1
|
Cripps SM, Marshall SA, Mattiske DM, Ingham RY, Pask AJ. Estrogenic endocrine disruptor exposure directly impacts erectile function. Commun Biol 2024; 7:403. [PMID: 38565966 PMCID: PMC10987563 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an extremely prevalent condition which significantly impacts quality of life. The rapid increase of ED in recent decades suggests the existence of unidentified environmental risk factors contributing to this condition. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are one likely candidate, given that development and function of the erectile tissues are hormonally dependent. We use the estrogenic-EDC diethylstilbestrol (DES) to model how widespread estrogenic-EDC exposure may impact erectile function in humans. Here we show that male mice chronically exposed to DES exhibit abnormal contractility of the erectile tissue, indicative of ED. The treatment did not affect systemic testosterone production yet significantly increased estrogen receptor α (Esr1) expression in the primary erectile tissue, suggesting EDCs directly impact erectile function. In response, we isolated the erectile tissue from mice and briefly incubated them with the estrogenic-EDCs DES or genistein (a phytoestrogen). These acute-direct exposures similarly caused a significant reduction in erectile tissue contractility, again indicative of ED. Overall, these findings demonstrate a direct link between estrogenic EDCs and erectile dysfunction and show that both chronic and acute estrogenic exposures are likely risk factors for this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Cripps
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- The Ritchie Centre, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deidre M Mattiske
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Y Ingham
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew J Pask
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yato TO, Motokawa M. Comparative Morphology of the Male Genitalia of Japanese Muroidea Species. MAMMAL STUDY 2021. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2020-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi O. Yato
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Masaharu Motokawa
- The Kyoto University Museum, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thomas PJ, Newell EE, Eccles K, Holloway AC, Idowu I, Xia Z, Hassan E, Tomy G, Quenneville C. Co-exposures to trace elements and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) impacts North American river otter (Lontra canadensis) baculum. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 265:128920. [PMID: 33213878 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Environmental loadings of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and trace elements are increasing in areas with marked oil and gas extraction, such as in the Athabasca oil sands region, Alberta, Canada. Some of these chemicals are recognized as potent endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). The impacts of co-exposure to PACs and metals on free-ranging wildlife is of considerable concern. River otters (Lontra canadensis) are sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health. The baculum (penile bone) is an important part of the reproductive system in otters that ensures successful copulation. Although baculum health is critical to male reproductive success and is sensitive to exposure to EDCs, there is no information available regarding the impact of PAC and metal exposures on measures of baculum health. River otter baculum and livers were dissected from carcasses obtained from the fur trade. Trace element and PAC analyses were carried out in liver with matching baculums subjected to dimensional analysis, bone mineral density (BMD) and mechanical loading testing. Trace elements and select PACs exhibited both protective and deleterious effects on baculum bone health metrics. Alkylated four ring PACs were negatively associated with baculum bone material properties (ex: C4-Chrysene and C4-pyrene). The same compounds have been shown to exhibit strong anti-androgenic activities. Few comparable studies exist related to contamination and adverse effects of PACs in wild terrestrial mammals. Baculum health metrics may be an important tool to include in biomonitoring studies as to date, there are limited means to assess male reproductive performance in wildlife biomonitoring programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philippe J Thomas
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, National Wildlife Research Center, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0H3.
| | - Emily E Newell
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Kristin Eccles
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada, L5L 1C6
| | - Alison C Holloway
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ifeoluwa Idowu
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Zhe Xia
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Hassan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - Gregg Tomy
- Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, 584 Parker Building, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Cheryl Quenneville
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8; School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nasoori A. Formation, structure, and function of extra-skeletal bones in mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:986-1019. [PMID: 32338826 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the formation, structure, and function of bony compartments in antlers, horns, ossicones, osteoderm and the os penis/os clitoris (collectively referred to herein as AHOOO structures) in extant mammals. AHOOOs are extra-skeletal bones that originate from subcutaneous (dermal) tissues in a wide variety of mammals, and this review elaborates on the co-development of the bone and skin in these structures. During foetal stages, primordial cells for the bony compartments arise in subcutaneous tissues. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is assumed to play a key role in the differentiation of bone, cartilage, skin and other tissues in AHOOO structures. AHOOO ossification takes place after skeletal bone formation, and may depend on sexual maturity. Skin keratinization occurs in tandem with ossification and may be under the control of androgens. Both endochondral and intramembranous ossification participate in bony compartment formation. There is variation in gradients of density in different AHOOO structures. These gradients, which vary according to function and species, primarily reduce mechanical stress. Anchorage of AHOOOs to their surrounding tissues fortifies these structures and is accomplished by bone-bone fusion and Sharpey fibres. The presence of the integument is essential for the protection and function of the bony compartments. Three major functions can be attributed to AHOOOs: mechanical, visual, and thermoregulatory. This review provides the first extensive comparative description of the skeletal and integumentary systems of AHOOOs in a variety of mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Nasoori
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fuse M, Sawada K. Morphological development of baculum and forelimb second-to-fourth digit ratio in mice. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2019; 59:24-25. [PMID: 29665137 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minami Fuse
- Department of Nutrition, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
André GI, Firman RC, Simmons LW. Phenotypic plasticity in genitalia: baculum shape responds to sperm competition risk in house mice. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20181086. [PMID: 30051823 PMCID: PMC6053933 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Males are known to adjust their expenditure on testes growth and sperm production in response to sperm competition risk. Genital morphology can also contribute to competitive fertilization success but whether male genital morphology can respond plastically to the sperm competition environment has received little attention. Here, we exposed male house mice to two different sperm competition environments during their sexual development and quantified phenotypic plasticity in baculum morphology. The sperm competition environment generated plasticity in body growth. Males maturing under sperm competition risk were larger and heavier than males maturing under no sperm competition risk. We used a landmark-based geometric morphometric approach to measure baculum size and shape. Independent of variation in body size, males maintained under risk of sperm competition had a relatively thicker and more distally extended baculum bulb compared with males maintained under no sperm competition risk. Plasticity in baculum shape paralleled evolutionary responses to selection from sperm competition reported in previous studies of house mice. Our findings provide experimental evidence of socially mediated phenotypic plasticity in male genitalia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo I André
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Renée C Firman
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| | - Leigh W Simmons
- Centre for Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences (M092), The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Comelis MT, Bueno LM, Góes RM, Taboga S, Morielle-Versute E. Morphological and histological characters of penile organization in eleven species of molossid bats. ZOOLOGY 2018; 127:70-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
8
|
Cunha GR, Sinclair A, Risbridger G, Hutson J, Baskin LS. Current understanding of hypospadias: relevance of animal models. Nat Rev Urol 2015; 12:271-80. [DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2015.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
9
|
Persson S, Magnusson U. Environmental pollutants and alterations in the reproductive system in wild male mink (Neovison vison) from Sweden. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 120:237-45. [PMID: 25103085 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The wild American mink, a semi-aquatic top predator, is exposed to high levels of environmental pollutants that may affect its reproductive system. In this study, the reproductive organs from 101 wild male mink collected in Sweden were examined during necropsy. Potential associations between various variables of the reproductive system and fat concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and other organochlorine pesticides and liver concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were investigated using multiple regression models. The anogenital distance was negatively associated (p<0.05) with concentration of p,p'-DDE and some PFAAs (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and ∑PFAA). Penis length was positively associated with PCB 28, PCB 47/48, PCB 52 and PCB 110 (p<0.05), and some of these congeners were also associated with baculum length and penis weight. In contrast, penile length tended (p<0.1) to be shorter in mink with high concentrations of p,p'-DDE. These data may help to improve the understanding of how environmental pollution affects male reproduction in both wildlife and humans. Overall, the study suggests endocrine disrupting effects in wild mink and identifies potentially important pollutants in the complex mixture of contaminants in the environment. In addition, the results suggest that the variables of the reproductive system of male mink used in this study are good candidates for use as indicators of environmental pollution affecting the mammalian reproductive system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cohen SP, LaChappelle AR, Walker BS, Lassiter CS. Modulation of estrogen causes disruption of craniofacial chondrogenesis in Danio rerio. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 152:113-120. [PMID: 24747083 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2014.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen is a steroid hormone that is ubiquitous in vertebrates, but its role in cartilage formation has not been extensively studied. Abnormalities of craniofacial cartilage and bone account for a large portion of birth defects in the United States. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been used as models of human disease, and their transparency in the embryonic period affords additional advantages in studying craniofacial development. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with 17-β estradiol (E2) or with an aromatase inhibitor and observed for defects in craniofacial cartilage. Concentrations of E2 greater than 2μM caused major disruptions in cartilage formation. Concentrations below 2μM caused subtle changed in cartilage morphology that were only revealed by measurement. The angles formed by cartilage elements in fish treated with 1.5 and 2μM E2 were increasingly wide, while the length of the primary anterior-posterior cartilage element in these fish decreased significantly from controls. These treatments resulted in fish with shorter, flatter faces as estrogen concentration increased. Inhibition of aromatase activity also resulted in similar craniofacial disruption indicating that careful control of estrogen signaling is required for appropriate development. Further investigation of the phenomena described in this study could lead to a better understanding of the etiology of craniofacial birth defects and endocrine disruption of cartilage formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah P Cohen
- Department of Biology, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153, USA
| | - Adam R LaChappelle
- Department of Biology, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153, USA
| | - Benjamin S Walker
- Department of Biology, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blaschko SD, Mahawong P, Ferretti M, Cunha TJ, Sinclair A, Wang H, Schlomer BJ, Risbridger G, Baskin LS, Cunha GR. Analysis of the effect of estrogen/androgen perturbation on penile development in transgenic and diethylstilbestrol-treated mice. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2013; 296:1127-41. [PMID: 23653160 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Because both androgens and estrogens have been implicated in penile morphogenesis, we evaluated penile morphology in transgenic mice with known imbalance of androgen and estrogen signaling using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histology, and immunohistochemistry of androgen and estrogen receptors α/β. Penises of adult wild-type, estrogen receptor-α knockout (αERKO), estrogen receptor-β knockout (βERKO), aromatase knockout (Arom-KO), and aromatase overexpression (Arom+) mice were evaluated, as well as adult mice treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) from birth to day 10. Adult penises were examined because the adult pattern is the endpoint of development. The urethral orifice is formed by fusion of the MUMP (male urogenital mating protuberance) with the MUMP ridge, which consists of several processes fused to each other and to the MUMP. Similarly, the internal prepuce is completed ventrally by fusion of a ventral cleft. In adult murine penises the stromal processes that form the MUMP ridge are separated from their neighbors by clefts. αERKO, βERKO, and Arom-KO mice have penises with a MUMP ridge clefting pattern similar to that of wild-type mice. In contrast, Arom+ mice and neonatally DES-treated mice exhibit profound malformations of the MUMP, MUMP ridge clefting pattern, and internal prepuce. Abnormalities observed in Arom+ and neonatally DES-treated mice correlate with the expression of estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ) in the affected structures. This study demonstrates that formation of the urethal orifice and internal prepuce is due to fusion of separate epithelial-surfaced mesenchymal elements, a process dependent upon both androgen and estrogen signaling, in which ERβ signaling is strongly implicated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Blaschko
- Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, A610 San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rodriguez E, Weiss DA, Ferretti M, Wang H, Menshenia J, Risbridger G, Handelsman D, Cunha G, Baskin L. Specific morphogenetic events in mouse external genitalia sex differentiation are responsive/dependent upon androgens and/or estrogens. Differentiation 2012; 84:269-79. [PMID: 22925506 PMCID: PMC3715656 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to perform a comprehensive morphologic analysis of developing mouse external genitalia (ExG) and to determine specific sexual differentiation features that are responsive to androgens or estrogens. To eliminate sex steroid signaling postnatally, male and female mice were gonadectomized on the day of birth, and then injected intraperitoneally every other day with DES (200 ng/g), DHT (1 μg/g), or oil. On day-10 postnatal male and female ExG were dissected, fixed, embedded, serially sectioned and analyzed. We identified 10 sexually dimorphic anatomical features indicative of normal penile and clitoral differentiation in intact mice. Several (but not all) penile features were impaired or abolished as a result of neonatal castration. Those penile features remaining after neonatal castration were completely abolished with attendant clitoral development in androgen receptor (AR) mutant male mice (X(Tfm)/Y and X/Y AR-null) in which AR signaling is absent both pre- and postnatally. Administration of DHT to neonatally castrated males restored development of all 10 masculine features to almost normal levels. Neonatal ovariectomy of female mice had little effect on clitoral development, whereas treatment of ovariectomized female mice with DHT induced partial masculinization of the clitoris. Administration of DES to neonatally gonadectomized male and female mice elicited a spectrum of development abnormalities. These studies demonstrate that the presence or absence of androgen prenatally specifies penile versus clitoral identity. Differentiated penile features emerge postnatally and are sensitive to and dependent upon prenatal or pre- and postnatal androgen. Emergence of differentiated clitoral features occurs postnatally in either intact or ovariectomized females. It is likely that each penile and clitoral feature has a unique time-course of hormonal dependency/sensitivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esequiel Rodriguez
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Dana A. Weiss
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Max Ferretti
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton Campus, Building 76 Level 3, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Julia Menshenia
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Gail Risbridger
- Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Monash University Clayton Campus, Building 76 Level 3, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - David Handelsman
- ANZAC Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Gerald Cunha
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qiao L, Rodriguez E, Weiss DA, Ferretti M, Risbridger G, Cunha GR, Baskin LS. Expression of estrogen receptor alpha and beta is decreased in hypospadias. J Urol 2012; 187:1427-33. [PMID: 22341273 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Estrogenic endocrine disruptors acting via estrogen receptors α and β have been implicated in the etiology of hypospadias. However, the expression and distribution of estrogen receptors α and β in normal and hypospadiac human foreskins is unknown. We characterized the location and expression of estrogen receptors α and β in normal and hypospadiac foreskins. MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively collected excess foreskin from 35 patients undergoing hypospadias repair and 15 patients undergoing elective circumcision. Hypospadias was classified as severe in 18 patients and mild in 17 based on the ectopic position of the meatus. mRNA expression levels in estrogen receptors α and β were quantified using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Receptor location was characterized by immunohistochemical analysis. Additionally immunohistochemical analysis was performed in 4 archived human fetal penises. RESULTS Mean ± SD ages were similar for the circumcision (9.5±3 months) and hypospadias repair groups (9±3 months, p=0.75). mRNA expression levels in estrogen receptors α and β were significantly decreased in hypospadiac foreskin cases compared to controls (p<0.001), while no statistically significant differences were seen between foreskins with severe and mild hypospadias. Estrogen receptor β immunostaining was strong in normal foreskin but weak in hypospadiac foreskin. Estrogen receptor β immunoreactivity was most intense in the stratum basale and stratum spinosum. Estrogen receptor α immunostaining was weak in normal and mild hypospadias foreskin, and undetectable in severe hypospadias. Fetal penises expressed strong estrogen receptor β immunopositivity in the urethral plate epithelium, corpus spongiosum, corpora cavernosa and penile skin, while estrogen receptor α immunostaining was not detected. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate a difference in estrogen receptor α and β expression and location in the foreskin of patients with hypospadias compared to controls. These findings are consistent with aberrant estrogenic effects having a role in the etiology of hypospadias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Qiao
- Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California, San Francisco Children's Hospital, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|