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Pilsova A, Pilsova Z, Klusackova B, Zelenkova N, Chmelikova E, Postlerova P, Sedmikova M. Hydrogen sulfide and its role in female reproduction. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1378435. [PMID: 38933705 PMCID: PMC11202402 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1378435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous signaling molecule produced in the body by three enzymes: cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). H2S is crucial in various physiological processes associated with female mammalian reproduction. These include estrus cycle, oocyte maturation, oocyte aging, ovulation, embryo transport and early embryo development, the development of the placenta and fetal membranes, pregnancy, and the initiation of labor. Despite the confirmed presence of H2S-producing enzymes in all female reproductive tissues, as described in this review, the exact mechanisms of H2S action in these tissues remain in most cases unclear. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the knowledge about the presence and effects of H2S in these tissues and outline possible signaling pathways that mediate these effects. Understanding these pathways may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies in the field of women's health and perinatal medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Pilsova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Panagaki T, Janickova L, Petrovic D, Zuhra K, Ditrói T, Jurányi EP, Bremer O, Ascenção K, Philipp TM, Nagy P, Filipovic MR, Szabo C. Neurobehavioral dysfunction in a mouse model of Down syndrome: upregulation of cystathionine β-synthase, H 2S overproduction, altered protein persulfidation, synaptic dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01146-8. [PMID: 38558215 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01146-8] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition where the person is born with an extra chromosome 21. DS is associated with accelerated aging; people with DS are prone to age-related neurological conditions including an early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Using the Dp(17)3Yey/ + mice, which overexpresses a portion of mouse chromosome 17, which encodes for the transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), we investigated the functional role of the CBS/hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pathway in the pathogenesis of neurobehavioral dysfunction in DS. The data demonstrate that CBS is higher in the brain of the DS mice than in the brain of wild-type mice, with primary localization in astrocytes. DS mice exhibited impaired recognition memory and spatial learning, loss of synaptosomal function, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy. Treatment of mice with aminooxyacetate, a prototypical CBS inhibitor, improved neurobehavioral function, reduced the degree of reactive gliosis in the DS brain, increased the ability of the synaptosomes to generate ATP, and reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress. H2S levels in the brain of DS mice were higher than in wild-type mice, but, unexpectedly, protein persulfidation was decreased. Many of the above alterations were more pronounced in the female DS mice. There was a significant dysregulation of metabolism in the brain of DS mice, which affected amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, endocannabinoid, and nucleotide metabolites; some of these alterations were reversed by treatment of the mice with the CBS inhibitor. Thus, the CBS/H2S pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of neurological dysfunction in DS in the current animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodora Panagaki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Janickova
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Dunja Petrovic
- Leibniz-Institut Für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-E.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Tamás Ditrói
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Eszter P Jurányi
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Semmelweis University, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Olivier Bremer
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Kelly Ascenção
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Thilo M Philipp
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Péter Nagy
- Department of Molecular Immunology and Toxicology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, HUN-REN-UVMB Laboratory of Redox Biology Research Group, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- Chemistry Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Milos R Filipovic
- Leibniz-Institut Für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-E.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Bai J, Li Y, Yan G, Zhou J, Salmeron AG, Fategbe OT, Kumar S, Chen X, Chen DB. ICI 182,780 Attenuates Selective Upregulation of Uterine Artery Cystathionine β-Synthase Expression in Rat Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14384. [PMID: 37762687 PMCID: PMC10532247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814384] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Endogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) produced by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE) has emerged as a novel uterine vasodilator contributing to pregnancy-associated increases in uterine blood flow, which safeguard pregnancy health. Uterine artery (UA) H2S production is stimulated via exogenous estrogen replacement and is associated with elevated endogenous estrogens during pregnancy through the selective upregulation of CBS without altering CSE. However, how endogenous estrogens regulate uterine artery CBS expression in pregnancy is unknown. This study was conducted to test a hypothesis that endogenous estrogens selectively stimulate UA CBS expression via specific estrogen receptors (ER). Treatment with E2β (0.01 to 100 nM) stimulated CBS but not CSE mRNA in organ cultures of fresh UA rings from both NP and P (gestational day 20, GD20) rats, with greater responses to all doses of E2β tested in P vs. NP UA. ER antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI, 1 µM) completely attenuated E2β-stimulated CBS mRNA in both NP and P rat UA. Subcutaneous injection with ICI 182,780 (0.3 mg/rat) of GD19 P rats for 24 h significantly inhibited UA CBS but not mRNA expression, consistent with reduced endothelial and smooth muscle cell CBS (but not CSE) protein. ICI did not alter mesenteric and renal artery CBS and CSE mRNA. In addition, ICI decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA in UA but not in mesenteric or renal arteries. Thus, pregnancy-augmented UA CBS/H2S production is mediated by the actions of endogenous estrogens via specific ER in pregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Guofeng Yan
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Alejandra Garcia Salmeron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Olamide Tolulope Fategbe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Xuejin Chen
- Department of Laboratory Animal Sciences, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China; (Y.L.); (G.Y.); (J.Z.); (X.C.)
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (J.B.); (A.G.S.); (O.T.F.)
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Bai J, Jiao F, Salmeron AG, Xu S, Xian M, Huang L, Chen DB. Mapping Pregnancy-dependent Sulfhydrome Unfolds Diverse Functions of Protein Sulfhydration in Human Uterine Artery. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad107. [PMID: 37439247 PMCID: PMC10413431 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Uterine artery (UA) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production is augmented in pregnancy and, on stimulation by systemic/local vasodilators, contributes to pregnancy-dependent uterine vasodilation; however, how H2S exploits this role is largely unknown. S-sulfhydration converts free thiols to persulfides at reactive cysteine(s) on targeted proteins to affect the entire proteome posttranslationally, representing the main route for H2S to elicit its function. Here, we used Tag-Switch to quantify changes in sulfhydrated (SSH-) proteins (ie, sulfhydrome) in H2S-treated nonpregnant and pregnant human UA. We further used the low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling platform by which paired sulfhydromes were subjected to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based peptide sequencing to generate site (cysteine)-specific pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA sulfhydrome. Total levels of sulfhydrated proteins were significantly greater in pregnant vs nonpregnant human UA and further stimulated by treatment with sodium hydrosulfide. We identified a total of 360 and 1671 SSH-peptides from 480 and 1186 SSH-proteins in untreated and sodium hydrosulfide-treated human UA, respectively. Bioinformatics analyses identified pregnancy-dependent H2S-responsive human UA SSH peptides/proteins, which were categorized to various molecular functions, pathways, and biological processes, especially vascular smooth muscle contraction/relaxation. Pregnancy-dependent changes in these proteins were rectified by immunoblotting of the Tag-Switch labeled SSH proteins. Low-pH quantitative thiol reactivity profiling failed to identify low abundance SSH proteins such as KATP channels in human UA; however, immunoblotting of Tag-Switch-labeled SSH proteins identified pregnancy-dependent upregulation of SSH-KATP channels without altering their total proteins. Thus, comprehensive analyses of human UA sulfhydromes influenced by endogenous and exogenous H2S inform novel roles of protein sulfhydration in uterine hemodynamics regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Fenglong Jiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | - Shi Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Ming Xian
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Kucuk T, Horozal PE, Karakulak A, Timucin E, Dattilo M. Follicular homocysteine as a marker of oocyte quality in PCOS and the role of micronutrients. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02847-3. [PMID: 37300649 PMCID: PMC10371946 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02847-3] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Does follicular homocysteine predict the reproductive potential of oocytes following FSH stimulation in PCOS women? Can it be modulated by dietary interventions? METHODS This was a prospective, randomized, interventional clinical study. Forty-eight PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization at a private fertility clinic were randomized for a dietary supplementation providing micronutrients involved in homocysteine clearance or no treatment. The supplement was assumed 2 months before stimulation until pick-up day. Monofollicular fluids were collected and frozen. After embryo transfer, the fluids from the follicles generating the transferred embryos were thawed and analyzed. RESULTS Follicular homocysteine showed a negative correlation with clinical pregnancy both in the whole population (r = - 0.298; p = 0.041) and in controls (r = - 0.447, p = 0.053). The support achieved a non-significantly lower concentration of follicular homocysteine (median [IQR]-7.6 [13.2] vs 24.3 [22.9]). Supplemented patients required far less FSH for stimulation (1650 [325] vs 2250 [337], p = 0.00002) with no differences in the number of oocytes collected, MII rate, and fertilization rate. Supplemented patients enjoyed higher blastocyst rate (55% [20.5] vs 32% [16.5]; p = 0.0009) and a trend for improved implantation rate (64% vs 32%; p = 0.0606). Clinical pregnancy rates were 58% vs 33% in controls (p = ns). CONCLUSION Follicular homocysteine is a suitable reporter that might be investigated as a tool for oocyte-embryo selection. A diet enriched with methyl donors may be useful in PCOS and supplements may also help. These findings may be also true for non-PCOS women, which warrants investigation. The study was approved by the Acibadem University Research Ethics Committee (2017-3-42). Clinical trial retrospective registration number ISRCTN55983518.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tansu Kucuk
- Acibadem Fulya Hospital IVF Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | - Emel Timucin
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Ascenção K, Szabo C. Emerging roles of cystathionine β-synthase in various forms of cancer. Redox Biol 2022; 53:102331. [PMID: 35618601 PMCID: PMC9168780 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of the reverse transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) is markedly increased in many forms of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, lung, breast and kidney, while in other cancers (liver cancer and glioma) it becomes downregulated. According to the clinical database data in high-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. colon or ovarian cancer), high CBS expression typically predicts lower survival, while in the low-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. liver cancer), low CBS expression is associated with lower survival. In the high-CBS expressing tumor cells, CBS, and its product hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as a bioenergetic, proliferative, cytoprotective and stemness factor; it also supports angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the cancer microenvironment. The current article reviews the various tumor-cell-supporting roles of the CBS/H2S axis in high-CBS expressor cancers and overviews the anticancer effects of CBS silencing and pharmacological CBS inhibition in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo; it also outlines potential approaches for biomarker identification, to support future targeted cancer therapies based on pharmacological CBS inhibition.
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Cirino G, Szabo C, Papapetropoulos A. Physiological roles of hydrogen sulfide in mammalian cells, tissues and organs. Physiol Rev 2022; 103:31-276. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
H2S belongs to the class of molecules known as gasotransmitters, which also includes nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Three enzymes are recognized as endogenous sources of H2S in various cells and tissues: cystathionine g-lyase (CSE), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). The current article reviews the regulation of these enzymes as well as the pathways of their enzymatic and non-enzymatic degradation and elimination. The multiple interactions of H2S with other labile endogenous molecules (e.g. NO) and reactive oxygen species are also outlined. The various biological targets and signaling pathways are discussed, with special reference to H2S and oxidative posttranscriptional modification of proteins, the effect of H2S on channels and intracellular second messenger pathways, the regulation of gene transcription and translation and the regulation of cellular bioenergetics and metabolism. The pharmacological and molecular tools currently available to study H2S physiology are also reviewed, including their utility and limitations. In subsequent sections, the role of H2S in the regulation of various physiological and cellular functions is reviewed. The physiological role of H2S in various cell types and organ systems are overviewed. Finally, the role of H2S in the regulation of various organ functions is discussed as well as the characteristic bell-shaped biphasic effects of H2S. In addition, key pathophysiological aspects, debated areas, and future research and translational areas are identified A wide array of significant roles of H2S in the physiological regulation of all organ functions emerges from this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Cirino
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papapetropoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece & Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Greece
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Estrogen-Induced Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy and Preeclampsia. MATERNAL-FETAL MEDICINE 2022; 4:52-60. [PMID: 35072088 PMCID: PMC8772435 DOI: 10.1097/fm9.0000000000000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with dramatically increased estrogen biosynthesis whose role is believed to raise uterine blood flow to facilitate the bi-directional maternal-fetal exchanges of gases (O2 and CO2), to deliver nutrients, and exhaust wastes to support fetal development and survival. Constrained uterine blood flow in pregnancy is a leading cause of preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction, rendering investigations of uterine hemodynamics to hold a high promise to inform pathways as targets for therapeutic interventions for preeclampsia. The mechanisms of estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy have long been attributed to enhanced endothelium production of nitric oxide, but clinical trials targeting this pathway that dominates uterine hemodynamics have achieved no to little success. Emerging evidence has recently shown a novel proangiogenic vasodilatory role of hydrogen sulfide in regulating uterine hemodynamics in pregnancy and preeclampsia, provoking a new field of perinatal research in searching for alternative pathways for pregnancy disorders especially preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. This minireview is intended to summarize the nitric oxide pathway and to discuss the emerging hydrogen sulfide pathway in modulating estrogen-induced uterine vasodilation in pregnancy and preeclampsia.
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Uteroplacental Circulation in Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia: Functional Adaptation and Maladaptation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168622. [PMID: 34445328 PMCID: PMC8395300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uteroplacental blood flow increases as pregnancy advances. Adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen carried by uteroplacental blood flow is essential for the well-being of the mother and growth/development of the fetus. The uteroplacental hemodynamic change is accomplished primarily through uterine vascular adaptation, involving hormonal regulation of myogenic tone, vasoreactivity, release of vasoactive factors and others, in addition to the remodeling of spiral arteries. In preeclampsia, hormonal and angiogenic imbalance, proinflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies cause dysfunction of both endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells of the uteroplacental vasculature. Consequently, the vascular dysfunction leads to increased vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the uteroplacental circulation. In this article, the (mal)adaptation of uteroplacental vascular function in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia and underlying mechanisms are reviewed.
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Yan Q, Mao Z, Hong J, Gao K, Niimi M, Mitsui T, Yao J. Tanshinone IIA Stimulates Cystathionine γ-Lyase Expression and Protects Endothelial Cells from Oxidative Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1007. [PMID: 34201701 PMCID: PMC8300834 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), an active ingredient of Danshen, is a well-used drug to treat cardiovascular diseases. Currently, the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Given that many actions of Tan IIA could be similarly achieved by hydrogen sulfide (H2S), we speculated that Tan IIA might work through the induction of endogenous H2S. This study was to test this hypothesis. Exposure to endothelial cells to Tan IIA elevated H2S-synthesizing enzyme cystathionine γ-Lyase (CSE), associated with an increased level of endogenous H2S and free thiol activity. Further analysis revealed that this effect of Tan IIA was mediated by an estrogen receptor (ER) and cAMP signaling pathway. It stimulated VASP and CREB phosphorylation. Inhibition of ER or PKA abolished the CSE-elevating effect, whereas activation of ER or PKA mimicked the effect of Tan IIA. In an oxidative endothelial cell injury model, Tan IIA potently attenuated oxidative stress and inhibited cell death. In support of a role of endogenous H2S, inhibition of CSE aggerated oxidative cell injury. On the contrary, supplement of H2S attenuated cell injury. Collectively, our study characterized endogenous H2S as a novel mediator underlying the pharmacological actions of Tan IIA. Given the multifaceted functions of H2S, the H2S-stimulating property of Tan IIA could be exploited for treating many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaojing Yan
- Division of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Q.Y.); (Z.M.); (J.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Zhimin Mao
- Division of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Q.Y.); (Z.M.); (J.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Jingru Hong
- Division of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Q.Y.); (Z.M.); (J.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Kun Gao
- Division of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Q.Y.); (Z.M.); (J.H.); (K.G.)
| | - Manabu Niimi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan;
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan;
| | - Jian Yao
- Division of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo 409-3898, Japan; (Q.Y.); (Z.M.); (J.H.); (K.G.)
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Chen H, Ma D, Zhang H, Tang Y, Wang J, Li R, Wen W, Zhang Y. Antinociceptive effects of oleuropein in experimental models of neuropathic pain in male rats. Korean J Pain 2021; 34:35-46. [PMID: 33380566 PMCID: PMC7783854 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2021.34.1.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The present investigation explored the therapeutic actions of oleuropein along with the possible signaling pathway involved in attenuating neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) and vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in male rats. Methods Four loose ligatures were placed around the sciatic nerve to induce CCI, and vincristine (50 μg/kg) was injected for 10 days to develop neuropathic pain. The development of cold allodynia, mechanical allodynia, and mechanical hyperalgesia was assessed using different pain-related behavioral tests. The levels of H2S, cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE), cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), orexin, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) were measured in the sciatic nerve. Results Treatment with oleuropein for 14 days led to significant amelioration of behavioral manifestations of neuropathic pain in two pain models. Moreover, oleuropein restored both CCI and vincristine-induced decreases in H2S, CSE, CBS, orexin, and Nrf2 levels. Co-administration of suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, significantly counteracted the pain-attenuating actions of oleuropein and Nrf2 levels without modulating H2S, CSE and CBS. Conclusions Oleuropein has therapeutic potential to attenuate the pain manifestations in CCI and vincristine-induced neuropathic pain, possibly by restoring the CSE, CBS, and H2S, which may subsequently increase the expression of orexin and Nrf2 to ameliorate behavioral manifestations of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Dandan Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Huapeng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yanhong Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hospital T.C.M Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Orbital Disease and Ophthalmoplasty, Department of Ophthalmological Hospital, The Second Hospital of Jilin, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Renhu Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Lechuga TJ, Qi QR, Magness RR, Chen DB. Ovine uterine artery hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis in vivo: effects of ovarian cycle and pregnancy†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1630-1636. [PMID: 30772913 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine vasodilation dramatically increases during the follicular phase of the estrous cycle and pregnancy, which are estrogen-dominant physiological states. Uterine vasodilation is believed to be mainly controlled by local uterine artery (UA) production of vasodilators and angiogenic factors. The extremely potent vasodilator and proangiogenic hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthesized via metabolizing L-cysteine by cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH). This study was designed to determine if UA H2S production increases with augmented expression and/or activity of CBS and/or CTH during the ovarian cycle and pregnancy in sheep. Uterine arteries from intact nonpregnant (NP) luteal and follicular phase and late (130-135 days, term ≈ 145 days) pregnant (P) ewes were collected; endothelium-enriched proteins (UAendo) and endothelium-denuded smooth muscle (UAvsm) were mechanically prepared for accessing CBS and CTH proteins by immunoblotting; their cellular localization was determined by semi-quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy. H2S production was measured by the methylene blue assay. Immunoblotting revealed that CBS but not CTH protein was greater in P > > > NP follicular > luteal UAendo and UAvsm (P < 0.001). H2S production was greater in P > > > NP UAendo and UAvsm (P < 0.01). Pregnancy-augmented UAendo and UAvsm H2S production was inhibited by the specific CBS but not CTH inhibitor. CBS and CTH proteins were localized to both endothelium and smooth muscle; however, only CBS protein was significantly greater in P vs NP UA endothelium and smooth muscle. Thus, ovine UA H2S production is significantly augmented via selectively upregulating endothelium and smooth muscle CBS during the follicular phase and pregnancy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Lechuga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ronald R Magness
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Dong-Bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Estrogen Receptors and Estrogen-Induced Uterine Vasodilation in Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124349. [PMID: 32570961 PMCID: PMC7352873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with dramatic increases in uterine blood flow to facilitate the bidirectional maternal–fetal exchanges of respiratory gases and to provide sole nutrient support for fetal growth and survival. The mechanism(s) underlying pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation remain incompletely understood, but this is associated with elevated estrogens, which stimulate specific estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent vasodilator production in the uterine artery (UA). The classical ERs (ERα and ERβ) and the plasma-bound G protein-coupled ER (GPR30/GPER) are expressed in UA endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, mediating the vasodilatory effects of estrogens through genomic and/or nongenomic pathways that are likely epigenetically modified. The activation of these three ERs by estrogens enhances the endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO), which has been shown to play a key role in uterine vasodilation during pregnancy. However, the local blockade of NO biosynthesis only partially attenuates estrogen-induced and pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation, suggesting that mechanisms other than NO exist to mediate uterine vasodilation. In this review, we summarize the literature on the role of NO in ER-mediated mechanisms controlling estrogen-induced and pregnancy-associated uterine vasodilation and our recent work on a “new” UA vasodilator hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that has dramatically changed our view of how estrogens regulate uterine vasodilation in pregnancy.
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Zuhra K, Augsburger F, Majtan T, Szabo C. Cystathionine-β-Synthase: Molecular Regulation and Pharmacological Inhibition. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E697. [PMID: 32365821 PMCID: PMC7277093 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), the first (and rate-limiting) enzyme in the transsulfuration pathway, is an important mammalian enzyme in health and disease. Its biochemical functions under physiological conditions include the metabolism of homocysteine (a cytotoxic molecule and cardiovascular risk factor) and the generation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gaseous biological mediator with multiple regulatory roles in the vascular, nervous, and immune system. CBS is up-regulated in several diseases, including Down syndrome and many forms of cancer; in these conditions, the preclinical data indicate that inhibition or inactivation of CBS exerts beneficial effects. This article overviews the current information on the expression, tissue distribution, physiological roles, and biochemistry of CBS, followed by a comprehensive overview of direct and indirect approaches to inhibit the enzyme. Among the small-molecule CBS inhibitors, the review highlights the specificity and selectivity problems related to many of the commonly used "CBS inhibitors" (e.g., aminooxyacetic acid) and provides a comprehensive review of their pharmacological actions under physiological conditions and in various disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1702 Fribourg, Switzerland; (K.Z.); (F.A.)
| | - Fiona Augsburger
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1702 Fribourg, Switzerland; (K.Z.); (F.A.)
| | - Tomas Majtan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Section of Medicine, University of Fribourg, 1702 Fribourg, Switzerland; (K.Z.); (F.A.)
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Brännström M, Dahm-Kähler P, Kvarnström N, Akouri R, Rova K, Olausson M, Groth K, Ekberg J, Enskog A, Sheikhi M, Mölne J, Bokström H. Live birth after robotic-assisted live donor uterus transplantation. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 99:1222-1229. [PMID: 32196630 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The proof-of-concept of uterus transplantation, as a treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility, came with the first live birth after uterus transplantation, which took place in Sweden in 2014. This was after a live donor procedure, with laparotomy in both donor and recipient. In our second, ongoing trial we introduced a robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery of the donor to develop minimal invasive surgery for this procedure. Here, we report the surgery and pregnancy behind the first live birth from that trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the present study, within a prospective observational study, a 62-year-old mother was the uterus donor and her 33-year-old daughter with uterine absence as part of the Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, was the recipient. Donor surgery was mainly done by robotic-assisted laparoscopy, involving dissections of the utero-vaginal fossa, arteries and ureters. The last part of surgery was by laparotomy. Recipient laparotomy included vascular anastomoses to the external iliac vessels. Data relating to in vitro fertilization, surgery, follow up, obstetrics and postnatal growth are presented. RESULTS Three in vitro fertilization cycles prior to transplantation gave 12 cryopreserved embryos. The surgical time of the donor in the robot was 360 minutes, according to protocol. The durations for robotic surgery for dissections of the utero-vaginal fossa, arteries and ureters were 30, 160 and 84 minutes, respectively. The remainder of donor surgery was by laparotomy. Recipient surgery included preparations of the vaginal vault, three end-to-side anastomoses (one arterial, two venous) on each side to the external iliacs and fixation of the uterus. Ten months after transplantation, one blastocyst was transferred and resulted in pregnancy, which proceeded uneventfully until elective cesarean section in week 36+1 . A healthy boy (Apgar 9-10-10) was delivered. Follow up of child has been uneventful for 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a live birth after use of robotic-assisted laparoscopy in uterus transplantation and is thereby a proof-of-concept of use of minimal invasive surgery in this new type of transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,STOCKHOLM IVF-EUGIN, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Dahm-Kähler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Niclas Kvarnström
- Department of Transplantation, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Randa Akouri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Michael Olausson
- Department of Transplantation, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Klaus Groth
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jana Ekberg
- Department of Transplantation, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Enskog
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Mölne
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Bokström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Whole-Genome Uterine Artery Transcriptome Profiling and Alternative Splicing Analysis in Rat Pregnancy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062079. [PMID: 32197362 PMCID: PMC7139363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the uterine artery (UA) undergoes extensive remodeling to permit a 20–40 fold increase in blood flow with associated changes in the expression of a multitude of genes. This study used next-gen RNA sequencing technology to identify pathways and genes potentially involved in arterial adaptations in pregnant rat UA (gestation day 20) compared with non-pregnant rat UA (diestrus). A total of 2245 genes were differentially expressed, with 1257 up-regulated and 970 down-regulated in pregnant UA. Gene clustering analysis revealed a unique cluster of suppressed genes implicated in calcium signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction in pregnant UA. Transcription factor binding site motif scanning identified C2H2 ZF, AP-2 and CxxC as likely factors functional on the promoters of down-regulated genes involved in calcium signaling and vascular smooth muscle contraction. In addition, 1686 genes exhibited alternative splicing that were mainly implicated in microtubule organization and smooth muscle contraction. Cross-comparison analysis identified novel genes that were both differentially expressed and alternatively spliced; these were involved in leukocyte and B cell biology and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, this first comprehensive study provides a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanism underlying gestational uterine arterial adaptations during pregnancy.
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Rengarajan A, Mauro AK, Boeldt DS. Maternal disease and gasotransmitters. Nitric Oxide 2020; 96:1-12. [PMID: 31911124 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The three known gasotransmitters, nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide are involved in key processes throughout pregnancy. Gasotransmitters are known to impact on smooth muscle tone, regulation of immune responses, and oxidative state of cells and their component molecules. Failure of the systems that tightly regulate gasotransmitter production and downstream effects are thought to contribute to common maternal diseases such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. Normal pregnancy-related changes in uterine blood flow depend heavily on gasotransmitter signaling. In preeclampsia, endothelial dysfunction is a major contributor to aberrant gasotransmitter signaling, resulting in hypertension after 20 weeks gestation. Maintenance of pregnancy to term also requires gasotransmitter-mediated uterine quiescence. As the appropriate signals for parturition occur, regulation of gasotransmitter signaling must work in concert with those endocrine signals in order for appropriate labor and delivery timing. Like preeclampsia, preterm birth may have origins in abnormal gasotransmitter signaling. We review the evidence for the involvement of gasotransmitters in preeclampsia and preterm birth, as well as mechanistic and molecular signaling targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Rengarajan
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Amanda K Mauro
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA
| | - Derek S Boeldt
- Perinatal Research Laboratories, Dept Ob/ Gyn, UW - Madison, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.
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