1
|
Heidari AH, Zamiri MJ, Nazem MN, Jafarzadeh Shirazi MR, Akhlaghi A, Ansari Pirsaraei Z. Detrimental effects of long-term exposure to heavy metals on histology, size and trace elements of testes and sperm parameters in Kermani Sheep. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 207:111563. [PMID: 33254417 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been hypothesized as a cause of declining sheep reproductive efficiency. Understanding the long-term effects of EDCs such as heavy metals on reproductive health requires investigation in 'real life' of sheep that are reared in industrial areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long-term exposure of Kermani rams to high levels of environmental heavy metals probably emitted from a copper smelter at KhatoonAbad in ShahreBabak, Kerman province. Testicular characteristics were determined in randomly-selected rams (3-4 years old) at 4 directions (south, north, east, and west) and 4 distances (10, 20, 30, and 40 km) from the smelter. Testicular trace element contents, size, serum testosterone, histological attributes and seminal characteristics, except semen volume, were affected by both the direction and the distance from the smelter (P < 0.05). Testicular contents of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni, and sperm abnormalities were higher at 10 km south from the smelter and lower at 40 km west. Other parameters were higher at 40 km west and lower at 10 km south. Interestingly, the testicular contents of Cu at 10 km south were lower and associated with higher sperm abnormalities in the rams reared closer to the smelter. The highest weight, length and circumference of the testis were found at 40 km west. The lowest concentration of testosterone was observed at 10 km south, being 92.6% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. The diameter of seminiferous tubules and epithelial height at 10 km south were 8.9% and 27.5% lower than the highest values obtained at 40 km west. A positive correlation between Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni contents in the testis with sperm abnormalities, and a negative correlation between these elements with the other parameters were found. It was concluded that long-term exposure to heavy metals might have been a cause of decreased fertility in rams and probably other living species in this region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hassan Heidari
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Naser Nazem
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran.
| | | | - Amir Akhlaghi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zarbakht Ansari Pirsaraei
- Department of Animal Science and Fishery, Sari Agricultural Science and Natural Resources University, Farah Abad, Sari, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Early pregnancy maternal progesterone administration alters pituitary and testis function and steroid profile in male fetuses. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21920. [PMID: 33318609 PMCID: PMC7736841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78976-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to increased steroid hormones, including estrogens, androgens or glucocorticoids during pregnancy results in chronic conditions in offspring that manifest in adulthood. Little is known about effects of progesterone administration in early pregnancy on fetal development. We hypothesised that maternal early pregnancy progesterone supplementation would increase fetal progesterone, affect progesterone target tissues in the developing fetal reproductive system and be metabolised to other bioactive steroids in the fetus. We investigated the effects of progesterone treatment during early pregnancy on maternal and fetal plasma progesterone concentrations, transcript abundance in the fetal pituitary and testes and circulating steroids, at day 75 gestation, using a clinically realistic ovine model. Endogenous progesterone concentrations were lower in male than female fetuses. Maternal progesterone administration increased male, but not female, fetal progesterone concentrations, also increasing circulating 11-dehydrocorticosterone in male fetuses. Maternal progesterone administration altered fetal pituitary and testicular function in ovine male fetuses. This suggests that there may be fetal sex specific effects of the use of progesterone in early pregnancy, and highlights that progesterone supplementation should be used only when there is clear evidence of efficacy and for as limited time as necessary.
Collapse
|
3
|
Erthal RP, Siervo GEML, Silveira LTR, Scarano WR, Fernandes GSA. Can resveratrol attenuate testicular damage in neonatal and adult rats exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin during gestation? Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 30:442-450. [DOI: 10.1071/rd17180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is considered one of the most toxic dioxins. The effects of TCDD are exerted via binding to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of resveratrol, an AhR antagonist, against testicular damage caused by TCDD exposure during pregnancy. Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: a control group; a group treated with 1 µg kg−1, p.o., TCDD on Gestational Day (GD) 15; a group treated with 20 µg kg−1, p.o., resveratrol on GD10–21; and a group treated with both TCDD and resveratrol. Rats were weighed and killed, and neonatal testes were collected for histopathological analysis on Postnatal Day (PND) 1. At PND90, adult male rats were killed and the testes collected for histopathological analysis and determination of sperm count. Resveratrol had a protective effect against the effects of TCDD on Sertoli cell number in adult and neonate testes, as well as against the effects of TCDD on abnormal seminiferous tubules in adults. Combined administration of TCDD and resveratrol altered the kinetics of spermatogenesis and the proportion of neonatal testicular compartments compared with the control group In addition, combined TCDD and resveratrol treatment decreased seminiferous tubule diameter in adult male rats compared with the control group. In conclusion, resveratrol may protect against some TCDD-induced testicular damage, but, based on the parameters assessed, the administration of resveratrol and TCDD in combination may result in more severe toxicity than administration of either drug alone.
Collapse
|
4
|
Grzesiak M, Knapczyk-Stwora K, Slomczynska M. The impact of flutamide on prostaglandin F 2α synthase and prostaglandin F 2α receptor expression, and prostaglandin F 2α concentration in the porcine corpus luteum of pregnancy. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2017; 59:81-89. [PMID: 28038404 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we have indicated that flutamide-induced androgen deficiency diminished progesterone production in the porcine corpus luteum (CL) during late pregnancy and before parturition, as a sign of functional luteolysis. In pigs, the main luteolytic factor is prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), which acts via specific receptors (PTGFRs), and its biosynthesis is catalyzed by prostaglandin F2α synthase (PGFS). The present study investigated the impact of flutamide on luteal PGFS and PTGFR expression, as well as intraluteal PGF2α content during pregnancy in pigs. Flutamide (50 mg/kg BW per day, for 7 d) or corn oil (control groups) were administered subcutaneously into pregnant gilts (n = 3 per group) between 83 and 89 (GD90) or 101-107 (GD108) days of gestation (GD). On GD90 and GD108 ovaries were collected and CLs were obtained. Real-time PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to quantify PGFS and PTGFR mRNA and protein expression, respectively. In addition, immunohistochemical localization of both proteins was performed and the concentration of PGF2α was analyzed by enzyme immunoassay method. Flutamide caused upregulation of PGFS mRNA and protein in GD90F (P = 0.008; P = 0.008, respectively) and GD108F (P = 0.041; P = 0.009, respectively) groups. The level of PTGFR mRNA increased only in the GD90F (P = 0.007) group, whereas PTGFR protein expression was greater in both gestational periods (P = 0.035; P = 0.038, respectively). On GD90 PGFS was immunolocalized in the cytoplasm of large luteal cells only, whereas on GD108, sparse small luteal cells also displayed positive staining. PTGFR showed membranous localization within large luteal cells on both days of pregnancy. In luteal tissue, PGF2α concentration was greater after flutamide exposure on both days (P = 0.041; P = 0.038, respectively), when compared with control groups. Overall, the enhanced luteal PGF2α content due to increased PGFS expression after flutamide administration might contribute to premature CL regression. Moreover, higher PTGFR protein levels indicate enhanced sensitivity of luteal cells to PGF2α under androgen deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Grzesiak
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-383 Krakow, Poland; Department of Animal Physiology and Endocrinology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland.
| | - K Knapczyk-Stwora
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-383 Krakow, Poland
| | - M Slomczynska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-383 Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Braouezec C, Enriquez B, Blanchard M, Chevreuil M, Teil MJ. Cat serum contamination by phthalates, PCBs, and PBDEs versus food and indoor air. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:9574-9584. [PMID: 26841781 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-6063-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) with semi-volatile properties are emitted to indoor air and, thus, humans might get exposed to these compounds. Pet cats spend the major part of their lifetime at home and might integrate indoor contamination so that they could mirror the human exposure. Three classes of EDCs, polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates (PAEs), were simultaneously considered and quantified in the serum of cats (Felis silvestris catus) living in the Paris area (France). The main compound concentrations by decreasing importance order were as follows: for PAEs, di-n-butyl phthalate (79,900 ng L(-1)) next di-iso-butyl phthalate (53,200 ng L(-1)), di-iso-nonyl phthalate (43,800 ng L(-1)), and di-ethylhexyl phthalate (32,830 ng L(-1)); for PCBs, CB153 (1378 ng L(-1)) next CB52 (509 ng L(-1)), CB101 (355 ng L(-1)), CB110 (264 ng L(-1)), and CB118 (165 ng L(-1)); and for PBDEs, BDE 153/154 (35 ng L(-1)) next BDE47 (10.7 ng L(-1)). Total serum concentrations as mean ± standard deviation were 107 ± 98 μg L(-1) for ∑9PAEs, 2799 ± 944 ng L(-1) for ∑19PCBs, and 56 ± 21 ng L(-1) for ∑9BDEs. The three chemical groups were found in cat food: 0.088 ng g(-1) for ∑9BDEs, 1.7 ng g(-1) for ∑19PCBs, and 2292 ng g(-1) for ∑9PAEs and in indoor air: 0.063 ng m(-3) for ∑9BDEs, 1.5 ng m(-3) for ∑19PCBs, and 848 ng m(-3) for ∑9PAEs. Contaminant intake by food ingestion was approximately 100-fold higher than that by indoor air inhalation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clélie Braouezec
- EPHE, UMR 7619 METIS (UPMC-Univ Paris 06/CNRS), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Brigitte Enriquez
- Unité de Pharmacie-Toxicologie de l'Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort Unité Inserm U955 équipe 03, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 94704 Cedex, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Marc Chevreuil
- EPHE, UMR 7619 METIS (UPMC-Univ Paris 06/CNRS), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Teil
- EPHE, UMR 7619 METIS (UPMC-Univ Paris 06/CNRS), 4 place Jussieu, 75005, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zang L, Zhang Q, Zhou Y, Zhao Y, Lu L, Jiang Z, Peng Z, Zou S. Expression pattern of G protein‑coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) in human cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) of patients with PCOS. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:184-91. [PMID: 27111051 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2016.1164260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Estradiol mediates its actions by binding to classical nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor α (ER-α) and estrogen receptor β (ER-β), and the non-classical G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER). Several gene knockdown models have shown the importance of the receptors for growth of the oocyte and for ovulation. The aim of our study was to identify the pattern of GPER expression in human cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) from ovarian follicles at different stages of oocyte maturation, and the differences of GPER expression between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients and non-PCOS women. Thirty-eight cases of PCOS patients and a control group of thirty-two infertile women without PCOS were used in this study. GPER's location in CGCs was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to identify the quantify GPER expression. Here we demonstrated that GPER was expressed in CGCs of both PCOS patients and non-PCOS women, and the expression of GPER was decreased significantly during oocyte maturation. But the expression levels of GPER in CGCs of PCOS patients and non-PCOS women were not significantly different. The data indicate that GPER may play a role during human oocyte maturation through its action in cumulus granulosa cells. ABBREVIATIONS AMHRIIs: anti-Mullerian hormone type II receptors; BMI: body mass index; CGCs: cumulus granulosa cells; COH: controlled ovarian hyperstimulation; E2: estradiol; EGFR: epidermal growth factor receptor; ER-α: estrogen receptor; ER-β: estrogen receptor β; FF: follicular fluid; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; GCs: granulosa cells; GPER: G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1; GV: germinal vesicle; GVBD: germinal vesicle breakdown; HCG: human chorionic gonadotropin; IRS: immunoreactive score; IVF-ET: in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer; MI: metaphase I; MII: metaphase II; MAPK: mitogen-activated protein kinase; OCCCs: oocyte corona cumulus complexes; PCOS: polycystic ovarian syndrome; q RT-PCR quantitative real-time PCR: qRT-PCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zang
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Quan Zhang
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Yi Zhou
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Yan Zhao
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Linlin Lu
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Zhou Jiang
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China
| | - Zhen Peng
- b Medical College of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Shuhua Zou
- a Center for Reproductive Medicine , Qingdao Women and Children Hospital , Qingdao , China.,b Medical College of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Gubory KH, Garrel C. Sex-specific divergence of antioxidant pathways in fetal brain, liver, and skeletal muscles. Free Radic Res 2016; 50:366-73. [PMID: 26765668 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2015.1130224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The sex-specific divergence of antioxidant pathways in fetal organs of opposite-sex twin is unknown and remains urgently in need of investigation. Such study faces many challenges, mainly the ethical impossibility of obtaining human fetal organs. Opposite-sex sheep twins represent a unique model for studying a sex dimorphism for antioxidant systems. The activity of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), SOD1, SOD2, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT), the content of total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured in brain, lung, liver, kidney, and skeletal muscles of female and male fetuses collected from sheep twin pregnancies at day 65 of gestation. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring melondialdehyde (MDA) tissue content. Male brain has greater total SOD and SOD1 activities than female brain. Female liver has greater SOD2 activity than male liver. Male liver has greater GR activity than female liver. Male liver has higher total GSH and GSSG content than female liver. Male skeletal muscles have higher total GSH, GSH, and GSSG content than female skeletal muscles. Female brain and liver have higher MDA content than male brain and liver. This is the first report of a sex dimorphism for fetal organ antioxidative pathways. Brain, liver, and skeletal muscles of male and female fetuses display distinct antioxidant pathways. Such sexually dimorphic responses to early life oxidative stress might be involved in the sex-related difference in fetal development that may have a long-term effect on offspring. Our study urges researchers to take into consideration the importance of sex as a biologic variable in their investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaïs H Al-Gubory
- a INRA, UMR1198 Biologie Du Développement Et Reproduction , Département De Physiologie Animale Et Systèmes D'elevage , Jouy-en-Josas , France
| | - Catherine Garrel
- b Département De Biologie - Toxicologie - Pharmacologie , Unité De Biochimie Hormonale Et Nutritionnelle, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Grenoble , Grenoble Cedex , France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang J, Yan C, Wang S, Hou Y, Xue G, Zhang L. Chrysophanol attenuates lead exposure-induced injury to hippocampal neurons in neonatal mice. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:924-30. [PMID: 25206913 PMCID: PMC4146226 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.133141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that chrysophanol protects against learning and memory impairments in lead-exposed adult mice. In the present study, we investigated whether chrysophanol can alleviate learning and memory dysfunction and hippocampal neuronal injury in lead-exposed neonatal mice. At the end of lactation, chrysophanol (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/kg) was administered to the neonatal mice by intraperitoneal injection for 15 days. Chrysophanol significantly alleviated injury to hippocampal neurons and improved learning and memory abilities in the lead-poisoned neonatal mice. Chrysophanol also significantly decreased lead content in blood, brain, heart, spleen, liver and kidney in the lead-exposed neonatal mice. The levels of malondialdehyde in the brain, liver and kidney were significantly reduced, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly increased after chrysophanol treatment. Collectively, these findings indicate that chrysophanol can significantly reduce damage to hippocampal neurons in lead-exposed neonatal mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chunlin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yong Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Guiping Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grzesiak M, Knapczyk-Stwora K, Ciereszko RE, Golas A, Wieciech I, Slomczynska M. Androgen deficiency during mid- and late pregnancy alters progesterone production and metabolism in the porcine corpus luteum. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:778-90. [PMID: 24429677 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113518991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
We determined whether androgen deficiency induced by flutamide treatment during mid- and late pregnancy affects the functions of the porcine corpus luteum (CL). Pregnant gilts were injected with flutamide between days 43 and 49 (gestation day [GD] 50F), days 83 and 89 (GD90F), or days 101 and 107 (GD108F) of gestation. Antiandrogen treatment increased the luteal progesterone concentration in the GD50F group and decreased progesterone content in the GD90F and GD108F groups. Luteal levels of side-chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (CYP11A1) mRNA and protein were significantly downregulated in the GD90F and GD108F groups as compared with the respective controls. The 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase (HSD3B) mRNA and protein expression were significantly reduced only in the GD108F group as compared with the control. Decreased luteal 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C1) mRNA and protein levels were observed in the GD50F group. Thus, androgen deficiency during pregnancy in pigs led to CL dysfunction that is marked by decreased progesterone production. Furthermore, exposure to flutamide during late pregnancy downregulated steroidogenic enzymes (CYP11A1 and HSD3B) in pigs. We conclude that androgens are important regulators of CL function during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Grzesiak
- 1Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Grzesiak M, Knapczyk-Stwora K, Wieciech I, Golas A, Slomczynska M. Flutamide influences placental aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) expression in pigs. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 49:e12-6. [PMID: 24303814 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C1 (AKR1C1) catalyses the conversion of progesterone into inactive 20α-dihydroxyprogesterone. It is suggested that AKR1C1 expression in the placenta prevents from the cytotoxic effect of progesterone on foetuses during late pregnancy. The aim of the study was to determine whether the anti-androgen flutamide administered during late pregnancy (83-89 days of gestation) or before parturition (101-107 days of gestation) influences AKR1C1 expression in the porcine placenta. AKR1C1 mRNA and protein levels were measured using real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Immunolocalization of AKR1C1 within placentas was also performed. Flutamide significantly increased AKR1C1 mRNA (p = 0.008) and protein (p = 0.019) expression only during the pre-parturient period in pigs. AKR1C1 protein was immunolocalized in the epithelial and stromal cells of foetal and maternal part of placenta at both stages of gestation. Following flutamide treatment, the intensity of staining was higher (p = 0.045) on day 108 of gestation. In conclusion, porcine placental AKR1C1 expression seems to be regulated by an androgen signalling pathway and may be involved in foetal survival by preventing the detrimental effect of progesterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Grzesiak
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|