1
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Gems D, Kern CC, Nour J, Ezcurra M. Reproductive Suicide: Similar Mechanisms of Aging in C. elegans and Pacific Salmon. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:688788. [PMID: 34513830 PMCID: PMC8430333 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.688788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In some species of salmon, reproductive maturity triggers the development of massive pathology resulting from reproductive effort, leading to rapid post-reproductive death. Such reproductive death, which occurs in many semelparous organisms (with a single bout of reproduction), can be prevented by blocking reproductive maturation, and this can increase lifespan dramatically. Reproductive death is often viewed as distinct from senescence in iteroparous organisms (with multiple bouts of reproduction) such as humans. Here we review the evidence that reproductive death occurs in C. elegans and discuss what this means for its use as a model organism to study aging. Inhibiting insulin/IGF-1 signaling and germline removal suppresses reproductive death and greatly extends lifespan in C. elegans, but can also extend lifespan to a small extent in iteroparous organisms. We argue that mechanisms of senescence operative in reproductive death exist in a less catastrophic form in iteroparous organisms, particularly those that involve costly resource reallocation, and exhibit endocrine-regulated plasticity. Thus, mechanisms of senescence in semelparous organisms (including plants) and iteroparous ones form an etiological continuum. Therefore understanding mechanisms of reproductive death in C. elegans can teach us about some mechanisms of senescence that are operative in iteroparous organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gems
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carina C. Kern
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Nour
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Ezcurra
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
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2
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Sharma H, Moroni L. Recent Advancements in Regenerative Approaches for Thymus Rejuvenation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100543. [PMID: 34306981 PMCID: PMC8292900 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The thymus plays a key role in adaptive immunity by generating a diverse population of T cells that defend the body against pathogens. Various factors from disease and toxic insults contribute to the degeneration of the thymus resulting in a fewer output of T cells. Consequently, the body is prone to a wide host of diseases and infections. In this review, first, the relevance of the thymus is discussed, followed by thymic embryological organogenesis and anatomy as well as the development and functionality of T cells. Attempts to regenerate the thymus include in vitro methods, such as forming thymic organoids aided by biofabrication techniques that are transplantable. Ex vivo methods that have shown promise in enhancing thymic regeneration are also discussed. Current regenerative technologies have not yet matched the complexity and functionality of the thymus. Therefore, emerging techniques that have shown promise and the challenges that lie ahead are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himal Sharma
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment of Complex Tissue RegenerationMaastricht UniversityMaastricht6229 ERNetherlands
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3
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Ghosh MK, Chen KHE, Dill-Garlow R, Ma LJ, Yonezawa T, Itoh Y, Rivera L, Radecki KC, Wu QP, Arnold AP, Muller HK, Walker AM. Sex Differences in the Immune System Become Evident in the Perinatal Period in the Four Core Genotypes Mouse. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:582614. [PMID: 34122327 PMCID: PMC8191418 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.582614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used the four core genotypes (FCG) mouse model, which allows a distinction between effects of gonadal secretions and chromosomal complement, to determine when sex differences in the immune system first appear and what influences their development. Using splenic T cell number as a measure that could be applied to neonates with as yet immature immune responses, we found no differences among the four genotypes at postnatal day 1, but by day 7, clear sex differences were observed. These sex differences were unexpectedly independent of chromosomal complement and similar in degree to gonadectomized FCG adults: both neonatal and gonadectomized adult females (XX and XY) showed 2-fold the number of CD4+ and 7-fold the number of CD8+ T cells versus their male (XX and XY) counterparts. Appearance of this long-lived sex difference between days 1 and 7 suggested a role for the male-specific perinatal surge of testicular testosterone. Interference with the testosterone surge significantly de-masculinized the male CD4+, but not CD8+ splenic profile. Treatment of neonates demonstrated elevated testosterone limited mature cell egress from the thymus, whereas estradiol reduced splenic T cell seeding in females. Neonatal male splenic epithelium/stroma expressed aromatase mRNA, suggesting capacity for splenic conversion of perinatal testosterone into estradiol in males, which, similar to administration of estradiol in females, would result in reduced splenic T cell seeding. These sex steroid effects affected both CD4+ and CD8+ cells and yet interference with the testosterone surge only significantly de-masculinized the splenic content of CD4+ cells. For CD8+ cells, male cells in the thymus were also found to express one third the density of sphingosine-1-phosphate thymic egress receptors per cell compared to female, a male characteristic most likely an indirect result of Sry expression. Interestingly, the data also support a previously unrecognized role for non-gonadal estradiol in the promotion of intra-thymic cell proliferation in neonates of both sexes. Microarray analysis suggested the thymic epithelium/stroma as the source of this hormone. We conclude that some immune sex differences appear long before puberty and more than one mechanism contributes to differential numbers and distribution of T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinal K. Ghosh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kuan-hui E. Chen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Riva Dill-Garlow
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Lisa J. Ma
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Tomohiro Yonezawa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Yuichiro Itoh
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lorena Rivera
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Kelly C. Radecki
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Quiming P. Wu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Arthur P. Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - H. Konrad Muller
- School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ameae M. Walker
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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4
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Luo M, Xu L, Qian Z, Sun X. Infection-Associated Thymic Atrophy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652538. [PMID: 34113341 PMCID: PMC8186317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus is a vital organ of the immune system that plays an essential role in thymocyte development and maturation. Thymic atrophy occurs with age (physiological thymic atrophy) or as a result of viral, bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection (pathological thymic atrophy). Thymic atrophy directly results in loss of thymocytes and/or destruction of the thymic architecture, and indirectly leads to a decrease in naïve T cells and limited T cell receptor diversity. Thus, it is important to recognize the causes and mechanisms that induce thymic atrophy. In this review, we highlight current progress in infection-associated pathogenic thymic atrophy and discuss its possible mechanisms. In addition, we discuss whether extracellular vesicles/exosomes could be potential carriers of pathogenic substances to the thymus, and potential drugs for the treatment of thymic atrophy. Having acknowledged that most current research is limited to serological aspects, we look forward to the possibility of extending future work regarding the impact of neural modulation on thymic atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingli Luo
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxin Xu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengyu Qian
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Taves MD, Ashwell JD. Glucocorticoids in T cell development, differentiation and function. Nat Rev Immunol 2020; 21:233-243. [PMID: 33149283 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are small lipid hormones produced by the adrenals that maintain organismal homeostasis. Circadian and stress-induced changes in systemic GC levels regulate metabolism, cardiovascular and neural function, reproduction and immune activity. Our understanding of GC effects on immunity comes largely from administration of exogenous GCs to treat immune or inflammatory disorders. However, it is increasingly clear that endogenous GCs both promote and suppress T cell immunity. Examples include selecting an appropriate repertoire of T cell receptor (TCR) self-affinities in the thymus, regulating T cell trafficking between anatomical compartments, suppressing type 1 T helper (TH1) cell responses while permitting TH2 cell and, especially, IL-17-producing T helper cell responses, and promoting memory T cell differentiation and maintenance. Furthermore, in addition to functioning at a distance, extra-adrenal (local) production allows GCs to act as paracrine signals, specifically targeting activated T cells in various contexts in the thymus, mucosa and tumours. These pleiotropic effects on different T cell populations during development and immune responses provide a nuanced understanding of how GCs shape immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan D Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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6
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Hong JY, Lim J, Carvalho F, Cho JY, Vaidyanathan B, Yu S, Annicelli C, Ip WKE, Medzhitov R. Long-Term Programming of CD8 T Cell Immunity by Perinatal Exposure to Glucocorticoids. Cell 2020; 180:847-861.e15. [PMID: 32142678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Early life environmental exposure, particularly during perinatal period, can have a life-long impact on organismal development and physiology. The biological rationale for this phenomenon is to promote physiological adaptations to the anticipated environment based on early life experience. However, perinatal exposure to adverse environments can also be associated with adult-onset disorders. Multiple environmental stressors induce glucocorticoids, which prompted us to investigate their role in developmental programming. Here, we report that perinatal glucocorticoid exposure had long-term consequences and resulted in diminished CD8 T cell response in adulthood and impaired control of tumor growth and bacterial infection. We found that perinatal glucocorticoid exposure resulted in persistent alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Consequently, the level of the hormone in adults was significantly reduced, resulting in decreased CD8 T cell function. Our study thus demonstrates that perinatal stress can have long-term consequences on CD8 T cell immunity by altering HPA axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Young Hong
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jaechul Lim
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Fernando Carvalho
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jen Young Cho
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Bharat Vaidyanathan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shuang Yu
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Charles Annicelli
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - W K Eddie Ip
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ruslan Medzhitov
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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7
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Wilhelmson AS, Lantero Rodriguez M, Johansson I, Svedlund Eriksson E, Stubelius A, Lindgren S, Fagman JB, Fink PJ, Carlsten H, Ekwall O, Tivesten Å. Androgen Receptors in Epithelial Cells Regulate Thymopoiesis and Recent Thymic Emigrants in Male Mice. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1342. [PMID: 32714327 PMCID: PMC7344216 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgens have profound effects on T cell homeostasis, including regulation of thymic T lymphopoiesis (thymopoiesis) and production of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs), i. e., immature T cells that derive from the thymus and continue their maturation to mature naïve T cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Here we investigated the androgen target cell for effects on thymopoiesis and RTEs in spleen and lymph nodes. Male mice with a general androgen receptor knockout (G-ARKO), T cell-specific (T-ARKO), or epithelial cell-specific (E-ARKO) knockout were examined. G-ARKO mice showed increased thymus weight and increased numbers of thymic T cell progenitors. These effects were not T cell-intrinsic, since T-ARKO mice displayed unaltered thymus weight and thymopoiesis. In line with a role for thymic epithelial cells (TECs), E-ARKO mice showed increased thymus weight and numbers of thymic T cell progenitors. Further, E-ARKO mice had more CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in spleen and an increased frequency of RTEs among T cells in spleen and lymph nodes. Depletion of the androgen receptor in epithelial cells was also associated with a small shift in the relative number of cortical (reduced) and medullary (increased) TECs and increased CCL25 staining in the thymic medulla, similar to previous observations in castrated mice. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the thymic epithelium is a target compartment for androgen-mediated regulation of thymopoiesis and consequently the generation of RTEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Wilhelmson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marta Lantero Rodriguez
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Inger Johansson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Svedlund Eriksson
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Stubelius
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Susanne Lindgren
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pamela J. Fink
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Hans Carlsten
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olov Ekwall
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tivesten
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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8
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JANECZKO-CZARNECKA MAŁGORZATA, RYBKA BLANKA, RYCZAN-KRAWCZYK RENATA, KAŁWAK KRZYSZTOF, USSOWICZ MAREK. Thymic activity in immune recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children. Cent Eur J Immunol 2020; 45:151-159. [PMID: 33456325 PMCID: PMC7792432 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2019.89843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thymic output was studied prospectively in 52 children who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Thymic activity was assessed by quantification of recent thymic emigrants (RTE) discriminated from the rest of naive T cells by immunophenotype CD3+/CD4+/CD31+/CD45RA+. Thymic output was analyzed in correlation with the kinetics of immune recovery and in relation to other potential risk factors that may influence thymopoiesis: underlying disease, type of HSCT, source of stem cells, age of recipient and donor, type of conditioning, implemented graft versus host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis, viral reactivations (herpes viruses cytomegalovirus - CMV, Epstein-Barr virus - EBV, adenovirus - ADV, BK virus - BKV), occurrence and grade of both acute and chronic graft versus host disease (aGvHD, cGvHD) and number of transplanted CD34 cells/kg. The absolute count of RTE in peripheral blood was evaluated at 6 time points: before the conditioning and on days +15, +30, +60 , +90 and +180 after HSCT. Occurrence of grade II-IV aGvHD was the most important factor associated with low RTE counts after HSCT. History of malignant disease, and transplantation from matched unrelated donor were risk factors for lower thymic output. We found a weak inverse correlation between the age of the recipient and thymic output on post-HSCT day +180. Source of stem cells, type of conditioning, viral reactivations, occurrence of chronic GvHD, age of the donor and the number of transplanted CD34 cells/kg did not affect thymopoiesis in our study group. These preliminary findings and identification of risk factors for deterioration of thymic activity may in the future help in selecting candidates for thymus rejuvenation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- MAŁGORZATA JANECZKO-CZARNECKA
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - BLANKA RYBKA
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - RENATA RYCZAN-KRAWCZYK
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - KRZYSZTOF KAŁWAK
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - MAREK USSOWICZ
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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9
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Ieko T, Sasaki H, Maeda N, Fujiki J, Iwano H, Yokota H. Analysis of Corticosterone and Testosterone Synthesis in Rat Salivary Gland Homogenates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:479. [PMID: 31379745 PMCID: PMC6650613 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00479] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Extra-adrenal steroid hormone production has been reported in several tissues, the biological role of which is interesting in terms of hormonal regulation of metabolism, growth, and behavior. In this report, we describe for the first time steroidogenesis in rat salivary glands. Enzyme activities associated with corticosterone and testosterone production were detected in rat salivary glands by LC-MS analysis. In tissue homogenates of rat salivary glands, progesterone was produced enzymatically in vitro from pregnenolone in the presence of NADPH and NADH. Deoxycorticosterone was produced from progesterone, corticosterone from deoxycorticosterone, and testosterone from androstenedione (but not pregnenolone from cholesterol) via enzymatic reactions using the same tissue homogenates. Immunoblotting analysis indicated the expression of 11β-hydroxylase (cytochrome P450 11β1; CYP11β1), which mediated the production of corticosterone from deoxycorticosterone. However, CYP family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1)-mediated production of pregnenolone from cholesterol was not detected in the salivary glands by immunoblotting using a specific antibody. These results indicate that corticosterone and testosterone are produced from pregnenolone in rat salivary glands. The initial substrate in salivary steroidogenesis and the roles of salivary corticosterone and testosterone are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Ieko
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Hirokuni Sasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Maeda
- Laboratory of Meat Science and Technology, Department of Food Science and Human Wellness, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Jumpei Fujiki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Hidetomo Iwano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yokota
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hiroshi Yokota
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10
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Huda MN, Ahmad SM, Alam MJ, Khanam A, Afsar MNA, Wagatsuma Y, Raqib R, Stephensen CB, Laugero KD. Infant cortisol stress-response is associated with thymic function and vaccine response. Stress 2019; 22:36-43. [PMID: 29932814 PMCID: PMC6351220 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2018.1484445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress can impair T cell-mediated immunity. To determine if infants with high stress responses had deficits in T-cell mediated immunity, we examined the association of pain-induced cortisol responsiveness with thymic function and vaccine responses in infants. This study was performed among 306 (male = 153 and female = 153) participants of a randomized, controlled trial examining the effect of neonatal vitamin A supplementation on immune function in Bangladesh (NCT01583972). Salivary cortisol was measured before and 20 min after a needle stick (vaccination) at 6 weeks of age. The thymic index (TI) was determined by ultrasonography at 1, 6, 10 and 15 weeks. T-cell receptor excision circle and blood T-cell concentrations were measured at 6 and 15 weeks. Responses to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), tetanus toxoid, hepatitis B virus and oral poliovirus vaccination were assayed at 6 and 15 weeks. Cortisol responsiveness was negatively associated with TI at all ages (p < .01) in boys only, was negatively associated with naïve helper T-cell concentrations in both sexes at both 6 (p = .0035) and 15 weeks (p = .0083), and was negatively associated with the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test response to BCG vaccination at 15 weeks (p = .034) in both sexes. Infants with a higher cortisol response to pain have differences in the T-cell compartment and a lower DTH response to vaccination. Sex differences in the immune system were seen as early as 6 weeks of age in these healthy infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Nazmul Huda
- Nutrition Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, U.S.A
- US Department of Agriculture, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, U.S.A
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaikh M. Ahmad
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md J. Alam
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afsana Khanam
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nure A. Afsar
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yukiko Wagatsuma
- Department of Clinical Trial and Clinical Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- Enteric and Respiratory Infections Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Charles B. Stephensen
- Nutrition Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, U.S.A
- US Department of Agriculture, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, U.S.A
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Dr. Charles B Stephensen, Immunity and Disease Prevention Research Unit, USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center, 430 West Health Sciences Drive, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A. Phone: +1-530-754-9266. Fax: +1-530-752-4390.
| | - Kevin D. Laugero
- Nutrition Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, U.S.A
- US Department of Agriculture, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, California, U.S.A
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11
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Bereshchenko O, Bruscoli S, Riccardi C. Glucocorticoids, Sex Hormones, and Immunity. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1332. [PMID: 29946321 PMCID: PMC6006719 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones regulate essential body functions in mammals, control cell metabolism, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Importantly, they are potent suppressors of inflammation, and multiple immune-modulatory mechanisms involving leukocyte apoptosis, differentiation, and cytokine production have been described. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressive activity, synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are the most prescribed drugs used for treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. It is long been noted that males and females exhibit differences in the prevalence in several autoimmune diseases (AD). This can be due to the role of sexual hormones in regulation of the immune responses, acting through their endogenous nuclear receptors to mediate gene expression and generate unique gender-specific cellular environments. Given the fact that GCs are the primary physiological anti-inflammatory hormones, and that sex hormones may also exert immune-modulatory functions, the link between GCs and sex hormones may exist. Understanding the nature of this possible crosstalk is important to unravel the reason of sexual disparity in AD and to carefully prescribe these drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss similarities and differences between the effects of sex hormones and GCs on the immune system, to highlight possible axes of functional interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Bereshchenko
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bruscoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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12
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Mittelstadt PR, Taves MD, Ashwell JD. Cutting Edge: De Novo Glucocorticoid Synthesis by Thymic Epithelial Cells Regulates Antigen-Specific Thymocyte Selection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:1988-1994. [PMID: 29440508 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling in thymocytes counters negative selection and promotes the generation of a self-tolerant yet Ag-responsive T cell repertoire. Whereas circulating GC are derived from the adrenals, GC are also synthesized de novo in the thymus. The significance of this local production is unknown. In this study we deleted 11β-hydroxylase, the enzyme that catalyzes the last step of GC biosynthesis, in thymic epithelial cells (TEC) or thymocytes. Like GC receptor-deficient T cells, T cells from mice lacking TEC-derived but not thymocyte-derived GC proliferated poorly to alloantigen, had a reduced antiviral response, and exhibited enhanced negative selection. Strikingly, basal expression of GC-responsive genes in thymocytes from mice lacking TEC-derived GC was reduced to the same degree as in GC receptor-deficient thymocytes, indicating that at steady-state the majority of biologically active GC are paracrine in origin. These findings demonstrate the importance of extra-adrenal GC even in the presence of circulating adrenal-derived GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Mittelstadt
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Matthew D Taves
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Jonathan D Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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13
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Majumdar S, Nandi D. Thymic Atrophy: Experimental Studies and Therapeutic Interventions. Scand J Immunol 2017; 87:4-14. [PMID: 28960415 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The thymus is essential for T cell development and maturation. It is extremely sensitive to atrophy, wherein loss in cellularity of the thymus and/or disruption of the thymic architecture occur. This may lead to lower naïve T cell output and limited TCR diversity. Thymic atrophy is often associated with ageing. What is less appreciated is that proper functioning of the thymus is critical for reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with various clinical conditions including infections and transplantation. Therefore, therapeutic interventions which possess thymopoietic potential and lower thymic atrophy are required. These treatments enhance thymic output, which is a vital factor in generating favourable outcomes in clinical conditions. In this review, experimental studies on thymic atrophy in rodents and clinical cases where the thymus atrophies are discussed. In addition, mechanisms leading to thymic atrophy during ageing as well as during various stress conditions are reviewed. Therapies such as zinc supplementation, IL7 administration, leptin treatment, keratinocyte growth factor administration and sex steroid ablation during thymic atrophy involving experiments in animals and various clinical scenarios are reviewed. Interventions that have been used across different scenarios to reduce the extent of thymic atrophy and enhance its output are discussed. This review aims to speculate on the roles of combination therapies, which by acting additively or synergistically may further alleviate thymic atrophy and boost its function, thereby strengthening cellular T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Majumdar
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - D Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry & Centre for Infectious Diseases Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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14
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Rocamora-Reverte L, Reichardt HM, Villunger A, Wiegers GJ. T-cell autonomous death induced by regeneration of inert glucocorticoid metabolites. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2948. [PMID: 28726773 PMCID: PMC5550885 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are essential regulators of T-cell development and function. Activation of the immune system increases systemic adrenal-derived GC levels which downregulate immune activity as part of a negative feedback control system. Increasing evidence shows, however, that GC can also be derived from extra-adrenal sources such as the thymus or intestine, thus providing local control of GC-mediated effects. The thymus reportedly produces GC, but whether thymic epithelial cells or thymocytes produce GC acting either in an autocrine or paracrine fashion is not clear. We studied the expression of two main enzymes involved in de novo GC synthesis, CYP11A1 and CYP11B1, as well as the expression and activity of HSD11B1, an enzyme catalyzing interconversion of inert GC metabolites with active GC. While we found no evidence of de novo GC synthesis in both thymocytes and peripheral T cells, abundant regeneration of GC from the inactive metabolite 11-dehydrocorticosterone was detectable. Irrespective of their maturation stage, T cells that produced GC in this manner undergo autonomous cell death as this was blocked when glucocorticoid receptor-deficient T cells were treated with GC metabolites. These results indicate that both immature and mature T cells possess the capacity to undergo apoptosis in response to intrinsically generated GC. Consequently, positive selection of thymocytes, as well as survival of peripheral T cells may depend on TCR-induced escape of otherwise HSD11B1-driven autonomous T-cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger M Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Biocenter, Division of Developmental Immunology, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - GJan Wiegers
- Biocenter, Division of Developmental Immunology, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Taves MD, Hamden JE, Soma KK. Local glucocorticoid production in lymphoid organs of mice and birds: Functions in lymphocyte development. Horm Behav 2017; 88:4-14. [PMID: 27818220 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Circulating glucocorticoids (GCs) are powerful regulators of immunity. Stress-induced GC secretion by the adrenal glands initially enhances and later suppresses the immune response. GC targets include lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system, which are well known for their sensitivity to GCs. Less appreciated, however, is that GCs are locally produced in lymphoid organs, such as the thymus, where GCs play a critical role in selection of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) repertoire. Here, we review the roles of systemic and locally-produced GCs in T lymphocyte development, which has been studied primarily in laboratory mice. By antagonizing TCR signaling in developing T cells, thymus-derived GCs promote selection of T cells with stronger TCR signaling. This results in increased T cell-mediated immune responses to a range of antigens. We then compare local and systemic GC patterns in mice to those in several bird species. Taken together, these studies suggest that a combination of adrenal and lymphoid GC production might function to adaptively regulate lymphocyte development and selection, and thus antigen-specific immune reactivity, to optimize survival under different environmental conditions. Future studies should examine how lymphoid GC patterns vary across other vertebrates, how GCs function in B lymphocyte development in the bone marrow, spleen, and the avian bursa of Fabricius, and whether GCs adaptively program immunity in free-living animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taves
- Dept of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Dept of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jordan E Hamden
- Dept of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Dept of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Dept of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Dept of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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16
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Modular transcriptional repertoire and MicroRNA target analyses characterize genomic dysregulation in the thymus of Down syndrome infants. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7497-533. [PMID: 26848775 PMCID: PMC4884935 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Trisomy 21-driven transcriptional alterations in human thymus were characterized through gene coexpression network (GCN) and miRNA-target analyses. We used whole thymic tissue--obtained at heart surgery from Down syndrome (DS) and karyotipically normal subjects (CT)--and a network-based approach for GCN analysis that allows the identification of modular transcriptional repertoires (communities) and the interactions between all the system's constituents through community detection. Changes in the degree of connections observed for hierarchically important hubs/genes in CT and DS networks corresponded to community changes. Distinct communities of highly interconnected genes were topologically identified in these networks. The role of miRNAs in modulating the expression of highly connected genes in CT and DS was revealed through miRNA-target analysis. Trisomy 21 gene dysregulation in thymus may be depicted as the breakdown and altered reorganization of transcriptional modules. Leading networks acting in normal or disease states were identified. CT networks would depict the "canonical" way of thymus functioning. Conversely, DS networks represent a "non-canonical" way, i.e., thymic tissue adaptation under trisomy 21 genomic dysregulation. This adaptation is probably driven by epigenetic mechanisms acting at chromatin level and through the miRNA control of transcriptional programs involving the networks' high-hierarchy genes.
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17
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Taves MD, Plumb AW, Korol AM, Van Der Gugten JG, Holmes DT, Abraham N, Soma KK. Lymphoid organs of neonatal and adult mice preferentially produce active glucocorticoids from metabolites, not precursors. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 57:271-281. [PMID: 27165988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are circulating adrenal steroid hormones that coordinate physiology, especially the counter-regulatory response to stressors. While systemic GCs are often considered immunosuppressive, GCs in the thymus play a critical role in antigen-specific immunity by ensuring the selection of competent T cells. Elevated thymus-specific GC levels are thought to occur by local synthesis, but the mechanism of such tissue-specific GC production remains unknown. Here, we found metyrapone-blockable GC production in neonatal and adult bone marrow, spleen, and thymus of C57BL/6 mice. This production was primarily via regeneration of adrenal metabolites, rather than de novo synthesis from cholesterol, as we found high levels of gene expression and activity of the GC-regenerating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), but not the GC-synthetic enzyme CYP11B1. Furthermore, incubation with physiological concentrations of GC metabolites (11-dehydrocorticosterone, prednisone) induced 11β-HSD1- and GC receptor-dependent apoptosis (caspase activation) in both T and B cells, showing the functional relevance of local GC regeneration in lymphocyte GC signaling. Local GC production in bone marrow and spleen raises the possibility that GCs play a key role in B cell selection similar to their role in T cell selection. Our results also indicate that local GC production may amplify changes in adrenal GC signaling, rather than buffering against such changes, in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taves
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Adam W Plumb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Anastasia M Korol
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | | | - Daniel T Holmes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Ninan Abraham
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, 1365-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, 4200-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver V6T 1Z4, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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18
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Talaber G, Yakimchuk K, Guan J, Inzunza J, Okret S. Inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis enhances lymphoma growth in mice. Oncotarget 2016; 7:20718-27. [PMID: 26943574 PMCID: PMC4991487 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Most lymphomas show higher incidence and poorer prognosis in males compared to females. However, the endocrine contribution to this gender difference is not entirely known. Here we show that castration accelerates lymphoma growth in C57BL6 male mice grafted with murine EG7 T cell lymphoma cells. However, the androgen receptor antagonist Bicalutamide did not affect lymphoma growth, suggesting no impact of androgen receptor signaling on lymphoma progression. In contrast, inhibition of androgen-to-estrogen conversion by the aromatase inhibitor (AI) Letrozole induced faster lymphoma growth in mice, suggesting that androgens impact lymphoma growth through its conversion to estrogens. This was supported by the inability of dihydrotestosterone, which is not converted to estrogens by aromatase, to influence lymphoma growth in castrated male mice. Lymphoma growth was also stimulated in immunocompromised mice grafted with human B cell lymphoma (Granta-519) and treated with either reversible or irreversible AIs, showing that the blockage of estrogen synthesis caused enhanced growth of both murine T and human B cell lymphomas and with different AIs. Additionally, AI-treated EG7 lymphomas showed accelerated growth not only in male but also in intact female mice. Altogether, our results demonstrate that aromatase inhibition accelerates lymphoma growth but not androgens per se, highlighting a protective role of estrogens in lymphoma pathogenesis. These results also raise concern that the use of AIs in women with breast cancer might enhance lymphoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Konstantin Yakimchuk
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jiyu Guan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jose Inzunza
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
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19
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Velardi E, Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. Sex steroid ablation: an immunoregenerative strategy for immunocompromised patients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2016; 50 Suppl 2:S77-81. [PMID: 26039214 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2015.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Age-related decline in thymic function is a well-described process that results in reduced T-cell development and thymic output of new naïve T cells. Thymic involution leads to reduced response to vaccines and new pathogens in otherwise healthy individuals; however, reduced thymic function is particularly detrimental in clinical scenarios where the immune system is profoundly depleted such as after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, infection and shock. Poor thymic function and restoration of immune competence has been correlated with an increased risk of opportunistic infections, tumor relapse and autoimmunity. Apart from their primary role in sex dimorphism, sex steroid levels profoundly affect the immune system in general and, in fact, age-related thymic involution has been at least partially attributed to the increase in sex steroids at puberty. Subsequently it has been demonstrated that the removal of sex steroids, or sex steroid ablation (SSA), triggers physiologic changes that ultimately lead to thymic re-growth and improved T-cell reconstitution in settings of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Although the cellular and molecular process underlying these regenerative effects are still poorly understood, SSA clearly represents an attractive therapeutic approach to enhance thymic function and restore immune competence in immunodeficient individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Velardi
- 1] Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [2] Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - J A Dudakov
- 1] Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [2] Monash Immunology and Stem Cell Laboratories (MISCL), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - M R M van den Brink
- 1] Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA [2] Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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20
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Kadam KM, Mande PV, Gawas N, Ahire S, Khole LVV. Autoantibodies to Heat-Shock Protein, HSPA5, and Epitope Spreading: High-Dose Dexamethasone Therapy Rescues Ovarian Function in Experimental Autoimmune Ovarian Insufficiency Mouse Model. Am J Reprod Immunol 2016; 75:580-93. [PMID: 26840828 DOI: 10.1111/aji.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Role of autoantibodies to heat-shock protein 70 isoform, HSPA5, both alone or in combination with other antigenic peptides in epitope spreading and effect of high-dose dexamethasone to overcome this. METHOD OF STUDY Experimental autoimmune premature ovarian insufficiency mouse model generated by immunization with immunodominant epitopes of HSPA5 alone or in combination with other antigenic peptides. Two doses of dexamethasone treatment are given to the latter group. Immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis were undertaken to detect cross-reactivity. Hormonal estimations, histological evaluation, and fertility studies were performed to assess treatment efficacy. RESULTS One of the immunodominant epitopes of HSPA5 led to epitope spreading. Of the two doses, 100 mg was more effective in rescuing fertility. CONCLUSIONS We postulate that the shared immunodominant peptide could be included in a peptide array to detect both HSAP5 and HSP90β autoantibodies for early diagnosis or prognosis of aPOI and customized glucocorticoid therapy for such subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushiki M Kadam
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Purvi V Mande
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Nilesh Gawas
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sarika Ahire
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Late Vrinda V Khole
- Department of Gamete Immunobiology, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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21
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Lei R, Zhao T, Li Q, Wang X, Ma H, Deng Y. Carbon Ion Irradiated Neural Injury Induced the Peripheral Immune Effects in Vitro or in Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:28334-46. [PMID: 26633364 PMCID: PMC4691056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon ion radiation is a promising treatment for brain cancer; however, the immune system involved long-term systemic effects evoke a concern of complementary and alternative therapies in clinical treatment. To clarify radiotherapy caused fundamental changes in peripheral immune system, examinations were performed based on established models in vitro and in vivo. We found that brain-localized carbon ion radiation of neural cells induced complex changes in the peripheral blood, thymus, and spleen at one, two, and three months after its application. Atrophy, apoptosis, and abnormal T-cell distributions were observed in rats receiving a single high dose of radiation. Radiation downregulated the expression of proteins involved in T-cell development at the transcriptional level and increased the proportion of CD3⁺CD4(-)CD8⁺ T-cells in the thymus and the proportion of CD3⁺CD4⁺CD8(-) T-cells in the spleen. These data show that brain irradiation severely affects the peripheral immune system, even at relatively long times after irradiation. In addition, they provide valuable information that will implement the design of biological-based strategies that will aid brain cancer patients suffering from the long-term side effects of radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runhong Lei
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Tuo Zhao
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Space Radiobiology, Key Laboratory of Heavy Ion Radiation Biology and Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Nuclear Physics, China Institute of Atomic Energy, Beijing 102413, China.
| | - Hong Ma
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
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22
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Talaber G, Jondal M, Okret S. Local glucocorticoid production in the thymus. Steroids 2015; 103:58-63. [PMID: 26102271 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Besides generating immunocompetent T lymphocytes, the thymus is an established site of de novo extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) production. Among the compartments of the thymus, both stromal thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes secrete biologically active GCs. Locally produced GCs secreted by the various thymic cellular compartments have been suggested to have different impact on thymic homeostasis. TEC-derived GCs may regulate thymocyte differentiation whereas thymocyte-derived GCs might regulate age-dependent involution. However the full biological significance of thymic-derived GCs is still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize and describe recent advances in the understanding of local GC production in the thymus and immunoregulatory steroid production by peripheral T cells and highlight the possible role of local GCs for thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Jondal
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
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23
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Lee JH, Patel K, Tae HJ, Lustig A, Kim JW, Mattson MP, Taub DD. Ghrelin augments murine T-cell proliferation by activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and protein kinase C signaling pathways. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4708-19. [PMID: 25447526 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thymic atrophy occurs during normal aging, and is accelerated by exposure to chronic stressors that elevate glucocorticoid levels and impair the naïve T cell output. The orexigenic hormone ghrelin was recently shown to attenuate age-associated thymic atrophy. Here, we report that ghrelin enhances the proliferation of murine CD4+ primary T cells and a CD4+ T-cell line. Ghrelin induced activation of the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways, via upstream activation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and protein kinase C, to enhance T-cell proliferation. Moreover, ghrelin induced expression of the cell cycle proteins cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and retinoblastoma phosphorylation. Finally, ghrelin activated the above-mentioned signaling pathways and stimulated thymocyte proliferation in young and older mice in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Plus Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Kalpesh Patel
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Hyun Jin Tae
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Ana Lustig
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Jie Wan Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - Dennis D Taub
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institute on Aging Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States; Center of Translational Studies, Medical Services, Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC 20422, United States.
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Weitnauer M, Schmidt L, Ng Kuet Leong N, Muenchau S, Lasitschka F, Eckstein V, Hübner S, Tuckermann J, Dalpke AH. Bronchial epithelial cells induce alternatively activated dendritic cells dependent on glucocorticoid receptor signaling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:1475-84. [PMID: 24965772 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Airway epithelial cells mount a tolerogenic microenvironment that reduces the proinflammatory potential of respiratory dendritic cells (DCs). We recently demonstrated that tracheal epithelial cells continuously secrete soluble mediators that affect the reactivity of local innate immune cells. Using transcriptional profiling, we now observed that conditioning of DCs by tracheal epithelial cells regulated 98 genes under homeostatic conditions. Among the most upregulated genes were Ms4a8a and Ym1, marker genes of alternatively activated myeloid cells. Ex vivo analysis of respiratory DCs from nonchallenged mice confirmed a phenotype of alternative activation. Bioinformatic analysis showed an overrepresentation of hormone-nuclear receptors within the regulated genes, among which was the glucocorticoid receptor. In line with a role for glucocorticoids, pharmacological blockade as well as genetic manipulation of the glucocorticoid receptor within DCs inhibited Ms4a8a and Ym1 expression as well as MHC class II and CD86 regulation upon epithelial cell conditioning. Within epithelial cell-conditioned medium, low amounts of glucocorticoids were present. Further analysis showed that airway epithelial cells did not produce glucocorticoids de novo, yet were able to reactivate inactive dehydrocorticosterone enzymatically. The results show that airway epithelial cells regulate local immune responses, and this modulation involves local production of glucocorticoids and induction of an alternative activation phenotype in DCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weitnauer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lotte Schmidt
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Ng Kuet Leong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Muenchau
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Eckstein
- Department of Medicine V, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Sabine Hübner
- Institute of General Zoology and Endocrinology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of General Zoology and Endocrinology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander H Dalpke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
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Leclercq C, Prunier A, Thomas F, Merlot E. Neonatal surgical castration of male pigs reduces thymic growth but has moderate consequences on thymocytes. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:2415-21. [PMID: 24668957 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymus integrates numerous signals from the neuroendocrine-immune system, including sex steroids, glucocorticoids, and catecholamines. Neonatal surgical castration, commonly practiced in pig husbandry, modifies thymic hormonal environment, for example, sex steroids and probably glucocorticoids and catecholamines, which are important modulators of thymic function. This study aimed at investigating, in pubescent male pigs, the consequences of neonatal suppression of testicular hormones on thymic T cell differentiation and hormonal control of thymocyte proliferation. A total of 34 male pigs were allocated to 2 experimental groups: control (CT) intact males and males surgically castrated (SC) at 5 or 6 d of age. At slaughter, thymus was weighed and thymic samples were collected to determine fat content and distribution of thymocyte subsets by identification of CD1, CD4, CD8, and γδ T cell receptor (TCR) cell surface markers and to measure thymocyte proliferation in presence of cortisol, norepinephrine, and sex steroids. Results showed that absolute and relative thymus weights were greater (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively) whereas thymic fat content was less (P < 0.01) in CT than in SC pigs. Surgical castration did not change the frequency of CD1+ immature thymocytes. The proportion of γδ T cells tended to be greater in CT than in SC pigs (P < 0.1) but the proportions of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+ thymocytes were similar in both groups (P > 0.1) indicating that the Tαβ lineage was not influenced by early castration. Proliferation of thymocytes in response to concanavalin A (ConA) was greater in SC than in CT pigs (P < 0.05). Cortisol and norepinephrine decreased the ConA-induced proliferation in CT and SC pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, proliferation of thymocytes was less inhibited by norepinephrine in SC than in CT males (P < 0.05). The greatest concentration of testosterone (25 ng/mL) increased (SC males, P < 0.05) or tended to increase (CT males, P < 0.1) the proliferative responsiveness to ConA but the lowest dose (2.5 ng/mL) and the greatest dose of testosterone combined with estradiol had no significant effect (P > 0.1). Overall, our data show little effect of neonatal castration on thymocyte differentiation as well as of sex hormones on thymocyte proliferation. However, thymic cells seem to be more sensitive to the inhibitory influence of norepinephrine in CT than in CS pigs. The significance of such difference for animal health remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Leclercq
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35590 Saint-Gilles, France Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - A Prunier
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35590 Saint-Gilles, France Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - F Thomas
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35590 Saint-Gilles, France Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35000 Rennes, France
| | - E Merlot
- INRA, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35590 Saint-Gilles, France Agrocampus Ouest, UMR1348 PEGASE, F-35000 Rennes, France
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Rezzani R, Nardo L, Favero G, Peroni M, Rodella LF. Thymus and aging: morphological, radiological, and functional overview. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2014; 36:313-51. [PMID: 23877171 PMCID: PMC3889907 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-013-9564-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a continuous process that induces many alterations in the cytoarchitecture of different organs and systems both in humans and animals. Moreover, it is associated with increased susceptibility to infectious, autoimmune, and neoplastic processes. The thymus is a primary lymphoid organ responsible for the production of immunocompetent T cells and, with aging, it atrophies and declines in functions. Universality of thymic involution in all species possessing thymus, including human, indicates it as a long-standing evolutionary event. Although it is accepted that many factors contribute to age-associated thymic involution, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the process. The exact time point of the initiation is not well defined. To address the issue, we report the exact age of thymus throughout the review so that readers can have a nicely pictured synoptic view of the process. Focusing our attention on the different stages of the development of the thymus gland (natal, postnatal, adult, and old), we describe chronologically the morphological changes of the gland. We report that the thymic morphology and cell types are evolutionarily preserved in several vertebrate species. This finding is important in understanding the similar problems caused by senescence and other diseases. Another point that we considered very important is to indicate the assessment of the thymus through radiological images to highlight its variability in shape, size, and anatomical conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy,
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27
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Lepletier A, de Carvalho VF, e Silva PMR, Villar S, Pérez AR, Savino W, Morrot A. Trypanosoma cruzi disrupts thymic homeostasis by altering intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2470. [PMID: 24324845 PMCID: PMC3852165 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that experimental infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi
is associated with changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Increased glucocorticoid (GC)
levels are believed to be protective against the effects of acute stress during infection but result
in depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes by apoptosis, driving to thymic
atrophy. However, very few data are available concerning prolactin (PRL), another stress-related
hormone, which seems to be decreased during T. cruzi infection. Considering the
immunomodulatory role of PRL upon the effects caused by GC, we investigated if intrathymic
cross-talk between GC and PRL receptors (GR and PRLR, respectively) might influence T.
cruzi-induced thymic atrophy. Using an acute experimental model, we observed changes in
GR/PRLR cross-activation related with the survival of CD4+CD8+
thymocytes during infection. These alterations were closely related with systemic changes,
characterized by a stress hormone imbalance, with progressive GC augmentation simultaneously to PRL
reduction. The intrathymic hormone circuitry exhibited an inverse modulation that seemed to
counteract the GC-related systemic deleterious effects. During infection, adrenalectomy protected
the thymus from the increase in apoptosis ratio without changing PRL levels, whereas an additional
inhibition of circulating PRL accelerated the thymic atrophy and led to an increase in
corticosterone systemic levels. These results demonstrate that the PRL impairment during infection
is not caused by the increase of corticosterone levels, but the opposite seems to occur.
Accordingly, metoclopramide (MET)-induced enhancement of PRL secretion protected thymic atrophy in
acutely infected animals as well as the abnormal export of immature and potentially autoreactive
CD4+CD8+ thymocytes to the periphery. In conclusion, our findings
clearly show that Trypanosoma cruzi subverts mouse thymus homeostasis by altering
intrathymic and systemic stress-related endocrine circuitries with major consequences upon the
normal process of intrathymic T cell development. It is currently estimated that 90 million people in America are exposed to T.
cruzi infection, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Despite the mortality and
morbidity, this infection is yet considered a neglected disease, due to the lack of effective, safe,
and affordable pharmaceuticals for controlling it. T. cruzi leads to
immunosuppression of the T cell compartment and to chronic cardiac inflammation, which seems to be
associated with the disruption of thymic homeostasis. Thymus atrophy, characteristic of acute
infection, is mainly associated with the loss of immature CD4+CD8+
thymocytes, which in turn is associated with increased corticosterone systemic levels, together with
their premature export to the periphery as potential autorreactive cells. Although being deleterious
to the thymus, GCs are protective during this infection, for avoiding an exacerbated
pro-inflammatory response. Here we demonstrate that the increase of GCs in plasma is related to the
impairment of PRL systemic levels. The intrathymic hormonal circuitry is also altered during
infection and an imbalance of the cross-talk involving GR and PRL is related with
CD4+CD8+ depletion. The partial restoration of PRL levels prevented
thymus atrophy of infected mice, thus partially reverting the T. cruzi-induced
subversion of the organ, ultimately reestablishing thymus homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Silvina Villar
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Ana Rosa Pérez
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences,
National University of Rosario and CONICET, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Alexandre Morrot
- Laboratory of Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute,
Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Paulo de Goes Institute of
Microbiology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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28
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Talabér G, Jondal M, Okret S. Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid synthesis: immune regulation and aspects on local organ homeostasis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 380:89-98. [PMID: 23707789 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Systemic glucocorticoids (GCs) mainly originate from de novo synthesis in the adrenal cortex under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis. However, research during the last 1-2 decades has revealed that additional organs express the necessary enzymes and have the capacity for de novo synthesis of biologically active GCs. This includes the thymus, intestine, skin and the brain. Recent research has also revealed that locally synthesized GCs most likely act in a paracrine or autocrine manner and have significant physiological roles in local homeostasis, cell development and immune cell activation. In this review, we summarize the nature, regulation and known physiological roles of extra-adrenal GC synthesis. We specifically focus on the thymus in which GC production (by both developing thymocytes and epithelial cells) has a role in the maintenance of proper immunological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talabér
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
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29
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Everds NE, Snyder PW, Bailey KL, Bolon B, Creasy DM, Foley GL, Rosol TJ, Sellers T. Interpreting Stress Responses during Routine Toxicity Studies. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 41:560-614. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623312466452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress often occurs during toxicity studies. The perception of sensory stimuli as stressful primarily results in catecholamine release and activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to increase serum glucocorticoid concentrations. Downstream effects of these neuroendocrine signals may include decreased total body weights or body weight gain; food consumption and activity; altered organ weights (e.g., thymus, spleen, adrenal); lymphocyte depletion in thymus and spleen; altered circulating leukocyte counts (e.g., increased neutrophils with decreased lymphocytes and eosinophils); and altered reproductive functions. Typically, only some of these findings occur in a given study. Stress responses should be interpreted as secondary (indirect) rather than primary (direct) test article–related findings. Determining whether effects are the result of stress requires a weight-of-evidence approach. The evaluation and interpretation of routinely collected data (standard in-life, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology endpoints) are appropriate and generally sufficient to assess whether or not changes are secondary to stress. The impact of possible stress-induced effects on data interpretation can partially be mitigated by toxicity study designs that use appropriate control groups (e.g., cohorts treated with vehicle and subjected to the same procedures as those dosed with test article), housing that minimizes isolation and offers environmental enrichment, and experimental procedures that minimize stress and sampling and analytical bias. This article is a comprehensive overview of the biological aspects of the stress response, beginning with a Summary (Section 1) and an Introduction (Section 2) that describes the historical and conventional methods used to characterize acute and chronic stress responses. These sections are followed by reviews of the primary systems and parameters that regulate and/or are influenced by stress, with an emphasis on parameters evaluated in toxicity studies: In-life Procedures (Section 3), Nervous System (Section 4), Endocrine System (Section 5), Reproductive System (Section 6), Clinical Pathology (Section 7), and Immune System (Section 8). The paper concludes (Section 9) with a brief discussion on Minimizing Stress-Related Effects (9.1.), and a final section explaining why Parameters routinely measured are appropriate for assessing the role of stress in toxicology studies (9.2.).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keith L. Bailey
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Brad Bolon
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and the Comparative Pathology and Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas J. Rosol
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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30
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Leposavic G, Perisic M, Pilipovic I. Role of gonadal hormones in programming developmental changes in thymopoietic efficiency and sexual diergism in thymopoiesis. Immunol Res 2012; 52:7-19. [PMID: 22407539 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-012-8278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence indicating the important role of the neonatal steroid milieu in programming sexually diergic changes in thymopoietic efficiency, which in rodents occur around puberty and lead to a substantial phenotypic and functional remodeling of the peripheral T-cell compartment. This in turn leads to an alteration in the susceptibility to infection and various immunologically mediated pathologies. Our laboratory has explored interdependence in the programming and development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and thymus using experimental model of neonatal androgenization. We have outlined critical points in the complex process of T-cell development depending on neonatal androgen imprinting and the peripheral outcome of these changes and have pointed to underlying mechanisms. Our research has particularly contributed to an understanding of the putative role of changes in catecholamine-mediated communications in the thymopoietic alterations in adult neonatally androgenized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Leposavic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 450 Vojvode Stepe, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia.
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31
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Taves MD, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Soma KK. Extra-adrenal glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids: evidence for local synthesis, regulation, and function. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 301:E11-24. [PMID: 21540450 PMCID: PMC3275156 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00100.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids are steroid hormones classically thought to be secreted exclusively by the adrenal glands. However, recent evidence has shown that corticosteroids can also be locally synthesized in various other tissues, including primary lymphoid organs, intestine, skin, brain, and possibly heart. Evidence for local synthesis includes detection of steroidogenic enzymes and high local corticosteroid levels, even after adrenalectomy. Local synthesis creates high corticosteroid concentrations in extra-adrenal organs, sometimes much higher than circulating concentrations. Interestingly, local corticosteroid synthesis can be regulated via locally expressed mediators of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis or renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In some tissues (e.g., skin), these local control pathways might form miniature analogs of the pathways that regulate adrenal corticosteroid production. Locally synthesized glucocorticoids regulate activation of immune cells, while locally synthesized mineralocorticoids regulate blood volume and pressure. The physiological importance of extra-adrenal glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids has been shown, because inhibition of local synthesis has major effects even in adrenal-intact subjects. In sum, while adrenal secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids into the blood coordinates multiple organ systems, local synthesis of corticosteroids results in high spatial specificity of steroid action. Taken together, studies of these five major organ systems challenge the conventional understanding of corticosteroid biosynthesis and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Taves
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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32
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Allard JB, Duan C. Comparative endocrinology of aging and longevity regulation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:75. [PMID: 22654825 PMCID: PMC3356063 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormones regulate growth, development, metabolism, and other complex processes in multicellular animals. For many years it has been suggested that hormones may also influence the rate of the aging process. Aging is a multifactorial process that causes biological systems to break down and cease to function in adult organisms as time passes, eventually leading to death. The exact underlying causes of the aging process remain a topic for debate, and clues that may shed light on these causes are eagerly sought after. In the last two decades, gene mutations that result in delayed aging and extended longevity have been discovered, and many of the affected genes have been components of endocrine signaling pathways. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the roles of endocrine signaling in the regulation of aging and longevity in various animals. We begin by discussing the notion that conserved systems, including endocrine signaling pathways, "regulate" the aging process. Findings from the major model organisms: worms, flies, and rodents, are then outlined. Unique lessons from studies of non-traditional models: bees, salmon, and naked mole rats, are also discussed. Finally, we summarize the endocrinology of aging in humans, including changes in hormone levels with age, and the involvement of hormones in aging-related diseases. The most well studied and widely conserved endocrine pathway that affects aging is the insulin/insulin-like growth factor system. Mutations in genes of this pathway increase the lifespan of worms, flies, and mice. Population genetic evidence also suggests this pathway's involvement in human aging. Other hormones including steroids have been linked to aging only in a subset of the models studied. Because of the value of comparative studies, it is suggested that the aging field could benefit from adoption of additional model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John B. Allard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cunming Duan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
- *Correspondence: Cunming Duan, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Natural Science Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. e-mail:
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