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Toriseva M, Björkgren I, Junnila A, Mehmood A, Mattsson J, Raimoranta I, Kim B, Laiho A, Nees M, Elo L, Poutanen M, Breton S, Sipilä P. RUNX transcription factors are essential in maintaining epididymal epithelial differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:183. [PMID: 38630262 PMCID: PMC11023966 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05211-5] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Apart from the androgen receptor, transcription factors (TFs) that are required for the development and formation of the different segments of the epididymis have remained unknown. We identified TF families expressed in the developing epididymides, of which many showed segment specificity. From these TFs, down-regulation of runt related transcription factors (RUNXs) 1 and 2 expression coincides with epithelial regression in Dicer1 cKO mice. Concomitant deletion of both Runx1 and Runx2 in a mouse epididymal epithelial cell line affected cell morphology, adhesion and mobility in vitro. Furthermore, lack of functional RUNXs severely disturbed the formation of 3D epididymal organoid-like structures. Transcriptomic analysis of the epididymal cell organoid-like structures indicated that RUNX1 and RUNX2 are involved in the regulation of MAPK signaling, NOTCH pathway activity, and EMT-related gene expression. This suggests that RUNXs are master regulators of several essential signaling pathways, and necessary for the maintenance of proper differentiation of the epididymal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervi Toriseva
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ida Björkgren
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arttu Junnila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Arfa Mehmood
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jesse Mattsson
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Inka Raimoranta
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Chungcheongnam-do, Yesan, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Asta Laiho
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Elo
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Division of Nephrology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Simches Research Center, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Research Center-CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Petra Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Lim S, Kwak M, Kang J, Cesaire M, Tang K, Robey RW, Frye WJE, Karim B, Butcher D, Lizak MJ, Dalmage M, Foster B, Nuechterlein N, Eberhart C, Cimino PJ, Gottesman MM, Jackson S. Ibrutinib disrupts blood-tumor barrier integrity and prolongs survival in rodent glioma model. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:56. [PMID: 38589905 PMCID: PMC11003129 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01763-6] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In malignant glioma, cytotoxic drugs are often inhibited from accessing the tumor site due to the blood-tumor barrier (BTB). Ibrutinib, FDA-approved lymphoma agent, inhibits Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) and has previously been shown to independently impair aortic endothelial adhesion and increase rodent glioma model survival in combination with cytotoxic therapy. Yet additional research is required to understand ibrutinib's effect on BTB function. In this study, we detail baseline BTK expression in glioma cells and its surrounding vasculature, then measure endothelial junctional expression/function changes with varied ibrutinib doses in vitro. Rat glioma cells and rodent glioma models were treated with ibrutinib alone (1-10 µM and 25 mg/kg) and in combination with doxil (10-100 µM and 3 mg/kg) to assess additive effects on viability, drug concentrations, tumor volume, endothelial junctional expression and survival. We found that ibrutinib, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased brain endothelial cell-cell adhesion over 24 h, without affecting endothelial cell viability (p < 0.005). Expression of tight junction gene and protein expression was decreased maximally 4 h after administration, along with inhibition of efflux transporter, ABCB1, activity. We demonstrated an additive effect of ibrutinib with doxil on rat glioma cells, as seen by a significant reduction in cell viability (p < 0.001) and increased CNS doxil concentration in the brain (56 ng/mL doxil alone vs. 74.6 ng/mL combination, p < 0.05). Finally, Ibrutinib, combined with doxil, prolonged median survival in rodent glioma models (27 vs. 16 days, p < 0.0001) with brain imaging showing a - 53% versus - 75% volume change with doxil alone versus combination therapy (p < 0.05). These findings indicate ibrutinib's ability to increase brain endothelial permeability via junctional disruption and efflux inhibition, to increase BTB drug entry and prolong rodent glioma model survival. Our results motivate the need to identify other BTB modifiers, all with the intent of improving survival and reducing systemic toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghee Lim
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Minhye Kwak
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jeonghan Kang
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Melissa Cesaire
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kayen Tang
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Robert W Robey
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William J E Frye
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Baktiar Karim
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Donna Butcher
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Martin J Lizak
- NIH MRI Research Facility and Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Mahalia Dalmage
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Brandon Foster
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Nicholas Nuechterlein
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles Eberhart
- Neuropathology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Patrick J Cimino
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael M Gottesman
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sadhana Jackson
- Develomental Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH, Building 10, Room 7D45, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Yan Q, Li T, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Wang Q, Yuan L. Caveolin 1 Regulates the Tight Junctions between Sertoli Cells and Promotes the Integrity of Blood-Testis Barrier in Yak via the FAK/ERK Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:183. [PMID: 38254351 PMCID: PMC10812639 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Yaks, a valuable livestock species endemic to China's Tibetan plateau, have a low reproductive rate. Cryptorchidism is believed to be one of the leading causes of infertility in male yaks. In this study, we compared the morphology of the normal testis of the yak with that of the cryptorchidism, and found dysplasia of the seminiferous tubules, impaired tightness of the Sertoli cells, and a disruption of the integrity of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in the cryptorchidism. Previous studies have shown that CAV1 significantly contributes to the regulation of cell tight junctions and spermatogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesize that CAV1 may play a regulatory role in tight junctions and BTB in Yaks Sertoli cells, thereby influencing the development of cryptorchidism. Additional analysis using immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting confirmed that CAV1 expression is up-regulated in yak cryptorchidism. CAV1 over-expression plasmids and small RNA interference sequences were then transfected in vitro into yak Sertoli cells. It was furthermore found that CAV1 has a positive regulatory effect on tight junctions and BTB integrity, and that this regulatory effect is achieved through the FAK/ERK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings, the first application of CAV1 to yak cryptorchidism, provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of cell tight junctions and BTB. This paper suggests that CAV1 could be used as a potential therapeutic target for yak cryptorchidism and may provide insight for future investigations into the occurrence of cryptorchidism, the maintenance of a normal physiological environment for spermatogenesis and male reproductive physiology in the yak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Tianan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Xingxu Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Ligang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Q.Y.); (T.L.); (Y.Z.); (X.Z.); (Q.W.)
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Animal Generational Physiology and Reproductive Regulation, Lanzhou 730070, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Gansu Agriculture University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Ryu DY, Pang WK, Adegoke EO, Rahman MS, Park YJ, Pang MG. Bisphenol-A disturbs hormonal levels and testis mitochondrial activity, reducing male fertility. Hum Reprod Open 2023; 2023:hoad044. [PMID: 38021376 PMCID: PMC10681812 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How does bisphenol-A (BPA) influence male fertility, and which mechanisms are activated following BPA exposure? SUMMARY ANSWER BPA exposure causes hormonal disruption and alters mitochondrial dynamics and activity, ultimately leading to decreased male fertility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY As public health concerns following BPA exposure are rising globally, there is a need to understand the exact mechanisms of BPA on various diseases. BPA exposure causes hormonal imbalances and affects male fertility by binding the estrogen receptors (ERs), but the mechanism of how it mediates the hormonal dysregulation is yet to be studied. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION This study consisted of a comparative study using mice that were separated into a control group and a group exposed to the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) (n = 20 mice/group) after a week of acclimatization to the environment. For this study, the LOAEL established by the US Environmental Protection Agency of 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day of BPA was used. The control mice were given corn oil orally. Based on the daily variations in BW, both groups were gavaged every day from 6 to 11 weeks (6-week exposure). Before sampling, mice were stabilized for a week. Then, the testes and spermatozoa of each mouse were collected to investigate the effects of BPA on male fertility. IVF was carried out using the cumulus-oocyte complexes from female hybrid B6D2F1/CrljOri mice (n = 3) between the ages of eight and twelve weeks. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS Signaling pathways, apoptosis, and mitochondrial activity/dynamics-related proteins were evaluated by western blotting. ELISA was performed to determine the levels of sex hormones (FSH, LH, and testosterone) in serum. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to determine the effects of BPA on histological morphology and stage VII/VIII testicular seminiferous epithelium. Blastocyst formation and cleavage development rate were evaluated using IVF. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE BPA acted by binding to ERs and G protein-coupled receptors and activating the protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, leading to aberrant hormone levels and effects on the respiratory chain complex, ATP synthase and protein-related apoptotic pathways in testis mitochondria (P < 0.05). Subsequently, embryo cleavage and blastocyst formation were reduced after the use of affected sperm, and abnormal morphology of seminiferous tubules and stage VII and VIII seminiferous epithelial cells (P < 0.05) was observed. It is noteworthy that histopathological lesions were detected in the testes at the LOAEL dose, even though the mice remained generally healthy and did not exhibit significant changes in BW following BPA exposure. These observations suggest that testicular toxicity is more than a secondary outcome of compromised overall health in the mice due to systemic effects. LARGE SCALE DATA Not applicable. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Since the protein expression levels in the testes were validated, in vitro studies in each testicular cell type (Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and spermatogonial stem cells) would be required to shed further light on the exact mechanism resulting from BPA exposure. Furthermore, the BPA doses employed in this study significantly exceed the typical human exposure levels in real-life scenarios. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct experiments focusing on the effects of BPA concentrations more in line with daily human exposures to comprehensively assess their impact on testicular toxicity and mitochondrial activity. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings demonstrate that BPA exposure impacts male fertility by disrupting mitochondrial dynamics and activities in the testes and provides a solid foundation for subsequent investigations into the effects on male reproductive function and fertility following BPA exposure, and the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. In addition, these findings suggest that the LOAEL concentration of BPA demonstrates exceptional toxicity, especially when considering its specific impact on the testes and its adverse consequences for male fertility by impairing mitochondrial activity. Therefore, it is plausible to suggest that BPA elicits distinct toxicological responses and mechanistic endpoints based on the particular concentration levels for each target organ. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (NRF-2018R1A6A1A03025159). No competing interests are declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Elikanah Olusayo Adegoke
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Republic of Korea
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Chen T, Yao L, Liu W, Luan J, Wang Y, Yang C, Zhou X, Ji C, Guo X, Wang Z, Song N. Epididymal segment-specific miRNA and mRNA regulatory network at the single cell level. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:2194-2209. [PMID: 37982230 PMCID: PMC10732646 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2023.2280170] [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: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa released from the testis cannot fertilize an egg before becoming mature and motile in the epididymis. Based on three bulk and one single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data series, we compared mRNA or miRNA expression between epididymal segment-specific samples and the other samples. Hereby, we identified 570 differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) and 23 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in the caput, 175 DE-mRNAs and 15 DE-miRNAs in the corpus, 946 DE-mRNAs and 12 DE-miRNAs in the cauda. In accordance with respective DE-miRNAs, we predicted upstream transcription factors (TFs) and downstream target genes. Subsequently, we intersected target genes of respective DE-miRNAs with corresponding DE-mRNAs, thereby obtaining 127 upregulated genes in the caput and 92 upregulated genes in cauda. Enriched upregulated pathways included cell motility-related pathways for the caput, smooth muscle-related pathways for the corpus, and immune-associated pathways for the cauda. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to extract key module for the caput and cauda, followed by identifying hub genes through cytohubba. Epididymis tissues from six mice were applied to validate hub genes expression using qRT-PCR, and 7 of the 10 genes displayed identical expression trends in mice caput/cauda. These hub genes were found to be predominantly distributed in spermatozoa using scRNA-seq data. In addition, target genes of DE-miRNAs were intersected with genes in the PPI network for each segment. Subsequently, the miRNA and mRNA regulatory networks for the caput and cauda were constructed. Conclusively, we uncover segment-specific miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, upstream TFs, and downstream pathways of the human epididymis, warranting further investigation into epididymal segment-specific functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangyu Yao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Reproductive Health, Jinan, China
| | - Jiaochen Luan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengjian Ji
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuejiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zengjun Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ninghong Song
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Liu Y, Li Y, Tan Q, Lv Y, Tang Y, Yang Y, Yao X, Yang F. Long-Term Exposure to Microcystin-LR Induces Gastric Toxicity by Activating the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:574. [PMID: 37756000 PMCID: PMC10535883 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have primarily concentrated on the hepatotoxicity of MC-LR, whereas its gastric toxicity effects and mechanisms of long-term exposure under low dosage remain unknown. Herein, the gastric tissue from C57BL/6 mice fed with drinking water contaminated by low-dose MC-LR (including 1, 60, and 120 μg/L) was investigated. The results obtained showed that exposure to different concentrations of MC-LR resulted in significant shedding and necrosis of gastric epithelial cells in mice, and a down-regulation of tight junction markers, including ZO-1, Claudin1, and Occludin in the stomach, which might lead to increased permeability of the gastric mucosa. Moreover, the protein expression levels of p-RAF/RAF, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, Pink1, Parkin, and LC3-II/LC-3-I were increased in the gastric tissue of mice exposed to 120 μg/L of MC-LR, while the protein expression level of P62 was significantly decreased. Furthermore, we found that pro-inflammatory factors, including IL-6 and TNF-ɑ, were dramatically increased, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was significantly decreased in the gastric tissue of MC-LR-exposed mice. The activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and mitophagy might contribute to the development of gastric damage by promoting inflammation. We first reported that long-term exposure to MC-LR induced gastric toxicity by activating the MAPK signaling pathway, providing a new insight into the gastric toxic mechanisms caused by MC-LR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Yafang Li
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Qinmei Tan
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Yilin Lv
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Yue Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Xueqiong Yao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
- Laboratory of Ecological Environment and Critical Human Diseases Prevention of Hunan Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421009, China
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Peña-Corona SI, Vargas-Estrada D, Juárez-Rodríguez I, Retana-Márquez S, Mendoza-Rodríguez CA. Bisphenols as promoters of the dysregulation of cellular junction proteins of the blood-testis barrier in experimental animals: A systematic review of the literature. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23416. [PMID: 37352109 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23416] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Daily, people are exposed to chemicals and environmental compounds such as bisphenols (BPs). These substances are present in more than 80% of human fluids. Human exposure to BPs is associated with male reproductive health disorders. Some of the main targets of BPs are intercellular junction proteins of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) in Sertoli cells because BPs alter the expression or induce aberrant localization of these proteins. In this systematic review, we explore the effects of BP exposure on the expression of BTB junction proteins and the characteristics of in vivo studies to identify potential gaps and priorities for future research. To this end, we conducted a systematic review of articles. Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria. In most studies, animals treated with bisphenol-A (BPA) showed decreased occludin expression at all tested doses. However, bisphenol-AF treatment did not alter occludin expression. Cx43, ZO-1, β-catenin, nectin-3, cortactin, paladin, and claudin-11 expression also decreased in some tested doses of BP, while N-cadherin and FAK expression increased. BP treatment did not alter the expression of α and γ catenin, E-cadherin, JAM-A, and Arp 3. However, the expression of all these proteins was altered when BPA was administered to neonatal rodents in microgram doses. The results show significant heterogeneity between studies. Thus, it is necessary to perform more research to characterize the changes in BTB protein expression induced by BPs in animals to highlight future research directions that can inform the evaluation of risk of toxicity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila I Peña-Corona
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Dinorah Vargas-Estrada
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ivan Juárez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Departamento Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
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8
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Zhang Z, Shan J, Shi B, Dong B, Wu Q, Zhang Z. SeNPs alleviates BDE-209-induced intestinal damage by affecting necroptosis, inflammation, intestinal barrier and intestinal flora in layer chickens. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 262:115336. [PMID: 37567103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
As environmental pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) can have toxic effects on living organisms and has a bioaccumulative effect. Low doses of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-toxin functions on the organism. This experiment evaluated SeNPs' ability to prevent chicken's intestinal damage from decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) exposure. Sixty layer chickens were separated into four groups at randomly and equally: Control group, SeNPs group (1 mg/kg SeNPs), BDE-209 group (400 mg/kg BDE-209), and BDE-209 +SeNPs group (400 mg/kg BDE-209 and 1 mg/kg SeNPs), for 42 days. The results showed that BDE-209 increased MDA content, decreased the activities of T-SOD, T-AOC, GSH and iNOS, up-regulated the expression of TNF-α, RIPK1, RIPK3 and MLKL, promoted the production of inflammatory factors, reduced the levels of tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1). SeNPs attenuated intestinal oxidative stress, necroptosis, inflammation and intestinal barrier damage caused by BDE-209. This protective effect is associated with the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. Moreover, SeNPs restores flora alpha and beta diversity, improves intestinal flora composition and its abundance. It shifts the dysbiosis of intestinal flora caused by BDE-209 to normal. Overall, SeNPs can alleviate BDE-209-induced intestinal barrier damage and intestinal flora disorders, which are associated with intestinal oxidative stress, necroptosis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoqi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Jianhua Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Bendong Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Bowen Dong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 100096, PR China.
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, PR China.
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9
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Guney C, Bal NB, Akar F. The impact of dietary fructose on gut permeability, microbiota, abdominal adiposity, insulin signaling and reproductive function. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18896. [PMID: 37636431 PMCID: PMC10447940 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The excessive intake of fructose in the regular human diet could be related to global increases in metabolic disorders. Sugar-sweetened soft drinks, mostly consumed by children, adolescents, and young adults, are the main source of added fructose. Dietary high-fructose can increase intestinal permeability and circulatory endotoxin by changing the gut barrier function and microbial composition. Excess fructose transports to the liver and then triggers inflammation as well as de novo lipogenesis leading to hepatic steatosis. Fructose also induces fat deposition in adipose tissue by stimulating the expression of lipogenic genes, thus causing abdominal adiposity. Activation of the inflammatory pathway by fructose in target tissues is thought to contribute to the suppression of the insulin signaling pathway producing systemic insulin resistance. Moreover, there is some evidence that high intake of fructose negatively affects both male and female reproductive systems and may lead to infertility. This review addresses dietary high-fructose-induced deteriorations that are obvious, especially in gut permeability, microbiota, abdominal fat accumulation, insulin signaling, and reproductive function. The recognition of the detrimental effects of fructose and the development of relevant new public health policies are necessary in order to prevent diet-related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatma Akar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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10
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Saha K, Subramenium Ganapathy A, Wang A, Michael Morris N, Suchanec E, Ding W, Yochum G, Koltun W, Nighot M, Ma T, Nighot P. Autophagy Reduces the Degradation and Promotes Membrane Localization of Occludin to Enhance the Intestinal Epithelial Tight Junction Barrier against Paracellular Macromolecule Flux. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:433-449. [PMID: 36219473 PMCID: PMC10069622 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjac148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Functional loss of the gut epithelium's paracellular tight junction [TJ] barrier and defective autophagy are factors potentiating inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Previously, we showed the role of autophagy in enhancing the intestinal TJ barrier via pore-forming claudin-2 degradation. How autophagy regulates the TJ barrier-forming proteins remains unknown. Here, we investigated the role of autophagy in the regulation of occludin, a principal TJ component involved in TJ barrier enhancement. RESULTS Autophagy induction using pharmacological activators and nutrient starvation increased total occludin levels in intestinal epithelial cells, mouse colonocytes and human colonoids. Autophagy induction enriched membrane occludin levels and reduced paracellular permeability of macromolecules. Autophagy-mediated TJ barrier enhancement was contingent on the presence of occludin as OCLN-/- nullified its TJ barrier-enhancing effect against macromolecular flux. Autophagy inhibited the constitutive degradation of occludin by preventing its caveolar endocytosis from the membrane and protected against inflammation-induced TJ barrier loss. Autophagy enhanced the phosphorylation of ERK-1/2 and inhibition of these kinases in Caco-2 cells and human colonic mucosa prevented the macromolecular barrier-enhancing effects of autophagy. In vivo, autophagy induction by rapamycin enhanced occludin levels in wild-type mouse intestines and protected against lipopolysaccharide- and tumour necrosis factor-α-induced TJ barrier loss. Disruption of autophagy with acute Atg7 knockout in adult mice decreased intestinal occludin levels, increasing baseline colonic TJ permeability and exacerbating the effect of experimental colitis. CONCLUSION Our data suggest a novel role of autophagy in promoting the intestinal TJ barrier by increasing occludin levels in an ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kushal Saha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Ashwinkumar Subramenium Ganapathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Alexandra Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Nathan Michael Morris
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Eric Suchanec
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Wei Ding
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Gregory Yochum
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Walter Koltun
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Meghali Nighot
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Thomas Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Prashant Nighot
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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11
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Hu X, Zhou Y, Shi J, Qi M, Li X, Yang Y, Zhu C, Wang C, Tang Z, Ma Y, Yu G. Osthole relieves skin damage and inhibits chronic itch through modulation of Akt/ZO-3 pathway in atopic dermatitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 947:175649. [PMID: 36921706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175649] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition and significantly reduces quality of life. Tight junction (TJ), which is located directly beneath the stratum corneum, maintains skin barrier function and aids in the identification of the cell's "territory". We evaluated seventeen TJ related genes to explore AD related alterations of TJ. Remarkably, we found that the expression of ZO-3, a gene that had not been linked to the development of TJ in AD, was significantly down-regulated in the skin of AD mice and patients. siRNA mediated knock-down of ZO-3 significantly decreased transepithelial electrical resistance in HaCaT cells, demonstrating that ZO-3 is essential to epidermal barrier function. In addition to ZO-3 downregulation, protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation was increased in the skin of AD mice. We further confirmed an inverse relationship between Akt phosphorylation and ZO-3 expression in AD using HaCaT cells and mouse model. Finally, we tested the efficacy of osthole as a treatment for AD in mice and HaCaT cells. Osthole inhibits Akt phosphorylation, and thereby enhances ZO-3 expression in mouse models of AD, resulting in greatly lessened AD associated skin damage and chronic itch, and osthole also increased the expression of ZO-3 in HaCaT cells by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Akt. Together, we established that ZO-3 is essential for the development of TJ in AD skin and HaCaT cells, and our findings provide fresh support for osthole's ability to protect ZO-3 expression and the epidermal barrier in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Hu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianxin Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingxin Qi
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Li
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chan Zhu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Changming Wang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zongxiang Tang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxiang Ma
- School of Life Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Guang Yu
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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12
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Fujiwara-Tani R, Mori S, Ogata R, Sasaki R, Ikemoto A, Kishi S, Kondoh M, Kuniyasu H. Claudin-4: A New Molecular Target for Epithelial Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5494. [PMID: 36982569 PMCID: PMC10051602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Claudin-4 (CLDN4) is a key component of tight junctions (TJs) in epithelial cells. CLDN4 is overexpressed in many epithelial malignancies and correlates with cancer progression. Changes in CLDN4 expression have been associated with epigenetic factors (such as hypomethylation of promoter DNA), inflammation associated with infection and cytokines, and growth factor signaling. CLDN4 helps to maintain the tumor microenvironment by forming TJs and acts as a barrier to the entry of anticancer drugs into tumors. Decreased expression of CLDN4 is a potential marker of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and decreased epithelial differentiation due to reduced CLDN4 activity is involved in EMT induction. Non-TJ CLDN4 also activates integrin beta 1 and YAP to promote proliferation, EMT, and stemness. These roles in cancer have led to investigations of molecular therapies targeting CLDN4 using anti-CLDN4 extracellular domain antibodies, gene knockdown, clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), and C-terminus domain of CPE (C-CPE), which have demonstrated the experimental efficacy of this approach. CLDN4 is strongly involved in promoting malignant phenotypes in many epithelial cancers and is regarded as a promising molecular therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Fujiwara-Tani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shiori Mori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ruiko Ogata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Rika Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Ayaka Ikemoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Shingo Kishi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
| | - Masuo Kondoh
- Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 6-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Kuniyasu
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (S.M.); (R.O.); (R.S.); (A.I.); (S.K.)
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13
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Liman N. The abundance and localization of claudin-1 and -5 in the adult tomcats (Felis catus) testis, tubules rectus, rete testis, efferent ductules, and epididymis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023. [PMID: 36688626 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25165] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJ) are the anatomical component of blood-testis (BTB) and blood-epididymis (BEB) barriers and contain many proteins, including claudins. The presence of claudins in domestic cat testis and epididymis has not been previously described. This study aimed to determine whether claudin-1 and claudin-5 participate in the structure of BTB and BEB and whether their amounts differ between the testis and epididymal segments of adult cats, using Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry. WB results demonstrated that claudin-1 was significantly lower in the testis than in all epididymal segments and higher in the corpus epididymis than in the cauda, while claudin-5 in the testis was significantly lower than in the caput and corpus. Claudin-1 was absent at the Sertoli-Sertoli junctions, while claudin-5 was detected at the level of the BTB during stages I and VIII. Both claudins were observed in the pachytene spermatocytes and the developing acrosome of the round and elongating spermatids. Claudin-5 was also detected in the cytoplasm of some spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and late spermatid acrosome. In the epididymal segments, both claudins were localized to the area of the tight junctions and along the entire length of the lateral plasma membranes of adjacent principal cells and between principal and basal cells. These results may indicate that in the domestic cat, claudin-1 and -5 participate as both tight junction proteins and adhesion molecules in the BEB's structure, claudin 5 is a component of the BTB, and both proteins may be involved in postmeiotic germ cell development, especially acrosome development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narin Liman
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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14
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Chen Y, Li Q, Li X, Liu H, Li P, Hai R, Guo Y, Wang S, Wang K, Du C. Amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the central nervous system of male mice. Neuropeptides 2022; 96:102288. [PMID: 36279616 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102288] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Amylin is a peripheral satiation signal polypeptide co-secreted with insulin by pancreatic β-cells in response to nutrient ingestion. Amylin participates in the eating-inhibitory effect and regulates energy metabolism by acting on the central nervous system (CNS). However, the role of amylin in regulating the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, such as testosterone, through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) remains unexplored. However, only limited evidence is available on the involvement of amylin in steroid synthesis, we hypothesize that amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the CNS. In this study, we elucidated the effect of intraperitoneal injection of amylin on the protein expression of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, including 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK). Additionally, the effect of amylin on testosterone levels in male mice was examined. Our results suggested that 3β-HSD and CYP17A1 neurons were widely expressed in the CNS of male mice, whereas StAR neurons were mainly expressed in the zona incerta (ZI) and locus coeruleus (LC) regions. Intraperitoneal injection of amylin significantly reduced (p < 0.01) the expression of 3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and StAR in ZI and other areas near the third ventricle (3 V) but increased (p < 0.01) pERK expression, brain testosterone levels, serum FSH, serum LH, and decreased (p < 0.01) serum testosterone levels in mice. In conclusion, amylin regulates testosterone levels via steroidogenesis-related enzymes in the central nervous system of male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Chen
- Vocational and Technical College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Baotou 014109, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaojing Li
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Haodong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Penghui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Rihan Hai
- Vocational and Technical College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Baotou 014109, China
| | - Yongqing Guo
- Vocational and Technical College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Baotou 014109, China
| | - Siwei Wang
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation Physiology and Green Production in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Institute of Cereal and Oil Crops, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Shijiazhuang 050000, China; Key Laboratory of Crop Cultivation Physiology and Green Production in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Chenguang Du
- Vocational and Technical College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Baotou 014109, China; College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
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15
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Kim B, Breton S. The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway regulates the expression and localization of Cx43 in mouse proximal epididymis†. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:919-927. [PMID: 35156117 PMCID: PMC9113436 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the functional role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2)-signaling pathway in the expression and localization of connexin 43 (Cx43). Mice were treated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitor, PD325901, which induced a progressive decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK) in the proximal epididymis of the mice, without affecting total ERK level. Cx43 staining with punctuated reactive sites was observed in the basolateral membranes in the initial segment (IS) of mouse epididymis. However, PD325901 induced a significant decrease in Cx43 labeling in the basolateral membranes. Interestingly, Cx43, which was undetectable in the apical region of epididymis under control conditions, showed a significant increase in the apical region after PD 325901 treatment. To confirm whether Cx43 was present in tight junctions (TJs) after PD 325901 treatment, PD325901-treated epididymis samples were double-labeled with Cx43 and zonula occludens (ZO)-1 (a TJ protein marker). Thereafter, confocal microscopy showed the colocalization of Cx43 and ZO-1 in the epididymis after PD325901 treatment. Collectively, our results indicated that PD325901 treatment induced a significant increase in Cx43 localization on TJs, where it was colocalized with ZO-1. Therefore, the study suggested that ERK phosphorylation is essential for the proper expression and localization of the gap junction (GJ) protein, and that the relationship between GJs and TJs could play an important role in establishing and maintaining microenvironmental homeostasis for sperm maturation in the IS of mouse epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Kim
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Center for Systems Biology, Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Cavariani MM, de Mello Santos T, Chuffa LGDA, Pinheiro PFF, Scarano WR, Domeniconi RF. Maternal Protein Restriction Alters the Expression of Proteins Related to the Structure and Functioning of the Rat Offspring Epididymis in an Age-Dependent Manner. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:816637. [PMID: 35517501 PMCID: PMC9061959 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.816637] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition is an environmental factor able to activate physiological interactions between fetus and mother. Maternal protein restriction is able to alter sperm parameters associated with epididymal functions. Since correct development and functioning of the epididymides are fundamental for mammalian reproductive success, this study investigated the effects of maternal protein restriction on epididymal morphology and morphometry in rat offspring as well as on the expression of Src, Cldn-1, AR, ER, aromatase p450, and 5α-reductase in different stages of postnatal epididymal development. For this purpose, pregnant females were allocated to normal-protein (NP—17% protein) and low-protein (LP—6% protein) groups that received specific diets during gestation and lactation. After weaning, male offspring was provided only normal-protein diet until the ages of 21, 44, and 120 days, when they were euthanized and their epididymides collected. Maternal protein restriction decreased genital organs weight as well as crown-rump length and anogenital distance at all ages. Although the low-protein diet did not change the integrity of the epididymal epithelium, we observed decreases in tubular diameter, epithelial height and luminal diameter of the epididymal duct in 21-day-old LP animals. The maternal low-protein diet changed AR, ERα, ERβ, Src 416, and Src 527 expression in offspring epididymides in an age-dependent manner. Finally, maternal protein restriction increased Cldn-1 expression throughout the epididymides at all analyzed ages. Although some of these changes did not remain until adulthood, the insufficient supply of proteins in early life altered the structure and functioning of the epididymis in important periods of postnatal development.
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17
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Kim SW, Jeong YD, Lee GY, Lee J, Lee JY, Kim CL, Ko YG, Lee SS, Kim B. Differential expression and localization of tight junction proteins
in the goat epididymis. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022; 64:500-514. [PMID: 35709128 PMCID: PMC9184707 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2022.e13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The blood-epididymis barrier (BEB) forms a unique microenvironment that is
crucial for the maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in
the epididymis. To characterize the function of tight junctions (TJs), which are
constitutive components of the BEB, we determined the expression and
localization of TJ proteins such as zonula occludens (ZO)-1, 2, and 3, occludin,
and claudin3 (Cldn3) during postnatal development in the goat epididymis. To
assess the expression patterns of TJ proteins in immature (3 months of age) and
mature (14 months of age) goat epididymides, two different experimental methods
were used including immunofluorescence labeling and western blotting. We show
that, ZO-1, 2, and 3, and occludin, were strictly expressed and localized to the
TJs of the goat epididymis, whereas Cldn3 was present in basolateral membranes
as well as TJs. All TJ proteins examined were more highly expressed in the
immature epididymis compared to levels in mature tissue. In conclusion, our
study indicates that at least five TJ proteins, namely ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3,
occludin, and Cldn3, are present in TJs, and the expression strength and pattern
of TJ proteins tend to be age dependent in the goat epididymis. Together, these
data suggest that the distinct expression patterns of TJ proteins are essential
for regulating components of the luminal contents in the epididymal epithelium
and for forming adequate luminal conditions that are necessary for the
maturation, protection, transport, and storage of spermatozoa in the goat
epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Kim
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Yu-Da Jeong
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Ga-Yeong Lee
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
| | - Jinwook Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeung Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Chan-Lan Kim
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Yeoung-Gyu Ko
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Lee
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center,
National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development
Administration, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science,
Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
- Corresponding author: Bongki Kim, Department of
Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea. Tel:
+82-41-330-1246, E-mail:
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18
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Machado-Neves M. Effect of heavy metals on epididymal morphology and function: An integrative review. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133020. [PMID: 34848222 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Male fertility has deteriorated over the last decades, and environmental risk factors are among the possible causes of this phenomenon. Pollutants such as heavy metals might accumulate in male reproductive organs to levels that are associated with reproductive disorders. Several studies reported detrimental effects of inorganic arsenic (iAs+3/iAs+5), cadmium (Cd+2), lead (Pb+2), and mercury (Hg+2/CH3Hg+2) on the epididymis, which plays a crucial role in sperm maturation. However, the magnitude of their effects and the consequences on the physiology of the epididymis are still unclear. Therefore, an integrative review with meta-analyses was conducted examining 138 studies to determine how exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury affects epididymal morphology and functions, using primarily murine data from experimental studies as a source. This study showed that exposure to metal(loids) reduced epididymal weight, sperm motility, and sperm number. Inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and lead damaged sperm structures within the epididymal duct. While sodium arsenite, sodium arsenate, and lead acetate generate oxidative stress by an imbalance between ROS production and scavenging, cadmium chloride causes an increase in the pH level of the luminal fluid (from 6.5 to 7.37) that diminishes sperm viability. Inorganic arsenic induced a delay in the sperm transit time by modulating noradrenaline and dopamine secretion. Subacute exposure to heavy metals at concentrations < 0.1 mg L-1 initiates a dyshomeostasis of calcium, copper, iron, and zinc that disturbs sperm parameters and reduces epididymal weight. These alterations worsen with prolonged exposure time and higher doses. Most studies evaluated the effects of concentrations > 1.1 mg L-1 of heavy metals on the epididymis rather than doses with relevant importance for human health risk. This meta-analytical study faced limitations regarding a deeper analysis of epididymis physiology. Hence, several recommendations for future investigations are provided. This review creates a baseline for the comprehension of epididymal toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Machado-Neves
- Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. P.H. Rolfs, s/n, DBG, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, 36570-900, Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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19
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Akar F, Yildirim OG, Yucel Tenekeci G, Tunc AS, Demirel MA, Sadi G. Dietary high-fructose reduces barrier proteins and activates mitogenic signalling in the testis of a rat model: Regulatory effects of kefir supplementation. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14342. [PMID: 34872158 DOI: 10.1111/and.14342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on the influence of fructose rich diet on the male reproductive system. Kefir may have health beneficial effects, but its mechanism of action remains mostly unclear. Herein, we investigated the impact of dietary high fructose on tight junction proteins and mitogenic pathways in rat testis as well as their modulation by kefir supplementation. Twenty-two male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were divided into the following three groups: Control; Fructose; Fructose + Kefir. Fructose was added to drinking water at concentration of 20% and administered to the rats for 15 weeks and kefir was supplemented by gavage once a day during final 6 weeks. Dietary fructose-induced testicular degeneration was associated with the downregulation of the blood-testis barrier proteins, claudin-11 and N-cadherin as well as SIRT1 expression in testicular tissue of rats. However, p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK and p-ERK1/2 levels were increased in testis of fructose-fed rats. Interestingly, JNK1 and p-JNK1 protein levels were decreased following this dietary intervention. Raf1, ERK1/2, and caspase 3 and TUNEL staining of the testis reveal the activation of apoptosis due to fructose intake. Kefir supplementation markedly promoted the expression of claudin-11, SIRT1, JNK1 and p-JNK1 but suppressed testicular mitogenic and apoptotic factors in fructose-fed rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Akar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Onur Gokhan Yildirim
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Vocational School of Health Services, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Gozde Yucel Tenekeci
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arda Selin Tunc
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Murside Ayse Demirel
- Laboratory Animals Breeding and Experimental Researches Center, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Sadi
- Department of Biology, KO Science Faculty, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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20
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Mao QY, Xie S, Wu LL, Xiang RL, Cai ZG. MicroRNA-mRNA expression profiles and functional network after injection of botulinum toxin type A into submandibular glands. Toxicon 2021; 199:31-40. [PMID: 34052235 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.05.011] [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: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) is effective for the treatment of sialorrhea. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have significant functions in salivary diseases, but the role of miRNAs during BTXA-inhibited salivary secretion is not yet clear. A total of 19 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs and 1072 DE mRNAs were identified following BTXA injected into submandibular glands of rats (n = 4) through miRNA sequencing and microarray analysis. Bioinformatic analysis identified that several pathways may be associated with the inhibition of salivary secretion, such as the MAPK signalling pathway, tight junctions, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. We predicted the target genes of DE miRNAs and established the miRNA-mRNA interaction network. The intersection of DE mRNAs and target genes of DE miRNAs was performed and seven mRNAs were obtained: Egr2, Paqr9, Zkscan1, Usp6n, Cyb561a3, Zfhx4, and Clic5. These findings explore the mechanism of BTXA in inhibiting salivary secretion and probably will provide new ideas for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ying Mao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shang Xie
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Li-Ling Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruo-Lan Xiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zhi-Gang Cai
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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21
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Yu YH, Lai YH, Hsiao FSH, Cheng YH. Effects of Deoxynivalenol and Mycotoxin Adsorbent Agents on Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathways and Inflammation-Associated Gene Expression in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13050301. [PMID: 33922863 PMCID: PMC8146456 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13050301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin in swine feedstuffs. The intestinal epithelial cells represent the first target for the DON. Here, we studied the effects of DON and mycotoxin adsorbent agents on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and inflammation-associated gene expression in porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Results showed that phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways (p38, ERK, and JNK) was increased after treatment of DON or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in IPEC-J2 cells. The phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK was not further enhanced after co-treatment with DON and LPS. The inos and cox-2 mRNA expression were significantly induced at 6 h after treatment of DON. DON treatment significantly increased the claudin 3 and occludin mRNA expression at 12 h. DON in combination with LPS treatment did not further increase the inflammation and tight junction-associated gene expression. The DON-induced phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways was impaired by mycotoxin adsorbent agent (nanoscale silicate platelets and the mixture of montmorillonites and yeast cell walls) treatment, thereby decreasing inflammation and tight junction-associated gene expression. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that DON triggers the inflammation in IPEC-J2 cells by phosphorylation of MAPK signaling pathways and LPS does not further augment the DON-induced inflammatory responses. Mycotoxin adsorbent agents can attenuate DON-induced inflammatory responses in IPEC-J2 cells through modulation of the phosphorylation of p38, ERK, and JNK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsiang Yu
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan 26047, Taiwan; (Y.-H.Y.); (Y.-H.L.)
| | - Yi-Han Lai
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan 26047, Taiwan; (Y.-H.Y.); (Y.-H.L.)
| | - Felix Shih-Hsiang Hsiao
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung 407224, Taiwan;
| | - Yeong-Hsiang Cheng
- Department of Biotechnology and Animal Science, National Ilan University, Yilan 26047, Taiwan; (Y.-H.Y.); (Y.-H.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-931-7712
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22
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Kim SW, Kim B. Vacuolar H(+)-ATPase is not restricted to clear cells of the epididymal epithelium in cattle. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 63:262-271. [PMID: 33987602 PMCID: PMC8071741 DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Communication among epididymal epithelial cells creates the best luminal
condition where spermatozoa mature, transport and are stored. Vacuolar ATPase
(V-ATPase) and cytokeratin 5 (KRT5) have been used as signal indicators for
clear and basal cells of the epididymal epithelium, respectively, in mice, rats,
bats, and pigs; however, these two markers have not yet been described in the
epididymis of bulls. Here, we examined the presence and distribution of the B1
subunit of V-ATPase (B1-VATPase) and KRT5 in the distinct regions of adult
bovine epididymides, specifically, the caput, corpus, and cauda.
Immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy showed that narrow
shaped-clear cells were placed in the caput and corpus regions of the bovine
epididymis; however, they were absent in the cauda epididymis. In addition,
B1-VATPase was highly expressed in the cauda spermatozoa; however, it was rarely
detected in the caput spermatozoa. On the other hand, KRT5-positive cells, basal
cells, were maintained beneath the basal lamina and they had the traditional
form with a dome-shaped morphology from the caput to cauda region of the bovine
epididymis. The co-expression of B1-VATPase and KRT5 was confined to basal cells
placed in the basal region of the epithelium. In summary, 1) clear cells were
present with region-specific localization, 2) B1-VATPase was present in the
corpus and cauda spermatozoa but absent in the caput, 3) co-expressed cells with
B1-VATPase and KRT5 were present in the adult bovine epididymis, and 4)
B1-VATPase was not a specific marker for clear cells in the bovine epididymis.
Therefore, the perfect epididymal luminal condition created by the specific
expression and localization patterns of B1-VATPase might be necessary to obtain
fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa in the bovine epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Kim
- Animal Genetic Resource Research Center, National Institute of Animal Science, Hamyang 50000, Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan 32439, Korea
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23
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Zhang Q, Zheng M, Betancourt CE, Liu L, Sitikov A, Sladojevic N, Zhao Q, Zhang JH, Liao JK, Wu R. Increase in Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Permeability Is Regulated by MMP3 via the ERK Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6655122. [PMID: 33859779 PMCID: PMC8026308 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6655122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates the exchange of molecules between the brain and peripheral blood and is composed primarily of microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs), which form the lining of cerebral blood vessels and are linked via tight junctions (TJs). The BBB is regulated by components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) remodels the ECM's basal lamina, which forms part of the BBB. Oxidative stress is implicated in activation of MMPs and impaired BBB. Thus, we investigated whether MMP3 modulates BBB permeability. METHODS Experiments included in vivo assessments of isoflurane anesthesia and dye extravasation from brain in wild-type (WT) and MMP3-deficient (MMP3-KO) mice, as well as in vitro assessments of the integrity of monolayers of WT and MMP3-KO BMVECs and the expression of junction proteins. RESULTS Compared to WT mice, measurements of isoflurane usage and anesthesia induction time were higher in MMP3-KO mice and lower in WT that had been treated with MMP3 (WT+MMP3), while anesthesia emergence times were shorter in MMP3-KO mice and longer in WT+MMP3 mice than in WT. Extravasation of systemically administered dyes was also lower in MMP3-KO mouse brains and higher in WT+MMP3 mouse brains, than in the brains of WT mice. The results from both TEER and Transwell assays indicated that MMP3 deficiency (or inhibition) increased, while MMP3 upregulation reduced barrier integrity in either BMVEC or the coculture. MMP3 deficiency also increased the abundance of TJs and VE-cadherin proteins in BMVECs, and the protein abundance declined when MMP3 activity was upregulated in BMVECs, but not when the cells were treated with an inhibitor of extracellular signal related-kinase (ERK). CONCLUSION MMP3 increases BBB permeability following the administration of isoflurane by upregulating the ERK signaling pathway, which subsequently reduces TJ and VE-cadherin proteins in BMVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Mei Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
| | | | - Lifeng Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Albert Sitikov
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Nikola Sladojevic
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Qiong Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, USA
| | - John H. Zhang
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, USA
| | - James K. Liao
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
| | - Rongxue Wu
- Department of Biological Sciences Division-Cardiology, University of Chicago, USA
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24
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Trifostigmanoside I, an Active Compound from Sweet Potato, Restores the Activity of MUC2 and Protects the Tight Junctions through PKCα/β to Maintain Intestinal Barrier Function. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010291. [PMID: 33396633 PMCID: PMC7794767 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batata) is considered a superfood among vegetables and has been consumed for centuries. Traditionally, sweet potato is used to treat several illnesses, including diarrhea and stomach disorders. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of sweet potato on intestinal barrier function, and to identify the active compounds of sweet potato and their underlying mechanism of action. To this purpose, bioactivity-guided isolation, Western blotting, and immunostaining assays were applied. Interestingly, our bioactivity-guided approach enabled the first isolation and identification of trifostigmanoside I (TS I) from sweet potato. TS I induced mucin production and promoted the phosphorylation of PKCα/β in LS174T human colon cancer cells. In addition, it protected the function of tight junctions in the Caco-2 cell line. These findings suggest that TS I rescued the impaired abilities of MUC2, and protected the tight junctions through PKCα/β, to maintain intestinal barrier function.
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25
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Gao X, Liu Z, Song J, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Ma D, Wang J, Yuan P, Li R, Bai J, Wang T, Wang S, Liu J, Liu X. Berberine is sufficient to restore the destroyed seminiferous tubule structure and hypospermatogenesis in diabetes mellitus. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e193. [PMID: 33135343 PMCID: PMC7548097 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xintao Gao
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Yucong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Hongyang Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Delin Ma
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Penghui Yuan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jian Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Shaogang Wang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
| | - Xiaming Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, P. R. China
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26
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Hu XQ, Tang Y, Ju Y, Zhang XY, Yan JJ, Wang CM, Yang Y, Zhu C, Tang ZX, Zhou Y, Yu G. Scratching damages tight junctions through the Akt-claudin 1 axis in atopic dermatitis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 46:74-81. [PMID: 32668051 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, severely pruritic, eczematous skin disease that seriously deteriorates the quality of life of patients. Scratching is a cardinal symptom of AD. Although the vicious itch-scratch cycle continues and aggravates skin barrier dysfunction in AD, how scratching induces skin barrier dysfunction through tight junctions remains unclear. AIM To study the effect of scratching on tight junctions in the itch-scratch cycle. METHODS Scratching behaviour and skin barrier dysfunction on the neck and back in an AD mouse model were assessed. The expression of tight junction proteins was compared between the neck and back mice, and the mechanisms underlying the involvement of Akt/CLDN1 pathways in this process were explored. RESULTS We used oxazolone to induce AD on the neck or back of mice. There was significantly more scratching behaviour and more pronounced skin barrier dysfunction with the neck than with the back. Downregulation of claudin-1 (CLDN1) and upregulation of Akt phosphorylation in skin were well correlated with scratching behaviour in this AD model. Furthermore, SC79, an agonist of Akt phosphorylation, could downregulate CLDN1 expression in HaCaT cells. An antagonist of Akt phosphorylation (LY294002) was used to treat the AD mice; this treatment rescued CLDN1 expression through inhibiting Akt phosphorylation in skin, and importantly, also inhibited the scratching behaviour induced by AD. CONCLUSION The results reveal the underlying mechanism of tight junction damage promoted by scratching in the itch-scratch cycle of AD, and opens a new avenue to pruritus management in AD, through Akt antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Hu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Tang
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Ju
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - X Y Zhang
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - J J Yan
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - C M Wang
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Y Yang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - C Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Z X Tang
- Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Y Zhou
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - G Yu
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory for Chinese Medicine of Prevention and Treatment in Neurological Diseases, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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27
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Castro MM, Kim B, Games PD, Hill E, Neves CA, Serrão JE, Breton S, Machado-Neves M. Distribution pattern of ZO-1 and claudins in the epididymis of vampire bats. Tissue Barriers 2020; 8:1779526. [PMID: 32552339 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2020.1779526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cells connect with each other by tight junctions (TJs) in several tissues. In epididymides, TJs proteins form the blood-epididymis barrier (BEB), which is crucial for male fertility. However, little is known about BEB morphological and physiological aspects in wild animals. This study examines the region-specific distribution pattern of TJs proteins in D. rotundus' epididymis, assessing their regulation in rainy and dry season. The expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudins (Cldn)-1, -3, and -4 were evaluated by confocal immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis. Herein, ZO-1 was strictly expressed in TJs, whereas Cldns were expressed in TJs and basolateral membranes of epithelial cells. Their co-localization and intensity of expression varied in the epididymal regions examined. The effect of season on protein expression was detected mainly in TJ proteins located in the proximal regions. As such, in the initial segment (IS), Cldn-3 and -4 were detected at low levels in basolateral membranes in the rainy season compared to the dry season. Furthermore, in the distal IS, Cldn-1 expression was lower in TJs of epithelial cells during the rainy season than the dry season. ZO-1 expression was higher in the cauda region than the corpus region by ELISA analysis. Additionally, in the corpus region, ZO-1 expression was higher in TJs during dry season compared to the rainy season. Our study sheds light on the understanding of BEB in D. rotundus, improving the knowledge of their reproductive biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana M Castro
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Bongki Kim
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University , Yesan, Republic of Korea
| | - Patrícia D Games
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Eric Hill
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - José Eduardo Serrão
- Departmento De Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal De Viçosa , Viçosa, Brasil
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology/Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
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Park YJ, Rahman MS, Pang WK, Ryu DY, Kim B, Pang MG. Bisphenol A affects the maturation and fertilization competence of spermatozoa. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 196:110512. [PMID: 32244115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although there are numerous studies on bisphenol A (BPA) on the testis and spermatozoa, the effect of BPA on the physiological link between the testis and maturation of spermatozoa has not been studied. To provide an optimal environment (acidic pH) for sperm maturation in the epididymis, clear cells secrete protons and principal cells reabsorb bicarbonate and the secreted proton. Because of its crucial role in sperm maturation and fertility, functional changes in the epididymis following BPA exposure must be considered to fully understand the mechanisms of BPA on male fertility. Here, we identified the adverse effects of BPA exposure during puberty in male mice. CD-1 male mice were gavaged daily with vehicle (corn oil) and 50 mg BPA/kg-BW for 6 weeks. We determined the changes in epididymis, functional sperm parameters including motility, capacitation status, tyrosine phosphorylation, and fertility-related protein expression and in vitro and in vivo fertility rate following BPA exposure. Expression of vacuolar-type H + -ATPase is necessary for the secretion of protons by clear cells of the caput epididymis and was directly down-regulated following BPA exposure, while there were no changes in the other epithelial cell types in the epididymis. Also, pERK 1/2 signaling pathway was increased significantly in the caput epididymis following BPA exposure. Consequently, the luminal pH slightly increased, resulting in premature capacitation of spermatozoa. Moreover, there was a significant loss of the acrosomal membrane following an increase of protein tyrosine phosphorylation, while PKA activity decreased during sperm capacitation. Fertility-related proteins also showed aberrant expression upon BPA exposure. These modifications resulted in decreased male fertility in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Jin Park
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Saidur Rahman
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ki Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeal Ryu
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Bongki Kim
- Department of Animal Resources Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungnam-do, 32439, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Geol Pang
- Department of Animal Science & Technology and BET Research Institute, Chgroung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Yuan Z, Wang Y, Yu W, Xie W, Zhang Z, Wang J, Zhang H, Han Y, Weng Q. Seasonal expressions of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor in the epididymides in the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 289:113391. [PMID: 31917151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to detect the seasonal expressions of oxytocin (OT), oxytocin receptor (OTR), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and phospho-ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in the epididymis of the wild ground squirrels (Citellus Dauricus Brandt) during the breeding season and non-breeding season. Histological results showed that size, weight, cell number and lumen diameter of epididymis underwent acute seasonal changes, which were all peaked in the breeding season. Immunohistochemical results suggested that strong staining of OT, OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 were observed in the epithelial layer in the whole epididymis, along with intense OT and OTR signal in smooth muscle cell (Smc) in caudal epididymis in the breeding season. The protein expression levels of OTR, ERK1/2, and pERK1/2 in the epididymis were higher in the breeding season than those of the non-breeding season. Besides, hormone assay revealed that there was no significant serum concentration of OT in these two periods, while epididymal concentration showed higher value in the breeding season. In summary, the identified localization and local concentration of OT in the epididymis in the wild ground squirrel suggested that epididymis may assume as a source of OT, and OT could act via OTR to activate ERK1/2 signaling to regulate seasonal epididymal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Yuan
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenyang Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ziwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yingying Han
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China.
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30
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Maternal energy insufficiency affects testicular development of the offspring in a swine model. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14533. [PMID: 31601864 PMCID: PMC6787339 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We determined the effects of insufficient maternal energy on testicular development in offspring in a swine model. Thirty-six sows were divided into control (CON) and low-energy diet (LE) groups during gestation. We observed that the number of Sertoli, germ, and Leydig cells in the offspring of the CON group were significantly higher than those in the LE group at 28 and 120 d after birth. Furthermore, the percentage of apoptotic testis cells was significantly higher in the offspring of the LE group than in the CON group. Transcriptome analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs in offspring testes indicated that these RNAs were mainly involved in lipid metabolism, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and some pivotal regulatory pathways. Results revealed that AMPK-PI3K-mTOR, MAPK, and oxidative phosphorylation signaling pathways play an important role in mediating the programming effect of insufficient maternal energy on testicular development, and that this effect occurs mainly at an early stage in life. mRNA and protein expression analyses confirmed the importance of certain signaling pathways in the regulation of testicular development. This study provides insights into the influence and possible mechanism underlying the effect of inadequate maternal energy intake on testicular development in the offspring.
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31
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Tong H, Li T, Qiu W, Zhu Z. Claudin-1 silencing increases sensitivity of liver cancer HepG2 cells to 5-fluorouracil by inhibiting autophagy. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:5709-5716. [PMID: 31788043 PMCID: PMC6865833 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types globally. However, the acquisition of drug resistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and commonly results in metastasis. Therefore, an effective therapeutic approach to target chemoresistance-associated cellular molecules is imperative. Claudin-1 (CLDN1) has previously been reported to be associated with the development of drug resistance. The present study investigated the effect of CLDN1 on the sensitivity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-resistant liver cancer cells. Firstly, a 5-FU-resistant HepG2 liver cancer cell line (Hep/5FU) was developed by continuous 5-FU treatment. MTT proliferation, Transwell and Matrigel assays indicated that Hep/5FU cells were significantly resistant to 5-FU, and demonstrated increased migration and invasion abilities, compared with parental HepG2 cells. Furthermore, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis indicated that mRNA and protein expression levels of CLDN1 were significantly increased in Hep/5FU cells, compared with HepG2 cells. CLDN1 was knocked down by transfection with small interference RNA. MTT and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide assays demonstrated that CLDN1 silencing significantly inhibits proliferation and enhances apoptosis induced by 5-FU treatment in Hep/5FU cells, compared with non-silenced Hep/5FU cells. Additionally, CLDN1 silencing attenuated the migration and invasion capabilities of Hep/5FU cells. In addition, it was identified that CLDN1 silencing decreased drug resistance by inhibiting autophagy, which was associated with a decrease in the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II/LC3-I and upregulation of P62. A cell proliferation assay revealed that the addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine decreased drug resistance of Hep/5FU cells. By contrast, incubation with the autophagy agonist Rapamycin elevated drug resistance of CLDN1-silenced Hep/5FU cells. In summary, these data indicate that CLDN1 may be a potential target for resensitizing resistant liver cancer HepG2 cells to 5-FU by regulating cell autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tong
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
| | - Zhecheng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China
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32
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Breton S, Nair AV, Battistone MA. Epithelial dynamics in the epididymis: role in the maturation, protection, and storage of spermatozoa. Andrology 2019; 7:631-643. [PMID: 31044554 PMCID: PMC6688936 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cells line the lumen of tubular organs and are key players in their respective functions. They establish a unique luminal environment by providing a protective barrier and by performing vectorial transport of ions, nutrients, solutes, proteins, and water. Complex intercellular communication networks, specific for each organ, ensure their interaction with adjacent epithelial and non-epithelial cells, allowing them to respond to and modulate their immediate environment. In the epididymis, several epithelial cell types work in a concerted manner to establish a luminal acidic milieu that is essential for the post-testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis also prevents autoimmune responses against auto-antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against ascending and blood pathogens. This is achieved by a network of immune cells that are in close contact and interact with epithelial cells. This review highlights the coordinated interactions between spermatozoa, basal cells, principal cells, narrow cells, clear cells, and immune cells that contribute to the maturation, protection, selection, and storage of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A V Nair
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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33
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Li Y, Yang T, Yao Q, Li S, Fang E, Li Y, Liu C, Li W. Metformin prevents colonic barrier dysfunction by inhibiting mast cell activation in maternal separation-induced IBS-like rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13556. [PMID: 30740845 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a key etiologic factor of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Metformin improves intestinal barrier function, although the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully explained. This study evaluates the protective effect of metformin on colonic barrier integrity and explores the underlying cellular mechanisms. METHODS IBS-like rats were induced by maternal separation. Metformin was administered daily by gavage at 08:30, and rat pups were then separated from their mother. Visceral hyperalgesia and depression-like behaviors were evaluated by colorectal distension, sucrose preference tests, and forced swimming tests. Intestinal integrity was analyzed using sugar probes and transmission electron microscopy. Inflammatory factors and the levels of corticotropin-releasing factor were assessed by PCR and ELISA. The number of mast cells was evaluated by toluidine blue staining. Protein expression and localization were determined using Western blot and immunochemistry. KEY RESULTS Metformin pretreatment (a) reduced visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension, immobility time and enhanced sucrose consumption; (b) decreased urine lactulose/mannitol ratio and sucralose output; (c) inhibited the dilation of tight junction and prevented claudin-4 translocation; (d) inhibited mast cell activation and downregulated the expression of IL-6, IL-18, tryptase, PAR-2, and ERK activation; (e) inhibited claudin-4 phosphorylation at serine sites and interactions between clau-4 and ZO-1. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Metformin may block mast cell activation to reduce PAR-2 expression and subsequently inhibit ERK activation and clau-4 phosphorylation at serine sites to normalize the interaction of clau-4 and ZO-1 and clau-4 distribution. Metformin may be clinically beneficial for patients with IBS or IBS-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Laboratory of Neuronal Network and Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Laboratory of Neuronal Network and Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Songsong Li
- Xianning Institute for Drug Control, Xianning, China
| | - En Fang
- Xianning Institute for Drug Control, Xianning, China
| | - Yankun Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Metabolic Disorders, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Weimin Li
- Laboratory of Neuronal Network and Systems Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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34
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Mu K, Yu S, Kitts DD. The Role of Nitric Oxide in Regulating Intestinal Redox Status and Intestinal Epithelial Cell Functionality. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1755. [PMID: 30970667 PMCID: PMC6479862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20071755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Important functions of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) include enabling nutrient absorption to occur passively and acting as a defense barrier against potential xenobiotic components and pathogens. A compromise to IEC function can result in the translocation of bacteria, toxins, and allergens that lead to the onset of disease. Thus, the maintenance and optimal function of IECs are critically important to ensure health. Endogenous biosynthesis of nitric oxide (NO) regulates IEC functionality both directly, through free radical activity, and indirectly through cell signaling mechanisms that impact tight junction protein expression. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on factors that regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the subsequent roles that NO has on maintaining IECs' intestinal epithelial barrier structure, functions, and associated mechanisms of action. We also summarize important findings on the effects of bioactive dietary food components that interact with NO production and affect downstream intestinal epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwen Mu
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Shengwu Yu
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - David D Kitts
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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35
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Bhat AA, Uppada S, Achkar IW, Hashem S, Yadav SK, Shanmugakonar M, Al-Naemi HA, Haris M, Uddin S. Tight Junction Proteins and Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Inflammation: A Functional Crosstalk. Front Physiol 2019; 9:1942. [PMID: 30728783 PMCID: PMC6351700 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of epithelial cells to organize through cell–cell adhesion into a functioning epithelium serves the purpose of a tight epithelial protective barrier. Contacts between adjacent cells are made up of tight junctions (TJ), adherens junctions (AJ), and desmosomes with unique cellular functions and a complex molecular composition. These proteins mediate firm mechanical stability, serves as a gatekeeper for the paracellular pathway, and helps in preserving tissue homeostasis. TJ proteins are involved in maintaining cell polarity, in establishing organ-specific apical domains and also in recruiting signaling proteins involved in the regulation of various important cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. As a vital component of the epithelial barrier, TJs are under a constant threat from proinflammatory mediators, pathogenic viruses and bacteria, aiding inflammation and the development of disease. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients reveal loss of TJ barrier function, increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and immune dysregulation; yet, the relationship between these events is partly understood. Although TJ barrier defects are inadequate to cause experimental IBD, mucosal immune activation is changed in response to augmented epithelial permeability. Thus, the current studies suggest that altered barrier function may predispose or increase disease progression and therapies targeted to specifically restore the barrier function may provide a substitute or supplement to immunologic-based therapies. This review provides a brief introduction about the TJs, AJs, structure and function of TJ proteins. The link between TJ proteins and key signaling pathways in cell proliferation, transformation, and metastasis is discussed thoroughly. We also discuss the compromised intestinal TJ integrity under inflammatory conditions, and the signaling mechanisms involved that bridge inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajaz A Bhat
- Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Srijayaprakash Uppada
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Iman W Achkar
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Santosh K Yadav
- Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Hamda A Al-Naemi
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Division of Translational Medicine, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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36
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Gao S, Chen S, Chen L, Zhao Y, Sun L, Cao M, Huang Y, Niu Q, Wang F, Yuan C, Li C, Zhou X. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A steroidogenic regulator of Leydig cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14058-14067. [PMID: 30628054 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was first recognized for its roles in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and its complex functions on mammalian organs have been extended constantly. However, to date, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system, including the steroidogenesis of mammals. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of BDNF on testosterone generation of Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that BDNF-induced proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells via upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( Pcna) and promoted testosterone generation as a result of upregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( Star), 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ( Hsd3b1), and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme ( Cyp11a1) both in primary Leydig cells and TM3 Leydig cells, which were all attenuated in Bdnf knockdown TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of testosterone synthesis was explored in TM3 Leydig cells. The results showed that BDNF enhanced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and the effect was disrupted by Bdnf deletion. Moreover, PD98059, a potent selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, compromised BDNF-induced testosterone generation and upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1. The Bdnf knockdown assay, on the other hand, indicated the autocrine effect of BDNF on steroidogenesis in TM3 Leydig cells. On the basis of these results, we concluded that BDNF, acting as an autocrine factor, induced testosterone generation as a result of the upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1 via stimulation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Sun
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaoge Niu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengge Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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37
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Xu SF, Zhang YH, Wang S, Pang ZQ, Fan YG, Li JY, Wang ZY, Guo C. Lactoferrin ameliorates dopaminergic neurodegeneration and motor deficits in MPTP-treated mice. Redox Biol 2018; 21:101090. [PMID: 30593976 PMCID: PMC6307097 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain iron accumulation is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Iron chelators have been investigated for their ability to prevent neurodegenerative diseases with features of iron overload. Given the non-trivial side effects of classical iron chelators, lactoferrin (Lf), a multifunctional iron-binding globular glycoprotein, was screened to identify novel neuroprotective pathways against dopaminergic neuronal impairment. We found that Lf substantially ameliorated PD-like motor dysfunction in the subacute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model of PD. We further showed that Lf could alleviate MPTP-triggered apoptosis of DA neurons, neuroinflammation, and histological alterations. As expected, we also found that Lf suppressed MPTP-induced excessive iron accumulation and the upregulation of divalent metal transporter (DMT1) and transferrin receptor (TFR), which is the main intracellular iron regulation protein, and subsequently improved the activity of several antioxidant enzymes. We probed further and determined that the neuroprotection provided by Lf was involved in the upregulated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and its downstream protein, accompanied by the activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), as well as decreased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)/P38 kinase in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that Lf may be an alternative safe drug in ameliorating MPTP-induced brain abnormalities and movement disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Feng Xu
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Yan-Hui Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Shan Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Zhong-Qiu Pang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Yong-Gang Fan
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China; Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Neural Plasticity and Repair Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, BMC A10, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Zhan-You Wang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China; Institute of Health Sciences, Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Chuang Guo
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, No.195, Chuangxin Road, Hunnan District, Shenyang 110169, China.
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38
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Carvajal G, Brukman NG, Weigel Muñoz M, Battistone MA, Guazzone VA, Ikawa M, Haruhiko M, Lustig L, Breton S, Cuasnicu PS. Impaired male fertility and abnormal epididymal epithelium differentiation in mice lacking CRISP1 and CRISP4. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17531. [PMID: 30510210 PMCID: PMC6277452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35719-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Epididymal Cysteine Rich Secretory Proteins 1 and 4 (CRISP1 and CRISP4) associate with sperm during maturation and play different roles in fertilization. However, males lacking each of these molecules individually are fertile, suggesting compensatory mechanisms between these homologous proteins. Based on this, in the present work, we generated double CRISP1/CRISP4 knockout (DKO) mice and examined their reproductive phenotype. Our data showed that the simultaneous lack of the two epididymal proteins results in clear fertility defects. Interestingly, whereas most of the animals exhibited specific sperm fertilizing ability defects supportive of the role of CRISP proteins in fertilization, one third of the males showed an unexpected epididymo-orchitis phenotype with altered levels of inflammatory molecules and non-viable sperm in the epididymis. Further analysis showed that DKO mice exhibited an immature epididymal epithelium and abnormal luminal pH, supporting these defects as likely responsible for the different phenotypes observed. These observations reveal that CRISP proteins are relevant for epididymal epithelium differentiation and male fertility, contributing to a better understanding of the fine-tuning mechanisms underlying sperm maturation and immunotolerance in the epididymis with clear implications for human epididymal physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Carvajal
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Gastón Brukman
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - Mariana Weigel Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina
| | - María A Battistone
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vanesa A Guazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Masahito Ikawa
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Miyata Haruhiko
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Livia Lustig
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED-UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Sylvie Breton
- Program in Membrane Biology, Center for Systems Biology, Nephrology Division, and Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia S Cuasnicu
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, C1428ADN, Argentina.
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El-Balat A, Schmeil I, Gasimli K, Sänger N, Karn T, Ahr A, Becker S, Arsenic R, Holtrich U, Engels K. Claudin-1 is linked to presence of implants and micropapillary pattern in serous borderline epithelial tumours of the ovary. J Clin Pathol 2018; 71:1060-1064. [PMID: 30171086 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2018-205292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Expression of Claudin-1 has been associated with prognosis in several cancers. Here we investigated the expression pattern of Claudin-1 in borderline tumours of the ovary (BOT). METHODS We analysed a cohort of 114 cases of borderline tumour (BOT). Claudin-1 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry using a polyclonal antibody and was compared with clinical and histopathological characteristics. RESULTS Strong Claudin-1 expression was found in 30 cases (26.3%) independent of histological subtype. Expression was significantly less frequent in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I (p= 0.045), while the presence of microinvasion did not correlate with Claudin-1 expression. In contrast, we detected a highly significant association of Claudin-1 expression with the presence of peritoneal implants (p=0.003) and micropapillary pattern (p=0.047), which are features exclusively seen in serous BOT. Moreover, when we restricted our analysis to the subtype of serous BOT, the association of Claudin-1 expression with peritoneal implants (p<0.001) and micropapillary pattern (p =0.003) remained highly significant. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Claudin-1 expression is associated with the presence of peritoneal implants and micropapillary pattern, which have been shown to be associated with poor prognosis. We speculate that overexpression of Claudin-1 might be linked to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation in BOT and suggest further studies to define its prognostic and potential therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El-Balat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Iryna Schmeil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Khayal Gasimli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nicole Sänger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Karn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andre Ahr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ruza Arsenic
- Institute of Pathology, Charite University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Holtrich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Knut Engels
- Center for Pathology, Cytology and Molecular Pathology, Neuss, Germany
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Cyr DG, Dufresne J, Gregory M. Cellular junctions in the epididymis, a critical parameter for understanding male reproductive toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:207-219. [PMID: 30130578 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Epididymal sperm maturation is a critical aspect of male reproduction in which sperm acquire motility and the ability to fertilize an ovum. Sperm maturation is dependent on the creation of a specific environment that changes along the epididymis and which enables the maturation process. The blood-epididymis barrier creates a unique luminal micro-environment, different from blood, by limiting paracellular transport and forcing receptor-mediated transport of macromolecules across the epididymal epithelium. Direct cellular communication between cells allows coordinated function of the epithelium. A limited number of studies have directly examined the effects of toxicants on junctional proteins and barrier function in the epididymis. Effects on the integrity of the blood-epididymis barrier have resulted in decreased fertility and, in some cases, the development of sperm granulomas. Studies have shown that in addition to tight junctions, proteins implicated in the maintenance of adherens junctions and gap junctions alter epididymal functions. This review will provide an overview of the types and roles of cellular junctions in the epididymis, and how these are targeted by different toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Cyr
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada.
| | - Julie Dufresne
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Mary Gregory
- Laboratory for Reproductive Toxicology, INRS-Institut Armand-Frappier, Université du Québec, 531 boul. des Prairies, Laval, Québec, H7V 1B7, Canada
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41
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Hollenbach J, Jung K, Noelke J, Gasse H, Pfarrer C, Koy M, Brehm R. Loss of connexin43 in murine Sertoli cells and its effect on blood-testis barrier formation and dynamics. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198100. [PMID: 29856785 PMCID: PMC5983412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) is the predominant testicular gap junction protein and in cases of impaired spermatogenesis, Cx43 expression has been shown to be altered in several mammals. Amongst other functions, Cx43 is supposed to regulate junction formation of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression pattern of different tight junction (TJ) proteins of the murine BTB using SC-specific Cx43 knockout mice (SCCx43KO). Adult homozygous male SCCx43KO mice (SCCx43KO-/-) predominantly show an arrest of spermatogenesis and SC-only tubules that might have been caused by an altered BTB assembly, composition or regulation. TJ molecules claudin-3, -5 and -11 were examined in adult wild type (WT) and SCCx43KO-/- mice using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In this context, investigation of single tubules with residual spermatogenesis in SCCx43KO-/- mice was particularly interesting to identify a potential Cx43-independent influence of germ cells (GC) on BTB composition and dynamics. In tubules without residual spermatogenesis, a diffuse cytoplasmic distribution pattern for claudin-11 protein could be demonstrated in mutant mice. Nevertheless, claudin-11 seems to form functional TJ. Claudin-3 and -5 could not be detected immunohistochemically in the seminiferous epithelium of those tubules. Correspondingly, claudin-3 and -5 mRNA expression was decreased, providing evidence of generally impaired BTB dynamics in adult KO mice. Observations of tubules with residual spermatogenesis suggested a Cx43-independent regulation of TJ proteins by GC populations. To determine initial BTB formation in peripubertal SCCx43KO-/- mice, immunohistochemical staining and qRT-PCR of claudin-11 were carried out in adolescent SCCx43KO-/- and WT mice. Additionally, BTB integrity was functionally analysed using a hypertonic glucose fixative. These analyses revealed that SCCx43KO-/- mice formed an intact BTB during puberty in the same time period as WT mice, which however seemed to be accelerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hollenbach
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Joanna Noelke
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hagen Gasse
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christiane Pfarrer
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mirja Koy
- Institute for Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Qi L, Jiang J, Jin P, Kuang M, Wei Q, Shi F, Mao D. Expression patterns of claudin-5 and its related signals during luteal regression in pseudopregnant rats: The enhanced effect of additional PGF treatment. Acta Histochem 2018; 120:221-227. [PMID: 29449022 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To study the expression patterns of claudin-5 and its related signals during luteal regression in rats, a sequential PMSG/hCG treatment paradigm was used to obtain a single, well-defined generation of corpus luteum (CL). A total of 35 rats were treated with one PGF or two PGF at an interval of 24 h from day 7 of pseudopregnancy to induce CL regression. Serum and ovaries were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8 or 24 h after one PGF injection (1 PGF), 2 or 24 h after two PGF injections (2 PGF). The serum progesterone level was detected by RIA; the ovarian expression of claudin-5, the phosphorylations of STAT3 (p-STAT3), Akt (p-Akt), ERK1/2 (p-ERK) and p38 MAPK (p-p38) were detected by western blot, real-time PCR and IHC. Results showed that serum progesterone (P4) decreased after PGF treatment. Claudin-5 mRNA decreased at 4 h and 8 h after 1 PGF and 2 h after 2 PGF, and claudin-5 protein decreased at 4 h after 1 PGF. p-STAT3 increased at 4 h after 1 PGF and 2 h after 2 PGF. p-ERK increased at 2 h after 2 PGF. The level of p-Akt decreased at 4 h after 1 PGF. PGF treatment did not alter the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK at any time points in this study. IHC results revealed that claudin-5 was expressed in the nuclei and cytoplasm of steroidogenic cells and in the vessels, while PGF induced-p-STAT3 was expressed uniformly in the cytoplasm of luteal steroidogenic cells. In conclusion, PGF treatment decreased the expression of claudin-5 and the additional PGF treatment enhanced the decrease in claudin-5 mRNA expression and the increases in ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in the corpus luteum of pseudopregnant rats, which will contribute new information to the further study of molecular mechanism of luteal regression.
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Fang F, Ni K, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Shang J, Zhang X, Shen S, Xiong C. Busulfan administration produces toxic effects on epididymal morphology and inhibits the expression of ZO-1 and vimentin in the mouse epididymis. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171059. [PMID: 29101242 PMCID: PMC5725615 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Busulfan is an alkane sulphonate currently used as an anticancer drug and to prepare azoospermic animal models, because it selectively destroys differentiated spermatogonia in the testes. However, few studies have focussed on the exact effects of busulfan treatment on the epididymis currently. The present study assessed the effect of busulfan on epididymal morphology and the blood-epididymis barrier in mice. We treated mice with a single injection of busulfan and detected the effect at different time points. We showed that busulfan was toxic to the morphological structure and function of the epididymis. Furthermore, busulfan treatment down-regulated the epididymal expression of vimentin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) at the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, there was an increase in total androgen receptor (AR) levels, whereas the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) levels were reduced, both in the caput and cauda regions after busulfan treatment, which may be secondary to the testicular damage. In conclusion, our study describes the effects of busulfan administration on the mouse epididymis and also provides a potential understanding of male infertility arising from chemotherapy-related defects in the epididymis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiting Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Reproductive Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoke Zhang
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiliang Shen
- Department of Pathology, Zhong Shen Bioscience Inc., Wuhan, China
| | - Chengliang Xiong
- Family Planning Research Institute, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Wuhan Tongji Reproductive Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, China
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Zhao Z, Li J, Jiang Y, Xu W, Li X, Jing W. CLDN1 Increases Drug Resistance of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer by Activating Autophagy via Up-Regulation of ULK1 Phosphorylation. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:2906-2916. [PMID: 28614291 PMCID: PMC5479443 DOI: 10.12659/msm.904177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CLDN1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its mechanism of action in cisplatin resistance. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 55 patients with NSCLC admitted to our hospital between October 2013 and October 2015 were included. NSCLC tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues (≥5 cm from tumor edge) were collected. Among the 55 patients, 37 had adenocarcinoma and 18 had squamous cell carcinoma. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine mRNA expression, and protein expression was examined using Western blotting. CCK-8 assay was used to determine cell proliferation and Transwell assay was used to detect migration and invasion of the cells. Confocal microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes. RESULTS Increased CLDN1 expression promoted the development and metastasis of NSCLC. CLDN1 expression in A549/CDDP cells was up-regulated at both transcriptional and translational levels. Reduced CLDN1 expression decreased the drug resistance, proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of A549/CDDP cells. Decreased CLDN1 expression promoted the apoptosis of A549/CDDP cells. CLDN1 enhanced CDDP drug resistance of A549 cells by activating autophagy. CLDN1 promoted the autophagy of A549 cells by up-regulating the phosphorylation level of ULK1. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrates that expression of CLDN1 in NSCLC is up-regulated and it is correlated with clinicopathological features. CLDN1 activates autophagy through up-regulation of ULK1 phosphorylation and promotes drug resistance of NSCLC cells to CDDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Weili Jing
- Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, P.R. China
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Nakahara T, Nishitani Y, Nishiumi S, Yoshida M, Azuma T. Astilbin from Engelhardtia chrysolepis enhances intestinal barrier functions in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 804:46-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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46
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Zhou Y, Xu X, Yu B, Yu G. Characterization of in vitro effects of microcystin-LR on intestinal epithelial cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2017; 32:1539-1547. [PMID: 27758031 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is a single-cell layer that provides an important barrier against natural toxins. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR), a cyclic heptapeptide, is one of the best known toxins able to alter the functions of intestine. This study evaluated the toxic effects and the possible mechanisms of MC-LR on barrier function of the intestinal epithelial cells. Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were exposed to 0, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 μM MC-LR. Cell viability significantly decreased, while the ratio of apoptotic cells increased after exposure to 12.5μM and higer concentration of MC-LR. As expected, the integrity of a polarized IEC-6 monolayer was affected by MC-LR exposure, as demonstrated by a decrease in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values, becoming most pronounced at 50μM, 24 h. No effects were detected on the protein expression levels of the tight junction protein claudin at 50μM. However, the expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) declined. Furthermore, MC-LR can immigrate into IEC-6 cells. The activity of protein phosphatases 2A (PP2A) decreased from the concentration of 12.5 μM, showing a dose-dependent decline. These results provide new information that strengthens the concept that the intestinal epithelium is important targets for toxic effects of water contaminants like MC-LR. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 1539-1547, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoping Xu
- Zhejiang Prov Ctr Dis Prevent & Control, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Beibei Yu
- School of Foreign Languages, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Guang Yu
- College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
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Wang Y, Sun T, Sun H, Yang S, Li D, Zhou D. SCF/C-Kit/JNK/AP-1 Signaling Pathway Promotes Claudin-3 Expression in Colonic Epithelium and Colorectal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040765. [PMID: 28383479 PMCID: PMC5412349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudin-3 is a major protein of tight junctions (TJs) in the intestinal epithelium and is critical for maintaining cell-cell adhesion, barrier function, and epithelium polarity. Recent studies have shown high claudin-3 levels in several solid tumors, but the regulation mechanism of claudin-3 expression remains poorly understood. In the present study, colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues, HT-29 and DLD-1 CRC cell lines, CRC murine model (C57BL/6 mice) and c-kit loss-of-function mutant mice were used. We demonstrated that elevated claudin-3 levels were positively correlated with highly expressed c-kit in CRC tissues based upon analysis of protein expression. In vitro, claudin-3 expression was clearly increased in CRC cells by overexpressed c-kit or stimulated by exogenous recombinant human stem cell factor (rhSCF), while significantly decreased by the treatment with c-kit or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay showed that SCF/c-kit signaling significantly promoted activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding with CLDN-3 promoter and enhanced its transcription activity. Furthermore, decreased expression of claudin-3 was obtained in the colonic epithelium from the c-Kit loss-of-function mutant mice. In conclusion, SCF/c-kit-JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway significantly promoted claudin-3 expression in colonic epithelium and CRC, which could contribute to epithelial barrier function maintenance and to CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Tingyi Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
- Cancer Institute of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Haimei Sun
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
- Cancer Institute of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
- Cancer Institute of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Dandan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Deshan Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Beijing 100069, China.
- Cancer Institute of Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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Amoozadeh Y, Dan Q, Anwer S, Huang HH, Barbieri V, Waheed F, Maishan M, Szászi K. Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Increases Claudin-1, 4, and 7 Expression in Tubular Cells: Role in Permeability Changes. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:2210-2220. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Amoozadeh
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Qinghong Dan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Shaista Anwer
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Hsiao Han Huang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Vanessa Barbieri
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Faiza Waheed
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
| | - Mazharul Maishan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
- Department of Physiology; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital; Ontario Canada
- Department of Surgery; University of Toronto; Ontario Canada
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Sivagurunathan S, Palanisamy K, Arunachalam JP, Chidambaram S. Possible role of HIWI2 in modulating tight junction proteins in retinal pigment epithelial cells through Akt signaling pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2016; 427:145-156. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2906-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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50
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Salas PJ, Forteza R, Mashukova A. Multiple roles for keratin intermediate filaments in the regulation of epithelial barrier function and apico-basal polarity. Tissue Barriers 2016; 4:e1178368. [PMID: 27583190 PMCID: PMC4993576 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2016.1178368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As multicellular organisms evolved a family of cytoskeletal proteins, the keratins (types I and II) expressed in epithelial cells diversified in more than 20 genes in vertebrates. There is no question that keratin filaments confer mechanical stiffness to cells. However, such a number of genes can hardly be explained by evolutionary advantages in mechanical features. The use of transgenic mouse models has revealed unexpected functional relationships between keratin intermediate filaments and intracellular signaling. Accordingly, loss of keratins or mutations in keratins that cause or predispose to human diseases, result in increased sensitivity to apoptosis, regulation of innate immunity, permeabilization of tight junctions, and mistargeting of apical proteins in different epithelia. Precise mechanistic explanations for these phenomena are still lacking. However, immobilization of membrane or cytoplasmic proteins, including chaperones, on intermediate filaments (“scaffolding”) appear as common molecular mechanisms and may explain the need for so many different keratin genes in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Salas
- Department of Cell Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami , Miami, FL, USA
| | - Radia Forteza
- Department of Cell Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami , Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anastasia Mashukova
- Department of Cell Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Department of Physiology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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