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Rasic-Markovic A, Djuric E, Skrijelj D, Bjekic-Macut J, Ignjatovic Đ, Sutulovic N, Hrncic D, Mladenovic D, Marković A, Radenković S, Radić L, Radunovic N, Stanojlovic O. Neuroactive steroids in the neuroendocrine control of food intake, metabolism, and reproduction. Endocrine 2024; 85:1050-1057. [PMID: 38635064 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03755-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are a type of steroid hormones produced within the nervous system or in peripheral glands and then transported to the brain to exert their neuromodulatory effects. Neuroactive steroids have pleiotropic effects, that include promoting myelination, neuroplasticity, and brain development. They also regulate important physiological functions, such as metabolism, feeding, reproduction, and stress response. The homoeostatic processes of metabolism and reproduction are closely linked and mutually dependent. Reproductive events, such as pregnancy, bring about significant changes in metabolism, and metabolic status may affect reproductive function in mammals. In females, the regulation of reproduction and energy balance is controlled by the fluctuations of oestradiol and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle. Neurosteroids play a key role in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. The synthesis of neuroestradiol and neuroprogesterone within the brain is a crucial process that facilitates the release of GnRH and LH, which in turn, regulate the transition from oestrogen-negative to oestrogen-positive feedback. In addition to their function in the reproductive system, oestrogen has a key role in the regulation of energy homoeostasis by acting at central and peripheral levels. The oestrogenic effects on body weight homoeostasis are primarily mediated by oestrogen receptors-α (ERα), which are abundantly expressed in multiple brain regions that are implicated in the regulation of food intake, basal metabolism, thermogenesis, and brown tissue distribution. The tight interplay between energy balance and reproductive physiology is facilitated by shared regulatory pathways, namely POMC, NPY and kisspeptin neurons, which are targets of oestrogen regulation and likely participate in different aspects of the joint control of energy balance and reproductive function. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the progress made in uncovering shared regulatory pathways that facilitate the tight coupling between energy balance and reproductive physiology, as well as their reciprocal interactions and the modulation induced by neurosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Rasic-Markovic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Emilija Djuric
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniel Skrijelj
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelica Bjekic-Macut
- Department of Endocrinology, UMC Bežanijska kosa, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Đurđica Ignjatovic
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković" - National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Sutulovic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragan Hrncic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dusan Mladenovic
- Institute of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Marković
- Department of Endocrinology, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre of the Republic of Srpska, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Saša Radenković
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Center Niš, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | - Lena Radić
- Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Olivera Stanojlovic
- Institute of Medical Physiology "Richard Burian", School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Fernandois D, Rusidzé M, Mueller-Fielitz H, Sauve F, Deligia E, Silva MSB, Evrard F, Franco-García A, Mazur D, Martinez-Corral I, Jouy N, Rasika S, Maurage CA, Giacobini P, Nogueiras R, Dehouck B, Schwaninger M, Lenfant F, Prevot V. Estrogen receptor-α signaling in tanycytes lies at the crossroads of fertility and metabolism. Metabolism 2024; 158:155976. [PMID: 39019342 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen secretion by the ovaries regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during the reproductive cycle, influencing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion, and also plays a role in regulating metabolism. Here, we establish that hypothalamic tanycytes-specialized glia lining the floor and walls of the third ventricle-integrate estrogenic feedback signals from the gonads and couple reproduction with metabolism by relaying this information to orexigenic neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons. METHODS Using mouse models, including mice floxed for Esr1 (encoding estrogen receptor alpha, ERα) and those with Cre-dependent expression of designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), along with viral-mediated, pharmacological and indirect calorimetric approaches, we evaluated the role of tanycytes and tanycytic estrogen signaling in pulsatile LH secretion, cFos expression in NPY neurons, estrous cyclicity, body-weight changes and metabolic parameters in adult females. RESULTS In ovariectomized mice, chemogenetic activation of tanycytes significantly reduced LH pulsatile release, mimicking the effects of direct NPY neuron activation. In intact mice, tanycytes were crucial for the estrogen-mediated control of GnRH/LH release, with tanycytic ERα activation suppressing fasting-induced NPY neuron activation. Selective knockout of Esr1 in tanycytes altered estrous cyclicity and fertility in female mice and affected estrogen's ability to inhibit refeeding in fasting mice. The absence of ERα signaling in tanycytes increased Npy transcripts and body weight in intact mice and prevented the estrogen-mediated decrease in food intake as well as increase in energy expenditure and fatty acid oxidation in ovariectomized mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the pivotal role of tanycytes in the neuroendocrine coupling of reproduction and metabolism, with potential implications for its age-related deregulation after menopause. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our investigation reveals that tanycytes, specialized glial cells in the brain, are key interpreters of estrogen signals for orexigenic NPY neurons in the hypothalamus. Disrupting tanycytic estrogen receptors not only alters fertility in female mice but also impairs the ability of estrogens to suppress appetite. This work thus sheds light on the critical role played by tanycytes in bridging the hormonal regulation of cyclic reproductive function and appetite/feeding behavior. This understanding may have potential implications for age-related metabolic deregulation after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Fernandois
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Mariam Rusidzé
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297UPS, CHU, Toulouse, France
| | - Helge Mueller-Fielitz
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Florent Sauve
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eleonora Deligia
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Mauro S B Silva
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Florence Evrard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Aurelio Franco-García
- Group of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, CEIR Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Spain, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Pascual Parrilla, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniele Mazur
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ines Martinez-Corral
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | - S Rasika
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Claude-Alain Maurage
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - Benedicte Dehouck
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Francoise Lenfant
- Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC) Equipe 4, Inserm U1297UPS, CHU, Toulouse, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, EGID, DISTALZ, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Wang M, Pugh SM, Daboul J, Miller D, Xu Y, Hill JW. IGF-1 Acts through Kiss1-expressing Cells to Influence Metabolism and Reproduction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.02.601722. [PMID: 39005405 PMCID: PMC11244982 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.02.601722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Objective Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, ties puberty and fertility to energy status; however, the metabolic factors that control Kiss1-expressing cells need to be clarified. Methods To evaluate the impact of IGF-1 on the metabolic and reproductive functions of kisspeptin producing cells, we created mice with IGF-1 receptor deletion driven by the Kiss1 promoter (IGF1RKiss1 mice). Previous studies have shown IGF-1 and insulin can bind to each other's receptor, permitting IGF-1 signaling in the absence of IGF1R. Therefore, we also generated mice with simultaneous deletion of the IGF1R and insulin receptor (IR) in Kiss1-expressing cells (IGF1R/IRKiss1 mice). Results Loss of IGF1R in Kiss1 cells caused stunted body length. In addition, female IGF1RKiss1 mice displayed lower body weight and food intake plus higher energy expenditure and physical activity. This phenotype was linked to higher proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression and heightened brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Male IGF1RKiss1 mice had mild changes in metabolic functions. Moreover, IGF1RKiss1 mice of both sexes experienced delayed puberty. Notably, male IGF1RKiss1 mice had impaired adulthood fertility accompanied by lower gonadotropin and testosterone levels. Thus, IGF1R in Kiss1-expressing cells impacts metabolism and reproduction in a sex-specific manner. IGF1R/IRKiss1 mice had higher fat mass and glucose intolerance, suggesting IGF1R and IR in Kiss1-expressing cells together regulate body composition and glucose homeostasis. Conclusions Overall, our study shows that IGF1R and IR in Kiss1 have cooperative roles in body length, metabolism, and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Wang
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Seamus M. Pugh
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Judy Daboul
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - David Miller
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer W. Hill
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, USA
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Montgomery SE, Li L, Russo SJ, Calipari ES, Nestler EJ, Morel C, Han MH. Mesolimbic Neural Response Dynamics Predict Future Individual Alcohol Drinking in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:951-962. [PMID: 38061466 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual variability in response to rewarding stimuli is a striking but understudied phenomenon. The mesolimbic dopamine system is critical in encoding the reinforcing properties of both natural reward and alcohol; however, how innate or baseline differences in the response dynamics of this circuit define individual behavior and shape future vulnerability to alcohol remain unknown. METHODS Using naturalistic behavioral assays, a voluntary alcohol drinking paradigm, in vivo fiber photometry, in vivo electrophysiology, and chemogenetics, we investigated how differences in mesolimbic neural circuit activity contribute to the individual variability seen in reward processing and, by proxy, alcohol drinking. RESULTS We first characterized heterogeneous behavioral and neural responses to natural reward and defined how these baseline responses predicted future individual alcohol-drinking phenotypes in male mice. We then determined spontaneous ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron firing profiles associated with responses to natural reward that predicted alcohol drinking. Using a dual chemogenetic approach, we mimicked specific mesolimbic dopamine neuron firing activity before or during voluntary alcohol drinking to link unique neurophysiological profiles to individual phenotype. We show that hyperdopaminergic individuals exhibit a lower neuronal response to both natural reward and alcohol that predicts lower levels of alcohol consumption in the future. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal unique, circuit-specific neural signatures that predict future individual vulnerability or resistance to alcohol and expand the current knowledge base on how some individuals are able to titrate their alcohol consumption whereas others go on to engage in unhealthy alcohol-drinking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Montgomery
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Long Li
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Departments of Pharmacology, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Carole Morel
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Ming-Hu Han
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute and the Center for Affective Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Mental Health and Public Health, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Nakamura S, Sasaki T, Uenoyama Y, Inoue N, Nakanishi M, Yamada K, Morishima A, Suzumura R, Kitagawa Y, Morita Y, Ohkura S, Tsukamura H. Raphe glucose-sensing serotonergic neurons stimulate KNDy neurons to enhance LH pulses via 5HT2CR: rat and goat studies. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10190. [PMID: 38702366 PMCID: PMC11068885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58470-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of central serotonergic neurons is known to cause depressive disorders in humans, who often show reproductive and/or glucose metabolism disorders. This study examined whether dorsal raphe (DR) serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to upregulate reproductive function via activating hypothalamic arcuate (ARC) kisspeptin neurons (= KNDy neurons), a dominant stimulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/gonadotropin pulses, using female rats and goats. RNA-seq and histological analysis revealed that stimulatory serotonin-2C receptor (5HT2CR) was mainly expressed in the KNDy neurons in female rats. The serotonergic reuptake inhibitor administration into the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), including the ARC, significantly blocked glucoprivic suppression of luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses and hyperglycemia induced by intravenous 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) administration in female rats. A local infusion of glucose into the DR significantly increased in vivo serotonin release in the MBH and partly restored LH pulses and hyperglycemia in the 2DG-treated female rats. Furthermore, central administration of serotonin or a 5HT2CR agonist immediately evoked GnRH pulse generator activity, and central 5HT2CR antagonism blocked the serotonin-induced facilitation of GnRH pulse generator activity in ovariectomized goats. These results suggest that DR serotonergic neurons sense high glucose availability to reduce gluconeogenesis and upregulate reproductive function by activating GnRH/LH pulse generator activity in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Nakamura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Marina Nakanishi
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Ai Morishima
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Reika Suzumura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yuri Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Morita
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ohkura
- Laboratory of Animal Production Science, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Togo-cho, Aichi, 470-0151, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 464-8601, Japan.
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Salmeri N, Viganò P, Cavoretto P, Marci R, Candiani M. The kisspeptin system in and beyond reproduction: exploring intricate pathways and potential links between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:239-257. [PMID: 37505370 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09826-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two common female reproductive disorders with a significant impact on the health and quality of life of women affected. A novel hypothesis by evolutionary biologists suggested that these two diseases are inversely related to one another, representing a pair of diametrical diseases in terms of opposite alterations in reproductive physiological processes but also contrasting phenotypic traits. However, to fully explain the phenotypic features observed in women with these conditions, we need to establish a potential nexus system between the reproductive system and general biological functions. The recent discovery of kisspeptin as pivotal mediator of internal and external inputs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has led to a new understanding of the neuroendocrine upstream regulation of the human reproductive system. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the physiological roles of kisspeptin in human reproduction, as well as its involvement in complex biological functions such as metabolism, inflammation and pain sensitivity. Importantly, these functions are known to be dysregulated in both PCOS and endometriosis. Within the evolving scientific field of "kisspeptinology", we critically discuss the clinical relevance of these discoveries and their potential translational applications in endometriosis and PCOS. By exploring the possibilities of manipulating this complex signaling system, we aim to pave the way for novel targeted therapies in these reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Cavoretto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- Gynecology & Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
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Eng PC, Phylactou M, Qayum A, Woods C, Lee H, Aziz S, Moore B, Miras AD, Comninos AN, Tan T, Franks S, Dhillo WS, Abbara A. Obesity-Related Hypogonadism in Women. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:171-189. [PMID: 37559411 PMCID: PMC10911953 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Obesity-related hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a well-characterized condition in men (termed male obesity-related secondary hypogonadism; MOSH); however, an equivalent condition has not been as clearly described in women. The prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known to increase with obesity, but PCOS is more typically characterized by increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (and by proxy luteinizing hormone; LH) pulsatility, rather than by the reduced gonadotropin levels observed in MOSH. Notably, LH levels and LH pulse amplitude are reduced with obesity, both in women with and without PCOS, suggesting that an obesity-related secondary hypogonadism may also exist in women akin to MOSH in men. Herein, we examine the evidence for the existence of a putative non-PCOS "female obesity-related secondary hypogonadism" (FOSH). We précis possible underlying mechanisms for the occurrence of hypogonadism in this context and consider how such mechanisms differ from MOSH in men, and from PCOS in women without obesity. In this review, we consider relevant etiological factors that are altered in obesity and that could impact on GnRH pulsatility to ascertain whether they could contribute to obesity-related secondary hypogonadism including: anti-Müllerian hormone, androgen, insulin, fatty acid, adiponectin, and leptin. More precise phenotyping of hypogonadism in women with obesity could provide further validation for non-PCOS FOSH and preface the ability to define/investigate such a condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chia Eng
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ambreen Qayum
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Casper Woods
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Hayoung Lee
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sara Aziz
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Benedict Moore
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander D Miras
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Tricia Tan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Steve Franks
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0NN, UK
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8
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Kerbus RI, Decourt C, Inglis MA, Campbell RE, Anderson GM. Androgen receptor actions on AgRP neurons are not a major cause of reproductive and metabolic impairments in peripubertally androgenized mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2024; 36:e13370. [PMID: 38344844 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Excess levels of circulating androgens during prenatal or peripubertal development are an important cause of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with the brain being a key target. Approximately half of the women diagnosed with PCOS also experience metabolic syndrome; common features including obesity, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Although a large amount of clinical and preclinical evidence has confirmed this relationship between androgens and the reproductive and metabolic features of PCOS, the mechanisms by which androgens cause this dysregulation are unknown. Neuron-specific androgen receptor knockout alleviates some PCOS-like features in a peripubertal dihydrotestosterone (DHT) mouse model, but the specific neuronal populations mediating these effects are undefined. A candidate population is the agouti-related peptide (AgRP)-expressing neurons, which are important for both reproductive and metabolic function. We used a well-characterised peripubertal androgenized mouse model and Cre-loxP transgenics to investigate whether deleting androgen receptors specifically from AgRP neurons can alleviate the induced reproductive and metabolic dysregulation. Androgen receptors were co-expressed in 66% of AgRP neurons in control mice, but only in <2% of AgRP neurons in knockout mice. The number of AgRP neurons was not altered by the treatments. Only 20% of androgen receptor knockout mice showed rescue of DHT-induced androgen-induced anovulation and acyclicity. Furthermore, androgen receptor knockout did not rescue metabolic dysfunction (body weight, adiposity or glucose and insulin tolerance). While we cannot rule out developmental compensation in our model, these results suggest peripubertal androgen excess does not markedly influence Agrp expression and does not dysregulate reproductive and metabolic function through direct actions of androgens onto AgRP neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy I Kerbus
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Caroline Decourt
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Megan A Inglis
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
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9
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Anderson GM, Hill JW, Kaiser UB, Navarro VM, Ong KK, Perry JRB, Prevot V, Tena-Sempere M, Elias CF. Metabolic control of puberty: 60 years in the footsteps of Kennedy and Mitra's seminal work. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:111-123. [PMID: 38049643 PMCID: PMC10843588 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00919-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
An individual's nutritional status has a powerful effect on sexual maturation. Puberty onset is delayed in response to chronic energy insufficiency and is advanced under energy abundance. The consequences of altered pubertal timing for human health are profound. Late puberty increases the chances of cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal and neurocognitive disorders, whereas early puberty is associated with increased risks of adult obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers, such as breast, endometrial and prostate cancer. Kennedy and Mitra's trailblazing studies, published in 1963 and using experimental models, were the first to demonstrate that nutrition is a key factor in puberty onset. Building on this work, the field has advanced substantially in the past decade, which is largely due to the impressive development of molecular tools for experimentation and population genetics. In this Review, we discuss the latest advances in basic and translational sciences underlying the nutritional and metabolic control of pubertal development, with a focus on perspectives and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jennifer W Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor M Navarro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken K Ong
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - John R B Perry
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vincent Prevot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille, France
- European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID), Lille, France
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain.
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain.
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain.
| | - Carol F Elias
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Caswell Diabetes Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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10
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Chen J, Yang L, Chen Y, Yuan W, Chen Y, Liang H, Miao M, He G, Wang Z. Associations between maternal urinary kisspeptin in late pregnancy and decreased fetal growth: a pregnancy-birth cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1257248. [PMID: 38318290 PMCID: PMC10839029 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1257248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Kisspeptin has been indicated to be a biomarker of fetal growth. Although some evidence suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in early pregnancy were associated with increased fetal growth, studies are still limited and the effect of kisspeptin in late pregnancy remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the associations between maternal kisspeptin in late pregnancy and fetal growth. Methods Based on the Shanghai-Minhang Birth Cohort study, 724 mother-neonate pairs were included in this study. We measured maternal kisspeptin concentrations in the urine samples collected in late pregnancy and neonatal anthropometric indices at birth. The associations between maternal kisspeptin and neonatal anthropometry were investigated using multiple linear regression models. Results Higher maternal urinary kisspeptin concentrations were associated with lower neonatal birth weight, head circumference, upper arm circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, triceps skinfold thickness, and back skinfold thickness. The inverse associations were more pronounced for the highest kisspeptin levels versus the lowest. These patterns were consistent in analyses stratified by neonatal sex, with notably stable associations between maternal kisspeptin concentrations and skinfold thickness. Conclusion The present study suggested that maternal kisspeptin concentrations in late pregnancy might be inversely associated with fetal growth. The physiological mechanisms of maternal kisspeptin might differ from those in early pregnancy. Further studies are required to assess associations between maternal kisspeptin and energy homeostasis and explore the physiological roles of kisspeptin in late pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxian Chen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lan Yang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yafei Chen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Liang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, China
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11
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Nyema NT, McKnight AD, Vargas-Elvira AG, Schneps HM, Gold EG, Myers KP, Alhadeff AL. AgRP neuron activity promotes associations between sensory and nutritive signals to guide flavor preference. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101833. [PMID: 37925021 PMCID: PMC10665654 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The learned associations between sensory cues (e.g., taste, smell) and nutritive value (e.g., calories, post-ingestive signaling) of foods powerfully influences our eating behavior [1], but the neural circuits that mediate these associations are not well understood. Here, we examined the role of agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons - neurons which are critical drivers of feeding behavior [2; 3] - in mediating flavor-nutrient learning (FNL). METHODS Because mice prefer flavors associated with AgRP neuron activity suppression [4], we examined how optogenetic stimulation of AgRP neurons during intake influences FNL, and used fiber photometry to determine how endogenous AgRP neuron activity tracks associations between flavors and nutrients. RESULTS We unexpectedly found that tonic activity in AgRP neurons during FNL potentiated, rather than prevented, the development of flavor preferences. There were notable sex differences in the mechanisms for this potentiation. Specifically, in male mice, AgRP neuron activity increased flavor consumption during FNL training, thereby strengthening the association between flavors and nutrients. In female mice, AgRP neuron activity enhanced flavor-nutrient preferences independently of consumption during training, suggesting that AgRP neuron activity enhances the reward value of the nutrient-paired flavor. Finally, in vivo neural activity analyses demonstrated that acute AgRP neuron dynamics track the association between flavors and nutrients in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data (1) demonstrate that AgRP neuron activity enhances associations between flavors and nutrients in a sex-dependent manner and (2) reveal that AgRP neurons track and rapidly update these associations. Taken together, our findings provide new insight into the role of AgRP neurons in assimilating sensory and nutritive signals for food reinforcement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel T Nyema
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aaron D McKnight
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Heather M Schneps
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Amber L Alhadeff
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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12
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Massa MG, Scott RL, Cara AL, Cortes LR, Vander PB, Sandoval NP, Park JW, Ali SL, Velez LM, Wang HB, Ati SS, Tesfaye B, Reue K, van Veen JE, Seldin MM, Correa SM. Feeding neurons integrate metabolic and reproductive states in mice. iScience 2023; 26:107918. [PMID: 37817932 PMCID: PMC10561062 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Balance between metabolic and reproductive processes is important for survival, particularly in mammals that gestate their young. How the nervous system coordinates this balance is an active area of study. Herein, we demonstrate that somatostatin (SST) neurons of the tuberal hypothalamus alter feeding in a manner sensitive to metabolic and reproductive states in mice. Whereas chemogenetic activation of SST neurons increased food intake across sexes, ablation decreased food intake only in female mice during proestrus. This ablation effect was only apparent in animals with low body mass. Fat transplantation and bioinformatics analysis of SST neuronal transcriptomes revealed white adipose as a key modulator of these effects. These studies indicate that SST hypothalamic neurons integrate metabolic and reproductive cues by responding to varying levels of circulating estrogens to modulate feeding differentially based on energy stores. Thus, gonadal steroid modulation of neuronal circuits can be context dependent and gated by metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G. Massa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Doctoral Program, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rachel L. Scott
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alexandra L. Cara
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laura R. Cortes
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Paul B. Vander
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Norma P. Sandoval
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jae W. Park
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sahara L. Ali
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Leandro M. Velez
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Huei-Bin Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shomik S. Ati
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bethlehem Tesfaye
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Karen Reue
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - J. Edward van Veen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marcus M. Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California – Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Stephanie M. Correa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California – Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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13
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Mansano NDS, Vieira HR, Araujo-Lopes R, Szawka RE, Donato J, Frazao R. Fasting Modulates GABAergic Synaptic Transmission to Arcuate Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad150. [PMID: 37793082 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
It is well-established that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is suppressed due to negative energy balance. However, less information is available on whether kisspeptin neuronal activity contributes to fasting-induced responses. In the present study, female and male mice were fasted for 24 hours or provided food ad libitum (fed group) to determine whether acute fasting is sufficient to modulate kisspeptin neuronal activity. In female mice, fasting attenuated luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) serum levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared with the fed group. In contrast, fasting did not affect gonadotropin or PRL secretion in male mice. By measuring genes related to LH pulse generation in micropunches obtained from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), we observed that fasting reduced Kiss1 mRNA levels in female and male mice. In contrast, Pdyn expression was upregulated only in fasted female mice, whereas no changes in the Tac2 mRNA levels were observed in both sexes. Interestingly, the frequency and amplitude of the GABAergic postsynaptic currents recorded from ARH kisspeptin neurons (ARHKisspeptin) were reduced in 24-hour fasted female mice but not in males. Additionally, neuropeptide Y induced a hyperpolarization in the resting membrane potential of ARHKisspeptin neurons of fed female mice but not in males. Thus, the response of ARHKisspeptin neurons to fasting is sexually dependent with a female bias, associated with changes in gonadotropins and PRL secretion. Our findings suggest that GABAergic transmission to ARHKisspeptin neurons modulates the activity of the HPG axis during situations of negative energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira da Silva Mansano
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henrique Rodrigues Vieira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Roberta Araujo-Lopes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Raphael Escorsim Szawka
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazao
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
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14
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Sweeney P, Gimenez LE, Hernandez CC, Cone RD. Targeting the central melanocortin system for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023; 19:507-519. [PMID: 37365323 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00855-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
A large body of preclinical and clinical data shows that the central melanocortin system is a promising therapeutic target for treating various metabolic disorders such as obesity and cachexia, as well as anorexia nervosa. Setmelanotide, which functions by engaging the central melanocortin circuitry, was approved by the FDA in 2020 for use in certain forms of syndromic obesity. Furthermore, the FDA approvals in 2019 of two peptide drugs targeting melanocortin receptors for the treatment of generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder (bremelanotide) and erythropoietic protoporphyria-associated phototoxicity (afamelanotide) demonstrate the safety of this class of peptides. These approvals have also renewed excitement in the development of therapeutics targeting the melanocortin system. Here, we review the anatomy and function of the melanocortin system, discuss progress and challenges in developing melanocortin receptor-based therapeutics, and outline potential metabolic and behavioural disorders that could be addressed using pharmacological agents targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Sweeney
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Luis E Gimenez
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, College of Literature Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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15
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Zimerman J, Niño OMS, da Costa CS, Zanol JF, Comério M, da Gama de Souza LN, Miranda-Alves L, Miranda RA, Lisboa PC, Camilo TA, Rorato R, Alves GA, Frazão R, Zomer HD, Freitas-Lima LC, Graceli JB. Subacute high-refined carbohydrate diet leads to abnormal reproductive control of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in female rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108410. [PMID: 37211340 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108410] [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: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that female rats placed on a diet containing refined carbohydrates (HCD) resulted in obesity and reproductive abnormalities, such as high serum LH concentration and abnormal ovarian function. However, the impacts at the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) function, specifically regarding pathways linked to reproductive axis modulation are unknown. In this study, we assessed whether subacute feeding with HCD results in abnormal reproductive control in the HP axis. Female rats were fed with HCD for 15 days and reproductive HP axis morphophysiology was assessed. HCD reduced hypothalamic mRNA expression (Kiss1, Lepr, and Amhr2) and increased pituitary LHβ+ cells. These changes likely contribute to the increase in serum LH concentration observed in HCD. Blunted estrogen negative feedback was observed in HCD, with increased kisspeptin protein expression in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), lower LHβ+ cells and LH concentration in ovariectomized (OVX)+HCD rats. Thus, these data suggest that HCD feeding led to female abnormal reproductive control of HP axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanini Zimerman
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Oscar M S Niño
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil; Faculty of Human Sciences and Education, Universidad de los Llanos, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia
| | - Charles S da Costa
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Jordana F Zanol
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Milena Comério
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Leandro Miranda-Alves
- Experimental Endocrinology Research, Development and Innovation Group, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology, School of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, Ilha do Governador, Cidade Universitária, UFRJ, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosiane A Miranda
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia C Lisboa
- Laboratory of Endocrine Physiology, Biology Institute, State University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tays A Camilo
- Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rorato
- Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Andrade Alves
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazão
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Helena D Zomer
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Jones B Graceli
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.
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16
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Ruiz-Cruz M, Torres-Granados C, Tena-Sempere M, Roa J. Central and peripheral mechanisms involved in the control of GnRH neuronal function by metabolic factors. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2023; 71:102382. [PMID: 37307655 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2023.102382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the final output pathway for the brain control of reproduction. The activity of this neuronal population, mainly located at the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, is controlled by a plethora of metabolic signals. However, it has been documented that most of these signal impact on GnRH neurons through indirect neuronal circuits, Kiss1, proopiomelanocortin, and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide neurons being some of the most prominent mediators. In this context, compelling evidence has been gathered in recent years on the role of a large range of neuropeptides and energy sensors in the regulation of GnRH neuronal activity through both direct and indirect mechanisms. The present review summarizes some of the most prominent recent advances in our understanding of the peripheral factors and central mechanisms involved in the metabolic control of GnRH neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ruiz-Cruz
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia (IMIBIC/HURS), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Carmen Torres-Granados
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia (IMIBIC/HURS), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia (IMIBIC/HURS), 14004 Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Roa
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia (IMIBIC/HURS), 14004 Córdoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain.
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17
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Wei Z, Lakshminarasimha AB, Cone RD, Michel M. Loss of Agrp1 in zebrafish: Effects on the growth and reproductive axis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 336:114243. [PMID: 36801393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Loss of agouti related neuropeptide (AgRP) does not lead to overt phenotypes in mammals unless AgRP neurons are ablated. In contrast, in zebrafish it has been shown that Agrp1 loss of function (LOF) leads to reduced growth in Agrp1 morphant as well as Agrp1 mutant larvae. Further, it has been shown that multiple endocrine axes are dysregulated upon Agrp1 LOF in Agrp1 morphant larvae. Here we show that adult Agrp1 LOF zebrafish show normal growth and reproductive behavior in spite of a significant reduction in multiple related endocrine axes namely reduced expression in pituitary growth hormone (gh) follicle stimulating hormone (fshb) as well as luteinizing hormone (lhb). We looked for compensatory changes in candidate gene expression but found no changes in growth hormone and gonadotropin hormone receptors that would explain the lack of phenotype. We further looked at expression in the hepatic and muscular insulin-like growth factor (Igf) axis which appears to be normal. Fecundity as well as ovarian histology also appear largely normal while we do see an increase in mating efficiency specifically in fed but not fasted AgRP1 LOF animals. This data shows that zebrafish can grow and reproduce normally in spite of significant central hormone changes and suggests a peripheral compensatory mechanism additional to previously reported central compensatory mechanisms in other zebrafish neuropeptide LOF lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehong Wei
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | | | - Roger D Cone
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maximilian Michel
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Institute of Zoology, University of Cologne, 50674, Germany.
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18
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Suthard RL, Jellinger AL, Surets M, Shpokayte M, Pyo AY, Buzharsky MD, Senne RA, Dorst K, Leblanc H, Ramirez S. Chronic Gq activation of ventral hippocampal neurons and astrocytes differentially affects memory and behavior. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 125:9-31. [PMID: 36801699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Network dysfunction is implicated in numerous diseases and psychiatric disorders, and the hippocampus serves as a common origin for these abnormalities. To test the hypothesis that chronic modulation of neurons and astrocytes induces impairments in cognition, we activated the hM3D(Gq) pathway in CaMKII+ neurons or GFAP+ astrocytes within the ventral hippocampus across 3, 6, and 9 months. CaMKII-hM3Dq activation impaired fear extinction at 3 months and acquisition at 9 months. Both CaMKII-hM3Dq manipulation and aging had differential effects on anxiety and social interaction. GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted fear memory at 6 and 9 months. GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted anxiety in the open field only at the earliest time point. CaMKII-hM3Dq activation modified the number of microglia, while GFAP-hM3Dq activation impacted microglial morphological characteristics, but neither affected these measures in astrocytes. Overall, our study elucidates how distinct cell types can modify behavior through network dysfunction, while adding a more direct role for glia in modulating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Suthard
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra L Jellinger
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Surets
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Monika Shpokayte
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela Y Pyo
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ryan A Senne
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Dorst
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heloise Leblanc
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steve Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The Center for Systems Neuroscience, Neurophotonics Center, and Photonics Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Di Giorgio NP, Bizzozzero-Hiriart M, Surkin PN, Repetto E, Bonaventura MM, Tabares FN, Bourguignon NS, Converti A, Gomez JMR, Bettler B, Lux-Lantos V. Deletion of GABAB receptors from Kiss1 cells affects glucose homeostasis without altering reproduction in male mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E314-E329. [PMID: 36652400 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00129.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), synthesized in the central nervous system, are critical for reproduction. Both are also expressed in peripheral organs/tissues critical to metabolic control (liver/pancreas/adipose). Many kisspeptin neurons coexpress GABAB receptors (GABABR) and GABA controls kisspeptin expression and secretion. We developed a unique mouse lacking GABABR exclusively from kisspeptin cells/neurons (Kiss1-GABAB1KO) to evaluate the impact on metabolism/reproduction. We confirmed selective deletion of GABABR from Kiss1 cells in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus/periventricular nucleus continuum (AVPV/PeN; immunofluorescence and PCR) and arcuate nucleus (ARC), medial amygdala (MeA), pituitary, liver, and testes (PCR). Young Kiss1-GABAB1KO males were fertile, with normal LH and testosterone. Kiss1 expression was similar between genotypes in AVPV/PeN, ARC, MeA, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and peripheral organs (testis, liver, pituitary). Kiss1-GABAB1KO males presented higher fasted glycemia and insulin levels, an impaired response to a glucose overload, reduced insulin sensitivity, and marked insulin resistance. Interestingly, when Kiss1-GABAB1KO males got older (9 mo old) their body weight (BW) increased, in part due to an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT). Old Kiss1-GABAB1KO males showed higher fasted insulin, increased pancreatic insulin content, insulin resistance, and significantly decreased pancreatic kisspeptin levels. In sum, lack of GABABR specifically in Kiss1 cells severely impacts glucose homeostasis in male mice, reinforcing kisspeptin involvement in metabolic regulation. These alterations in glucose homeostasis worsened with aging. We highlight the impact of GABA through GABABR in the regulation of the pancreas kisspeptin system in contrast to liver kisspeptin that was not affected.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed a unique mouse lacking GABAB receptors specifically in Kiss1 cells to evaluate the impact on reproduction and metabolism. Knockout males showed a severe impact on glucose homeostasis, which worsened with aging. These results reinforce the proposed kisspeptin involvement in metabolic regulation and highlight the impact of GABA through GABABR in the regulation of the peripheral pancreas kisspeptin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia P Di Giorgio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianne Bizzozzero-Hiriart
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N Surkin
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Repetto
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María M Bonaventura
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia N Tabares
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia S Bourguignon
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ayelén Converti
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan M Riaño Gomez
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Lux-Lantos
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Zagmutt S, Mera P, González-García I, Ibeas K, Romero MDM, Obri A, Martin B, Esteve-Codina A, Soler-Vázquez MC, Bastias-Pérez M, Cañes L, Augé E, Pelegri C, Vilaplana J, Ariza X, García J, Martinez-González J, Casals N, López M, Palmiter R, Sanz E, Quintana A, Herrero L, Serra D. CPT1A in AgRP neurons is required for sex-dependent regulation of feeding and thirst. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:14. [PMID: 36966335 PMCID: PMC10040140 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00498-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty acid metabolism in the hypothalamus has an important role in food intake, but its specific role in AgRP neurons is poorly understood. Here, we examined whether carnitinea palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a key enzyme in mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, affects energy balance. METHODS To obtain Cpt1aKO mice and their control littermates, Cpt1a(flox/flox) mice were crossed with tamoxifen-inducible AgRPCreERT2 mice. Food intake and body weight were analyzed weekly in both males and females. At 12 weeks of age, metabolic flexibility was determined by ghrelin-induced food intake and fasting-refeeding satiety tests. Energy expenditure was analyzed by calorimetric system and thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue. To study fluid balance the analysis of urine and water intake volumes; osmolality of urine and plasma; as well as serum levels of angiotensin and components of RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system) were measured. At the central level, changes in AgRP neurons were determined by: (1) analyzing specific AgRP gene expression in RiboTag-Cpt1aKO mice obtained by crossing Cpt1aKO mice with RiboTag mice; (2) measuring presynaptic terminal formation in the AgRP neurons with the injection of the AAV1-EF1a-DIO-synaptophysin-GFP in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus; (3) analyzing AgRP neuronal viability and spine formations by the injection AAV9-EF1a-DIO-mCherry in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus; (4) analyzing in situ the specific AgRP mitochondria in the ZsGreen-Cpt1aKO obtained by breeding ZsGreen mice with Cpt1aKO mice. Two-way ANOVA analyses were performed to determine the contributions of the effect of lack of CPT1A in AgRP neurons in the sex. RESULTS Changes in food intake were just seen in male Cpt1aKO mice while only female Cpt1aKO mice increased energy expenditure. The lack of Cpt1a in the AgRP neurons enhanced brown adipose tissue activity, mainly in females, and induced a substantial reduction in fat deposits and body weight. Strikingly, both male and female Cpt1aKO mice showed polydipsia and polyuria, with more reduced serum vasopressin levels in females and without osmolality alterations, indicating a direct involvement of Cpt1a in AgRP neurons in fluid balance. AgRP neurons from Cpt1aKO mice showed a sex-dependent gene expression pattern, reduced mitochondria and decreased presynaptic innervation to the paraventricular nucleus, without neuronal viability alterations. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that fatty acid metabolism and CPT1A in AgRP neurons show marked sex differences and play a relevant role in the neuronal processes necessary for the maintenance of whole-body fluid and energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Zagmutt
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Mera
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ismael González-García
- NeurObesity Group, Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Kevin Ibeas
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Del Mar Romero
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnaud Obri
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martin
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Carmen Soler-Vázquez
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marianela Bastias-Pérez
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Cañes
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabeth Augé
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carme Pelegri
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of the Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Vilaplana
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences of the Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Ariza
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Inorganic & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Inorganic & Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Martinez-González
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Casals
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Miguel López
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- NeurObesity Group, Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Richard Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elisenda Sanz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Albert Quintana
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Herrero
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolors Serra
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Massa MG, Scott RL, Cara AL, Cortes LR, Sandoval NP, Park JW, Ali S, Velez LM, Tesfaye B, Reue K, van Veen JE, Seldin M, Correa SM. Feeding Neurons Integrate Metabolic and Reproductive States in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.25.525595. [PMID: 36747631 PMCID: PMC9900829 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.25.525595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Trade-offs between metabolic and reproductive processes are important for survival, particularly in mammals that gestate their young. Puberty and reproduction, as energetically taxing life stages, are often gated by metabolic availability in animals with ovaries. How the nervous system coordinates these trade-offs is an active area of study. We identify somatostatin neurons of the tuberal nucleus (TNSST) as a node of the feeding circuit that alters feeding in a manner sensitive to metabolic and reproductive states in mice. Whereas chemogenetic activation of TNSST neurons increased food intake across sexes, selective ablation decreased food intake only in female mice during proestrus. Interestingly, this ablation effect was only apparent in animals with a low body mass. Fat transplantation and bioinformatics analysis of TNSST neuronal transcriptomes revealed white adipose as a key modulator of the effects of TNSST neurons on food intake. Together, these studies point to a mechanism whereby TNSST hypothalamic neurons modulate feeding by responding to varying levels of circulating estrogens differentially based on energy stores. This research provides insight into how neural circuits integrate reproductive and metabolic signals, and illustrates how gonadal steroid modulation of neuronal circuits can be context-dependent and gated by metabolic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G Massa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Rachel L Scott
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Alexandra L Cara
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Laura R Cortes
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Norma P Sandoval
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jae W Park
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Sahara Ali
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Leandro M Velez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Bethlehem Tesfaye
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Karen Reue
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - J Edward van Veen
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Marcus Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA
| | - Stephanie M Correa
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
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22
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Guirado J, Carranza-Valencia J, Morante J. Mammalian puberty: a fly perspective. FEBS J 2023; 290:359-369. [PMID: 35607827 PMCID: PMC10084137 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian puberty and Drosophila metamorphosis, despite their evolutionary distance, exhibit similar design principles and conservation of molecular components. In this Viewpoint, we review recent advances in this area and the similarities between both processes in terms of the signaling pathways and neuroendocrine circuits involved. We argue that the detection and uptake of peripheral fat by Drosophila prothoracic endocrine cells induces endomembrane remodeling and ribosomal maturation, leading to the acquisition of high biosynthetic and secretory capacity. The absence of this fat-neuroendocrine interorgan communication leads to giant, obese, non-pupating larvae. Importantly, human leptin is capable of signaling the pupariation process in Drosophila, and its expression prevents obesity and triggers maturation in mutants that do not pupate. This implies that insect metamorphosis can be used to address issues related to the biology of leptin and puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Guirado
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Carranza-Valencia
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Morante
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) and Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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23
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Liu J, Yuan Y, Peng X, Wang Y, Cao R, Zhang Y, Fu L. Mechanism of leptin-NPY on the onset of puberty in male offspring rats after androgen intervention during pregnancy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1090552. [PMID: 37056673 PMCID: PMC10086166 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1090552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The time of onset of puberty has been increasingly earlier, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of leptin and NPY in the onset of puberty in male offspring rats after androgen intervention during pregnancy. METHODS Eight-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and 16 female SD rats were selected and caged at 1:2. The pregnant rats were randomly divided into the olive oil control group (OOG) and testosterone intervention group (TG), with 8 rats in each group. Olive oil and testosterone were injected from the 15th day of pregnancy, for a total of 4 injections (15th, 17th, 19th, 21st day). After the onset of puberty, the male offspring rats were anesthetized with 2% pentobarbital sodium to collect blood by ventral aorta puncture and decapitated to peel off the hypothalamus and abdominal fat. Serum testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and leptin were detected by ELISA, and then the free androgen index (FAI) was calculated. The mRNA levels of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), NPY, leptinR, and NPY2R in the hypothalamus and abdominal fat were detected by RT-PCR. Protein expression levels of AR, ERα, NPY, leptinR, and NPY2R in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The time of onset of puberty was significantly earlier in the TG than in the OOG (P< 0.05) and was positively correlated with body weight, body length, abdominal fat, and leptinR mRNA levels in adipose tissue in the OOG (P< 0.05), while it was positively correlated with serum DHT and DHEA concentrations and FAI and AR mRNA levels in the hypothalamus in the TG (P< 0.05). The NPY2R mRNA level and protein expression levels of ERα, NPY2R, and leptinR in the TG were significantly higher than those in the OOG, while the protein expression levels of AR and NPY in the TG were significantly lower than those in the OOG (P< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Testosterone intervention during pregnancy led to an earlier onset of puberty in male offspring rats, which may render the male offspring rats more sensitive to androgens, leptin, and NPY at the onset of puberty.
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24
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Iwasa T, Noguchi H, Aoki H, Tamura K, Maeda T, Takeda A, Uchishiba M, Arakaki R, Minato S, Kamada S, Yamamoto S, Imaizumi J, Kagawa T, Yoshida A, Fukui R, Daizumoto K, Kon M, Shinohara N, Yoshida K, Yamamoto Y. Effects of undernutrition and low energy availability on reproductive functions and their underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms. Endocr J 2022; 69:1363-1372. [PMID: 36372440 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been well established that undernutrition and low energy availability disturb female reproductive functions in humans and many animal species. These reproductive dysfunctions are mainly caused by alterations of some hypothalamic factors, and consequent reduction of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. Evidence from literature suggests that increased activity of orexigenic factors and decreased activity of anorexigenic/satiety-related factors in undernourished conditions attenuate GnRH secretion in an integrated manner. Likewise, the activity of kisspeptin neurons, which is a potent stimulator of GnRH, is also reduced in undernourished conditions. In addition, it has been suggested that gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone, which has anti-GnRH and gonadotrophic effects, may be involved in reproductive dysfunctions under several kinds of stress conditions. It should be remembered that these alterations, i.e., promotion of feeding behavior and temporary suppression of reproductive functions, are induced to prioritize the survival of individual over that of species, and that improvements in metabolic and nutritional conditions should be considered with the highest priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Takaaki Maeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Maimi Uchishiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Junki Imaizumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Rijin Fukui
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tokushima Municipal Hospital, Tokushima 770-0812, Japan
| | - Kei Daizumoto
- Department of Urology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kon
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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25
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Shi X, Zhuang Y, Chen Z, Xu M, Kuang J, Sun XL, Gao L, Kuang X, Zhang H, Li W, Wong SZH, Liu C, Liu L, Jiang D, Pei D, Lin Y, Wu QF. Hierarchical deployment of Tbx3 dictates the identity of hypothalamic KNDy neurons to control puberty onset. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq2987. [PMID: 36383654 PMCID: PMC9668310 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq2987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine system consists of a heterogeneous collection of neuropeptidergic neurons in the brain, among which hypothalamic KNDy neurons represent an indispensable cell subtype controlling puberty onset. Although neural progenitors and neuronal precursors along the cell lineage hierarchy adopt a cascade diversification strategy to generate hypothalamic neuronal heterogeneity, the cellular logic operating within the lineage to specify a subtype of neuroendocrine neurons remains unclear. As human genetic studies have recently established a link between TBX3 mutations and delayed puberty onset, we systematically studied Tbx3-derived neuronal lineage and Tbx3-dependent neuronal specification and found that Tbx3 hierarchically established and maintained the identity of KNDy neurons for triggering puberty. Apart from the well-established lineage-dependent fate determination, we uncovered rules of interlineage interaction and intralineage retention operating through neuronal differentiation in the absence of Tbx3. Moreover, we revealed that human TBX3 mutations disturbed the phase separation of encoded proteins and impaired transcriptional regulation of key neuropeptides, providing a pathological mechanism underlying TBX3-associated puberty disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanrong Zhuang
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua–Peking Joint Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mingrui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Junqi Kuang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xue-Lian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lisen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xia Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Huairen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Samuel Zheng Hao Wong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chuanyu Liu
- BGI-ShenZhen, Shenzhen 518103, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI-ShenZhen, Shenzhen 518103, China
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
- BGI College and Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Danhua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Duanqing Pei
- Laboratory of Cell Fate Control, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Yi Lin
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua–Peking Joint Centre for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Corresponding author. (Q.-F.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Qing-Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China
- Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100045, China
- Corresponding author. (Q.-F.W.); (Y.L.)
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26
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Dardente H, Lomet D, Desmarchais A, Téteau O, Lasserre O, Gonzalez AA, Dubois E, Beltramo M, Elis S. Impact of food restriction on the medio-basal hypothalamus of intact ewes as revealed by a large-scale transcriptomics study. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13198. [PMID: 36168278 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the medio-basal hypothalamus (MBH) integrates photoperiodic and food-related cues to ensure timely phasing of physiological functions, including seasonal reproduction. The current human epidemics of obesity and associated reproductive disorders exemplifies the tight link between metabolism and reproduction. Yet, how food-related cues impact breeding at the level of the MBH remains unclear. In this respect, the sheep, which is a large diurnal mammal with a marked dual photoperiodic/metabolic control of seasonal breeding, is a relevant model. Here, we present a large-scale study in ewes (n = 120), which investigated the impact of food restriction (FRes) on the MBH transcriptome using unbiased RNAseq, followed by RT-qPCR. Few genes (~100) were impacted by FRes and the transcriptional impact was very modest (<2-fold increase or < 50% decrease for most genes). As anticipated, FRes increased expression of Npy/AgRP/LepR and decreased expression of Pomc/Cartpt, while Kiss1 expression was not impacted. Of particular interest, Eya3, Nmu and Dio2, genes involved in photoperiodic decoding within the MBH, were also affected by FRes. Finally, we also identified a handful of genes not known to be regulated by food-related cues (e.g., RNase6, HspA6, Arrdc2). In conclusion, our transcriptomics study provides insights into the impact of metabolism on the MBH in sheep, which may be relevant to human, and identifies possible molecular links between metabolism and (seasonal) reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Didier Lomet
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Ophélie Téteau
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Anne-Alicia Gonzalez
- MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, Université Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Emeric Dubois
- MGX-Montpellier GenomiX, Université Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Sébastien Elis
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
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27
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Decourt C, Connolly GADP, Ancel C, Inglis MA, Anderson GM. Agouti-related peptide neuronal silencing overcomes delayed puberty in neonatally underfed male mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13190. [PMID: 36306199 PMCID: PMC9788270 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons are thought to indirectly regulate the activity of hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurons which control fertility. AgRP neurons also drive caloric intake and are modulated by metabolically-relevant hormones, providing a link to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In mice expressing Cre-dependant designer receptors (DREADDs) in AgRP neurons, we activated or silenced these neurons in vivo using the synthetic ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) to observe the effect of AgRP neuron activity on timing of puberty. To validate these animals, we chronically treated both stimulatory (hM3Dq) and inhibitory (hM4Di) DREADD × AgRP-Cre mice with CNO, observing a pronounced increase and decrease of food intake, respectively, consistent with the known orexigenic effects of these neurons. RNAscope was performed to visually confirm the activation of AgRP neurons. Puberty onset was assessed in males and females. There was no effect on preputial separation in males or vaginal opening and first oestrus in females after CNO treatment from day 26 to 30 to chronically modulate AgRP neurons. Next, to determine whether the delay in puberty onset occurring in response to neonatal underfeeding could be overcome by inhibiting AgRP neuronal activity, mice were raised in large (neonatally underfed) or normal litter sizes. The delay in puberty from underfeeding was completely reversed in CNO-treated AgRP-hM4Di male mice. These data highlight the inhibitory role of AgRP neurons to delay puberty onset when undernutrition occurs during the neonatal period, at least in male mice. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: JNE-22-0081-OA.R2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George A. D. P. Connolly
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Caroline Ancel
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Megan A. Inglis
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Greg M. Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago School of Biomedical SciencesDunedinNew Zealand
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28
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Yesmin R, Watanabe M, Sinha AS, Ishibashi M, Wang T, Fukuda A. A subpopulation of agouti-related peptide neurons exciting corticotropin-releasing hormone axon terminals in median eminence led to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in response to food restriction. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:990803. [PMID: 36245920 PMCID: PMC9557964 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.990803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The excitatory action of gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABA) in the median-eminence (ME) led to the steady-state release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from CRH axon terminals, which modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, in ME, the source of excitatory GABAergic input is unknown. We examined agouti-related peptide (AgRP) expressing neurons in the arcuate nucleus as a possible source for excitatory GABAergic input. Here, we show that a subpopulation of activated AgRP neurons directly project to the CRH axon terminals in ME elevates serum corticosterone levels in 60% food-restricted mice. This increase in serum corticosterone is not dependent on activation of CRH neuronal soma in the paraventricular nucleus. Furthermore, conditional deletion of Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter-1 (NKCC1), which promotes depolarizing GABA action, from the CRH axon terminals results in significantly lower corticosterone levels in response to food restriction. These findings highlight the important role of a subset of AgRP neurons in HPA axis modulation via NKCC1-dependent GABAergic excitation in ME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruksana Yesmin
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Adya Saran Sinha
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masaru Ishibashi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tianying Wang
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- Advanced Research Facilities and Services, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Atsuo Fukuda,
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29
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Conde K, Kulyk D, Vanschaik A, Daisey S, Rojas C, Wiersielis K, Yasrebi A, Degroat TJ, Sun Y, Roepke TA. Deletion of Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor in Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice Blocks Diet-Induced Obesity. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1370. [PMID: 36291579 PMCID: PMC9599822 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut peptide, ghrelin, mediates energy homeostasis and reproduction by acting through its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR), expressed in hypothalamic neurons in the arcuate (ARC). We have shown 17β-estradiol (E2) increases Ghsr expression in Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons, enhancing sensitivity to ghrelin. We hypothesized that E2-induced Ghsr expression augments KNDy sensitivity in a fasting state by elevating ghrelin to disrupt energy expenditure in females. We produced a Kiss1-GHSR knockout to determine the role of GHSR in ARC KNDy neurons. We found that changes in ARC gene expression with estradiol benzoate (EB) treatment were abrogated by the deletion of GHSR and ghrelin abolished these differences. We also observed changes in metabolism and fasting glucose levels. Additionally, knockouts were resistant to body weight gain on a high fat diet (HFD). Behaviorally, we found that knockouts on HFD exhibited reduced anxiety-like behavior. Furthermore, knockouts did not refeed to the same extent as controls after a 24 h fast. Finally, in response to cold stress, knockout females had elevated metabolic parameters compared to controls. These data indicate GHSR in Kiss1 neurons modulate ARC gene expression, metabolism, glucose homeostasis, behavior, and thermoregulation, illustrating a novel mechanism for E2 and ghrelin to control Kiss1 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Conde
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Danielle Kulyk
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Allison Vanschaik
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Sierra Daisey
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Catherine Rojas
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kimberly Wiersielis
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ali Yasrebi
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Thomas J. Degroat
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Department of Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Troy A. Roepke
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Joint Graduate Program in Toxicology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, the Center for Nutrition, Microbiome, and Health, and the New Jersey Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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30
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Kukino A, Walbeek TJ, Sun LJ, Watt AT, Park JH, Kauffman AS, Butler MP. Mistimed restricted feeding disrupts circadian rhythms of male mating behavior and female preovulatory LH surges in mice. Horm Behav 2022; 145:105242. [PMID: 36054940 PMCID: PMC9728533 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, eating at atypical circadian times, such as during the biological rest phase when feeding is normally minimal, reduces fertility. Prior findings suggest this fertility impairment is due, at least in part, to reduced mating success. However, the physiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying this reproductive suppression are not known. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that mistimed feeding-induced infertility is due to a disruption in the normal circadian timing of mating behavior and/or the generation of pre-ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surges (estrogen positive feedback). In the first experiment, male+female mouse pairs, acclimated to be food restricted to either the light (mistimed feeding) or dark (control feeding) phase, were scored for mounting frequency and ejaculations over 96 h. Male mounting behavior and ejaculations were distributed much more widely across the day in light-fed mice than in dark-fed controls and fewer light-fed males ejaculated. In the second experiment, the timing of the LH surge, a well characterized circadian event driven by estradiol (E2) and the SCN, was analyzed from serial blood samples taken from ovariectomized and E2-primed female mice that were light-, dark-, or ad-lib-fed. LH concentrations peaked 2 h after lights-off in both dark-fed and ad-lib control females, as expected, but not in light-fed females. Instead, the normally clustered LH surges were distributed widely with high inter-mouse variability in the light-fed group. These data indicate that mistimed feeding disrupts the temporal control of the neural processes underlying both ovulation and mating behavior, contributing to infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Kukino
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Thijs J Walbeek
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Lori J Sun
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Alexander T Watt
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America
| | - Jin Ho Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Matthew P Butler
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States of America.
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31
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Socs3 ablation in kisspeptin cells partially prevents lipopolysaccharide-induced body weight loss. Cytokine 2022; 158:155999. [PMID: 35985175 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Many cytokines have been proposed to regulate reproduction due to their actions on hypothalamic kisspeptin cells, the main modulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Hormones such as leptin, prolactin and growth hormone are good examples of cytokines that lead to Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway activation, consequently exerting effects in kisspeptin neurons. Different studies have investigated how specific components of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway affect the functions of kisspeptin cells, but the role of the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) in mediating cytokine actions in kisspeptin cells remains unknown. Cre-Loxp technology was used in the present study to ablate Socs3 expression in kisspeptin cells (Kiss1/Socs3-KO). Then, male and female control and Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice were evaluated for sexual maturation, energy homeostasis features, and fertility. It was found that hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression is significantly downregulated in Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice. Despite reduced hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA content, these mice did not present any sexual maturation or fertility impairments. Additionally, body weight gain, leptin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis were similar to control mice. Interestingly, Kiss1/Socs3-KO mice were partially protected against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced body weight loss. Our results suggest that Socs3 ablation in kisspeptin cells partially prevents the sickness behavior induced by LPS, suggesting that kisspeptin cells can modulate energy metabolism in mice in certain situations.
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32
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Bai X, Fu L, Jin N, Liu X, Chen L, Shan Y, Zhang N, Wang P. Rescue of obesity-induced infertility in female mice by silencing AgRP neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 623:32-38. [PMID: 35870259 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity impacts multiple sites of the hypothalamus-pituitary gland-ovary axis (HPO axis) and has become a leading cause of female infertility. However, the critical hypothalamic neurons that participate in the development of obesity-induced infertility have not been well defined yet. Previous studies suggested that metabolic-sensing agouti-related peptide-expressing (AgRP) neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) are hyperactive in diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. We hypothesize that these neurons may convey metabolic dysfunction onto the HPO axis and contribute to obesity-induced infertility's pathophysiological process. To determine if AgRP neurons in obesity play a necessary role in the development of reproductive impairment in obesity, we used the chemogenetic method to normalize the neuronal activity of AgRP neurons in DIO female mice and test if their fertility can be restored. Our results indicated that chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons could fully rescue the reproductive performance of DIO female mice, as manifested by recovered sex hormonal levels, ovulation, and fecundity. Moreover, we assayed serum AgRP levels in normal-weight and obese women and found elevated AgRP levels in obese subjects, suggesting the correlation between obesity and AgRP neuronal hyperactivity. Our results indicated that AgRP neurons constitute a central node connecting metabolism and reproduction, and dysfunctions of these neurons play a crucial role in reproductive impairment induced by metabolic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Bai
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lei Fu
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Naiqian Jin
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Shandong, PR China
| | - Lili Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Shandong, PR China
| | - Yinghua Shan
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Shandong, PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, PR China.
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Jamieson BB, Piet R. Kisspeptin neuron electrophysiology: Intrinsic properties, hormonal modulation, and regulation of homeostatic circuits. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101006. [PMID: 35640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101006] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The obligatory role of kisspeptin (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty and fertility was uncovered in 2003. In the few years that followed, an impressive body of work undertaken in many species established that neurons producing kisspeptin orchestrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity and subsequent GnRH and gonadotropin hormone secretory patterns, through kisspeptin-KISS1R signaling, and mediate many aspects of gonadal steroid hormone feedback regulation of GnRH neurons. Here, we review knowledge accrued over the past decade, mainly in genetically modified mouse models, of the electrophysiological properties of kisspeptin neurons and their regulation by hormonal feedback. We also discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of these cells within neuronal circuits that control GnRH neuron activity and GnRH secretion, energy balance and, potentially, other homeostatic and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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Izzi-Engbeaya C, Dhillo WS. Gut hormones and reproduction (Hormones intestinalis et reproduction). ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2022; 83:254-257. [PMID: 35750201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2022.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction and metabolism are intricately linked. Gut hormones play key roles in the regulation of body weight and glucose homeostasis, factors that influence the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive outcomes. Data from rodent models suggest gut hormones may have direct stimulatory effects on reproductive hormone release. However, the effects of gut hormones on reproductive function in humans is more complex, with possible involvement of direct (e.g. via gut hormone receptor agonism) as well as indirect (e.g. via weight reduction in people with obesity) mechanisms. The use of gut hormone receptor agonists has become an integral part of the management of metabolic diseases (including obesity and type 2 diabetes), with additional indications for their use on the horizon. Future work may identify specific roles for gut hormones receptor agonists in the treatment of reproductive co-morbidities that are increasingly being recognised in people with metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chioma Izzi-Engbeaya
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, UK; Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK.
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35
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Stincic TL, Kelly MJ. Estrogenic regulation of reproduction and energy homeostasis by a triumvirate of hypothalamic arcuate neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13145. [PMID: 35581942 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is energetically demanding and therefore, by necessity, reproduction and energy balance are inextricably linked. With insufficient or excessive energy stores a female is liable to suffer complications during pregnancy or produce unhealthy offspring. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons are responsible for initiating both the pulsatile and subsequent surge release of luteinizing hormone to control ovulation. Meticulous work has identified two hypothalamic populations of kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons that are critical for this pattern of release. The involvement of the hypothalamus is unsurprising because its quintessential function is to couple the endocrine and nervous systems, coordinating energy balance and reproduction. Estrogens, more specifically 17β-estradiol (E2 ), orchestrate the activity of a triumvirate of hypothalamic neurons within the arcuate nucleus (ARH) that govern the physiological underpinnings of these behavioral dynamics. Arising from a common progenitor pool, these cells differentiate into ARH kisspeptin, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), and agouti related peptide/neuropeptide Y (AgRP) neurons. Although the excitability of all these subpopulations is subject to genomic and rapid estrogenic regulation, Kiss1 neurons are the most sensitive, reflecting their integral function in female fertility. Based on the premise that E2 coordinates autonomic functions around reproduction, we review recent findings on how Kiss1 neurons interact with gonadotropin-releasing hormone, AgRP and POMC neurons, as well as how the rapid membrane-initiated and intracellular signaling cascades activated by E2 in these neurons are critical for control of homeostatic functions supporting reproduction. In particular, we highlight how Kiss1 and POMC neurons conspire to inhibit AgRP neurons and diminish food motivation in service of reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd L Stincic
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
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Stevenson TJ, Liddle TA, Stewart C, Marshall CJ, Majumdar G. Neural programming of seasonal physiology in birds and mammals: A modular perspective. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105153. [PMID: 35325691 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Most animals in the temperate zone exhibit robust seasonal rhythms in neuroendocrine, physiological and behavioral processes. The integration of predictive and supplementary environmental cues (e.g., nutrients) involves a series of discrete, and interconnected brain regions that span hypothalamic, thalamic, mesencephalic, and limbic regions. Species-specific adaptive changes in these neuroendocrine structures and cellular plasticity have likely evolved to support seasonal life-history transitions. Despite significant advances in our understanding of ecological responses to predictive and supplementary environmental cues, there remains a paucity of literature on how these diverse cues impact the underlying neural and cellular substrates. To date, most scientific approach has focused on neuroendocrine responses to annual changes in daylength, referred to as photoperiod, due to the robust physiological changes to light manipulations in laboratory settings. In this review, we highlight the relatively few animal models that have been effectively used to investigate how predictive day lengths, and supplementary cues are integrated across hypothalamic nuclei, and discuss key findings of how seasonal rhythms in physiology are governed by adaptive neuroendocrine changes. We discuss how specific brain regions integrate environmental cues to form a complex multiunit or 'modular' system that has evolved to optimize the timing of seasonal physiology. Overall, the review aims to highlight the existence of a modular network of neural regions that independently contribute to timing seasonal physiology. This paper proposes that a multi-modular neuroendocrine system has evolved in which independent neural 'units' operate to support species-specific seasonal rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Stevenson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy A Liddle
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Calum Stewart
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Marshall
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Majumdar
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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Goodman RL, Herbison AE, Lehman MN, Navarro VM. Neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone: Pulsatile and surge modes of secretion. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13094. [PMID: 35107859 PMCID: PMC9948945 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The concept that different systems control episodic and surge secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was well established by the time that GnRH was identified and formed the framework for studies of the physiological roles of GnRH, and later kisspeptin. Here, we focus on recent studies identifying the neural mechanisms underlying these two modes of secretion, with an emphasis on their core components. There is now compelling data that kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus that also contain neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (i.e., KNDy cells) and their projections to GnRH dendrons constitute the GnRH pulse generator in mice and rats. There is also strong evidence for a similar role for KNDy neurons in sheep and goats, and weaker data in monkeys and humans. However, whether KNDy neurons act on GnRH dendrons and/or GnRH soma and dendrites that are found in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) of these species remains unclear. The core components of the GnRH/luteinising hormone surge consist of an endocrine signal that initiates the process and a neural trigger that drives GnRH secretion during the surge. In all spontaneous ovulators, the core endocrine signal is a rise in estradiol secretion from the maturing follicle(s), with the site of estrogen positive feedback being the rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons in rodents and neurons in the MBH of sheep and primates. There is considerable species variations in the neural trigger, with three major classes. First, in reflex ovulators, this trigger is initiated by coitus and carried to the hypothalamus by neural or vascular pathways. Second, in rodents, there is a time of day signal that originates in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and activates rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons and GnRH soma and dendrites. Finally, in sheep nitric oxide-producing neurons in the ventromedial nucleus, KNDy neurons and rostral kisspeptin neurons all appear to participate in driving GnRH release during the surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Goodman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Allan E. Herbison
- Department of Physiology Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael N. Lehman
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Victor M. Navarro
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Gabanyi I, Lepousez G, Wheeler R, Vieites-Prado A, Nissant A, Wagner S, Moigneu C, Dulauroy S, Hicham S, Polomack B, Verny F, Rosenstiel P, Renier N, Boneca IG, Eberl G, Lledo PM, Chevalier G. Bacterial sensing via neuronal Nod2 regulates appetite and body temperature. Science 2022; 376:eabj3986. [PMID: 35420957 DOI: 10.1126/science.abj3986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gut bacteria influence brain functions and metabolism. We investigated whether this influence can be mediated by direct sensing of bacterial cell wall components by brain neurons. In mice, we found that bacterial peptidoglycan plays a major role in mediating gut-brain communication via the Nod2 receptor. Peptidoglycan-derived muropeptides reach the brain and alter the activity of a subset of brain neurons that express Nod2. Activation of Nod2 in hypothalamic inhibitory neurons is essential for proper appetite and body temperature control, primarily in females. This study identifies a microbe-sensing mechanism that regulates feeding behavior and host metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Gabanyi
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Gabriel Lepousez
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Richard Wheeler
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, INSERM U1306, Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Alba Vieites-Prado
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Nissant
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Wagner
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Carine Moigneu
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Dulauroy
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Samia Hicham
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, INSERM U1306, Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Bernadette Polomack
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Florine Verny
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Philip Rosenstiel
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicolas Renier
- Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute-ICM, INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR7225, AP-HP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ivo Gomperts Boneca
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, INSERM U1306, Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Gérard Eberl
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Marie Lledo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3571, Perception and Memory Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Grégoire Chevalier
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1224, Microenvironment and Immunity Unit, F-75015 Paris, France
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Sobrino V, Avendaño MS, Perdices-López C, Jimenez-Puyer M, Tena-Sempere M. Kisspeptins and the neuroendocrine control of reproduction: Recent progress and new frontiers in kisspeptin research. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100977. [PMID: 34999056 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In late 2003, a major breakthrough in our understanding of the mechanisms that govern reproduction occurred with the identification of the reproductive roles of kisspeptins, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, and their receptor, Gpr54 (aka, Kiss1R). The discovery of this unsuspected reproductive facet attracted an extraordinary interest and boosted an intense research activity, in human and model species, that, in a relatively short period, established a series of basic concepts on the physiological roles of kisspeptins. Such fundamental knowledge, gathered in these early years of kisspeptin research, set the scene for the more recent in-depth dissection of the intimacies of the neuronal networks involving Kiss1 neurons, their precise mechanisms of regulation and the molecular underpinnings of the function of kisspeptins as pivotal regulators of all key aspects of reproductive function, from puberty onset to pulsatile gonadotropin secretion and the metabolic control of fertility. While no clear temporal boundaries between these two periods can be defined, in this review we will summarize the most prominent advances in kisspeptin research occurred in the last ten years, as a means to provide an up-dated view of the state of the art and potential paths of future progress in this dynamic, and ever growing domain of Neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Sobrino
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Soledad Avendaño
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Cecilia Perdices-López
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Jimenez-Puyer
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Cordoba, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, FIN-20520 Turku, Finland.
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40
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Dickinson SY, Kelly DA, Padilla SL, Bergan JF. From Reductionism Toward Integration: Understanding How Social Behavior Emerges From Integrated Circuits. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:862437. [PMID: 35431824 PMCID: PMC9010670 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.862437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex social behaviors are emergent properties of the brain's interconnected and overlapping neural networks. Questions aimed at understanding how brain circuits produce specific and appropriate behaviors have changed over the past half century, shifting from studies of gross anatomical and behavioral associations, to manipulating and monitoring precisely targeted cell types. This technical progression has enabled increasingly deep insights into the regulation of perception and behavior with remarkable precision. The capacity of reductionist approaches to identify the function of isolated circuits is undeniable but many behaviors require rapid integration of diverse inputs. This review examines progress toward understanding integrative social circuits and focuses on specific nodes of the social behavior network including the medial amygdala, ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and medial preoptic area of the hypothalamus (MPOA) as examples of broad integration between multiple interwoven brain circuits. Our understanding of mechanisms for producing social behavior has deepened in conjunction with advances in technologies for visualizing and manipulating specific neurons and, here, we consider emerging strategies to address brain circuit function in the context of integrative anatomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Y. Dickinson
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Diane A. Kelly
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie L. Padilla
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Joseph F. Bergan
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
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41
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Hudson AD, Kauffman AS. Metabolic actions of kisspeptin signaling: Effects on body weight, energy expenditure, and feeding. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 231:107974. [PMID: 34530008 PMCID: PMC8884343 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (encoded by the Kiss1 gene) and its receptor, KISS1R (encoded by the Kiss1r gene), have well-established roles in stimulating reproduction via central actions on reproductive neural circuits, but recent evidence suggests that kisspeptin signaling also influences metabolism and energy balance. Indeed, both Kiss1 and Kiss1r are expressed in many metabolically-relevant peripheral tissues, including both white and brown adipose tissue, the liver, and the pancreas, suggesting possible actions on these tissues or involvement in their physiology. In addition, there may be central actions of kisspeptin signaling, or factors co-released from kisspeptin neurons, that modulate metabolic, feeding, or thermoregulatory processes. Accumulating data from animal models suggests that kisspeptin signaling regulates a wide variety of metabolic parameters, including body weight and energy expenditure, adiposity and adipose tissue function, food intake, glucose metabolism, respiratory rates, locomotor activity, and thermoregulation. Herein, the current evidence for the involvement of kisspeptin signaling in each of these physiological parameters is reviewed, gaps in knowledge identified, and future avenues of important research highlighted. Collectively, the discussed findings highlight emerging non-reproductive actions of kisspeptin signaling in metabolism and energy balance, in addition to previously documented roles in reproductive control, but also emphasize the need for more research to resolve current controversies and uncover underlying molecular and physiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Hudson
- Dept. of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Dept. of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States of America.
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42
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Chen X, Xiao Z, Cai Y, Huang L, Chen C. Hypothalamic mechanisms of obesity-associated disturbance of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:206-217. [PMID: 35063326 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ovulatory disorders are the most common clinical feature exhibited among obese women. Initiation of ovulation physiologically requires a surge of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) released from GnRH neurons located in the hypothalamus. These GnRH neurons receive metabolic signals from circulation and vicinal neurons to regulate GnRH release. Leptin acts indirectly on GnRH via adjacent leptin receptor (LEPR)-expressing neurons such as proopiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and neuronal nitric oxide (NO) synthase (nNOS) neurons to affect GnRH neuronal activities. Additionally, hypothalamic inflammation also affects ovulation independent of obesity. Therefore, this review focuses on hypothalamic mechanisms that underlie the disturbance of hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis during obesity with an attempt to promote future studies and/or novel therapeutic strategies for ovulatory disorders in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhuoni Xiao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuli Cai
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuchang District, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lili Huang
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Biomedical Science, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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Kavanagh GS, Tadi J, Balkenhol SM, Kauffman AS, Maloney SK, Smith JT. Kisspeptin impacts on circadian and ultradian rhythms of core body temperature: Evidence in kisspeptin receptor knockout and kisspeptin knockdown mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 542:111530. [PMID: 34896241 PMCID: PMC9907773 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin is vital for the regulation of both fertility and metabolism. Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) knockout (KO) mice exhibit increased adiposity and reduced energy expenditure in adulthood. Kiss1r mRNA is expressed in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and Kiss1r KO mice exhibit reduced Ucp1 mRNA in BAT and impaired thermogenesis. We hypothesised that mice with diminished kisspeptin signalling would exhibit reduced core body temperature (Tc) and altered dynamics of circadian and ultradian rhythms of Tc. Tc was recorded every 15-min over 14-days in gonadectomised wild-type (WT), Kiss1r KO, and also Kiss1-Cre (95% reduction in Kiss1 transcription) mice. Female Kiss1r KOs had higher adiposity and lower Ucp1 mRNA in BAT than WTs. No change was detected in Kiss1-Cre mice. Mean Tc during the dark phase was lower in female Kiss1r KOs versus WTs, but not Kiss1-Cre mice. Female Kiss1r KOs had a lower mesor and amplitude of the circadian rhythm of Tc than did WTs. In WT mice, there were more episodic ultradian events (EUEs) of Tc during the dark phase than the light phase, but this measure was similar between dark and light phases in Kiss1r KO and Kiss1-Cre mice. The amplitude of EUEs was higher in the dark phase in female Kiss1r KO and male Kiss1-Cre mice. Given the lack of clear metabolic phenotype in Kiss1-Cre mice, 5% of Kiss1 transcription may be sufficient for proper metabolic control, as was shown for fertility. Moreover, the observed alterations in Tc suggest that kisspeptin has a role in circadian and ultradian rhythm-driven pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia S Kavanagh
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Tadi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sydney M Balkenhol
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shane K Maloney
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
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Abstract
The role of central estrogen in cognitive, metabolic, and reproductive health has long fascinated the lay public and scientists alike. In the last two decades, insight into estrogen signaling in the brain and its impact on female physiology is beginning to catch up with the vast information already established for its actions on peripheral tissues. Using newer methods to manipulate estrogen signaling in hormone-sensitive brain regions, neuroscientists are now identifying the molecular pathways and neuronal subtypes required for controlling sex-dependent energy allocation. However, the immense cellular complexity of these hormone-sensitive brain regions makes it clear that more research is needed to fully appreciate how estrogen modulates neural circuits to regulate physiological and behavioral end points. Such insight is essential for understanding how natural or drug-induced hormone fluctuations across lifespan affect women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Ingraham
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mission Bay, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - Candice B Herber
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mission Bay, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
| | - William C Krause
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Mission Bay, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA;
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Rønnekleiv OK, Qiu J, Kelly MJ. Hypothalamic Kisspeptin Neurons and the Control of Homeostasis. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab253. [PMID: 34953135 PMCID: PMC8758343 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons provide indispensable excitatory transmission to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons for the coordinated release of gonadotropins, estrous cyclicity, and ovulation. But maintaining reproductive functions is metabolically demanding so there must be a coordination with multiple homeostatic functions, and it is apparent that Kiss1 neurons play that role. There are 2 distinct populations of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons, namely arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) neurons and anteroventral periventricular and periventricular nucleus (Kiss1AVPV/PeN) neurons in rodents, both of which excite GnRH neurons via kisspeptin release but are differentially regulated by ovarian steroids. Estradiol (E2) increases the expression of kisspeptin in Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons but decreases its expression in Kiss1ARH neurons. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons coexpress glutamate and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons coexpress gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), both of which are upregulated by E2 in females. Also, Kiss1ARH neurons express critical metabolic hormone receptors, and these neurons are excited by insulin and leptin during the fed state. Moreover, Kiss1ARH neurons project to and excite the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons but inhibit the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related peptide neurons, highlighting their role in regulating feeding behavior. Kiss1ARH and Kiss1AVPV/PeN neurons also project to the preautonomic paraventricular nucleus (satiety) neurons and the dorsomedial nucleus (energy expenditure) neurons to differentially regulate their function via glutamate and GABA release, respectively. Therefore, this review will address not only how Kiss1 neurons govern GnRH release, but how they control other homeostatic functions through their peptidergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic connections, providing further evidence that Kiss1 neurons are the key neurons coordinating energy states with reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oline K Rønnekleiv
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jian Qiu
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Martin J Kelly
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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46
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Inverse age-related changes between hypothalamic NPY and KISS1 gene expression during pubertal initiation in male rhesus monkey. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100599. [PMID: 35033902 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine mechanism underlying the sinusoidal wave nature of gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator activity from infantile to adult age still needs to be meticulously defined. Direct inhibition of kisspeptin neurons by neuropeptide Y (NPY) and close intimacy between the two rekindle the importance of these two neuropeptides controlling reproductive axis activity. Thus, the present study was undertaken to decipher simultaneous fluctuations and to profile correlative changes in the relative expression of KISS1, NPY, and their receptor genes from the mediobasal hypothalamus of infant (n = 3), juvenile, pre-pubertal, and adult (n = 4 in each stage) male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) by RT-qPCR. Significant elevation (p < 0.05-0.01) in KISS1 and KISS1R and low (p < 0.05) expression in NPY and NPY1R mRNA in the adult group as compared to the pre-pubertal group was observed. Moreover, significantly high (p < 0.05) expression of NPY and NPY1R mRNA with non-significant (p> 0.05) decline in KISS1 and KISS1R in pre-pubertal animals in comparison to infants describe inverse correlative age-associated changes during pubertal development. Current findings imply that NPY may contribute as a neurobiological brake for the dormancy of kisspeptin neurons before pubertal onset, while dwindling of this brake is likely to occasion kisspeptin dependent hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation at puberty. These findings may help in the development of clinical and therapeutic strategies to regulate fertility in humans.
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Iwasa T, Yamamoto Y, Noguchi H, Takeda A, Minato S, Kamada S, Imaizumi J, Kagawa T, Yoshida A, Kawakita T, Yoshida K. Neuroendocrine mechanisms of reproductive dysfunctions in undernourished condition. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2022; 48:568-575. [PMID: 34979587 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that undernourished conditions disturb female reproductive functions in many species, including humans. These alterations are mainly caused by a reduction in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus. Evidence from the literature suggests that some hypothalamic factors play pivotal roles in the coordination of reproductive functions and energy homeostasis in response to environmental cues and internal nutritional status. Generally, anorexigenic/satiety-related factors, such as leptin, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and proopiomelanocortin, promote GnRH secretion, whereas orexigenic factors, such as neuropeptide Y, agouti-related protein, orexin, and ghrelin, attenuate GnRH secretion. Conversely, gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone, which exerts anti-GnRH and gonadotrophic effects, promotes feeding behavior in many species. In addition, the activity of kisspeptin, which is a potent stimulator of GnRH, is reduced by undernourished conditions. Under normal nutritional conditions, these factors are coordinated to maintain both feeding behavior and reproductive functions. However, in undernourished conditions their activity levels are markedly altered to promote feeding behavior and temporarily suppress reproductive functions, in order to prioritize the survival of the individual over that of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Junki Imaizumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Kagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takako Kawakita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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Stevenson H, Bartram S, Charalambides MM, Murthy S, Petitt T, Pradeep A, Vineall O, Abaraonye I, Lancaster A, Koysombat K, Patel B, Abbara A. Kisspeptin-neuron control of LH pulsatility and ovulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:951938. [PMID: 36479214 PMCID: PMC9721495 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.951938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Feedback from oestradiol (E2) plays a critical role in the regulation of major events in the physiological menstrual cycle including the release of gonadotrophins to stimulate follicular growth, and the mid-cycle luteinising hormone (LH) surge that leads to ovulation. E2 predominantly exerts its action via oestrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), however, as gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons lack ERα, E2-feedback is posited to be indirectly mediated via upstream neurons. Kisspeptin (KP) is a neuropeptide expressed in hypothalamic KP-neurons that control GnRH secretion and plays a key role in the central mechanism regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. In the rodent arcuate (ARC) nucleus, KP is co-expressed with Neurokinin B and Dynorphin; and thus, these neurons are termed 'Kisspeptin-Neurokinin B-Dynorphin' (KNDy) neurons. ARC KP-neurons function as the 'GnRH pulse generator' to regulate GnRH pulsatility, as well as mediating negative feedback from E2. A second KP neuronal population is present in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V), which includes anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus and preoptic area neurons. These RP3V KP-neurons mediate positive feedback to induce the mid-cycle luteinising hormone (LH) surge and subsequent ovulation. Here, we describe the role of KP-neurons in these two regions in mediating this differential feedback from oestrogens. We conclude by considering reproductive diseases for which exploitation of these mechanisms could yield future therapies.
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Iwasa T, Minato S, Imaizumi J, Yoshida A, Kawakita T, Yoshida K, Yamamoto Y. Effects of low energy availability on female reproductive function. Reprod Med Biol 2021; 21:e12414. [PMID: 34934398 PMCID: PMC8656184 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is known that metabolic and nutritional disturbances induce reproductive dysfunction in females. The main cause of these alterations is reduced gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the hypothalamus, and the underlying mechanisms have gradually been elucidated. Methods The present review summarizes current knowledge about the effects of nutrition/metabolism on reproductive functions, especially focusing on the GnRH regulation system. Main findings Various central and peripheral factors are involved in the regulation of GnRH secretion, and alterations in their activity combine to affect GnRH neurons. Satiety‐related factors, i.e., leptin, insulin, and alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone, directly and indirectly stimulate GnRH secretion, whereas orexigenic factors, i.e., neuropeptide Y, Agouti‐related protein, orexin, and ghrelin, attenuate GnRH secretion. In addition, kisspeptin, which is a potent positive regulator of GnRH, expression is reduced by metabolic and nutritional disturbances. Conclusion These neuroendocrine systems may be defensive mechanisms, which help organisms to survive adverse conditions by temporarily suppressing reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Junki Imaizumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Atsuko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Takako Kawakita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Tokushima University Tokushima Japan
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50
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Extrahypothalamic Control of Energy Balance and Its Connection with Reproduction: Roles of the Amygdala. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11120837. [PMID: 34940594 PMCID: PMC8708157 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11120837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Body energy and metabolic homeostasis are exquisitely controlled by multiple, often overlapping regulatory mechanisms, which permit the tight adjustment between fuel reserves, internal needs, and environmental (e.g., nutritional) conditions. As such, this function is sensitive to and closely connected with other relevant bodily systems, including reproduction and gonadal function. The aim of this mini-review article is to summarize the most salient experimental data supporting a role of the amygdala as a key brain region for emotional learning and behavior, including reward processing, in the physiological control of feeding and energy balance. In particular, a major focus will be placed on the putative interplay between reproductive signals and amygdala pathways, as it pertains to the control of metabolism, as complementary, extrahypothalamic circuit for the integral control of energy balance and gonadal function.
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