1
|
Chen Q, Liu R, Wei C, Wang X, Wu X, Fan R, Yu X, Li Z, Mao R, Hu J, Zhu N, Liu X, Li Y, Xu M. Exogenous Nucleotides Ameliorate Age-Related Decline in Testosterone in Male Senescence-Accelerated Mouse Prone-8 (SAMP8) Mice by Modulating the Local Renin-Angiotensin System Antioxidant Pathway. Nutrients 2023; 15:5130. [PMID: 38140389 PMCID: PMC10745527 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In older men, an age-related decline in testosterone is closely associated with various adverse health outcomes. With the progression of aging, hyperactivation of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress increase in the testis. The regulation of RAS antioxidants may be a target to delay testicular aging and maintain testosterone levels. Exogenous nucleotides (NTs) have anti-aging potential in several systems, but there are no studies of their effects on the reproductive system. In our study, we examined the effects of exogenous NTs on testosterone synthesis and explored possible mechanisms of action. Therefore, senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice and senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) were used in the experiment, and they were randomly divided into an NTs free group (NTs-F), a normal control group (control), a low-dose NTs group (NTs-L), a middle-dose NTs (NTs-M), a high-dose NTs group (NTs-H) and SAMR1 groups, and the testis of the mice were collected for testing after 9 months of intervention. The results showed that exogenous NTs could increase the testicular organ index in mice during aging, and delayed the age-associated decline in testosterone levels in SAMP8 male mice, possibly by modulating the local RAS antioxidant pathway and reducing oxidative stress to protect the testis. The present study provides new research clues for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chan Wei
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Fan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ruixue Mao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiani Hu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Na Zhu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinran Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Meihong Xu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Toxicological Research and Risk Assessment for Food Safety, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He M, Liu K, Cao J, Chen Q. An update on the role and potential mechanisms of clock genes regulating spermatogenesis: A systematic review of human and animal experimental studies. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:585-610. [PMID: 36792803 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09783-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Circadian clocks can be traced in nearly all life kingdoms, with the male reproductive system no exception. However, our understanding of the circadian clock in spermatogenesis seems to fall behind other scenarios. The present review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role and especially the potential mechanisms of clock genes in spermatogenesis regulation. Accumulating studies have revealed rhythmic oscillation in semen parameters and some physiological events of spermatogenesis. Disturbing the clock gene expression by genetic mutations or environmental changes will also notably damage spermatogenesis. On the other hand, the mechanisms of spermatogenetic regulation by clock genes remain largely unclear. Some recent studies, although not revealing the entire mechanisms, indeed attempted to shed light on this issue. Emerging clues hinted that gonadal hormones, retinoic acid signaling, homologous recombination, and the chromatoid body might be involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis by clock genes. Then we highlight the challenges and the promising directions for future studies so as to stimulate attention to this critical field which has not gained adequate concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengchao He
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Jia Cao
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Lab of Medical Protection for Electromagnetic Radiation, Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chakravarty S, Hong CI, Csikász-Nagy A. Systematic analysis of negative and positive feedback loops for robustness and temperature compensation in circadian rhythms. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2023; 9:5. [PMID: 36774353 PMCID: PMC9922291 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-023-00268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Temperature compensation and robustness to biological noise are two key characteristics of the circadian clock. These features allow the circadian pacemaker to maintain a steady oscillation in a wide range of environmental conditions. The presence of a time-delayed negative feedback loop in the regulatory network generates autonomous circadian oscillations in eukaryotic systems. In comparison, the circadian clock of cyanobacteria is controlled by a strong positive feedback loop. Positive feedback loops with substrate depletion can also generate oscillations, inspiring other circadian clock models. What makes a circadian oscillatory network robust to extrinsic noise is unclear. We investigated four basic circadian oscillators with negative, positive, and combinations of positive and negative feedback loops to explore network features necessary for circadian clock resilience. We discovered that the negative feedback loop system performs the best in compensating temperature changes. We also show that a positive feedback loop can reduce extrinsic noise in periods of circadian oscillators, while intrinsic noise is reduced by negative feedback loops.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suchana Chakravarty
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christian I Hong
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Attila Csikász-Nagy
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pavlovic MV, Marinkovic DZ, Andric SA, Kostic TS. The cost of the circadian desynchrony on the Leydig cell function. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15520. [PMID: 36109553 PMCID: PMC9478133 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The increased frequency of different lifestyles that disrupts circadian rhythms, together with a trend in the accretion of male idiopathic infertility, imposes the necessity to understand the contribution of circadian rhythms disruption to fertility regulation. In this study, the effects of circadian desynchrony (CD) on the steroidogenic capacity of adult Leydig cells were studied. Adult rats were housed under a disturbing light regime (2 days of constant light, 2 days of continual dark, and 3 days of 12:12 h light:dark schedule) designed to mimic shiftwork in humans. CD was characterized by changed and decreased rhythmic locomotor activity and reduced blood testosterone. In the Leydig cells changed transcription of the clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Cry1 and Reverba/b increased while Per1/2 reversed phase) was detected. This was followed by reduced transcription of genes (Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd3b1/2) primarily involved in mitosteroidogenesis. In parallel, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψi) and ATP production declined losing their characteristic oscillatory pattern. Also, the main markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (Ppargc1a, Nrf1, Tfam, Cytc), fusion (Mfn2), and mitophagy (Pink1 and Tfeb) were disturbed. Collectively, CD targets mitochondria in Leydig cells by reducing mitosteroidogenesis, mitoenergetics, and disturbing mitochondrial dynamics. These changes contribute to testosterone decline compromising androgen-dependent functions, including reproduction.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yao Y, Silver R. Mutual Shaping of Circadian Body-Wide Synchronization by the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and Circulating Steroids. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:877256. [PMID: 35722187 PMCID: PMC9200072 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.877256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Steroids are lipid hormones that reach bodily tissues through the systemic circulation, and play a major role in reproduction, metabolism, and homeostasis. All of these functions and steroids themselves are under the regulation of the circadian timing system (CTS) and its cellular/molecular underpinnings. In health, cells throughout the body coordinate their daily activities to optimize responses to signals from the CTS and steroids. Misalignment of responses to these signals produces dysfunction and underlies many pathologies. Questions Addressed To explore relationships between the CTS and circulating steroids, we examine the brain clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the daily fluctuations in plasma steroids, the mechanisms producing regularly recurring fluctuations, and the actions of steroids on their receptors within the SCN. The goal is to understand the relationship between temporal control of steroid secretion and how rhythmic changes in steroids impact the SCN, which in turn modulate behavior and physiology. Evidence Surveyed The CTS is a multi-level organization producing recurrent feedback loops that operate on several time scales. We review the evidence showing that the CTS modulates the timing of secretions from the level of the hypothalamus to the steroidogenic gonadal and adrenal glands, and at specific sites within steroidogenic pathways. The SCN determines the timing of steroid hormones that then act on their cognate receptors within the brain clock. In addition, some compartments of the body-wide CTS are impacted by signals derived from food, stress, exercise etc. These in turn act on steroidogenesis to either align or misalign CTS oscillators. Finally this review provides a comprehensive exploration of the broad contribution of steroid receptors in the SCN and how these receptors in turn impact peripheral responses. Conclusion The hypothesis emerging from the recognition of steroid receptors in the SCN is that mutual shaping of responses occurs between the brain clock and fluctuating plasma steroid levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Yao
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Yifan Yao,
| | - Rae Silver
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Barnard College, New York City, NY, United States
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Graduate School, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Price ME, McCool BA. Structural, functional, and behavioral significance of sex and gonadal hormones in the basolateral amygdala: A review of preclinical literature. Alcohol 2022; 98:25-41. [PMID: 34371120 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is intimately involved in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety and alcohol use disorder (AUD). These disorders have clear sex biases, with women more likely to develop an anxiety disorder and men more likely to develop AUD. Preclinical models have largely confirmed these sex-specific vulnerabilities and emphasize the effects of sex hormones on behaviors influenced by the BLA. This review will discuss sex differences in BLA-related behaviors and highlight potential mechanisms mediated by altered BLA structure and function, including the composition of GABAergic interneuron subpopulations, glutamatergic pyramidal neuron morphology, glutamate/GABA neurotransmission, and neuromodulators. Further, sex hormones differentially organize dimorphic circuits during sensitive developmental periods (organizational effects) and initiate more transient effects throughout adulthood (activational effects). Current literature indicates that estradiol and allopregnanolone, a neuroactive progestogen, generally reduce BLA-related behaviors through a variety of mechanisms, including activation of estrogen receptors or facilitation of GABAA-mediated inhibition, respectively. This enhanced GABAergic inhibition may protect BLA pyramidal neurons from the excitability associated with anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. Understanding sex differences and the effects of sex hormones on BLA structure and function may help explain sex-specific vulnerabilities in BLA-related behaviors and ultimately improve treatments for anxiety and AUD.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sonnweber R, Stevens JMG, Hohmann G, Deschner T, Behringer V. Blood testosterone levels in sickness and in health: Male chimpanzee testosterone levels decrease in face of an immune challenge. Am J Primatol 2021; 84:e23334. [PMID: 34662432 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
As an integral part of the immune response, testosterone secretion is inhibited when an individual is confronted with an immune challenge. Testosterone-mediated physiological, morphological, and behavioral traits are compromised at times of impaired health. Nevertheless, males of some species seem to maintain high levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge, upholding competitive strength but compromising their immune response. It has been argued that this phenomenon will occur only in species living in social systems with high degrees of male-male competition over mating opportunities. Male chimpanzees contest over access to fertile females and dominants sire the majority of offspring. This male mating pattern makes chimpanzees a candidate species where we could expect males to maintain high testosterone levels, compromising their immune response, to ensure immediate reproductive success. We measured blood testosterone levels in male and female chimpanzees, who expressed clinical symptoms (symptomatic) or showed no evidence of clinical disease on assessment (asymptomatic). For females, we expected to find lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic subjects. In males, we would predict lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic males, if the immune response leads to a decrease in testosterone secretion. Alternatively, males could have equal levels of testosterone when symptomatic and asymptomatic, upholding competitive strength. Our results show that male chimpanzees exhibit lower levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge than when being asymptomatic. This suggests that male testosterone secretion is suppressed as part of the immune response, which potentially increases survival and lifetime reproductive success. It will, however, negatively impact momentary competitive ability. Also, males may employ different mating strategies, some of which are less testosterone-driven (e.g., affiliative strategies). Consequently, in some individuals, the costs of maintaining high testosterone levels may not outweigh the potential gain in reproductive success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Sonnweber
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jeroen M G Stevens
- Department of Biology, Behavioral Ecology and Ecophysiology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,SALTO, Agro- and Biotechnology, Odisee University College, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gottfried Hohmann
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Interim Group Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Verena Behringer
- Interim Group Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.,Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Heltberg ML, Krishna S, Kadanoff LP, Jensen MH. A tale of two rhythms: Locked clocks and chaos in biology. Cell Syst 2021; 12:291-303. [PMID: 33887201 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The fundamental mechanisms that control and regulate biological organisms exhibit a surprising level of complexity. Oscillators are perhaps the simplest motifs that produce time-varying dynamics and are ubiquitous in biological systems. It is also known that such biological oscillators interact with each other-for instance, circadian oscillators affect the cell cycle, and somitogenesis clock proteins in adjacent cells affect each other in developing embryos. Therefore, it is vital to understand the effects that can emerge from non-linear interaction between oscillations. Here, we show how oscillations typically arise in biology and take the reader on a tour through the great variety in dynamics that can emerge even from a single pair of coupled oscillators. We explain how chaotic dynamics can emerge and outline the methods of detecting this in experimental time traces. Finally, we discuss the potential role of such complex dynamical features in biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias L Heltberg
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Laboratoire de Physique Théorique, Ecole Normale Supérieure, 75 231 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | - Sandeep Krishna
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences TIFR, GKVK Campus, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Leo P Kadanoff
- The James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mogens H Jensen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; The James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Crewther BT, Hecht M, Cook CJ. Diurnal Within-Person Coupling Between Testosterone and Cortisol in Healthy Men: Evidence of Positive and Bidirectional Time-Lagged Associations Using a Continuous-Time Model. ADAPTIVE HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40750-021-00162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
10
|
Baburski AZ, Andric SA, Kostic TS. Luteinizing hormone signaling is involved in synchronization of Leydig cell's clock and is crucial for rhythm robustness of testosterone production†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:1406-1415. [PMID: 30722003 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, circadian clock regulates concentration of many reproductive hormones including testosterone. Previously, we characterized pattern of circadian transcription of core clock genes in testosterone-producing Leydig cells. Here, the potential role of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR)-cAMP signaling in synchronization of Leydig cell's circadian clock and rhythmic testosterone production were examined. Results showed that activation of LHR-cAMP signaling in primary rat Leydig cell culture increased Star/STAR and changed expression of many clock genes (upregulated Per1/PER1, Dec1/2, and Rorb, and downregulated Bmal1 and Rev-erba/b). Inhibition of protein kinase A prevented LHR-triggered increase in transcription of Per1 and Dec1. Effect of stimulated LHR-cAMP signaling on Leydig cell's clock transcription was also confirmed in vivo, using rats treated with single hCG injection. To analyze in vivo effect of low LH-cAMP activity on rhythmical Leydig cell function, rats with experimental hypogonadotropic hypogonadism were used. Characteristics of hypogonadal rats were decreased LH and testosterone secretion without circadian fluctuation; in Leydig cells decreased arrhythmic cAMP and transcription of steroidogenic genes (Cyp11a1 and Cyp17a1) were observed, while decreased Star/STAR expression retains circadian pattern. However, expression of clock genes, despite changes in transcription levels (increased Bmal1, Per2, Cry1, Cry2, Rora, Rorb, Rev-erba/b/REV-ERBB, Dec1, Csnk1e, and decreased Npas2 and PER1) kept circadian patterns observed in control groups. Altogether, the results strengthened the hypothesis about role of LH-cAMP signaling as synchronizer of Leydig cell's clock. However, clock in Leydig cells is not sufficient to sustain rhythmicity of testosterone production in absence of rhythmic activity of LH-cAMP signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Z Baburski
- Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Silvana A Andric
- Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tatjana S Kostic
- Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging, Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wiggins JW, Kozyrev N, Sledd JE, Wilson GG, Coolen LM. Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Reduces Gastrin-Releasing Peptide in the Spinal Ejaculation Generator in Male Rats. J Neurotrauma 2019; 36:3378-3393. [PMID: 31111794 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes sexual dysfunction, including anejaculation in men. Likewise, chronic mid-thoracic contusion injury impairs ejaculatory reflexes in male rats. Ejaculation is controlled by a spinal ejaculation generator (SEG) comprised of a population of lumbar spinothalamic (LSt) neurons. LSt neurons co-express four neuropeptides, including gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and galanin and control ejaculation via release of these peptides in lumbar and sacral autonomic and motor nuclei. Here, we tested the hypothesis that contusion injury causes a disruption of the neuropeptides that are expressed in LSt cell bodies and axon terminals, thereby causing ejaculatory dysfunction. Male Sprague Dawley rats received contusion or sham surgery at spinal levels T6-7. Five to six weeks later, animals were perfused and spinal cords were immunoprocessed for galanin and GRP. Results showed that numbers of cells immunoreactive for galanin were not altered by SCI, suggesting that LSt cells are not ablated by SCI. In contrast, GRP immunoreactivity was decreased in LSt cells following SCI, evidenced by fewer GRP and galanin/GRP dual labeled cells. However, SCI did not affect efferent connections of LSt, cells as axon terminals containing galanin or GRP in contact with autonomic cells were not reduced following SCI. Finally, no changes in testosterone plasma levels or androgen receptor expression were noted after SCI. In conclusion, chronic contusion injury decreased immunoreactivity for GRP in LSt cell soma, but did not affect LSt neurons per se or LSt connections within the SEG. Since GRP is essential for triggering ejaculation, such loss may contribute to ejaculatory dysfunction following SCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Walker Wiggins
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Natalie Kozyrev
- Robarts Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan E Sledd
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - George G Wilson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wallin-Miller KG, Chesley J, Castrillon J, Wood RI. Sex differences and hormonal modulation of ethanol-enhanced risk taking in rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 174:137-144. [PMID: 28324816 PMCID: PMC5400719 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) intake correlates with increased risk-taking, and sex differences exist in both EtOH use and risk-taking in humans and rats. However, the interaction of sex and gonadal hormones to affect risk-taking under the influence of EtOH has not been determined. This was the focus of the current study. METHODS Adult Long-Evans rats (n=18 males and females) were gonadectomized and received hormone replacement at physiologic levels or blank implants (n=7-9/group). Risk-taking was assessed with probability discounting, requiring rats to choose between a small/certain reward and a large/uncertain reward delivered with decreasing probability throughout each daily session. Before testing, rats received saline or EtOH (0.5 or 1.0g/kg) ip. RESULTS In males, EtOH increased preference for the large/uncertain reward lever (F2,28=10.462, p<0.05). However, there was no effect of EtOH on lever preference in females (F1,30=0.914, p>0.05). At baseline, ORCHX+T males showed a greater preference for the large/uncertain reward lever then ORCHX males (F1,14=13.805, p<0.05). In females only, EtOH decreased choice latency relative to baseline (F1,10=7.25, p<0.05). EtOH decreased loss sensitivity in both sexes, with all rats exhibiting decreased lose-shift ratios (males: F2,18=5.10, p<0.05; females F2,10=4.37, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results show that EtOH, sex, and hormones interact to influence decision making. EtOH increases risk taking in males, but not in females. However, EtOH selectively decreases choice latency in females, and decreases loss sensitivity in both sexes. These findings are relevant to understanding human behavior, particularly in adolescents who experience increased hormone levels and often drink EtOH and engage in risky behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn G Wallin-Miller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Jordyn Chesley
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Juliana Castrillon
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Ruth I Wood
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yoshida K, Ohta Y, Kawate N, Takahashi M, Inaba T, Hatoya S, Morii H, Takahashi K, Ito M, Tamada H. Long-term feeding of hydroalcoholic extract powder of Lepidium meyenii (maca) enhances the steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells to alleviate its decline with ageing in male rats. Andrologia 2017; 50. [PMID: 28295471 DOI: 10.1111/and.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether feeding hydroalcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii (maca) to 8-week-old (sexually maturing) or 18-week-old (mature) male rats for more than a half year affects serum testosterone concentration and testosterone production by Leydig cells cultured with hCG, 22R-hydroxycholesterol or pregnenolone. Testosterone concentration was determined in the serum samples obtained before and 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after the feeding, and it was significantly increased only at the 6 weeks in the group fed with the maca extract to maturing rats when it was compared with controls. Testosterone production by Leydig cells significantly increased when cultured with hCG by feeding the maca extract to maturing rats for 27 weeks (35 weeks of age) and when cultured with 22R-hydroxycholesterol by feeding it to mature rats for 30 weeks (48 weeks of age). Overall testosterone production by cultured Leydig cells decreased to about a half from 35 to 48 weeks of age. These results suggest that feeding the maca extract for a long time to male rats may enhance the steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells to alleviate its decline with ageing, whereas it may cause only a transient increase in blood testosterone concentration in sexually maturing male rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Yoshida
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Y Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - M Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University, Morioka, Japan
| | - T Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - S Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Morii
- Towa Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - M Ito
- Towa Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Immunosuppressants and Male Reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1034:179-210. [PMID: 29256132 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-69535-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged use of immunosuppressant medications is occasionally seen in infertile men with chronic inflammatory conditions; autoimmune disorders; or an organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Chronic inflammation impacts negatively on male reproductive endpoints, so immunosuppressant therapy can produce improvements. Corticosteroids have been used to treat antisperm antibodies and even as an empirical treatment for male infertility in general. Trials of these methods have provided mixed results on semen quality and fertility, with improvement, no change and negative effects reported by different investigators. In a substantial number of observational studies, patients on long-term therapy with prednisone for chronic inflammatory disease, testosterone levels were lower compared to untreated controls, though randomized controlled trials have not been conducted. Similarly decreases in testosterone have been reported in men receiving corticosteroids to minimize transplant rejection; however, most were treated with multiple immunosuppressive medications that may have contributed to this effect. A large number of trials of healthy men treated with corticosteroids have shown some disruption in reproductive hormone levels, but other studies reported no effect. Studies in monkeys, rats (at human equivalent dose), cattle, sheep, and horses have shown endocrine disruption, including low testosterone with dexamethasone treatment. Of the cytostatic immunosuppressives, which have high potential for cellular damage, cyclophosphamide has received the most attention, sometimes lowering sperm counts significantly. Methotrexate may decrease sperm numbers in humans and has significant negative impacts in rodents. Other chemotherapeutic drugs used as immunosuppressants are likely to impact negatively on male fertility endpoints, but few data have been collected. The TNF-α Inhibitors have also received little experimental attention. There is some evidence that the immunophilin modulators: cyclosporine, sirolimus, and everolimus cause endocrine disruption and semen quality impairment. As we review in this chapter, results in experimental species are concerning, and well-designed studies are lacking for the effects of these medications on reproductive endpoints in men.
Collapse
|
15
|
Heltberg M, Kellogg RA, Krishna S, Tay S, Jensen MH. Noise Induces Hopping between NF-κB Entrainment Modes. Cell Syst 2016; 3:532-539.e3. [PMID: 28009264 PMCID: PMC5783698 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Oscillations and noise drive many processes in biology, but how both affect the activity of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is not understood. Here, we observe that when NF-κB oscillations are entrained by periodic tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inputs in experiments, NF-κB exhibits jumps between frequency modes, a phenomenon we call “cellular mode-hopping.” By comparing stochastic simulations of NF-κB oscillations to deterministic simulations conducted inside and outside the chaotic regime of parameter space, we show that noise facilitates mode-hopping in all regimes. However, when the deterministic system is driven by chaotic dynamics, hops between modes are erratic and short-lived, whereas in experiments, the system spends several periods in one entrainment mode before hopping and rarely visits more than two modes. The experimental behavior matches our simulations of noise-induced mode-hopping outside the chaotic regime. We suggest that mode-hopping is a mechanism by which different NF-κB-dependent genes under frequency control can be expressed at different times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Heltberg
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ryan A Kellogg
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sandeep Krishna
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Simons Center for the Study of Living Machines, National Center for Biological Sciences, Bangalore 560065, Karnataka, India
| | - Savaş Tay
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland; Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Mogens H Jensen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
The testis provides not just one but several models of temporal organization. The complexity of its rhythmic function arises in part from its compartmentalization and diversity of cell types: not only does the testis produce gametes, but it also serves as the major source of circulating androgens. Within the seminiferous tubules, the germ cells divide and differentiate while in intimate contact with Sertoli cells. The tubule is highly periodic: a spermatogenic wave travels along its length to determine the timing of the commitment of spermatogonia to differentiate, the phases of meiotic division, and the rate of differentiation of the postmeiotic germ cells. Recent evidence indicates that oscillations of retinoic acid play a major role in determining periodicity of the seminiferous epithelium. In the interstitial space, Leydig cells produce the steroid hormones required both for the completion of spermatogenesis and the development and maintenance of male sexual characteristics throughout the body. This endocrine output also oscillates; although the pulse generator lies outside the gonad, the steroidogenic function of Leydig cells is tuned to a regular episodic input. While the oscillations of the intratubular and interstitial cells have multihour (ultradian) and multiday (infradian) periodicities, respectively, the functions of both compartments also display dramatic seasonal rhythms. Furthermore, circadian rhythms are evident in some of the cell types, although their amplitude and pervasiveness are not as great as in many other tissues of the same organism, and their detection may require methods that recognize the heterogeneity of the testis. This review examines the periodicity of testicular function along multiple time scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Bittman
- Department of Biology and Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ohta Y, Yoshida K, Kamiya S, Kawate N, Takahashi M, Inaba T, Hatoya S, Morii H, Takahashi K, Ito M, Ogawa H, Tamada H. Feeding hydroalcoholic extract powder ofLepidium meyenii(maca) increases serum testosterone concentration and enhances steroidogenic ability of Leydig cells in male rats. Andrologia 2015; 48:347-54. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Y. Ohta
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - K. Yoshida
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Kamiya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - N. Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - M. Takahashi
- Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine; Faculty of Agriculture; Iwate University; Morioka Japan
| | - T. Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - S. Hatoya
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| | - H. Morii
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | | | - M. Ito
- Towa Corporation; Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Japan
| | - H. Ogawa
- Faculty of Human Sciences; Tezukayama Gakuin University; Harumidai; Sakai City Osaka Japan
| | - H. Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Osaka Prefecture University; Osaka Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Workman TE, Fiszman M, Rindflesch TC, Nahl D. Framing serendipitous information-seeking behavior for facilitating literature-based discovery: A proposed model. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.22999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Elizabeth Workman
- National Library of Medicine; Lister Hill Center; 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Room B1N30A4 Bethesda MD 20894
| | - Marcelo Fiszman
- National Library of Medicine; Lister Hill Center; 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Room B1N30A4 Bethesda MD 20894
| | - Thomas C. Rindflesch
- National Library of Medicine; Lister Hill Center; 8600 Rockville Pike, Building 38A, Room B1N30A4 Bethesda MD 20894
| | - Diane Nahl
- University of Hawai'i; Library and Information Science Program; Department of Information and Computer Sciences; Hamilton Library 3C, 2550 McCarthy Mall Honolulu HI 96822
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Etelälahti TJ, Eriksson CJP. On the association between nandrolone-mediated testosterone reduction during alcohol intoxication and attenuated voluntary alcohol intake in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2013; 112:15-21. [PMID: 24084316 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human studies have indicated that the use of anabolic androgenic steroids may be associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Also, experimental animal research has indicated that chronic nandrolone administration subsequently increases voluntary alcohol drinking. The aim of our study was to test our hypothesis that alcohol-induced testosterone elevation, especially associated with stress conditions derived by nandrolone treatment, could be the underlying factor in causing increased alcohol drinking. Male alcohol-preferring AA and low drinking Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and nandrolone decanoate treated (15 mg/kg for 14 days) groups. Basal serum testosterone and corticosterone were determined before the first nandrolone treatment, after 7 days of treatment, and after an additional (7-day) washout period, during which also the acute effect of alcohol (1.5 g/kg) on steroid hormones was determined. Hereafter followed a (5-week) voluntary alcohol consumption period, during the last 2 weeks of which the rats were treated again with nandrolone. Both normal and reversed dark- vs. light-cycle experimental designs were used. Contrary to our hypothesis, nandrolone treatment decreased voluntary alcohol consumption in both AA and Wistar rats. Also, instead of stress causation, elevated basal testosterone and lowered basal corticosterone levels were observed after nandrolone treatment in both AA rats and Wistars. During acute alcohol intoxication the frequency of testosterone decreases was higher in the nandrolone-treated groups compared with control AA and Wistar rats. Present data support the hypothesis that nandrolone-treatment mediated attenuation of alcohol intake in both AA and Wistar rats may be the result of negative reinforcement caused by alcohol-mediated testosterone reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T J Etelälahti
- Department of Public Health, Hjelt Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 41, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Alcohol, Drugs and Addiction, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mortimer D, Barratt CLR, Björndahl L, de Jager C, Jequier AM, Muller CH. What should it take to describe a substance or product as 'sperm-safe'. Hum Reprod Update 2013; 19 Suppl 1:i1-45. [PMID: 23552271 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmt008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive potential continues to be adversely affected by many environmental, industrial and pharmaceutical toxins. Pre-emptive testing for reproductive toxicological (side-)effects remains limited, or even non-existent. Many products that come into direct contact with spermatozoa lack adequate testing for the absence of adverse effects, and numerous products that are intended for exposure to spermatozoa have only a general assumption of safety based on the absence of evidence of actual harm. Such assumptions can have unfortunate adverse impacts on at-risk individuals (e.g. couples who are trying to conceive), illustrating a clear need for appropriate up-front testing to establish actual 'sperm safety'. METHODS After compiling a list of general areas within the review's scope, relevant literature and other information was obtained from the authors' personal professional libraries and archives, and supplemented as necessary using PubMed and Google searches. Review by co-authors identified and eliminated errors of omission or bias. RESULTS This review provides an overview of the broad range of substances, materials and products that can affect male fertility, especially through sperm fertilizing ability, along with a discussion of practical methods and bioassays for their evaluation. It is concluded that products can only be claimed to be 'sperm-safe' after performing objective, properly designed experimental studies; extrapolation from supposed predicate products or other assumptions cannot be trusted. CONCLUSIONS We call for adopting the precautionary principle, especially when exposure to a product might affect not only a couple's fertility potential but also the health of resulting offspring and perhaps future generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Mortimer
- Oozoa Biomedical Inc., Caulfeild Village, West Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Alterations in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/thyroid axes and gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the patients with primary insomnia: a clinical research. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71065. [PMID: 23951080 PMCID: PMC3739817 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-target gland axis is thought to be linked with insomnia, yet there has been a lack of further systematic studies to prove this. This study included 30 patients with primary insomnia (PI), 30 patients with depression-comorbid insomnia (DCI), and 30 healthy controls for exploring the alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/thyroid axes’ hormones and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep quality in all subjects. The serum concentrations of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH), GnRH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), cortisol, total triiodothyronine (TT3), and total thyroxine (TT4) in the morning (between 0730 h and 0800 h) were detected. Compared to the controls, all hormonal levels were elevated in the insomniacs, except ACTH and TSH in the PI group. Compared to the DCI patients, the PI patients had higher levels of CRH, cortisol, TT3, and TT4 but lower levels of TRH, GnRH, and ACTH. Spearman’s correlation analysis indicated that CRH, TRH, GnRH, TSH, cortisol, TT4, and TT3 were positively correlated with the severity of insomnia. The linear regression analysis showed that only CRH, GnRH, cortisol, and TT3 were affected by the PSQI scores among all subjects, and only CRH was included in the regression model by the “stepwise” method in the insomnia patients. Our results indicated that PI patients may have over-activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/thyroid axes and an elevated level of GnRH in the morning.
Collapse
|
22
|
Harris BN, Saltzman W. Effect of reproductive status on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity and reactivity in male California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Physiol Behav 2013; 112-113:70-6. [PMID: 23474132 PMCID: PMC3622192 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that reproductive condition can alter stress response and glucocorticoid release. Although the functional significance of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis modulation by breeding condition is not fully understood, one possible explanation is the behavior hypothesis, which states that an animal's need to express parental behavior may be driving modulation of the HPA axis. This possibility is consistent with findings of blunted activity and reactivity of the HPA axis in lactating female mammals; however, effects of reproductive status on HPA function have not been well characterized in male mammals that express parental behavior. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis in the monogamous and biparental California mouse. Several aspects of HPA activity were compared in males from three reproductive conditions: virgin males (housed with another male), non-breeding males (housed with a tubally ligated female), and first-time fathers (housed with a female and their first litter of pups). In light of the behavior hypothesis we predicted that new fathers would differ from virgin and non-breeding males in several aspects of HPA function and corticosterone (CORT) output: decreased amplitude of the diurnal rhythm in CORT, a blunted CORT increase following predator-odor stress, increased sensitivity to glucocorticoid negative feedback, and/or a blunted CORT response to pharmacological stimulation. In addition, we predicted that first-time fathers would be more resistant to CORT-induced suppression of testosterone secretion, as testosterone is important for paternal behavior in this species. We found that virgin males, non-breeding males and first-time fathers did not display any CORT differences in diurnal rhythm, response to a predator-odor stressor, or response to pharmacological suppression or stimulation. Additionally, there were no differences in circulating testosterone concentrations. Adrenal mass was, however, significantly lower in new fathers than in virgin or non-breeding males. These results suggest that the behavior hypothesis does not explain HPA function across reproductive conditions in male California mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jensen MH, Krishna S. Inducing phase-locking and chaos in cellular oscillators by modulating the driving stimuli. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:1664-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
24
|
DeMarco VG, Johnson MS, Ma L, Pulakat L, Mugerfeld I, Hayden MR, Garro M, Knight W, Britton SL, Koch LG, Sowers JR. Overweight female rats selectively breed for low aerobic capacity exhibit increased myocardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2012; 302:H1667-82. [PMID: 22345570 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01027.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The statistical association between endurance exercise capacity and cardiovascular disease suggests that impaired aerobic metabolism underlies the cardiovascular disease risk in men and women. To explore this connection, we applied divergent artificial selection in rats to develop low-capacity runner (LCR) and high-capacity runner (HCR) rats and found that disease risks segregated strongly with low running capacity. Here, we tested if inborn low aerobic capacity promotes differential sex-related cardiovascular effects. Compared with HCR males (HCR-M), LCR males (LCR-M) were overweight by 34% and had heavier retroperitoneal, epididymal, and omental fat pads; LCR females (LCR-F) were 20% heavier than HCR females (HCR-F), and their retroperitoneal, but not perireproductive or omental, fat pads were heavier as well. Unlike HCR-M, blood pressure was elevated in LCR-M, and this was accompanied by left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. Like HCR-F, LCR-F exhibited normal blood pressure and LV weight as well as increased spontaneous cage activity compared with males. Despite normal blood pressures, LCR-F exhibited increased myocardial interstitial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction, as indicated by increased LV stiffness, a decrease in the initial filling rate, and an increase in diastolic relaxation time. Although females exhibited increased arterial stiffness, ejection fraction was normal. Increased interstitial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in LCR-F was accompanied by the lowest protein levels of phosphorylated AMP-actived protein kinase [phospho-AMPK (Thr(172))] and silent information regulator 1. Thus, the combination of risk factors, including female sex, intrinsic low aerobic capacity, and overweightness, promote myocardial stiffness/fibrosis sufficient to induce diastolic dysfunction in the absence of hypertension and LV hypertrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent G DeMarco
- Diabetes and Cardiovascular Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Miller CM, Rindflesch TC, Fiszman M, Hristovski D, Shin D, Rosemblat G, Zhang H, Strohl KP. A closed literature-based discovery technique finds a mechanistic link between hypogonadism and diminished sleep quality in aging men. Sleep 2012; 35:279-85. [PMID: 22294819 DOI: 10.5665/sleep.1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep quality commonly diminishes with age, and, further, aging men often exhibit a wider range of sleep pathologies than women. We used a freely available, web-based discovery technique (Semantic MEDLINE) supported by semantic relationships to automatically extract information from MEDLINE titles and abstracts. DESIGN We assumed that testosterone is associated with sleep (the A-C relationship in the paradigm) and looked for a mechanism to explain this association (B explanatory link) as a potential or partial mechanism underpinning the etiology of eroded sleep quality in aging men. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Review of full-text papers in critical nodes discovered in this manner resulted in the proposal that testosterone enhances sleep by inhibiting cortisol. Using this discovery method, we posit, and could confirm as a novel hypothesis, cortisol as part of a mechanistic link elucidating the observed correlation between decreased testosterone in aging men and diminished sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS This approach is publically available and useful not only in this manner but also to generate from the literature alternative explanatory models for observed experimental results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Miller
- National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, Cognitive Science Branch, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Stanton A. Hormone Replacement in Men. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
27
|
Avital A, Dolev T, Aga-Mizrachi S, Zubedat S. Environmental enrichment preceding early adulthood methylphenidate treatment leads to long term increase of corticosterone and testosterone in the rat. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22059. [PMID: 21789212 PMCID: PMC3137618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) has been emerging as a world-wide psychiatric disorder. There appears to be an increasing rate of stimulant drug abuse, specifically methylphenidate (MPH) which is the most common treatment for ADHD, among individuals who do not meet the criteria for ADHD and particularly for cognitive enhancement among university students. However, the long term effects of exposure to MPH are unknown. Thus, in light of a developmental approach in humans, we aimed to test the effects of adolescence exposure to enriched environment (EE) followed by MPH administration during early adulthood, on reactions to stress in adulthood. Specifically, at approximate adolescence [post natal days (PND) 30-60] rats were reared in EE and were treated with MPH during early adulthood (PND 60-90). Adult (PND 90-92) rats were exposed to mild stress and starting at PND 110, the behavioral and endocrine effects of the combined drug and environmental conditions were assessed. Following adolescence EE, long term exposure to MPH led to decreased locomotor activity and increased sucrose preference. EE had a beneficial effect on PPI (attentive abilities), which was impaired by long term exposure to MPH. Finally, the interaction between EE and, exposure to MPH led to long-term elevated corticosterone and testosterone levels. In view of the marked increase in MPH consumption over the past decade, vigilance is crucial in order to prevent potential drug abuse and its long term detrimental consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avi Avital
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Psychobiological Research, The Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Talya Dolev
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Psychobiological Research, The Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
| | - Shlomit Aga-Mizrachi
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Psychobiological Research, The Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
| | - Salman Zubedat
- Department of Psychology and the Center for Psychobiological Research, The Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
Obesity is fast becoming the scourge of our time. It is one of the biggest causes of death and disease in the industrialized world, and affects as many as 32% of adults and 17% of children in the USA, considered one of the world's fattest nations. It can also cost countries billions of dollars per annum in direct and indirect care, latest estimates putting the USA bill for obesity-related costs at $147 billion in 2008. It is becoming clear that the pathophysiology of obesity is vastly more complicated than the simple equation of energy in minus energy out. A combination of genetics, sex, perinatal environment and life-style factors can influence diet and energy metabolism. In this regard, psychological stress can have significant long-term impact upon the propensity to gain and maintain weight. In this review, we will discuss the ability of psychological stress and ultimately glucocorticoids (GCs) to alter appetite regulation and metabolism. We will specifically focus on (i) GC regulation of appetite and adiposity, (ii) the apparent sexual dimorphism in stress effects on obesity and (iii) the ability of early life stress to programme obesity in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Spencer
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Monash UniversityMelbourne, Vic., Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Spiga F, Waite EJ, Liu Y, Kershaw YM, Aguilera G, Lightman SL. ACTH-dependent ultradian rhythm of corticosterone secretion. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1448-57. [PMID: 21303945 PMCID: PMC3060625 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is characterized by an ultradian pulsatile pattern of glucocorticoid secretion. Despite increasing evidence for the importance of pulsatility in regulating glucocorticoid-responsive gene transcription, little is known about the mechanism underlying the pulsatility of glucocorticoid synthesis and release. We tested the hypothesis that pulsatile ACTH release is critical for optimal adrenocortical function. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity was suppressed by oral methylprednisolone, and ACTH (4 ng/h) was infused for 24h either as a constant infusion or in 5-min pulses at hourly intervals. Control methylprednisolone-treated rats had very low plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels with undetectable pulses and also had steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc) heteronuclear RNA levels reduced to approximately 50% of that seen in untreated animals. Pulsatile but not constant ACTH infusion restored pulsatile CORT secretion, and this was accompanied by parallel rises in StAR and P450scc heteronuclear RNA levels during the rising phase of the CORT pulse, which then fell during the falling phase. The pulsatile pattern of StAR and P450scc was paralleled by pulsatile transcription of the melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein. Pulsatile ACTH activation of the adrenal cortex not only is critical for the secretion of CORT but also induces episodic transcription of the rate-limiting enzymes necessary for physiological steroidogenic responses. Because constant infusion of identical amounts of ACTH did not activate CORT secretion, pulsatility of ACTH provides a more effective signaling system for the activation of adrenocortical activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Spiga
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Effect of agomelatine and its interaction with the daily corticosterone rhythm on progenitor cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus of the adult rat. Neuropharmacology 2010; 59:375-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2010.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Revised: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|