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Kim T, Chung HS, Lee HS, Uthaman S, Park IK, Park K. Effects of retinoid-loaded hyaluronic acid nanomicelles on vaginal epithelium in a murine menopause model. Investig Clin Urol 2023; 64:182-188. [PMID: 36882178 PMCID: PMC9995954 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20220366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to develop hyaluronic acid (HA)-based, retinoic acid (RA)-containing nanomicelles and to investigate the effects of these newly developed nanomicelles on regeneration of the vaginal epithelium and aquaporin 3 (AQP3) expression in a murine menopause model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The HA-based, RA-loaded nanomicelles were developed, and the RA-loading rate, encapsulation efficiency, and hydrodynamic diameter were measured. Female BALB/c mice (8 weeks; n=30) were divided into control and experimental groups. Menopause was established in the experimental group by removing both ovaries. The experimental group was further divided into an ovariectomy group, an HA-C18 vehicle group, and an HA-C18-RA group (2.5 µg per mouse); vaginal administration of HA-C18 or HA-C18-RA was performed once daily. After 4 weeks of treatment, murine vaginal tissue was removed, and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS Three drug-loaded nanomicelles were synthesized: the RA content in HA-C18-RA-10, HA-C18-RA-20, and HA-C18-RA-30 was 3.13%, 2.52%, and 16.67%, respectively, and the RA encapsulation efficiency was 95.57%, 83.92%, and 93.24%, respectively. In the experimental versus control group, serum estrogen levels were significantly reduced, and the vaginal mucosal epithelial layer was significantly thinner. After 4 weeks of treatment, the thickness of the vaginal mucosal epithelial layer and AQP3 expression was increased in the HA-C18-RA group compared with the HA-C18 vehicle group. CONCLUSIONS The newly developed HA-based nanomicelles containing RA resulted in vaginal epithelial recovery and increased AQP3 expression. The results may contribute to the development of functional vaginal lubricants or moisturizers for the treatment of vaginal dryness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Kim
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ho Seok Chung
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyun-Suk Lee
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Saji Uthaman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Global Future Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - In-Kyu Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Global Future Biomedical Scientists at Chonnam National University, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kwangsung Park
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
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Importance of Water Transport in Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10010050. [PMID: 36669051 PMCID: PMC9865491 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10010050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in water homeostasis in tissues and are ubiquitous in the reproductive tract. AQPs are classified into classical aquaporins (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8), aquaglycerolporins (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and superaquaporins (AQP11 and 12). Nine AQPs were described in the mammalian female reproductive tract. Some of their functions are influenced by sexual steroid hormones. The continuous physiological changes that occur throughout the sexual cycle, pregnancy and parturition, modify the expression of AQPs, thus creating at every moment the required water homeostasis. AQPs in the ovary regulate follicular development and ovulation. In the vagina and the cervix, AQPs are involved mainly in lubrication. In the uterus, AQPs are mostly mediated by estradiol and progesterone to prepare the endometrium for possible embryo implantation and fetal development. In the placenta, AQPs are responsible for the fluid support to the fetus to maintain fetal homeostasis that ensures correct fetal development as pregnancy goes on. This review is focused on understanding the role of AQPs in the mammalian female reproductive tract during the sexual cycle of pregnancy and parturition.
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Zhang H, Yang B. Aquaporins in Reproductive System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1398:179-194. [PMID: 36717494 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7415-1_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AQP0-12, a total of 13 aquaporins are expressed in the mammalian reproductive system. These aquaporins mediate the transport of water and small solutes across biofilms for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis. These aquaporins play important roles in the regulation of sperm and egg cell production, maturation, and fertilization processes. Impaired AQP function may lead to diminished male and female fertility. This review focuses on the distribution, function, and regulation of AQPs throughout the male and female reproductive organs and tracts. Their correlation with reproductive success, revealing recent advances in the physiological and pathophysiological roles of aquaporins in the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Angulo J, Hannan JL. Cardiometabolic Diseases and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Animal Studies. J Sex Med 2022; 19:408-420. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Stabile G, Ricci G, Scalia MS, De Seta F. Induced Dryness Stress on Human Vaginal Epithelium: The Efficacy of a New Vaginal Gel. Gels 2021; 7:gels7040157. [PMID: 34698175 PMCID: PMC8544400 DOI: 10.3390/gels7040157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An experimental model of dryness on vaginal mucosa is proposed to assess the efficacy of a new vaginal gel (Respecta® Hydragel Ref 17031). The dryness model was induced on reconstituted human vaginal epithelium (HVE) by incubating the tissues in modified environmental conditions (R.H. < 50% and T = 40 °C) for 48 h. The products were applied on the ‘Dry’ HVE models for 24 h (series 48 h + 24 h) in standard culture conditions (37 °C 5% CO2). Their efficacy in counteracting vaginal dryness was assessed and compared to tissues treated with saline solution and cultured in standard culture conditions (negative control) and to untreated tissues incubated in dryness conditions for 48 h and then recovered after 24 h in standard culture conditions (positive control). The products’ efficacy was quantified by measuring the following parameters: (1) water flux and direct moisturization by AQP3 immunohistochemical staining, and (2) maintenance of moisturization and elasticity of the mucosa by hyaluronic acid (CD44) immunofluorescence staining. Respecta® Hydragel demonstrated efficacy in regulating the water flux by inducing AQP3 expression thus determining a positive water balance within the vaginal epithelium. It induced a remodelling of the epithelium morphology with restored trophism compared to the dry HVE control. Furthermore, it demonstrated a significant increase of the expression of CD44, related to hyaluronic acid (HA) distribution in the extracellular matrix. HA has the ability to act on the cellular matrix composition and its renewal compared to the dry HVE control. Through these mechanisms it induces a deep hydration and elasticity of the vaginal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guglielmo Stabile
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (G.R.); (F.D.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Ricci
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (G.R.); (F.D.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Maria Sole Scalia
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Francesco De Seta
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, 34137 Trieste, Italy; (G.R.); (F.D.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
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Chung HS, Lee HS, Park K. Estrogen modulates epithelial progenitor cells in rat vagina. Investig Clin Urol 2021; 62:349-353. [PMID: 33834644 PMCID: PMC8100018 DOI: 10.4111/icu.20200513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The expression of epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rat vagina was recently reported. The aims were to investigate the effects of estrogen on vaginal EPCs in the oophorectomized female rat model. Materials and Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats (230–240 g, n=30) were divided into 3 groups: control (n=10), bilateral oophorectomy (OVX, n=10), and bilateral OVX followed by subcutaneous injections of 17β-estradiol (50 µg/kg/day, n=10). After 4 weeks, the expression of EPC-specific markers (CD44, estrogen receptor alpha [ERα], and progesterone receptor) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results The CD44/ERα double-labeled cells were mainly expressed in basal cell layers and suprabasal layers as shown by confocal immunofluorescence. Confocal microscopy revealed that the number of CD44+/ERα+ cells decreased in the OVX group compared with the controls but was similar to control levels in rats receiving estrogen replacements. The protein expression of CD44 and ERα decreased after OVX and was restored to control levels after estrogen supplementation. Conclusions Markers of EPCs were expressed in the vagina, and the expression of resident EPCs was regulated by estrogen. These findings imply that resident EPCs may have an important role in the regeneration of vaginal mucosa by estrogen replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Seok Chung
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Lee
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kwangsung Park
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
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Ribeiro JC, Alves MG, Yeste M, Cho YS, Calamita G, Oliveira PF. Aquaporins and (in)fertility: More than just water transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1867:166039. [PMID: 33338597 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of channel proteins that facilitate the transport of water and small solutes across biological membranes. They are widely distributed throughout the organism, having a number of key functions, some of them unexpected, both in health and disease. Among the various diseases in which AQPs are involved, infertility has been overlooked. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) infertility is a global public health problem with one third of the couples suffering from subfertility or even infertility due to male or female factors alone or combined. Thus, there is an urgent need to unveil the molecular mechanisms that control gametes production, maturation and fertilization-related events, to more specifically determine infertility causes. In addition, as more couples seek for fertility treatment through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), it is pivotal to understand how these techniques can be improved. AQPs are heterogeneously expressed throughout the male and female reproductive tracts, highlighting a possible regulatory role for these proteins in conception. In fact, their function, far beyond water transport, highlights potential intervention points to enhance ART. In this review we discuss AQPs distribution and structural organization, functions, and modulation throughout the male and female reproductive tracts and their relevance to the reproductive success. We also highlight the most recent advances and research trends regarding how the different AQPs are involved and regulated in specific mechanisms underlying (in)fertility. Finally, we discuss the involvement of AQPs in ART-related processes and how their handling can lead to improvement of infertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João C Ribeiro
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Department of Anatomy, and Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain; Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, E-17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Yoon S Cho
- Centro di Procreazione Medicalmente Assistita, Ospedale Santa Maria, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- QOPNA & LAQV, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Portugal.
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Kordowitzki P, Kranc W, Bryl R, Kempisty B, Skowronska A, Skowronski MT. The Relevance of Aquaporins for the Physiology, Pathology, and Aging of the Female Reproductive System in Mammals. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122570. [PMID: 33271827 PMCID: PMC7760214 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins constitute a group of water channel proteins located in numerous cell types. These are pore-forming transmembrane proteins, which mediate the specific passage of water molecules through membranes. It is well-known that water homeostasis plays a crucial role in different reproductive processes, e.g., oocyte transport, hormonal secretion, completion of successful fertilization, blastocyst formation, pregnancy, and birth. Further, aquaporins are involved in the process of spermatogenesis, and they have been reported to be involved during the storage of spermatozoa. It is noteworthy that aquaporins are relevant for the physiological function of specific parts in the female reproductive system, which will be presented in detail in the first section of this review. Moreover, they are relevant in different pathologies in the female reproductive system. The contribution of aquaporins in selected reproductive disorders and aging will be summarized in the second section of this review, followed by a section dedicated to aquaporin-related proteins. Since the relevance of aquaporins for the male reproductive system has been reviewed several times in the recent past, this review aims to provide an update on the distribution and impact of aquaporins only in the female reproductive system. Therefore, this paper seeks to determine the physiological and patho-physiological relevance of aquaporins on female reproduction, and female reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kordowitzki
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-243 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiesława Kranc
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Rut Bryl
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
| | - Bartosz Kempisty
- Department of Anatomy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (W.K.); (R.B.); (B.K.)
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Veterinary Surgery, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Skowronska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Warszawska Street 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Mariusz T. Skowronski
- Department of Basic and Preclinical Sciences, Institute for Veterinary Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-56-611-2231
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You S, Liu S, Dong X, Li H, Zhu Y, Hu L. Intravaginal Administration of Human Type III Collagen-Derived Biomaterial with High Cell-Adhesion Activity to Treat Vaginal Atrophy in Rats. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:1977-1988. [PMID: 33455320 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b01649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road No. 76, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Shuaibin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road No. 76, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road No. 76, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Hu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road No. 76, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lina Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Linjiang Road No. 76, Chongqing 400010, China
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Identification and localization of epithelial progenitor cells in the vagina. Int J Impot Res 2018; 31:46-49. [PMID: 30254307 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0079-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify and localize mucosal epithelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the rat vagina. Rat vagina was obtained from f77emale Sprague-Dawley rats (12 weeks old, n = 20). To identify EPCs in vagina, we followed a single-cell isolation protocol and analyzed the number of cells staining positive for EPC markers by flow cytometry. The expression of EPC-specific markers (CD44, ERα, PR) was evaluated by immunofluorescence. As shown by confocal immunofluorescence, CD44/ERα double-labeled cells were mainly expressed in the basal cell and suprabasal cell layers. Immunofluorescent staining of CD44 was expressed in the plasma membrane of the vaginal epithelium, and ERα was expressed in the cytoplasm of the vaginal epithelium. The CD44/ERα double-positive cells were noted in the rat vagina by flow cytometric analysis. PR-labeled cells were localized in the intermediate layer of the epithelial space of the vagina. The results revealed the existence of EPCs in the vagina. These findings imply that resident EPCs may have a role in the regeneration of vaginal mucosa.
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Lee HS, Kim SO, Ahn K, Park K. All-Trans Retinoic Acid Increases Aquaporin 3 Expression in Human Vaginal Epithelial Cells. Sex Med 2016; 4:e249-e254. [PMID: 27461974 PMCID: PMC5121539 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Water channel aquaporin 3 (AQP3) is an aquaglyceroporin that transports small neutral solutes and water. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a member of the retinoid drug class, acts as a regulator in several biological processes. Aim To investigate the effect of ATRA on the expression of AQP3 in human vaginal epithelial cells. Methods Human vaginal mucosal epithelial cells (CRL2616) were treated with ATRA 0, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 μmol/L for 24 hours to examine the dose-dependent effects of ATRA and with ATRA 1 μmol/L for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Main Outcome Measures The expression of AQP3 and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) was determined by western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results AQP3 was detected in the cell membrane of human vaginal epithelial cells. ATRA increased the protein expression and mRNA levels of AQP3 in a dose-dependent manner (P < .05). ATRA also increased the protein expression of RARα (P < .05). Treatment of CRL2616 cells with an RAR antagonist (Ro 41-5253) significantly decreased AQP3 protein expression (P < .05). Conclusion ATRA mediated by RARα increased AQP3 gene and protein expression in human vaginal mucosal epithelial cells. These results imply that AQP3 regulated by ATRA could play an important role in the mechanism of vaginal lubrication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Suk Lee
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Sexual Medicine Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sun-Ouck Kim
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Sexual Medicine Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kyuyoun Ahn
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Sexual Medicine Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kwangsung Park
- Department of Urology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Sexual Medicine Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea.
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Estrogen Modulates Expression of Tight Junction Proteins in Rat Vagina. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:4394702. [PMID: 27127786 PMCID: PMC4835618 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4394702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Background. The objectives of this study were to investigate the localization of tight junctions and the modulation of zonula occludens- (ZO-) 1, occludin and claudin-1 expression by estrogen in castrated female rat vagina. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (230–240 g, n = 45) were divided into three groups and subjected to a sham operation (control group, n = 15), bilateral ovariectomy (Ovx group, n = 15), or bilateral ovariectomy followed by daily subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol (50 μg/kg/day, Ovx + Est group, n = 15). The cellular localization and expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 were determined in each group by immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results. Expression of ZO-1 was diffuse in all groups, with the highest intensity in the superficial epithelium in the control group. Occludin was localized in the intermediate and basal epithelium. Claudin-1 was most intense in the superficial layer of the vaginal epithelium in the control group. Expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 was significantly decreased after ovariectomy and was restored to the level of the control after estrogen replacement. Conclusions. Tight junctions are distinctly localized in rat vagina, and estrogen modulates the expression of tight junctions. Further researches are needed to clarify the functional role of tight junctions in vaginal lubrication.
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Sun Q, Huang J, Yang DL, Cao XN, Zhou WL. Activation of β-adrenergic receptors during sexual arousal facilitates vaginal lubrication by regulating vaginal epithelial Cl(-) secretion. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1936-48. [PMID: 24840080 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaginal lubrication, an indicator of sexual arousal and tissue health, increases significantly during genital sexual arousal. Adrenergic alpha-receptors (AR) are an important regulator of genital physiological responses involved in mediating vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle contractility; the role of β-AR in sexual arousal, however, has not yet been investigated. AIM The goal of this study was to reveal the functional role of β-AR in modulating vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal and the mechanisms underlying the process. METHODS The effects of adrenaline on vaginal epithelial ion transport, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content ([cAMP]i ), and vaginal lubrication were investigated using short-circuit current (ISC ) of rat vaginas incubated in vitro, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and measurement of vaginal lubrication in vivo, respectively. The expressions of β-AR in vaginal epithelium were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Changes of ISC responses; mRNA, protein expressions and localization of β-AR; [cAMP]i ; vaginal lubrication. RESULTS Serosal application of adrenaline induced an increase of ISC across rat vaginal epithelium that blocked by propranolol, a β-AR antagonist, rather than phentolamine, an α-AR antagonist. β1/2-AR were both present in rat and human vaginal epithelial cells. Removing Cl(-) or application of CFTR(inh) -172, an inhibitor of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), abolished adrenaline-induced ISC responses. The elevated levels of [cAMP]i induced by adrenaline were prevented by the pretreatment with propranolol. Vaginal lubrication measured in vivo showed that adrenaline or pelvic nerve stimulation caused a marked increase in vaginal lubrication, whereas pretreatment with propranolol or CFTR(inh) -172 reduced the effect. CONCLUSIONS Activation of epithelial β-AR facilitates vaginal lubrication during sexual arousal by stimulating vaginal epithelial Cl(-) secretion in a cAMP-dependent pathway. Thus, vaginal epithelial β-AR might be another regulator of vaginal sexual arousal responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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14
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Effects of castration on the expression of aquaporins and apoptosis in the ventral prostate. JOURNAL OF MEN'S HEALTH 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jomh.2012.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Pei L, Jiang J, Jiang R, Ouyang F, Yang H, Cheng Y, Fan Z. Expression of aquaporin proteins in vagina of diabetes mellitus rats. J Sex Med 2012; 10:342-9. [PMID: 23110393 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Aquaporins (AQPs) are membrane proteins that facilitate water movement across biological membranes. Vaginal lubrication may be mediated by blood flow and other potential mechanisms related to transudation of fluid. The most common female sexual dysfunction in diabetes is inadequate vaginal lubrication. AIM To investigate the expression of AQP1-3 in vaginal tissue of diabetes mellitus rats. METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 20) were randomly divided into group A (12-week-old nondiabetic control, N = 5), group B (16-week-old nondiabetes control, N = 5), group C (12-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5), and group D (16-week-old diabetes mellitus rats, N = 5). Vaginal fluid was measured by fluid weight absorbed by cotton swabs after pelvic nerve electrostimulation and anterior vaginal tissue was dissected for determining the expression of AQP1-3 by immunohistochemical study and Western blot. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The expression of AQP1-3 was determined in the vagina of diabetes mellitus rats by Western blot. RESULTS There are no significant differences in serum estradiol concentrations of rats among these groups (P > 0.05). Vaginal fluid was significantly lower in group C (2.7 ± 0.67 mg) and group D (2.5 ± 1.03 mg) than in group A (5.74 ± 1.23 mg) and group B (5.5 ± 1.08 mg) (P < 0.05), respectively. The protein expressions of AQP1-3 were significantly lower in group C (43.40 ± 4.83, 60.60 ± 12.80, and 59.60 ± 6.95) and group D (20.81 ± 2.86, 47.80 ± 11.43, and 54.20 ± 5.26) than in group A (116.62 ± 3.21, 110.81 ± 8.044, and 108.80 ± 4.97) and group B (122.12 ± 14.54, 111.21 ± 15.07, and 106.40 ± 4.16) (P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Decreased vaginal fluid in diabetes mellitus rats after electrostimulation may be partly due to estrogen-independent decreases of AQP1-3 in vaginal tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Pei
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Affiliated Hospital, Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, China
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Functions of water channels in male and female reproductive systems. Mol Aspects Med 2012; 33:676-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Lee HS, Li Z, Kim SO, Ahn K, Kim NN, Park K. Effect of Hyperglycemia on Expression of Aquaporins in the Rat Vagina. Urology 2012; 80:737.e7-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2012.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Kim S, Oh KJ, Lee HS, Ahn K, Kim SW, Park K. Expression of Aquaporin Water Channels in the Vagina in Premenopausal Women. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1925-30. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02284.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Signorello D, Seitz CC, Berner L, Trenti E, Martini T, Galantini A, Lusuardi L, Lodde M, Pycha A. Impact of Sacral Neuromodulation on Female Sexual Function and His Correlation with Clinical Outcome and Quality of Life Indexes: A Monocentric Experience. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1147-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abdel-Hamid IA, Andersson KE, Salonia A. Exploration of therapeutic targets for sexual dysfunctions: lessons learned from the failed stories. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2011; 15:325-40. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.551008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Traish AM, Botchevar E, Kim NN. Biochemical Factors Modulating Female Genital Sexual Arousal Physiology. J Sex Med 2010; 7:2925-46. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01903.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Salonia A, Giraldi A, Chivers ML, Georgiadis JR, Levin R, Maravilla KR, McCarthy MM. Physiology of Women's Sexual Function: Basic Knowledge and New Findings. J Sex Med 2010; 7:2637-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01810.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kim SO, Lee HS, Ahn K, Park K. Effect of Estrogen Deprivation on the Expression of Aquaporins and Nitric Oxide Synthases in Rat Vagina. J Sex Med 2009; 6:1579-1586. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Da Silva Lara LA, Useche B, Ferriani RA, Reis RM, De Sá MFS, De Freitas MMS, E Silva JCR, De Sá Rosa e Silva ACJ. REVIEWS: The Effects of Hypoestrogenism on the Vaginal Wall: Interference with the Normal Sexual Response. J Sex Med 2009; 6:30-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01052.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Traish AM, Cushman T, Hoyt R, Kim NN. Diabetes Attenuates Female Genital Sexual Arousal Response via Disruption of Estrogen Action. Korean J Urol 2009. [DOI: 10.4111/kju.2009.50.3.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmaged M. Traish
- Department of Biochemistry and Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Tulay Cushman
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Richard Hoyt
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Noel N Kim
- Department of Urology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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