125559 PMCID: PMC6150294 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretion of the hormone melatonin reliably reflects environmental light conditions. Among numerous actions, in seasonal breeders, melatonin may regulate the secretion of the gonadotropins acting via its corresponding receptors occurring in the Pars Tuberalis (PT). However, it was previously found that the secretory activity of the pituitary may be dependent on the immune status of the animal. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the role of melatonin in the modulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion from the PT explants collected from saline- and endotoxin-treated ewes in the follicular phase of the oestrous cycle. Twelve Blackhead ewes were sacrificed 3 h after injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 400 ng/kg) or saline, and the PTs were collected. Each PT was cut into 4 explants, which were then divided into 4 groups: I, incubated with 'pure' medium 199; II, treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (100 pg/mL); III, treated with melatonin (10 nmol/mL); and IV, incubated with GnRH and melatonin. Melatonin reduced (p < 0.05) GnRH-induced secretion of LH only in the PT from saline-treated ewes. Explants collected from LPS-treated ewes were characterized by lower (p < 0.05) GnRH-dependent response in LH release. It was also found that inflammation reduced the gene expression of the GnRH receptor and the MT1 melatonin receptors in the PT. Therefore, it was shown that inflammation affects the melatonin action on LH secretion from the PT, which may be one of the mechanisms via which immune/inflammatory challenges disturb reproduction processes in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wojtulewicz
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3 Street, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland.
| | - Dorota Tomaszewska-Zaremba
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3 Street, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3 Street, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland.
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Peripheral Inhibitor of AChE, Neostigmine, Prevents the Inflammatory Dependent Suppression of GnRH/LH Secretion during the Follicular Phase of the Estrous Cycle. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:6823209. [PMID: 28894751 PMCID: PMC5574266 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6823209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The study was designed to test the hypothesis that the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity at the periphery by Neostigmine (0.5 mg/animal) will be sufficient to prevent inflammatory dependent suppression of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in ewes in the follicular phase of the estrous cycle, and this effect will be comparable with the systemic AChE inhibitor, Donepezil (2.5 mg/animal). An immune/inflammatory challenge was induced by peripheral administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 400 ng/kg). Peripheral treatment with Donepezil and Neostigmine prevented the LPS-induced decrease (P < 0.05) in LHβ gene expression in the anterior pituitary gland (AP) and in LH release. Moreover, Donepezil completely abolished (P < 0.05) the suppressory effect of inflammation on GnRH synthesis in the preoptic area, when pretreatment with Neostigmine reduced (P < 0.05) the decrease in GnRH content in this hypothalamic structure. Moreover, administration of both AChE inhibitors diminished (P < 0.05) the inhibitory effect of LPS treatment on the expression of GnRH receptor in the AP. Our study shows that inflammatory dependent changes in the GnRH/LH secretion may be eliminated or reduced by AChE inhibitors suppressing inflammatory reaction only at the periphery such as Neostigmine, without the need for interfering in the central nervous system.
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Tomaszewska-Zaremba D, Herman A, Haziak K. How does bacterial endotoxin influence gonadoliberin/gonadotropins secretion and action? JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/67366/2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ciechanowska M, Łapot M, Antkowiak B, Mateusiak K, Paruszewska E, Malewski T, Paluch M, Przekop F. Effect of short-term and prolonged stress on the biosynthesis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) in the hypothalamus and GnRHR in the pituitary of ewes during various physiological states. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 174:65-72. [PMID: 27629353 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Using an ELISA assay, the levels of GnRH and GnRHR were analysed in the preoptic area (POA), anterior (AH) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VM), stalk/median eminence (SME); and GnRHR in the anterior pituitary gland (AP) of non-breeding and breeding sheep subjected to short-term or prolonged stress. The ELISA study was supplemented with an analysis of plasma LH concentration. Short-term footshock stimulation significantly increased GnRH levels in hypothalamus in both seasons. Prolonged stress elevated or decreased GnRH concentrations in the POA and the VM, respectively during anoestrus, and lowered GnRH amount in the POA-hypothalamus of follicular-phase sheep. An up-regulation of GnRHR levels was noted in both, anoestrous and follicular-phase animals. In the non-breeding period, a prolonged stress procedure increased GnRHR biosynthesis in the VM and decreased it in the SME and AP, while in the breeding time the quantities of GnRHR were significantly lower in the whole hypothalamus. In follicular-phase ewes the fluctuations of GnRH and GnRHR levels under short-term and prolonged stress were reflected in the changes of LH secretion, suggesting the existence of a direct relationship between GnRH and GnRH-R biosynthesis and GnRH/LH release in this period. The study showed that stress was capable of modulating the biosynthesis of GnRH and GnRHR; the pattern of changes was dependent upon the animal's physiological state and on the time course of stressor application. The obtained results indicate that the disturbances of gonadotropin secretion under stress conditions in sheep may be due to a dysfunction of GnRH and GnRHR biosynthetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ciechanowska
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - M Łapot
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland
| | - B Antkowiak
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland
| | - K Mateusiak
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E Paruszewska
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Malewski
- The Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wilcza 64, 00-679, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Paluch
- The General Karol Kaczkowski Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kozielska 4, 01-163, Warsaw, Poland
| | - F Przekop
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Neuroendocrinology, Instytucka 3, 05-110, Jabłonna, Poland
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Munkhzaya M, Matsuzaki T, Iwasa T, Tungalagsuvd A, Kawami T, Kato T, Kuwahara A, Irahara M. The suppressive effect of immune stress on LH secretion is absent in the early neonatal period in rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2015; 46:38-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Munkhsaikhan Munkhzaya
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Toshiya Matsuzaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Altankhuu Tungalagsuvd
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Takako Kawami
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Takeshi Kato
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Akira Kuwahara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
| | - Minoru Irahara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe University of Tokushima Graduate SchoolInstitute of Health Biosciences3‐18‐15 Kuramoto‐ChoTokushima770‐8503Japan
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Loutchanwoot P, Srivilai P, Jarry H. Lack of anti-androgenic effects of equol on reproductive neuroendocrine function in the adult male rat. Horm Behav 2014; 65:22-31. [PMID: 24211351 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Equol (EQ), a metabolite of the soy isoflavone daidzein, has well known estrogenic properties. Data from animal studies suggested that EQ may act also as an anti-androgen. However, data regarding how EQ may affect brain functions like the regulation of neuroendocrine activity and reproductive outcomes in adult male rats are still lacking. We therefore investigated the effects of EQ on sex-steroid regulated gene expression in the brain [medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH) and medial basal hypothalamus/median eminence (MBH/ME)], pituitary, and prostate as a reference androgen-dependent organ. Furthermore reproductive outcomes were evaluated. The anti-androgen flutamide (FLUT) served as reference compound. Male rats (n=12 per group) were treated by gavage for 5 days with either EQ (100 or 250 mg/kgBW/day), or FLUT 100 mg/kgBW/day. All vehicle- and EQ-treated males showed successful reproductive outcomes, whereas FLUT-exposed males had severe reproductive impairments resulted in infertility. FLUT decreased relative weights of prostate, seminal vesicles and epididymides, and increased serum levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone without altering prolactin levels, whereas EQ exerted opposite effects. Both EQ and FLUT decreased gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) expression in the MPOA/AH. Only FLUT upregulated levels of GnRH receptor expression both in the MBH/ME and pituitary. While EQ downregulated the hypothalamic ERα and ERβ expressions, but FLUT did not. In the prostate, only FLUT upregulated both ERα and AR mRNA expression levels. Taken together, our findings are the first data that EQ did not induce anti-androgenic effects on brain, prostate and male reproductive parameters, however, estrogenic neuroendocrine and reproductive effects of EQ were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panida Loutchanwoot
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-district, Kantarawichai District, Mahasarakham Province 44150, Thailand.
| | - Prayook Srivilai
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-district, Kantarawichai District, Mahasarakham Province 44150, Thailand.
| | - Hubertus Jarry
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Herman AP, Krawczyńska A, Bochenek J, Dobek E, Herman A, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. LPS-induced inflammation potentiates the IL-1β-mediated reduction of LH secretion from the anterior pituitary explants. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:926937. [PMID: 23956762 PMCID: PMC3730224 DOI: 10.1155/2013/926937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Acting at the level of the brain, interleukin- (IL-)1 β is considered to be one of the most potent downregulators of reproduction processes during immune/inflammatory challenge. IL-1 β suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus resulting in the inhibition of the luteinizing hormone (LH) release from the anterior pituitary (AP). However, the presence of IL-1 β receptors in the AP suggests the possible direct action of this cytokine on LH secretion. The study was designed to determine the effect of IL-1 β on the LH secretion from the AP explants collected from saline and LPS-treated ewes in the follicular phase. It was found that IL-1 β suppressed (P ≤ 0.01) GnRH-stimulated LH release and LH β gene expression in AP explants in both groups. However, IL-1 β action was more potent in the explants collected from LPS-treated animals. Pituitaries from LPS-treated animals were characterized by increased (P ≤ 0.01) IL-1 type I receptor and decreased (P ≤ 0.01) GnRH receptor gene expression level compared to the saline-treated group. IL-1 β also affected the GnRH-R gene expression in explants collected from LPS-treated animals. Our results show that direct action of IL-1 β on the pituitary gonadotropes could be one of the reasons of the reproductive processes disorders accompanying an inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Przemysław Herman
- Polish Academy of Sciences, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland.
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Herman A, Krawczyńska A, Bochenek J, Haziak K, Romanowicz K, Misztal T, Antushevich H, Herman A, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. The effect of rivastigmine on the LPS-induced suppression of GnRH/LH secretion during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle in ewes. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 138:203-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2012] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Sirivelu MP, MohanKumar P, MohanKumar SM. Interleukin-1 beta simultaneously affects the stress and reproductive axes by modulating norepinephrine levels in different brain areas. Life Sci 2012; 91:878-84. [PMID: 23000030 PMCID: PMC3517711 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) is a cytokine that is known to activate the stress axis and suppress the reproductive axis. Different brain areas are involved in the regulation of these two axes. However, they are both under the stimulatory control of the catecholamine, norepinephrine (NE). Here, we hypothesized that IL-1β differentially affects these two axes by modulating NE levels in specific brain regions. MAIN METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats in proestrus were injected intraperitoneally with either PBS-1.0% BSA (control) or 5μg of IL-1β at 1pm. Groups of rats were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 5pm and their brains were collected. Brain areas associated with reproduction as well as areas associated with stress axis activity were isolated and analyzed for NE concentrations using HPLC-EC. Trunk blood was analyzed for IL-1β, corticosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. KEY FINDINGS As a general trend, treatment with IL-1β significantly decreased NE levels (p<0.05) in the areas controlling reproductive functions when compared to the control group. In contrast, NE levels increased significantly (p<0.05) in the stress associated areas. LH levels were markedly decreased with IL-1β treatment while corticosterone levels increased dramatically. SIGNIFICANCE The ability of IL-1β to produce differential effects on the stress and reproductive axis could be explained by modulation of NE levels in specific brain areas that are associated with these functions. This differential regulation of NE may be an adaptive phenomenon in response to a systemic immune challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu P. Sirivelu
- Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824
| | - P.S. MohanKumar
- Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824
| | - Sheba M.J. MohanKumar
- Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI 48824
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Signaling of cytokines is important in regulation of GnRH neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2011; 45:119-25. [PMID: 22161498 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-011-8224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines encompass a broad class of peptides that mediate signals in a broad range of physiological situations including inflammation, infection, and obesity. The cytokine receptor-associated tyrosine kinase, Jak2, is one of the most important proteins mediating cytokine signaling pathway activation. Recently, our group has demonstrated that Jak2 signaling in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron plays a critical role in fertility in males and females, implicating cytokine activation of the neuron in GnRH neuronal development and function. To date, the specific cytokine(s) essential for activating Jak2 during neuroendocrine development are not known. In this article, we review the evidence for the role of several class 1 cytokines in regulating GnRH neuronal development, GnRH secretion, and GnRH expression.
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Herman AP, Misztal T, Romanowicz K, Tomaszewska-Zaremba D. Central Injection of Exogenous IL-1β in the Control Activities of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Anestrous Ewes. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 47:44-52. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01800.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH release and expression of GnRH and GnRH receptor genes in the hypothalamus-pituitary unit in different physiological states. Reprod Biol 2010; 10:85-124. [PMID: 20668503 DOI: 10.1016/s1642-431x(12)60054-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This review is focused on the relationship between neuroendocrine regulation of GnRH/LH secretion and the expression of GnRH and GnRH receptor (GnRHR) genes in the hypothalamic-pituitary unit during different physiological states of animals and under stress. Moreover, the involvement of hypothalamic GABA-ergic, Beta-endorphinergic, CRH-ergic, noradrenergic, dopaminergic and GnRH-ergic systems in the regulation of expression of the GnRH and GnRHR genes as well as secretion of GnRH/LH is analyzed. It appears that the neural mechanisms controlling GnRH gene expression in different physiological states may be distinct from those regulating GnRH/LH release. The hypothalamic GnRHR gene is probably located in different neural systems and may act in a specific way on GnRH gene expression and GnRH release.
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Izvol’skaya MS, Sharova VS, Zakharova LA. Mechanisms of hypothalamic-pituitary and immune system regulation: The role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and immune mediators. BIOL BULL+ 2010. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359010040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Herman AP, Misztal T, Herman A. Expression of Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-1 Receptors Genes in the Hypothalamus of Anoestrous Ewes after Lipopolysaccharide Treatment. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45:e426-33. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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25
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Profound effects of burn and ethanol on proinflammatory cytokines of the reproductive axis in the male mouse. J Burn Care Res 2008; 29:531-40. [PMID: 18388566 DOI: 10.1097/bcr.0b013e3181711273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Thermal injury is often associated with previous ethanol exposure, and close to 50% of patients admitted to a burn unit have a potentially high blood ethanol level. Cellular mechanisms by which ethanol and/or burn affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis are not entirely understood. However, it is known that the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6 influence negatively on the endocrine functions of the HPG. We report a time course study (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours) of the effects of ethanol, burn, or the combination of burn/ethanol on proinflammatory cytokines of the hypothalamus, pituitary and testes of male C57Bl/6 mice. We found that there were highly significant increases in each of these cytokines caused by ethanol, burn, and burn/ethanol compared with sham/vehicle (P < .001). This was true in hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes. Because these cytokines generally reduce reproductive function, it may be that proinflammatory cytokines of HPG axis mediate the deleterious effects of burn and/or ethanol on mammalian reproduction.
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Loutchanwoot P, Wuttke W, Jarry H. Effects of a 5-day treatment with vinclozolin on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis in male rats. Toxicology 2007; 243:105-15. [PMID: 17980475 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2007] [Revised: 09/24/2007] [Accepted: 09/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vinclozolin (VZ), a potent antiandrogenic fungicide, is known to interfere with male reproductive function. Little data are currently available regarding possible impacts of VZ on brain function, particularly neuroendocrine activity and regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Therefore, we examined the effects of VZ on gene expression in the brain (MBH/ME, MPOA/AH, striatum, hippocampus), pituitary, prostate, seminal vesicles, and epididymis of 4-month-old male rats treated daily by gavage for 5 days with VZ (150 mg/kg body weight/day). Alterations in levels of serum hormones and gene expression were determined by RIA and qRT-PCR, respectively. Our results revealed that (i) VZ decreases epididymis weights, increases serum levels of LH and T, and decreases serum TSH and total T(4) levels; (ii) VZ affects the hypothalamic expression of both estrogen receptor (ERs) subtypes, ERalpha and ERbeta; (iii) in the extrahypothalamic brain areas, VZ alters expression of ERs and androgen receptor (AR); (iv) in the pituitary, VZ up-regulates expression of the GnRH receptor, LHbeta, alpha-subunit, and TERP-1/-2; (v) in the ventral prostate, VZ increases and decreases levels of AR and ERbeta mRNA, respectively; (vi) in the seminal vesicles, VZ increases levels of AR and ERalpha mRNA expressions; (vii) in the epididymis, VZ up-regulates AR and ERbeta mRNA expression. These results indicate that in vivo VZ is not a 'pure' antiandrogen, since it exerts mixed AR antagonistic/ERs agonistic actions observed at the levels of mRNA expression of selected androgen- and estrogen-regulated genes in the CNS, pituitary, and male accessory sex organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panida Loutchanwoot
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Gerendai I, Banczerowski P, Csernus V. Interleukin 1-beta injected into the testis acutely stimulates and later attenuates testicular steroidogenesis of the immature rat. Endocrine 2005; 28:165-70. [PMID: 16388089 DOI: 10.1385/endo:28:2:165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Revised: 08/17/2005] [Accepted: 08/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The effect of intratesticular administration of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) on steroidogenesis was studied in immature and adult rats. In 21-d-old animals local bilateral injection or unilateral administration of 0.1 microg/testis of IL-1beta to hemicastrates resulted in a significant increase in basal testosterone secretion in vitro and serum testosterone concentration one day posttreatment. Six days after treatment the cytokine induced opposite effect in animals with two testes in situ, i.e., it suppressed steroidogenesis. When IL-1beta was combined with hemi-castration, IL-1beta failed to alter the parameters studied. In adult animals subjected to bilateral treatment or to unilateral injection followed by hemicastration, IL-1beta in doses of 1.5 microg/testis or 15 microg/testis did not influence steroidogenesis and serum testosterone concentration. No change in serum LH and FSH concentration could be observed in any experimental group. The data suggest that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta exerts a local action on testicular steroidogenesis, and the effect is age-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Gerendai
- Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Department of Human Morphology and Developmental Biology, H-1094 Budapest, Tuzoltó u. 58., Hungary.
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Hapgood JP, Sadie H, van Biljon W, Ronacher K. Regulation of expression of mammalian gonadotrophin-releasing hormone receptor genes. J Neuroendocrinol 2005; 17:619-38. [PMID: 16159375 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2005.01353.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), acting via its cognate GnRH receptor (GnRHR), is the primary regulator of mammalian reproductive function, and hence GnRH analogues are extensively used in the treatment of hormone-dependent diseases, as well as for assisted reproductive techniques. In addition to its established endocrine role in gonadotrophin regulation in the pituitary, evidence is rapidly accumulating to support the expression and functional roles for two forms of GnRHR (GnRHR I and GnRHR II) in multiple and diverse extra-pituitary mammalian tissues and cells. These findings, together with findings indicating that mutations of the GnRHR are linked to the disease hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and that GnRHRs play a direct role in neuronal migration and reproductive cancers, have presented new therapeutic targets and intensified research into the structure, function and mechanisms of regulation of expression of GnRHR genes. The present review focuses on the current knowledge on tissue-specific and hormonal regulation of transcription of mammalian GnRH receptor genes. Emerging insights, such as the discovery of diverse regulatory mechanisms in pituitary and extra-pituitary cell types, nonclassical mechanisms of steroid regulation, the use of composite elements for cell-specific expression, the increasing profile of hormones involved in regulation, the complexity of kinase pathways that target the GnRHR I gene, as well as species-differences, are highlighted. Although further research is necessary to understand the mechanisms of regulation of expression of GnRHR I and GnRHR II genes, the GnRHR is emerging as a potential target gene for facilitating cross-talk between neuroendocrine, immune and stress-response systems in multiple tissues via autocrine, paracrine and endocrine signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Hapgood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa.
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Watanobe H, Hayakawa Y. Hypothalamic interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, but not interleukin-6, mediate the endotoxin-induced suppression of the reproductive axis in rats. Endocrinology 2003; 144:4868-75. [PMID: 12960020 DOI: 10.1210/en.2003-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that endotoxemia disrupts reproductive capability, and several proinflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the brain, have been implicated in this endocrine aberration. However, no previous study has directly compared the effects of the three major proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha) on the in vivo release of hypothalamic GnRH, a secretagogue of LH from the pituitary. Therefore, in this study, we addressed this issue with two complementary approaches involving push-pull perfusion in freely moving ovariectomized female rats. First, we examined the effects of systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment on the release of plasma LH, and of GnRH, IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha in the hypothalamic medial preoptic area (MPOA), where the majority of GnRH neuronal perikarya are located. LPS inhibited the secretion of both LH and GnRH and concomitantly stimulated the release of all three cytokines. We next tested the effects of direct MPOA perfusion with the respective cytokines (at three different concentrations each) on the GnRH and LH secretion. IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, at the concentrations that were observed in the MPOA after the LPS injection, were equipotent in inhibiting the GnRH-LH system, whereas IL-6 was ineffective (even at a supraphysiological concentration). These results strongly suggest that IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha may represent the major proinflammatory cytokines mediating the LPS-induced suppression of GnRH and LH release, whereas the role of IL-6 seems to be insignificant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Watanobe
- Division of Internal Medicine, Clinical Research Center, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Otawara, Tochigi 324-8501, Japan.
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Son GH, Jung H, Seong JY, Choe Y, Geum D, Kim K. Excision of the first intron from the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) transcript serves as a key regulatory step for GnRH biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:18037-44. [PMID: 12639969 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m209850200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene consists of four short exons (denoted as 1, 2, 3, and 4) and three intervening introns (A, B, and C). Recently, we demonstrated that excision of the first intron (intron A) from the GnRH transcript is regulated in a tissue- and developmental stage-specific fashion and is severely attenuated in hypogonadal (hpg) mouse because of its lack of exonic splicing enhancers (ESE) 3 and 4. In the present study, we examined the influence of intron A on translational efficiency, thereby establishing a post-transcriptional control over GnRH biosynthesis. First, we verified that an intron A-retained GnRH transcript is a splicing variant but not a splicing intermediate. Intron A-retained transcripts can be transported to the cytoplasm in contrast to intron B-containing transcripts, which are restricted to the nucleus. This result implicates the intron A-retained GnRH transcript as a splicing variant; it has a long 5'-untranslated region, as the GnRH prohormone open reading frame (ORF) begins on exon 2. We investigated whether an intron A-retained GnRH transcript can properly initiate translation at the appropriate start codon and found that intron A completely blocks the translation initiation of its downstream reporter ORF both in vivo and in vitro. The inhibition of translation initiation appears to be due to the presence of a tandem repeat of ATG sequences within intron A. Constructs bearing mutations of ATGs to AAGs restored translation initiation at the downstream start codon; the extent of this restoration correlated with the number of mutated ATGs. Besides the failure in the translation initiation of GnRH-coding region in the intron A-containing variant, the present study also suggests that the interference between mature GnRH mRNA and intron A-retained splicing variant could occur to lower the efficiency of GnRH biosynthesis in the GT1-1-immortalized GnRH-producing cell line. Therefore, our results indicate that the precise and efficient excision of intron A and the joining of adjacent exons may be a critical regulatory step for the post-transcriptional regulation of GnRH biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi Hoon Son
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea
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Choe Y, Son GH, Lee S, Park E, Moon Y, Kim K. Cell differentiation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons and alternative RNA splicing of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone transcript. Neuroendocrinology 2003; 77:282-90. [PMID: 12766328 DOI: 10.1159/000070886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2003] [Accepted: 04/08/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Two different, yet related issues regarding gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), i.e. the development and differentiation of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and the alternative RNA splicing of GnRH gene transcripts, are addressed in the present review. Using the immortalized GnRH-producing GT1 cell line, we found that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate induces morphological and functional differentiation of these neurons. Specific isoforms of PKC are involved in neurite growth, cell migration and synaptic contacts and involve different signaling pathways. Using an in vitro splicing assay with HeLa nuclear extract, we found that excision of the first intron of the GnRH primary transcript is attenuated in non-GnRH-producing cells, but not in GnRH-producing cells such as GT1. This attenuation was relieved by exonic splicing enhancers located in the GnRH exons 3 and 4. Interestingly, addition of nuclear extract derived from GT1 cells further increased the excision rate of intron A, indicating that GnRH neurons contain TRANS-acting splicing factors. Extensive biochemical analysis indicates that Tra2alpha, a serine/arginine-rich RNA-binding protein, and other cofactors are likely involved in mediating neuron-specific excision of intron A from the GnRH primary transcript. An understanding of the GnRH neuron-specific splicing machinery provides critical insight into the molecular mechanism of GnRH gene regulation and consequently of mammalian reproductive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngshik Choe
- NRL Development and Neuroendocrine Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Spratt DI. Altered gonadal steroidogenesis in critical illness: is treatment with anabolic steroids indicated? Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 15:479-94. [PMID: 11800519 DOI: 10.1053/beem.2001.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The physiology of the reproductive system changes dramatically with the onset of major illness. The serum testosterone concentrations fall to pre-pubertal levels secondary to a decreased secretion of gonadotropins and a decreased Leydig cell response to luteinizing hormone. At the same time, the serum oestrogen concentration rises as the result of an increased rate of peripheral aromatization. The clinical consequences of these marked changes are not yet well understood. One line of evidence argues for the administration of anabolic steroids (derivatives of testosterone) to critically ill patients to improve their catabolic state. Another line of evidence in animal models suggests that testosterone may suppress the immune system and myocardial function in critical illness. No clinical trials of oestrogen administration to critically ill patients have been reported, although two animal studies suggest that oestrogen may have a positive effect on survival. This chapter reviews changes in the physiology of the reproductive system in major illness as well as current evidence regarding the clinical effects of androgens and oestrogens in critical illness and their potential therapeutic roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- D I Spratt
- Departments of Obstetrics Gynecology and Medicine, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME 04107, USA
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