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Ding M, Han L, Miao J, Wang X, Wang L, Pan L. Estrogen receptor knockdown suggests its role in gonadal development regulation in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 243:106594. [PMID: 39084493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is critical for vertebrate reproduction. However, its role in bivalves is not well understood, with ongoing debates regarding its function in regulating reproduction similarly to vertebrates. To investigate ER's function, we conducted a 21-day RNA interference experiment focusing on its role in gonadal development in bivalves. Histological analyses revealed that ER inhibition significantly suppressed ovarian development in females and, conversely, promoted gonadal development in males. Additionally, levels of 17β-estrogen (E2) were markedly reduced in the gonads of both sexes following ER suppression. Transcriptomic analysis from RNA-seq of testes and ovaries after ER interference showed changes in the expression of key genes such as Vtg, CYP17, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD. These genes are involved in the estrogen signaling pathway and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Furthermore, ER suppression significantly affected the expression of genes linked to gametogenesis and the reproductive cycle. Our findings highlight ER's crucial, yet complex and sex-specific roles in gonadal development in bivalves, emphasizing the need for further detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ding
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China; Qinhuangdao Marine Environmental Monitoring Central Station of SOA, Qinhuangdao 066002, PR China
| | - Lianxue Han
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Jingjing Miao
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
| | - Xuening Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Lu Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
| | - Luqing Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China
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Fang L, Ma Y, Peng Y, Ni J, Ma C, Wang G, Zhao H, Chen Y, Zhang T, Cai G, Wei J, Xiang H, Pan F. Long-term effect of fine particulate matter constituents on reproductive hormones homeostasis in women attending assisted reproductive technologies: A population-based longitudinal study. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116915. [PMID: 39178764 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may disrupt women's reproductive hormones, posing potential reproductive risks. However, the exact compositions of PM2.5 responsible for these effects remain unclear. Our investigation explored the long-term impacts of PM2.5 constituents on reproductive hormones, based on a large longitudinal assisted reproductive cohort study in Anhui, China. We included 24,396 reproductive hormone samples from 19,845 women attending assisted reproductive technologies (ART) between 2014 and 2020. Using high-resolution gridded data (1-km resolution), we calculated the residence-specified PM2.5 constituents during the year before the month of hormone testing. Relationships between PM2.5 constituents [organic matter (OM), chloride (Cl-), sulfate (SO42-), ammonium (NH4+), black carbon, and nitrate] and reproductive hormones were investigated using the linear mixed model with subject-specific intercepts. The constituent-proportion model and the constituent-residual model were also constructed. Additionally, cubic spline analysis was used to examine the potential non-linear exposure-response relationship. We found that per interquartile range (IQR) increment in OM was associated with a 5.31 % (3.74 %, 6.89 %) increase in estradiol, and per IQR increment in Cl- and NH4+ were associated with 13.56 % (7.63 %, 19.82 %) and 9.07 % (4.35 %, 14.01 %) increases in luteinizing hormone. Conversely, per IQR increment in OM and Cl- were associated with -7.27 % (-9.34 %, -5.16 %) and -8.52 % (-10.99 %, -5.98 %) decreases in progesterone, and per IQR increment in SO42- was associated with a -9.15 % (-10.31 %, -7.98 %) decrease in testosterone. These associations were held in both proportional and residual models. Moreover, exposure-response curves for estradiol and progesterone with PM2.5 constituents exhibited approximately U-shaped. These results suggested that specific PM2.5 constituents might disrupt reproductive hormone homeostasis in women attending ART, providing new evidence for formulating PM2.5 pollution reduction strategies that could benefit women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yubo Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yongzhen Peng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jianping Ni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Cong Ma
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA; Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Guoqi Cai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
| | - Huifen Xiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Faming Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China; The Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Liu H, Yang Q, Li G, Hung TC, Zuo J, Luan N, Liu X, Wu Q. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus modulates MCLR-induced oogenesis disorders in zebrafish: Evidence from the transcriptome. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175532. [PMID: 39153614 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MCLR) produced by cyanobacterial blooms have received global attention. MCLR has been recognized as a reproductive toxin to fish and poses a threat to ecosystem stability. It has been proven that probiotic dietary management can improve reproductive performance of fish. It is worth paying attention to exploring whether probiotic management can alleviate the reproductive toxicity caused by MCLR. In this investigation, adult zebrafish were exposed to different doses of MCLR solution (0, 2.2, and 22 μg/L) with or without the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for a duration of 28 days. The results showed that female zebrafish spawning was reduced after exposure to MCLR, but this reduction was reversed when L. rhamnosus GG was added. To elucidate how L. rhamnosus GG mitigates reproductive toxicity caused by MCLR, we examined a series of indicators of MCLR accumulation, ovarian histology, hormones, and transcriptome levels. Our study showed that L. rhamnosus GG could alleviate oogenesis disorders and ultimately attenuate MCLR-induced reproductive toxicity by reducing MCLR accumulation in the gonads, modulating the expression of endocrine system and auto/paracrine factors. The transcriptome results revealed that single or combined exposure of MCLR and L. rhamnosus GG mainly affected the endocrine system, energy metabolism, and RNA degradation and translation. Overall, our results provide new insights for alleviating MCLR-induced reproductive toxicity and help promote healthy aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoling Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Institute of Hydroecology, Ministry of Water Resources & Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430079, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Tien-Chieh Hung
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Junli Zuo
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ning Luan
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Huangshi Key Laboratory of Lake Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, Hubei Province 435002, China
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Yilmaz N, Yasi N RZI, Yildiz A. Intracerebroventricular injection of spexin stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and increases the secretion of male reproductive hormones in rats. Ann Anat 2024; 255:152300. [PMID: 38971451 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2024.152300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male reproductive functions are regulated in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Any problem in this axis would lead to the deterioration of reproductive functions. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) Spexin (SPX) infusion on the HPG axis in detail. METHODS 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, sham, SPX 30 nmol and SPX 100 nmol (n=10). 30 nmol/1 µl/hour SPX was administered icv to the rats in the SPX 30 nmol group for 7 days, while rats in the SPX 100 nmol group were administered 100 nmol/1 µl/hour SPX. On the 7th day, the rats were decapitated, blood and tissue samples were collected. Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels were determined with the ELISA method, GnRH mRNA expression level was determined in hypothalamus with the RT-PCR method. Seminiferous tubule diameter and epithelial thickness were determined with the hematoxylin-eosin staining method. RESULTS SPX infusion was increased GnRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus tissue independent of the dose (p<0.05). Serum LH, FSH and testosterone levels in the SPX groups were increased when compared to the control and sham groups independent of the dose (p <0.05). Histological analysis revealed that SPX infusion did not lead to any changes in seminiferous epithelial thickness, while the tubule diameter increased in the SPX groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION The study findings demonstrated that icv SPX infusion stimulated the HPG axis and increased the secretion of male reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesibe Yilmaz
- Karabük University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Karabük, Turkey.
| | | | - Azibe Yildiz
- İnönü University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embriyology, Malatya, Turkey
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Jiang L, Zeng T, Wu M, Yang L, Zhao M, Yuan M, Zhu Z, Lang X. Infertility psychological distress in women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment: A grounded theory study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:3642-3658. [PMID: 38716811 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17195] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While there exists an ample body of research in international contexts focused on the characterization and quantification of infertility psychological distress, the level of scholarly scrutiny directed towards this phenomenon within the context of China remains scant. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To investigate the formation and developmental processes of psychological distress associated with infertility and infertility treatment among women within the Chinese cultural context and to construct a theoretical framework that elucidates this phenomenon. DESIGN Qualitative approach with grounded theory methodology. METHODS This study was conducted within the reproductive medicine department of a tertiary-level hospital located in central China from May to August 2023. Twenty-seven women who experienced infertility and underwent assisted reproductive treatment (ART) were interviewed. The interview sessions spanned durations ranging from 20 min to 1 h and 35 min. Data analysis included open coding, axial coding and selective coding. The study is reported using the COREQ checklist. RESULTS The infertility psychological distress experienced by women undergoing ART is a socially constructed phenomenon influenced by a dynamic interplay of forces that construct and conciliate it. The formation and progression of infertility psychological distress are rooted in the process of self-construction. A Middle-Ranged Theory titled 'self-reconstruction under the dome of infertility and infertility treatment' (SUDIT theory) was developed to explain this phenomenon. Within this framework, infertility psychological distress manifests across three distinct phases under the gambling of the constructive force and conciliative force: (1) distress of disrupting the former self; (2) distress linked to the struggling present self; and (3) the renewed-self harmonized with distress. CONCLUSIONS It is imperative for healthcare professionals and policymakers to acknowledge the socially constructed nature of infertility psychological distress, and proactively implement measures aimed at ameliorating it. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Jiang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tieying Zeng
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiliyang Wu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meizhen Zhao
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengmei Yuan
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zining Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Lang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Poitras M, Shearzad F, Qureshi AF, Blackburn C, Plamondon H. Bloody stressed! A systematic review of the associations between adulthood psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 163:105784. [PMID: 38950686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Regular menstruation is a key indicator of general health and irregular menstrual parameters have been associated with elevated risk of adverse health outcomes. While psychological stress is believed to contribute to abnormal menstruation, little is known of the effects of discrete psychological stressors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on menstrual function. A systematic database search was performed and studies investigating the relation between psychological stress and menstrual cycle irregularity in otherwise healthy adults were included. Two independent investigators completed abstract and full-text screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. In the 41 included studies, a variety of stressors were assessed, namely COVID-19 pandemic stress, academic stress, and occupational stress. Our review found most studies report an association between psychological stress and menstrual dysfunction, with the most common disruptions being irregular menstruation and abnormal menstrual flow. Our findings also underlined notable discrepancies in the operational definitions used in the study of menstrual disorders. These observations emphasize the importance of psychological stress as a modifiable risk factor associated with irregular menstruation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Fatima Shearzad
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Aliya F Qureshi
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Cassandra Blackburn
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Ebong IA, Quesada O, Fonkoue IT, Mattina D, Sullivan S, Oliveira GMMD, Spikes T, Sharma J, Commodore Y, Ogunniyi MO, Aggarwal NR, Vaccarino V. The Role of Psychosocial Stress on Cardiovascular Disease in Women: JACC State-of-the-Art Review. J Am Coll Cardiol 2024; 84:298-314. [PMID: 38986672 PMCID: PMC11328148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Psychosocial stress can affect cardiovascular health through multiple pathways. Certain stressors, such as socioeconomic disadvantage, childhood adversity, intimate partner violence, and caregiving stress, are especially common among women. The consequences of stress begin at a young age and persist throughout the life course. This is especially true for women, among whom the burden of negative psychosocial experiences tends to be larger in young age and midlife. Menarche, pregnancy, and menopause can further exacerbate stress in vulnerable women. Not only is psychosocial adversity prevalent in women, but it could have more pronounced consequences for cardiovascular risk among women than among men. These differential effects could reside in sex differences in responses to stress, combined with women's propensity toward vasomotor reactivity, microvascular dysfunction, and inflammation. The bulk of evidence suggests that targeting stress could be an important strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imo A Ebong
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.
| | - Odayme Quesada
- Women's Heart Center, Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Carl and Edyth Lindner Center for Research and Education, Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ida T Fonkoue
- Divisions of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Deirdre Mattina
- Division of Regional Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Samaah Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center-Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Telisa Spikes
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jyoti Sharma
- Division of Cardiology, Piedmont Heart Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yvonne Commodore
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Modele O Ogunniyi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Grady Health System, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Niti R Aggarwal
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Viola Vaccarino
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Brown ER, Gettler LT, Rosenbaum S. Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22491. [PMID: 38698633 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Poitras M, Lebeau M, Plamondon H. The cycle of stress: A systematic review of the impact of chronic psychological stress models on the rodent estrous cycle. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105730. [PMID: 38763179 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Stress is known to impair reproduction through interactions between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes. However, while it is well accepted that stress can alter estrous cycle regularity, a key indicator of female's HPG axis function, effects of different types of psychological stress have been inconsistent. This systematic review evaluated the impact of rodent models of psychological stress on estrous cyclicity, while reporting biological parameters pertaining to HPA or HPG axis function assessed within these studies. We performed a systematic database search and included articles that implemented a psychological stress model in rodents and reported estrous cyclicity for at least two cycles after initiation of stress. Of the 32 studies included, 62.5% reported post-stress alterations to estrous cyclicity, with Chronic Mild Stress (CMS) models showing the most conclusive effects. Twenty-five studies measured HPG or HPA axis markers, with cycle disruptions being commonly observed in parallel with altered estradiol and increased corticosterone levels. Our review highlights gaps in reporting estrous cyclicity assessments and makes recommendations to improve comparability between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Madison Lebeau
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioural Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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Vetlugina TP, Prokopieva VD, Bokhan NA, Nikitina VB, Lobacheva OA, Mandel AI. Hormones, oxidized proteins, and lipids in alcoholism. Duration of remission. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024; 23:569-585. [PMID: 37982405 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2023.2280089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The instability of remission in alcohol dependence (AD) creates a need to search for criteria for predicting its duration. The aim of study was to determine the hormones, oxidized proteins, and lipids in patients with AD, and the possible relations between these parameters and the duration of remission. Blood samples were obtained from 49 male patients with AD after alcohol detoxification (Total group). Two groups of patients were formed: with unstable therapeutic remission up to 6 months (UTR-group); with stable therapeutic remission which lasted 12 months or longer (STR-group). The control group comprised men without AD. The levels of carbonylated proteins (CP), lipid peroxidation (TBA-RS) were determined in the blood plasma. The levels of cortisol, testosterone total, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine free (fT3), and thyroxine free (fT4) in the blood serum were measured. The Total group of patients showed an increase in CP, TBA-RS, Cortisol, cortisol/testosterone ratio, and a decrease in TSH, fT3, and fT3/fT4 levels. A set of parameters (T, fT3, fT4, cortisol/testosterone ratio) associated with unstable remission was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara P Vetlugina
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Valentina D Prokopieva
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Nikolay A Bokhan
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Valentina B Nikitina
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Olga A Lobacheva
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Anna I Mandel
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
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11
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Vaishnavi Nalla S, Jayapradha P, Lalruatmawii, Nandheeswari K, Naxine P, Vigneshwaran G, Rohilla G, Dubey I, Kushwaha S. Irisin as an emerging target in the regulation of reproductive functions in health and disease. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 353:114529. [PMID: 38643847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2024.114529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Germ cells are highly conserved in the gonads, nurtured to either develop into a gamete or self-renew into a stem cell reserve. Preserving the germ cell pool and protecting the reproductive organs is essential for maintaining an individual's fertility. Several factors, including a sedentary lifestyle, pollutants, hormonal disruption, drugs, and a disease condition, have been shown to impair normal reproductive function. Irisin has recently been identified as an adipomyokine involved in modulating physiological functions based on the body's metabolic status. It is being studied for its role in various functions, including fertility. Findings show the localization of irisin in various parts of the reproductive axis, with the highest levels observed during puberty and pregnancy. This raises questions about its role and function in reproduction. Studies support irisin's role in protecting against disease-induced reproductive abnormalities and infertility. Therefore, the current review focuses on how irisin influences spermatogenesis and ovarian follicular development and plays a significant role in indirectly preserving the germ cell pool by protecting the gonads against oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Vaishnavi Nalla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - P Jayapradha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Lalruatmawii
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - K Nandheeswari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Pratik Naxine
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - G Vigneshwaran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Gaurav Rohilla
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Itishree Dubey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Raebareli (NIPER-R), Transit Campus, Bijnor-Sisendi Road, Sarojini Nagar, Near CRPF Base Camp, Lucknow (UP) 226002, India.
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12
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Schmidt C. Synergy under the Sun? Nanoplastics Enhance Estrogenicity of Common UV-Blocker. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:64001. [PMID: 38833378 PMCID: PMC11166411 DOI: 10.1289/ehp14939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Human cells and zebrafish coexposed to nanoplastics and the sunscreen ingredient homosalate showed more plastics in tissues, estrogenic activity, and relevant gene expression changes than they showed after either exposure alone.
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13
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Domes G, Linnig K, von Dawans B. Gonads under stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of acute psychosocial stress on gonadal steroids secretion in humans. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107004. [PMID: 38471257 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Animal research has shown that the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is inhibited by (chronic and/or severe) stress, which can lead to impaired fertility and reproductive functioning, presumably caused by the inhibition of gonadal steroid secretion and in interactions with glucocorticoids. However, what has not been clarified is how acute psychosocial stress modulates gonadal steroid secretion in humans. Here we summarize the experimental research on the acute effects of stress on the secretion of gonadal steroids in humans. A systematic literature search revealed 21 studies (with N=881 individuals) measuring testosterone, progesterone or estradiol in response to a standardized acute laboratory stressor in healthy humans. Both our literature review and quantitative meta-analysis suggest that in humans, acute stress stimulates rather than inhibits HPG axis activity, although there is a considerable heterogeneity in the reported methods and results. Increased gonadal steroids in response to acute stress contrasts with many animal studies reporting the opposite pattern, at least regarding severe and/or chronic stressors. We discuss methodological issues and challenges for future research and hope to stimulate experimental studies within this area. A better understanding of these mechanisms is needed, and may have important implications for health and disease, as well as the modulation of various behaviors by acute stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Domes
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany.
| | - Katrin Linnig
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany
| | - Bernadette von Dawans
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology, University of Trier, Germany; Institute for Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, University of Trier, Germany
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14
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Wei M, Liu H, Wang Y, Sun M, Shang P. Mechanisms of Male Reproductive Sterility Triggered by Dysbiosis of Intestinal Microorganisms. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:694. [PMID: 38929676 PMCID: PMC11204708 DOI: 10.3390/life14060694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota, comprised of bacteria, archaea, and phages, inhabits the gastrointestinal tract of the organism. Male reproductive sterility is currently a prominent topic in medical research. Increasing research suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis can result in various reproductive health problems. This article specifically investigates the impact of gut microbiota dysbiosis on male reproductive infertility development. Gut microbiota imbalances can disrupt the immune system and immune cell metabolism, affecting testicular growth and sperm production. This dysfunction can compromise the levels of hormones produced and secreted by the endocrine glands, affecting male reproductive health. Furthermore, imbalance of the gut microbiota can disrupt the gut-brain-reproductive axis, resulting in male reproductive infertility. This article explores how the imbalance of the gut microbiota impacts male reproductive infertility through immune regulation, endocrine regulation, and interactions of the gut-brain-reproductive axis, concluding with recommendations for prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingbang Wei
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Huaizhi Liu
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Mingyang Sun
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
| | - Peng Shang
- College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi 860000, China; (M.W.); (H.L.); (Y.W.); (M.S.)
- The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R & D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, Linzhi 860000, China
- Key Laboratory for the Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Technology of the Tibetan Swine, Linzhi 860000, China
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15
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Mazza E, Troiano E, Ferro Y, Lisso F, Tosi M, Turco E, Pujia R, Montalcini T. Obesity, Dietary Patterns, and Hormonal Balance Modulation: Gender-Specific Impacts. Nutrients 2024; 16:1629. [PMID: 38892561 PMCID: PMC11174431 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the intricate relationship between nutrition, hormonal balance, and gender-specific factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to mitigate obesity-related endocrine disruptions and improve metabolic health. This narrative review examines the impact of various dietary patterns on hormonal regulation in both men and women, focusing on their effects on hormonal balance and metabolic health in the context of obesity. Calorie restriction, the Western diet, high-fat diets, low-CHO diets, plant-based diets, and the Mediterranean diet are analyzed in relation to their influence on obesity-related endocrine disruptions and metabolic health. Future research directions include investigating the specific mechanisms underlying dietary influences on hormonal regulation, addressing the gender-specific metabolic differences and body fat distribution, and exploring the dietary needs of individuals undergoing gender transition. Personalized dietary interventions tailored to individual metabolic and hormonal profiles are essential for optimizing health outcomes across the gender spectrum. By integrating gender-specific considerations into dietary recommendations, healthcare professionals can better support individuals in achieving optimal metabolic health and hormonal balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mazza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.M.); (T.M.)
- Technical Scientific Association of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (ASAND), 95128 Catania, Italy; (E.T.); (F.L.)
| | - Ersilia Troiano
- Technical Scientific Association of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (ASAND), 95128 Catania, Italy; (E.T.); (F.L.)
- Social Educational Directorate of Rome III Montesacro Municipality, 00139 Rome, Italy
| | - Yvelise Ferro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (Y.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Fabrizia Lisso
- Technical Scientific Association of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (ASAND), 95128 Catania, Italy; (E.T.); (F.L.)
- “Sant’Anna” Hospital, San Fermo della Battaglia, 22042 Como, Italy
| | - Martina Tosi
- Technical Scientific Association of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics (ASAND), 95128 Catania, Italy; (E.T.); (F.L.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Turco
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Roberta Pujia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (Y.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Tiziana Montalcini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (E.M.); (T.M.)
- Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Diseases, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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16
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Ngema M, Xulu ND, Ngubane PS, Khathi A. Pregestational Prediabetes Induces Maternal Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis Dysregulation and Results in Adverse Foetal Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5431. [PMID: 38791468 PMCID: PMC11122116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been shown to result in foetal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to adverse foetal outcomes. T2DM is preceded by prediabetes and shares similar pathophysiological complications. However, no studies have investigated the effects of maternal prediabetes on foetal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Hence, this study investigated the effects of pregestational prediabetes on maternal HPA axis function and postnatal offspring development. Pre-diabetic (PD) and non-pre-diabetic (NPD) female Sprague Dawley rats were mated with non-prediabetic males. After gestation, male pups born from the PD and NPD groups were collected. Markers of HPA axis function, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone, were measured in all dams and pups. Glucose tolerance, insulin and gene expressions of mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors were further measured in all pups at birth and their developmental milestones. The results demonstrated increased basal concentrations of ACTH and corticosterone in the dams from the PD group by comparison to NPD. Furthermore, the results show an increase basal ACTH and corticosterone concentrations, disturbed MR and GR gene expression, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance assessed via the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) indices in the pups born from the PD group compared to NPD group at all developmental milestones. These observations reveal that pregestational prediabetes is associated with maternal dysregulation of the HPA axis, impacting offspring HPA axis development along with impaired glucose handling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andile Khathi
- School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4041, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; (M.N.); (N.D.X.); (P.S.N.)
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17
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Zhang Y, Luo C, Huang P, Chen L, Ma Y, Ding H. Effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet, nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and -gonadal (HPG) axes of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Eur J Nutr 2024:10.1007/s00394-024-03427-6. [PMID: 38743096 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03427-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diet-related factors are of great significance in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of chronic exposure to a high fat diet (HFD), fructose or sucralose on the endocrine functions. METHODS Male, Sprague-Dawley rats received a normal chow diet, HFD, 10% fructose or 0.02% sucralose for 10 weeks. Behavioral changes were assessed by open field (OFT) and elevated plus-maze (EPM) tests at week 8. H&E staining was used to observe pathological changes in adrenal cortex, testis and perirenal adipose tissue. Serum hormone concentrations were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of genes along the HPA and HPG axes were determined using real-time PCR. RESULTS All types of dietary interventions increased body weight and disturbed metabolic homeostasis, with anxiogenic phenotype in behavioral tests and damage to cell morphology of adrenal cortex and testis being observed. Along the HPA axis, significantly increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were observed in the HFD or 0.02% sucralose group. For HPG axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and estradiol (E2) concentrations were significantly increased in all dietary intervention groups, while decreased concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) were also detected. Moreover, transcriptional profiles of genes involved in the synthesis of hormones and corresponding hormone receptors were significantly altered. CONCLUSION Long-term consumption of HFD, fructose or sucralose manifested deleterious effects on endocrine system and resulted in the dysregulation of HPA and HPG axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Chunyun Luo
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Puxin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Yufang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, China.
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18
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McIlwraith EK, Loganathan N, Mak KWY, He W, Belsham DD. Phoenixin knockout mice show no impairment in fertility or differences in metabolic response to a high-fat diet, but exhibit behavioral differences in an open field test. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13398. [PMID: 38733120 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) is a conserved secreted peptide that was identified 10 years ago with numerous studies published on its pleiotropic functions. PNX is associated with estrous cycle length, protection from a high-fat diet, and reduction of anxiety behavior. However, no study had yet evaluated the impact of deleting PNX in the whole animal. We sought to evaluate a mouse model lacking the PNX parent gene, small integral membrane protein 20 (Smim20), and the resulting effect on reproduction, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. We found that the Smim20 knockout mice had normal fertility and estrous cycle lengths. Consistent with normal fertility, the hypothalamii of the knockout mice showed no changes in the levels of reproduction-related genes, but the male mice had some changes in energy homeostasis-related genes, such as melanocortin receptor 4 (Mc4r). When placed on a high-fat diet, the wildtype and knockout mice responded similarly, but the male heterozygous mice gained slightly less weight. When placed in an open field test box, the female knockout mice traveled less distance in the outer zone, indicating alterations in anxiety or locomotor behavior. In summary, the homozygous knockout of PNX did not alter fertility and modestly alters a few neuroendocrine genes in response to a high-fat diet, especially in the female mice. However, it altered the behavior of mice in an open field test. PNX therefore may not be crucial for reproductive function or weight, however, we cannot rule out possible compensatory mechanisms in the knockout model. Understanding the role of PNX in physiology may ultimately lead to an enhanced understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving this enigmatic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K McIlwraith
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neruja Loganathan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly W Y Mak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenyuan He
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Easdale-Cheele T, Parlatini V, Cortese S, Bellato A. A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Interventions for Emotional Dysregulation, and Underlying Bio-Psycho-Social Factors. Brain Sci 2024; 14:453. [PMID: 38790432 PMCID: PMC11119869 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050453] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this narrative, comprehensive, and updated review of the literature, we summarize evidence about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing emotion dysregulation and improving emotion regulation in children, adolescents, and adults. After introducing emotion dysregulation and emotion regulation from a theoretical standpoint, we discuss the factors commonly associated with emotion regulation, including neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms, and the role of childhood adverse experiences and psycho-social factors in the onset of emotion dysregulation. We then present evidence about pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aiming at improving emotion dysregulation and promoting emotion regulation across the lifespan. Although our review was not intended as a traditional systematic review, and the search was only restricted to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we highlighted important implications and provided recommendations for clinical practice and future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Easdale-Cheele
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (T.E.-C.); (V.P.); (S.C.)
| | - Valeria Parlatini
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (T.E.-C.); (V.P.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Solent NHS Trust, Southampton SO19 8BR, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (T.E.-C.); (V.P.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Solent NHS Trust, Southampton SO19 8BR, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY 11042, USA
- DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70100 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (T.E.-C.); (V.P.); (S.C.)
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
- Mind and Neurodevelopment (MiND) Interdisciplinary Cluster, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih 43500, Malaysia
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20
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Mukadam AA, Chester JA. Line- and sex-dependent effects of juvenile stress on contextual fear- and anxiety-related behavior in high- and low-alcohol-preferring mouse lines. Behav Brain Res 2024; 463:114899. [PMID: 38342379 PMCID: PMC10954351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114899] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Juvenile stress (JS) is a known risk factor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which are frequently co-morbid. Data suggest there may be common, genetically-influenced biological responses to stress that contribute to the development of both AUD and PTSD. The present study investigated the impact of JS on contextual fear learning and extinction, as well as corticosterone (CORT) responses before and after JS, before and after contextual fear conditioning (CFC), and after fear extinction in male and female high-alcohol-preferring (HAP2) and low-alcohol-preferring (LAP2) mouse lines. We also measured unconditioned anxiety-related behavior in the light-dark-transition test before CFC. HAP2 and LAP2 mice did not differ in fear acquisition, but HAP2 mice showed faster fear extinction compared to LAP2 mice. No effects of JS were seen in HAP2 mice, whereas in LAP2 mice, JS reduced fear acquisition in males and facilitated fear extinction in females. Females showed greater fear-related behavior relative to males, regardless of subgroup. HAP2 males demonstrated more anxiolytic-like responses than LAP2 males and LAP2 females demonstrated more anxiolytic-like responses than LAP2 males in the light-dark transition test. HAP2 and LAP2 mice did not differ in CORT during the juvenile stage; however, adult LAP2 mice showed greater CORT levels than HAP2 mice at baseline and after CFC and extinction testing. These findings build upon prior work in these unique mouse lines that differ in genetic propensity toward alcohol preference and provide new information regarding contextual fear learning and extinction mechanisms theorized to contribute to co-morbid AUD and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbaaz A Mukadam
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
| | - Julia A Chester
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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21
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Donovan A, Assari S, Grella C, Shaheen M, Richter L, Friedman TC. Neuroendocrine mechanisms in the links between early life stress, affect, and youth substance use: A conceptual model for the study of sex and gender differences. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101121. [PMID: 38253240 PMCID: PMC11088508 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is defined as an acute or chronic stressor that negatively impacts a child's development. ELS is associated with substance use and mental health problems. This narrative literature review focuses on sex and gender differences in the effects of ELS on 1) adolescent neuroendocrine development; 2) pubertal brain maturation; and 3) development of internalizing symptoms and subsequent substance use. We posit that ELS may generate larger hormonal dysregulation in females than males during puberty, increasing internalizing symptoms and substance use. Future research should consider sex and gender differences in neuroendocrine developmental processes when studying the link between ELS and negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Donovan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Shervin Assari
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Christine Grella
- Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, 10911 Weyburn Ave, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90024-2886, USA.
| | - Magda Shaheen
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Linda Richter
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA; Partnership to End Addiction, 711 Third Ave, 5(th) Floor, Suite 500, New York City, NY 10017, USA.
| | - Theodore C Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
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22
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Granata L, Fanikos M, Brenhouse HC. Early life adversity accelerates hypothalamic drive of pubertal timing in female rats with associated enhanced acoustic startle. Horm Behav 2024; 159:105478. [PMID: 38241961 PMCID: PMC10926229 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Early life adversity in the form of childhood maltreatment in humans or as modeled by maternal separation (MS) in rodents is often associated with an earlier emergence of puberty in females. Earlier pubertal initiation is an example of accelerated biological aging and predicts later risk for anxiety in women, especially in populations exposed to early life trauma. Here we investigated external pubertal markers as well as hypothalamic gene expression of pubertal regulators kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone, to determine a biological substrate for MS-induced accelerated puberty. We further investigated a mechanism by which developmental stress might regulate pubertal timing. As kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion are typically inhibited by corticotropin releasing hormone at its receptor CRH-R1, we hypothesized that MS induces a downregulation of Crhr1 gene transcription in a cell-specific manner. Finally, we explored the association between pubertal timing and anxiety-like behavior in an acoustic startle paradigm, to drive future preclinical research linking accelerated puberty and anxiety. We replicated previous findings that MS leads to earlier puberty in females but not males, and found expression of kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone mRNA to be prematurely increased in MS females. RNAscope confirmed increased expression of these genes, and further revealed that kisspeptin-expressing neurons in females were less likely to express Crhr1 after MS. Early puberty was associated with higher acoustic startle magnitude in females. Taken together, these findings indicate precocial maturation of central pubertal timing mechanisms after MS, as well as a potential role of CRH-R1 in these effects and an association with a translational measure of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granata
- Psychology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Michaela Fanikos
- Psychology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Heather C Brenhouse
- Psychology Department, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States of America.
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23
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Li Y, Tan Z, Zuo P, Li M, Hou L, Wang X. Gestodene causes masculinization of the western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis): Insights from ovary metabolomics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168693. [PMID: 38008334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Gestodene (GES) is a common synthetic progesterone frequently detected in aquatic environments. Chronic exposure to GES can cause masculinization of a variety of fish; however, whether metabolism is closely related to the masculinization has yet to be explored. Hence, the ovary metabolome of adult female western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) after exposing to GES (0.0, 5.0, 50.0, and 500.0 ng/L) for 40 days was analyzed by using high-performance liquid chromatography ionization with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF-MS). The results showed that GES increased the levels of cysteine, taurine, ophthalmic acid and cAMP while decreased methionine, these metabolites changes may owing to the oxidative stress of the ovaries; while taurcholic acid and uric acid were decreased along with induced oocyte apopotosis. Steroids hormone metabolism was also significantly affected, with progesterone and cortisol being the most affected. Enzyme-linked immunoassay results showed that estradiol levels were decreased while testosterone levels were increased with GES exposure. In addition, correlation analysis showed that the differential metabolites of some amino acids (e.g. leucine) were strongly correlated with the levels of steroids hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. The results of this study suggest that GES affects ovarian metabolism via the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes, impair antioxidant capacity, induce apoptosis in the ovary of G. affinis, and finally caused masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelin Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiqing Tan
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526000, China
| | - Peiyu Zuo
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Maorong Li
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Liping Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Xiaolan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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24
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Ijaz MU, Alvi K, Hamza A, Anwar H, Al-Ghanim KA, Riaz MN. Curative effects of tectochrysin on paraquat-instigated testicular toxicity in rats: A biochemical and histopathological based study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25337. [PMID: 38356568 PMCID: PMC10865255 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25337] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Paraquat (PQ) is a herbicide that is used globally in the agriculture sector to eradicate unwanted weeds, however it also induces significant damages in various organs of the body such as testes. Tectochrysin (TEC) is an important flavonoid that shows versatile therapeutic potentials. Currently, there is no established antidote to cure PQ-induced testicular toxicity. Objective The present study was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effects of TEC against PQ prompted testicular damage. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were used to conduct the trial. Rats were allocated in to 4 groups i.e., Control, PQ administrated group (5 mgkg-1), PQ + TEC co-administrated group (5 mgkg-1 + 2.5 mgkg-1) and TEC only administrated group (2.5 mgkg-1). The trial was conducted for 8 weeks. The activity of anti-oxidants and the levels of MDA and ROS were determined by spectrophotometric method. Steroidogenic enzymes as well as apoptotic markers expressions were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The level of hormones and inflammatory indices was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results PQ exposure markedly (P < 0.05) disturbed the biochemical, spermatogenic and histological profile in the rats. Nevertheless, TEC treatment considerably (P < 0.05) increased CAT, GPx GSR and SOD activity, besides decreasing MDA and ROS contents. TEC administration also increased sperm viability, count and motility. 17β-HSD, 3β-HSD, StAR and Bcl-2 expressions were also increased following TEC administration. The supplementation of TEC substantially (P < 0.05) decreased Bax, Caspase-3 expression and the levels of inflammatory markers i.e., interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. Additionally, the levels of plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were increased following TEC supplementation. Furthermore, TEC supplementation considerably decreased sperm structural abnormalities and histomorphological damages of the testes. The mitigative role of TEC might be due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, androgenic and anti-oxidant potentials. Conclusion Taken together, it is concluded that TEC can be used as a potential candidate to treat testicular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Kaynat Alvi
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Ali Hamza
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Government College University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Khalid A. Al-Ghanim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Zheng CY, Yu YX, Cao SY, Bai X. Epigenetics of inflammation in hypothalamus pituitary gonadal and neuroendocrine disorders. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:340-345. [PMID: 37142487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The hormone producing hypothalamus, pituitary and gonadal are arranged in hierarchy to form the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis). The axis is neuroendocrine in nature and releases hormones in response to the inputs from nervous systems. The axis maintains homeostasis and ensures smooth body functions, particularly those related to growth and reproduction. A deregulated HPG axis, such as observed under inflammation and other conditions, is therefore associated with several disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea etc. Several factors, both genetic as well as environmental, in addition to aging, obesity etc. affect HPG axis with resulting effects on puberty, sexual maturation and reproductive health. More research is now indicative of a role of epigenetics in mediating these HPG-affecting factors. Hypothalamus-secreted gonadotropin-releasing hormone is important for eventual release of sex hormones and it is subjected to several neuronal and epigenetic regulations. Gene promoter methylation as well as histone methylations and acetylations form the backbone of epigenetic regulation of HPG-axis, as the incoming reports suggest. Epigenetic events also mediate several feedback mechanisms within HPG axis and between HPG axis and the central nervous system. In addition, data is emerging for a role of non-coding RNAs, particularly the miRNAs, in regulation and normal functioning of HPG axis. Thus, the epigenetic interactions need better understanding to understand the functioning and regulation of HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yang Zheng
- Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, No. 83, Zhongshan Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yue-Xin Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shi-Yue Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China.
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26
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Liu L, Huang W, Luo K, Zeng Y, Shao Y, Long Z. Relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB, and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100339. [PMID: 38330789 PMCID: PMC10864834 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Varicocele is an abnormal expansion of the pampininias venous plexus in the scrotum, resulting in impaired sperm production and reduced sperm quality. The exact pathophysiological mechanism leading to varicocele-related infertility has not been fully elucidated. Although treatable, varicocele may lead to male infertility. OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between semen parameters, serum InhB and INSL-3 levels, and the degree of varicocele in male patients. METHODS Serum InhB and INSL-3 were detected. To evaluate the relationship between semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels. To evaluate the value of semen parameters and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in distinguishing disease severity in patients with varicocele. RESULTS Serum INSL-3 in patients with varicocele decreased with the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 was positively correlated with total sperm count and frequency of normal sperm morphology. There was a weak correlation between serum InhB and semen volume, concentration, and total sperm. Patients with different disease severity were similar within the groups, with partial overlap or similarity between varicocele Grade I and Grade II, and significant differences between Grade III and Grade I and II. Semen volume, concentration, total sperm, normal sperm morphology, and serum InhB and INSL-3 levels could distinguish the degree of varicocele. CONCLUSION Semen parameters and the combination of serum InhB and INSL-3 levels in patients with varicocele are closely related to the severity of the disease. Serum INSL-3 is expected to be a potential biomarker for early clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Liu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - WenJie Huang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - KeBing Luo
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - YiZhou Zeng
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - YunHao Shao
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - ZongMin Long
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The First people's hospital of Zunyi City (The third affiliated hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
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27
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Park SR, Kook MG, Kim SR, Lee JW, Yu YS, Park CH, Lim S, Oh BC, Jung Y, Hong IS. A microscale 3D organ on a chip for recapitulating reciprocal neuroendocrine crosstalk between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025011. [PMID: 38277677 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad22f1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Conventional 2D or even recently developed 3Din vitroculture models for hypothalamus and pituitary gland cannot successfully recapitulate reciprocal neuroendocrine communications between these two pivotal neuroendocrine tissues known to play an essential role in controlling the body's endocrine system, survival, and reproduction. In addition, most currentvitroculture models for neuroendocrine tissues fail to properly reflect their complex multicellular structure. In this context, we developed a novel microscale chip platform, termed the 'hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis-on-a-chip,' which integrates various cellular components of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland with biomaterials such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We used non-toxic blood coagulation factors (fibrinogen and thrombin) as natural cross-linking agents to increase the mechanical strength of biomaterials without showing residual toxicity to overcome drawbacks of conventional chemical cross-linking agents. Furthermore, we identified and verified SERPINB2 as a reliable neuroendocrine toxic marker, with its expression significantly increased in both hypothalamus and pituitary gland cells following exposure to various types of toxins. Next, we introduced SERPINB2-fluorescence reporter system into loaded hypothalamic cells and pituitary gland cells within each chamber of the HP axis on a chip, respectively. By incorporating this SERPINB2 detection system into the loaded hypothalamic and pituitary gland cells within our chip platform, Our HP axis-on-chip platform can better mimic reciprocal neuroendocrine crosstalk between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain microenvironments with improved efficiency in evaluating neuroendocrine toxicities of certain drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Ra Park
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Geun Kook
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Rim Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Yu
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hum Park
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyi Lim
- Gachon University Gil Hospital VIP Health Promotion Center, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Chul Oh
- Department of Physiology, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - YunJae Jung
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Sun Hong
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 406-840, Republic of Korea
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28
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Klusmann H, Kapp C, Engel S, Schumacher T, Bücklein E, Knaevelsrud C, Schumacher S. Higher Depressive Symptoms in Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Converging Evidence from Cross-Sectional and Prospective Assessments. Psychopathology 2024; 57:1-8. [PMID: 38194941 PMCID: PMC11326524 DOI: 10.1159/000535565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual cycle regularity is an important marker of reproductive health and associated with physiological and psychological illnesses, as well as experiencing stress. We hypothesized that individuals with irregular menstrual cycles report higher depressive symptom severity, after controlling for stress occurrence. METHODS The hypothesis was examined through two measurement approaches: a cross-sectional and a prospective, longitudinal study. In the cross-sectional study, participants (n = 394) reported depressive symptoms and their overall menstrual cycle regularity. In the longitudinal study, participants (n = 77) completed questionnaires on depressive symptoms and stress during the mid-follicular and periovulatory phase of one menstrual cycle. Depressive symptoms were compared between participants with regular and irregular cycles through a Welch t test and an ANCOVA. RESULTS Participants with irregular menstrual cycles reported more depressive symptoms in the cross-sectional analysis. Similarly, in the longitudinal analysis, the group with a current irregular menstrual cycle reported more depressive symptoms after controlling for stress occurrence. When including only complete data sets without multiple imputation (n = 52), the direction of the effects remained but did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate an association between depressive symptoms and menstrual cycle irregularity. Limitations were that although we investigated the menstrual cycle prospectively, it would have been more precise to include two or more cycles and daily sex hormone measurements. Further limitations were the suboptimal statistical power and the data collection during the COVID pandemic. We give recommendations on how to incorporate the association of depressive symptoms and cycle irregularity in future study designs on women's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Klusmann
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kapp
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sinha Engel
- Department of Experimental Psychopathology, Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Tabea Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Elise Bücklein
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology and Education, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christine Knaevelsrud
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sarah Schumacher
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
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29
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Garcia C, Velez LM, Ujagar N, Del Mundo Z, Nguyen T, Fox C, Mark A, Fisch KM, Lawson MA, Duleba AJ, Seldin MM, Nicholas DA. Lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic inflammation increases female serum gonadotropins and shifts the pituitary transcriptomic landscape. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1279878. [PMID: 38260148 PMCID: PMC10801245 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1279878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Female reproductive function depends on a choreographed sequence of hormonal secretion and action, where specific stresses such as inflammation exert profound disruptions. Specifically, acute LPS-induced inflammation inhibits gonadotropin production and secretion from the pituitary, thereby impacting the downstream production of sex hormones. These outcomes have only been observed in acute inflammatory stress and little is known about the mechanisms by which chronic inflammation affects reproduction. In this study we seek to understand the chronic effects of LPS on pituitary function and consequent luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone secretion. Methods A chronic inflammatory state was induced in female mice by twice weekly injections with LPS over 6 weeks. Serum gonadotropins were measured and bulk RNAseq was performed on the pituitaries from these mice, along with basic measurements of reproductive biology. Results Surprisingly, serum luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormone was not inhibited and instead we found it was increased with repeated LPS treatments. Discussion Analysis of bulk RNA-sequencing of murine pituitary revealed paracrine activation of TGFβ pathways as a potential mechanism regulating FSH secretion in response to chronic LPS. These results provide a framework with which to begin dissecting the impacts of chronic inflammation on reproductive physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Garcia
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Leandro M. Velez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Naveena Ujagar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Zena Del Mundo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Thu Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Chelsea Fox
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health Upstate/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Adam Mark
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Mark A. Lawson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Antoni J. Duleba
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Marcus M. Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Dequina A. Nicholas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, School of Biological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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30
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Moss RA, Murphy KM, Gardner ST, Watkins MM, Finger JW, Kelley MD, Elsey RM, Warner DA, Mendonça MT. Exposure to ecologically relevant estrogen levels do not influence morphology or immune parameters in hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 275:109767. [PMID: 37827394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2023.109767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Human activity has increased concentrations of endocrine-disrupting contaminants (EDCs) in many ecological systems. Many EDCs are xenoestrogens, which imitate naturally derived estrogen like estradiol 17-β (E2). These pollutants can critically affect a broad range of biological functions, particularly in organisms inhabiting aquatic environments. E2 and associated receptors are involved in regulating innate immune responses, where documentation of exogenous E2 on immune parameters is important for understanding health consequences. In this study, we explore the impact of environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 on circulating glucocorticoid levels and several innate immune parameters in hatchling American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). Twenty-three hatchling alligators were randomly placed in one of three groups that differed in dietary E2 concentration: control (no E2 exposure), low E2 (0.5 μg/kg E2), or high E2 (1 μg/kg E2) for 10 weeks. Following this period, several biomarkers were quantified to monitor the impact of E2: growth, change in body condition, white blood cell (WBC) counts, glucocorticoid levels, and general antibody response. Blood E2 concentrations were greater in individuals exposed to E2, but plasma corticosterone levels were reduced among the experimental groups. Morphology, growth, and immune parameters of E2 exposed animals did not differ from controls. These results suggest that acute exposure to increased environmental estrogen concentrations may alter plasma hormone concentrations but have little to no impact on immediate morphology or immune responses. Future studies may expand on this by monitoring biomarkers in wild populations across time, which will provide insight into how different ontogenetic stages are impacted by environmental contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan A Moss
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, United States of America
| | - Kaitlyn M Murphy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America.
| | - Steven T Gardner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Madison M Watkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - John W Finger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America
| | - Meghan D Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States of America
| | - Ruth M Elsey
- Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Grand Chenier, LA 70643, United States of America; 728 Saratoga Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States of America
| | - Daniel A Warner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States of America
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Klusmann H, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Baresich K, Schmalenberger KM, Girdler S, Andersen E. Analyzing the atypical - Methods for studying the menstrual cycle in adolescents. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106389. [PMID: 37769538 PMCID: PMC10843271 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The female pubertal transition is characterized by a rapidly changing hormone milieu, which is heavily influenced by the first menstrual cycle - menarche. The first year following menarche is associated with menstrual cycles that are irregular and anovulatory. Peripuberty also marks the beginning of a female-biased risk for suicidality and depression, suggesting some influence by the menstrual cycle and ovarian hormone fluctuations. However, there are limited methods and guidelines for studying the menstrual cycle and related affective symptoms in this developmental window. Thus, this study's objective was to identify the most accurate methods for detecting ovulation in irregular cycles (Part 1) and develop guidelines based on these methods for determining menstrual cycle phases. These methods were applied to investigate hormones and affective symptoms based on cycle phase and ovulation status in a sample of peripubertal females (Part 2). METHODS Thirty-two peripubertal females (ages 11-14) provided daily urine samples of estrogen (E1G) and progesterone (PdG) metabolites and luteinizing hormone (LH), and ratings of affective symptoms for one menstrual cycle. Ten literature-derived methods for determining the presence of an LH-peak or PdG rise were compared, focusing on their feasibility for psychological research. RESULTS Methods by Sun et al. (2019) and Park et al. (2007) most accurately detected PdG rises and LH peaks in this sample, identifying 40.6% of cycles as ovulatory. As expected, ovulatory participants showed greater LH in the periovulatory phase (p = .001), greater PdG in the mid-luteal phase (p < .0001), and greater E1G in the periovulatory phase (p = .001) compared with anovulatory participants. Exemplary methods to compare psychological symptoms between both groups are provided. CONCLUSIONS Recommendations and guidelines for studying the menstrual cycle in irregular cycling adolescents are offered. Novel methods for ovulation detection identified phase-specific hormonal patterns in anovulatory and ovulatory adolescent cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Klusmann
- Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Schwendenerstraße 27, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tory Eisenlohr-Moul
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry (MC 913), 60612 Chicago, USA.
| | - Kayla Baresich
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Katja M Schmalenberger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry (MC 913), 60612 Chicago, USA.
| | - Susan Girdler
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Andersen
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Crossings Building B, 2218 Nelson Highway, 27517 Chapel Hill, USA.
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Valdivieso A, Caballero-Huertas M, Moraleda-Prados J, Piferrer F, Ribas L. Exploring the Effects of Rearing Densities on Epigenetic Modifications in the Zebrafish Gonads. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16002. [PMID: 37958987 PMCID: PMC10647740 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242116002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rearing density directly impacts fish welfare, which, in turn, affects productivity in aquaculture. Previous studies have indicated that high-density rearing during sexual development in fish can induce stress, resulting in a tendency towards male-biased sex ratios in the populations. In recent years, research has defined the relevance of the interactions between the environment and epigenetics playing a key role in the final phenotype. However, the underlying epigenetic mechanisms of individuals exposed to confinement remain elucidated. By using zebrafish (Danio rerio), the DNA methylation promotor region and the gene expression patterns of six genes, namely dnmt1, cyp19a1a, dmrt1, cyp11c1, hsd17b1, and hsd11b2, involved in the DNA maintenance methylation, reproduction, and stress were assessed. Zebrafish larvae were subjected to two high-density conditions (9 and 66 fish/L) during two periods of overlapping sex differentiation of this species (7 to 18 and 18 to 45 days post-fertilization, dpf). Results showed a significant masculinization in the populations of fish subjected to high densities from 18 to 45 dpf. In adulthood, the dnmt1 gene was differentially hypomethylated in ovaries and its expression was significantly downregulated in the testes of fish exposed to high-density. Further, the cyp19a1a gene showed downregulation of gene expression in the ovaries of fish subjected to elevated density, as previously observed in other studies. We proposed dnmt1 as a potential testicular epimarker and the expression of ovarian cyp19a1a as a potential biomarker for predicting stress originated from high densities during the early stages of development. These findings highlight the importance of rearing densities by long-lasting effects in adulthood conveying cautions for stocking protocols in fish hatcheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Valdivieso
- IHPE, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Marta Caballero-Huertas
- CIRAD, UMR ISEM, 34398 Montpellier, France;
- ISEM, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Javier Moraleda-Prados
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.M.-P.); (F.P.)
| | - Francesc Piferrer
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.M.-P.); (F.P.)
| | - Laia Ribas
- Institut de Ciències del Mar, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICM-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (J.M.-P.); (F.P.)
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33
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Alonge MM, Greville LJS, Ma X, Faure PA, Bentley GE. Acute restraint stress rapidly impacts reproductive neuroendocrinology and downstream gonad function in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245592. [PMID: 37827114 PMCID: PMC10629485 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Animals face unpredictable challenges that require rapid, facultative physiological reactions to support survival but may compromise reproduction. Bats have a long-standing reputation for being highly sensitive to stressors, with sensitivity and resilience varying both within and among species, yet little is known about how stress affects the signaling that regulates reproductive physiology. Here, we provide the first description of the molecular response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in response to short-term stress using a standardized restraint manipulation. This acute stressor was sufficient to upregulate plasma corticosterone and resulted in a rapid decrease in circulating testosterone. While we did not find differences in the mRNA expression of key steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, aromatase, 5-alpha reductase), seminiferous tubule diameter was reduced in stressed bats coupled with a 5-fold increase in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression in the testes. These changes, in part, may be mediated by RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) because fewer immunoreactive cell bodies were detected in the brains of stressed bats compared with controls - suggesting a possible increase in secretion - and increased RFRP expression locally in the gonads. The rapid sensitivity of the bat testes to stress may be connected to deleterious impacts on tissue health and function as supported by significant transcriptional upregulation of key pro-apoptotic signaling molecules (Bax, cytochrome c). Experiments like this broadly contribute to our understanding of the stronger ecological predictions regarding physiological responses of bats within the context of stress, which may impact decisions surrounding animal handling and conservation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattina M. Alonge
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Lucas J. S. Greville
- McMaster University, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
- University of Waterloo, Department of Biology, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Xuehao Ma
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Paul A. Faure
- McMaster University, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - George E. Bentley
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Bar-Sadeh B, Pnueli L, Keestra S, Bentley GR, Melamed P. Srd5a1 is Differentially Regulated and Methylated During Prepubertal Development in the Ovary and Hypothalamus. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad108. [PMID: 37646011 PMCID: PMC10461783 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
5α-reductase-1 catalyzes production of various steroids, including neurosteroids. We reported previously that expression of its encoding gene, Srd5a1, drops in murine ovaries and hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) after early-life immune stress, seemingly contributing to delayed puberty and ovarian follicle depletion, and in the ovaries the first intron was more methylated at two CpGs. Here, we hypothesized that this CpG-containing locus comprises a methylation-sensitive transcriptional enhancer for Srd5a1. We found that ovarian Srd5a1 mRNA increased 8-fold and methylation of the same two CpGs decreased up to 75% between postnatal days 10 and 30. Estradiol (E2) levels rise during this prepubertal stage, and exposure of ovarian cells to E2 increased Srd5a1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in an ovarian cell line confirmed ESR1 binding to this differentially methylated genomic region and enrichment of the enhancer modification, H3K4me1. Targeting dCas9-DNMT3 to this locus increased CpG2 methylation 2.5-fold and abolished the Srd5a1 response to E2. In the POA, Srd5a1 mRNA levels decreased 70% between postnatal days 7 and 10 and then remained constant without correlation to CpG methylation levels. Srd5a1 mRNA levels did not respond to E2 in hypothalamic GT1-7 cells, even after dCas9-TET1 reduced CpG1 methylation by 50%. The neonatal drop in POA Srd5a1 expression occurs at a time of increasing glucocorticoids, and treatment of GT1-7 cells with dexamethasone reduced Srd5a1 mRNA levels; chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed glucocorticoid receptor binding at the enhancer. Our findings on the tissue-specific regulation of Srd5a1 and its methylation-sensitive control by E2 in the ovaries illuminate epigenetic mechanisms underlying reproductive phenotypic variation that impact life-long health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bar-Sadeh
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Lilach Pnueli
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Sarai Keestra
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
- Department of Anthropology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | | | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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Amin M, Horst N, Gragnoli C. Linkage and association of variants in the dopamine receptor 2 gene (DRD2) with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:158. [PMID: 37563671 PMCID: PMC10416464 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01205-2] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder with a foundation of neuroendocrine dysfunction, characterized by increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulsatility, which is antagonized by dopamine. The dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2), encoded by the DRD2 gene, has been shown to mediate dopamine's inhibition of GnRH neuron excitability through pre- and post-synaptic interactions in murine models. Further, DRD2 is known to mediate prolactin (PRL) inhibition by dopamine, and high blood level of PRL have been found in more than one third of women with PCOS. We recently identified PRL as a gene contributing to PCOS risk and reported DRD2 conferring risk for type 2 diabetes and depression, which can both coexist with PCOS. Given DRD2 mediating dopamine's action on neuroendocrine profiles and association with metabolic-mental states related to PCOS, polymorphisms in DRD2 may predispose to development of PCOS. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether DRD2 variants are in linkage to and/or linkage disequilibrium (i.e., linkage and association) with PCOS in Italian families. In 212 Italian families, we tested 22 variants within the DRD2 gene for linkage and linkage disequilibrium with PCOS. We identified five novel variants significantly linked to the risk of PCOS. This is the first study to identify DRD2 as a risk gene in PCOS, however, functional studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutaz Amin
- INSERM, US14-Orphanet, Paris, 75014, France
| | - Nicholas Horst
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68124, USA
| | - Claudia Gragnoli
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, 68124, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA.
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bios Biotech Multi-Diagnostic Health Center, Rome, 00197, Italy.
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36
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Dyson T, Thomas SJ, Townsend ML, Finch A, South A, Barkus E, Walter E, Mendonca C, Grenyer BFS, Pickard JA. Salivary testosterone and cortisol levels in borderline personality disorder before and after a 12-week group dialectical behavior therapy intervention. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1195187. [PMID: 37529315 PMCID: PMC10389657 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a chronic, debilitating, and difficult to treat condition. BPD has recently been linked to steroid hormone dysregulation and medical conditions characterized by disturbed androgen metabolism. This study aimed to investigate cortisol and testosterone levels in BPD, and changes in hormones following psychological treatment. Methods Participants with BPD (n = 33) completed a 12-week Dialectical Behavior Therapy group program. Pre and post salivary testosterone and cortisol were analyzed. Baseline hormones in the BPD group were compared to age-and-sex matched controls (n = 33). Non-parametric tests were utilized to investigate group differences, pre-post treatment hormone and symptom changes, and associations between symptoms and hormone levels. Results Participants with BPD had significantly higher testosterone levels than controls. Mean testosterone levels in females with BPD were double that of female controls. Testosterone and cortisol levels were related, and some BPD symptoms were associated with with hormone levels. BPD symptoms reduced significantly with treatment, however pre to post hormone levels did not change. Conclusions This study supports an association between BPD symptoms and neuroendocrine dysfunction at baseline, however we found no reduction in hormone dysfunction post treatment. Further research into relationships between stress signaling and neuroendocrine disturbances in BPD may inform aetiological and treatment models. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000477224. Registered on 3 April 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori Dyson
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan J. Thomas
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Adam Finch
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexandra South
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Walter
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Carley Mendonca
- School of Psychology, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brin F. S. Grenyer
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Judy A. Pickard
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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He Y, Hou J, Qiu Y, Ouyang K, Li D, Li L. Microcystin-LR immersion caused sequential endocrine disruption and growth inhibition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) from fertilization to sexual differentiation completion. Toxicology 2023:153569. [PMID: 37295766 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153569] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is a highly toxic congener and is also one of the most commonly found. Recent studies have demonstrated that MC-LR can disrupt growth and endocrine in fish, but how it works at the stage of the sex differentiation period had not been determined to date. In this study, zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were exposed to MC-LR (0 and 10μg/L), and sampled at 14, 28, and 42 days post fertilization (dpf), respectively. The results demonstrated that MC-LR caused the growth inhibition of zebrafish at 42 dpf. The expression levels of genes related to the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axes, as well as the levels of hormone 3,5,3'- Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), were significantly decreased at all time points. A Significant decrease in the ratio of testosterone and estradiol (T/E2) were detected at 28 and 42 dpf in MC-LR group along with changes in genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The result of sex ratio showed that the percentage of females was up to 61.84%, indicating a estrogenic effect induced by MC-LR. The significant changes on hormone levels and gene transcripts occurred mainly in the stage of sex differentiation. The correlation analysis further suggested that key cross-talks among three endocrine axes may be the growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), Transthyretin (TTR) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) signaling molecules. Overall, our findings provide a new insight for understanding the mechanisms by which MC-LR affects fish growth and reproduction during gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya He
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Jie Hou
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Qiu
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Kang Ouyang
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Dapeng Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Green development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, P.R. China.
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38
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Millington GWM, Palmer HE. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and psychodermatology. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2023; 3:e201. [PMID: 37275429 PMCID: PMC10233089 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychodermatology is the crossover discipline between Dermatology and Clinical Psychology and/or Psychiatry. It encompasses both Psychiatric diseases that present with cutaneous manifestations (such as delusional infestation) or more commonly, the psychiatric or psychological problems associated with skin disease, such as depression associated with psoriasis. These problems may be the result either of imbalance in or be the consequence of alteration in the homoeostatic endocrine mechanisms found in the systemic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or in the local cutaneous corticotrophin-releasing factor-proopiomelanocortin-corticosteroid axis. Alteration in either of these systems can lead to immune disruption and worsening of immune dermatoses and vice-versa. These include diseases such as psoriasis, atopic eczema, acne, alopecia areata, vitiligo and melasma, all of which are known to be linked to stress. Similarly, stress and illnesses such as depression are linked with many immunodermatoses and may reflect alterations in the body's central and peripheral neuroendocrine stress pathways. It is important to consider issues pertaining to skin of colour, particularly with pigmentary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- George W. M. Millington
- Dermatology DepartmentNorfolk and Norwich University HospitalNorwichUK
- Norwich Medical SchoolNorwichUK
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Li N, Yi BJ, Saleem MAU, Li XN, Li JL. Autophagy protects against Cd-induced cell damage in primary chicken hepatocytes via mitigation of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115056. [PMID: 37229871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is widespread globally in the environment as a toxic metal. Although it is well known to induce hepatotoxicity in the cells, defense mechanisms against the detrimental effects of Cd are still unknown. We examined the role of autophagy (a cellular defense mechanism) on Cd-induced cytotoxicity in bird hepatocytes. Primary chicken hepatocytes were cultured with different concentrations (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μM) of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) for 12 h. We assessed the effects of CdCl2 on the cell viability, antioxidant status, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, autophagy response and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Further, it is also evaluated that insight into underling molecular mechanisms involved in the study. In this study, CdCl2-induce hepatotoxicity was caused by drastically increased ROS generation as well as a reduction level of antioxidant enzymes. It was also demonstrated that marked activation of ER stress markers (GRP78, IRE1, PERK, ATF4, ATF6 and XBP-1 s) was observed. Simultaneously, increased activation of autophagy in low-dose CdCl2 (1 μM) exposed group was observed, but high-dose CdCl2 (10 μM) inhibited autophagy and significantly promoted apoptosis, as indicated by the expression of the autophagy related genes for P62, Beclin-1, ATG3, ATG5, ATG9, and the detection of autophagic vacuoles. Pretreatment with autophagy agonist Rapamycin (RAP) has successfully reduced ROS production, attenuated ER stress and enhanced hepatocytes viability, while the autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) had the opposite effect. Hence, these findings stipulate that Cd could inhibit viability of hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Autophagy relieves hepatotoxicity of Cd via reducing ROS generation and regulating ER stress. We identified autophagy as a novel protective mechanism involved in Cd-mediated chicken hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing 100081, PR China
| | - Bao-Jin Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | | | - Xue-Nan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Mechanism for Animal Disease and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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40
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Culbert BM, Border SE, Fialkowski RJ, Bolitho I, Dijkstra PD. Social status influences relationships between hormones and oxidative stress in a cichlid fish. Horm Behav 2023; 152:105365. [PMID: 37119610 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
An individual's social environment can have widespread effects on their physiology, including effects on oxidative stress and hormone levels. Many studies have suggested that variation in oxidative stress experienced by individuals of different social statuses might be due to endocrine differences, however, few studies have evaluated this hypothesis. Here, we assessed whether a suite of markers associated with oxidative stress in different tissues (blood/plasma, liver, and gonads) had social status-specific relationships with circulating testosterone or cortisol levels in males of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. Across all fish, blood DNA damage (a global marker of oxidative stress) and gonadal synthesis of reactive oxygen species [as indicated by NADPH-oxidase (NOX) activity] were lower when testosterone was high. However, high DNA damage in both the blood and gonads was associated with high cortisol in subordinates, but low cortisol in dominants. Additionally, high cortisol was associated with greater production of reactive oxygen species (greater NOX activity) in both the gonads (dominants only) and liver (dominants and subordinates). In general, high testosterone was associated with lower oxidative stress across both social statuses, whereas high cortisol was associated with lower oxidative stress in dominants and higher oxidative stress in subordinates. Taken together, our results show that differences in the social environment can lead to contrasting relationships between hormones and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Culbert
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Shana E Border
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Illinois State University, School of Biological Sciences, Normal, IL, USA
| | | | - Isobel Bolitho
- University of Manchester, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter D Dijkstra
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Institute for Great Lakes Research, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA.
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41
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South AJ, Barkus E, Walter EE, Mendonca C, Thomas SJ. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Second-to-Forth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Circulating Testosterone and Cortisol Levels. Biol Psychol 2023; 179:108567. [PMID: 37086902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dark Triad (DT) personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) show sex differences and associations with hormones. Understanding aetiology may assist in mitigating the harm of these potentially adverse characteristics. Low second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is hypothesised to be a marker of high prenatal testosterone exposure and may provide important information about organisational hormones. The aim of the present study was to measure Dark Triad and Big 5 personality traits in relation to digit ratio, salivary testosterone, and cortisol. METHODS A non-clinical sample (N=268; 49.25% Female, age M25.20 ± 8.77yrs) completed the Short Dark Triad and International Personality Inventory Pool - Mini. Afternoon saliva was analysed for testosterone and cortisol, and 2D:4D finger ratios were measured. RESULTS Males scored higher on DT traits than females. Females scored higher on Big 5 agreeableness and neuroticism. Males had higher testosterone and cortisol levels and lower 2D:4D than females. Digit ratio correlated inversely with salivary testosterone, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Testosterone levels correlated positively with cortisol levels and psychopathy and negatively with agreeableness, neuroticism, and Machiavellianism. CONCLUSIONS These results provide indications that Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Dark Triad) traits, but not narcissism or Big 5 traits, are linked to markers of prenatal testosterone exposure. Results also replicate sex differences seen in 2D:4D digit ratios, with males having a shorter second-relative-to-forth finger. Links between circulating testosterone, digit ratios, cortisol and personality traits provide further information about potential biological bases of personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J South
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma E Walter
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Bankstown, NSW, Australia, 2214.
| | - Carley Mendonca
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522
| | - Susan J Thomas
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
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Bu G, Lin Y, Liu J, Yu P, Yong T, Yang M, Huang L, Han X, Du X, Kong F, Huang A, Zeng X, Meng F. Evidence for progesterone acting as an inhibitor of stress axis via stimulating pituitary neuropeptide B/W receptor 2 (NPBWR2) expression in chickens. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 226:106218. [PMID: 36368625 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis is the main endocrine pathway regulating the stress response, thus also called the stress axis. It has been well-accepted that the stress axis is tightly controlled by both hypothalamic stimulators and inhibitors [e.g. corticotropin (ACTH)-releasing inhibitory factor (CRIF)]. However, the identity of authentic CRIF remains unclear for decades. Recently, neuropeptide W (NPW) was proved to be the physiological CRIF in chickens. Together with its functional receptor (NPBWR2), they play critical roles in attenuating the activity of the chicken stress axis. Because increasing pieces of evidence suggested that sex steroids could regulate the stress axis, using chicken as a model, we investigated whether the newly identified CRIF and its receptor are under the control of sex steroids in this study. Our results showed that: (1) expression of NPW-NPBWR2 in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis was sexually dimorphic and developmental stage-dependent; (2) progesterone (P4), rather than 17β-estradiol (E2) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), could dose- and time-dependently upregulate NPBWR2 expression, which was accompanied with the decrease of ACTH synthesis and secretion, in cultured pituitary cells; (3) intraperitoneal injection of P4 could elevate the mRNA level of pituitary NPBWR2; (4) P4-stimulated NPBWR2 expression was relevant to both nPR-mediated genomic action and mPRs-triggered nongenomic route associated with MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT cascade, and calcium influx. To our knowledge, our results discover a novel route of sex steroids in modulating the stress axis of chickens, which lays a foundation to reveal the complicated interaction network between reproduction and stress axes in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China.
| | - Ying Lin
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Pan Yu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Tao Yong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Ming Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Linyan Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Fanli Kong
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya'an 625014, PR China.
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Zhang Z, Yang Y, Huang L, Chen L, Zhang G, Gong P, Ye S, Feng Y. Identification of potential candidate genes and regulatory pathways related to reproductive capacity in hypothalamus and pituitarium of male ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) by differential transcriptome analysis. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skac363. [PMID: 36315611 PMCID: PMC9890447 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The improvement of reproductive capacity of poultry is important for the poultry industry. The existing studies on reproductive capacity mainly focus on the testis tissue, but few reports on regulationary effect of brain neuroendocrime on reproductive capacity have been available. The hypothalamus-pituitarium-gonad (HPG) axis is an important pathway regulating spermatogenesis and sexual behavior. This study analyzed the gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary tissues of male ducks in high-semen-quality group (DH), low-semen-quality group (DL), and non-response group (DN) by RNA-sequencing. A total of 1980 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and significantly less DEGs were found in pituitary gland than in hypothalamus. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched in nerve-related and synapse-related biological processes, mitochondrial inner membrane formation pathway, and ribosome structure pathway. Notably, the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway significantly enriched in all three comparisons (DH vs. DL, DH vs. DN, and DL vs. DN) was related to different reproductive performance such as semen quality and sexual response. Furthermore, six genes, including POMC, CPLX2, HAPLN2, EGR4, TOX3, and MSH4, were identified as candidate genes regulating reproductive capacity. Our findings provide new insights into the regulation mechanisms underlying the reproductive performance of male poultry, and offer a valuable reference for duck breeding programs aimed at promoting reproductive capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Yang
- Wuhan Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Science & Technology, 430208 Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liming Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ligen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Gong
- Wuhan Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Science & Technology, 430208 Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shengqiang Ye
- Wuhan Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Science & Technology, 430208 Wuhan, Hubei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanping Feng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, 430070 Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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Lu K, Li N, Zhang M, Lin J, Chen J. Effects of letrozole combined with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets on serum sex hormones and lipid metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:1271-1280. [PMID: 36915753 PMCID: PMC10006778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of letrozole combined with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets on serum sex hormones and lipid metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS Clinical data of 152 PCOS patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to June 2021 were collected for a retrospective analysis. Among the patients, 73 treated with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets alone were seen as control group (CG), and the rest 79 with letrozole combined with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets were seen as observation group (OG). The treatment efficacy was observed, and the adverse reactions in the course of treatment were counted. The levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), estrogen (E2), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were compared before and after treatment. The number of mature follicles, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to detect the independent risk factors of ineffective efficacy. RESULTS After the treatment, the total efficacy rate of the OG was higher than that of the CG (P<0.05); moreover, the levels of TC, TG, LDL, FSH, LH and T in OG were lower while HDL and E2 were higher (all P<0.05) than those of the CG. Also, the number of mature follicles, ovulation rate and pregnancy rate were higher in OG than those in the CG (all P<0.05). There was no obvious difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the groups (P>0.05). Higher fasting glucose, higher Ferriman-Gallway hair score, single drug treatment regimen, higher systolic blood pressure, and lower E2 before treatment were independent risk factors for ineffective treatment efficacy. CONCLUSION Letrozole combined with ethinylestradiol and cyproterone acetate tablets can enhance the treatment efficiency of PCOS and improve serum sex hormones and lipid metabolism in PCOS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kena Lu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Nanning 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Weifang 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Joint Trauma Orthopaedics, Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang Weifang 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Jiajing Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Liuzhou Worker's Hospital Liuzhou 530023, Guangxi, China
| | - Jiaquan Chen
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical College Mudanjiang 157000, Heilongjiang, China
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Fischer-Schulte LH, Peng KP. Migraine prodromes and migraine triggers. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 198:135-148. [PMID: 38043958 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823356-6.00014-7] [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: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is characterized by a well-defined premonitory phase occurring hours or even days before the headache. Also, many migraineurs report typical triggers for their headaches. Triggers, however, are not consistent in their ability to precipitate migraine headaches. When looking at the clinical characteristics of both premonitory symptoms and triggers, a shared pathophysiological basis seems evident. Both seem to have their origin in basic homeostatic networks such as the feeding/fasting, the sleeping/waking, and the stress response network, all of which strongly rely on the hypothalamus as a hub of integration and are densely interconnected. They also influence the trigeminal pain processing system. Additionally, thalamic and hormonal mechanisms are involved. Activity within all those networks is influenced by various endogenous and external factors and might even cyclically change dependent on physiological internal rhythms. This might affect the threshold for the generation of migraine headaches. Premonitory symptoms thus appear as the result of an already ongoing alteration within those networks, whereas triggers might in this special situation only be able to further stress the system over the threshold for attack generation as catalysts of a process already in motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura H Fischer-Schulte
- Clinic and Policlinic of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Kuan-Po Peng
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Egalini F, Marinelli L, Rossi M, Motta G, Prencipe N, Rossetto Giaccherino R, Pagano L, Grottoli S, Giordano R. Endocrine disrupting chemicals: effects on pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Endocrine 2022; 78:395-405. [PMID: 35604630 PMCID: PMC9637063 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, scientific research has increasingly focused on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and demonstrated their relevant role in the functional impairment of endocrine glands. This induced regulatory authorities to ban some of these compounds and to carefully investigate others in order to prevent EDCs-related conditions. As a result, we witnessed a growing awareness and interest on this topic. AIMS This paper aims to summarize current evidence regarding the detrimental effects of EDCs on pivotal endocrine glands like pituitary, thyroid and adrenal ones. Particularly, we directed our attention on the known and the hypothesized mechanisms of endocrine dysfunction brought by EDCs. We also gave a glimpse on recent findings from pioneering studies that could in the future shed a light on the pathophysiology of well-known, but poorly understood, endocrine diseases like hormone-producing adenomas. CONCLUSIONS Although intriguing, studies on endocrine dysfunctions brought by EDCs are challenging, in particular when investigating long-term effects of EDCs on humans. However, undoubtedly, it represents a new intriguing field of science research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Egalini
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Marinelli
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Mattia Rossi
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Motta
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Nunzia Prencipe
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Ruth Rossetto Giaccherino
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Loredana Pagano
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Grottoli
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Giordano
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Department of Biological and Clinical Science, University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, 10043, Orbassano (TO), Italy
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Rachamalla M, Chinthada J, Kushwaha S, Putnala SK, Sahu C, Jena G, Niyogi S. Contemporary Comprehensive Review on Arsenic-Induced Male Reproductive Toxicity and Mechanisms of Phytonutrient Intervention. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10120744. [PMID: 36548577 PMCID: PMC9784647 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10120744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) is a poisonous metalloid that is toxic to both humans and animals. Drinking water contamination has been linked to the development of cancer (skin, lung, urinary bladder, and liver), as well as other disorders such as diabetes and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, and developmental damage. According to epidemiological studies, As contributes to male infertility, sexual dysfunction, poor sperm quality, and developmental consequences such as low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and small for gestational age (SGA). Arsenic exposure negatively affected male reproductive systems by lowering testicular and accessory organ weights, and sperm counts, increasing sperm abnormalities and causing apoptotic cell death in Leydig and Sertoli cells, which resulted in decreased testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, during male reproductive toxicity, several molecular signalling pathways, such as apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy are involved. Phytonutrient intervention in arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity in various species has received a lot of attention over the years. The current review provides an in-depth summary of the available literature on arsenic-induced male toxicity, as well as therapeutic approaches and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahesh Rachamalla
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Joshi Chinthada
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Sapana Kushwaha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Transit Campus, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Raebareli, Lucknow 226002, India
| | - Sravan Kumar Putnala
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Chittaranjan Sahu
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S.A.S Nagar 160062, India
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
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Li ZM, Kannan K. Determination of 19 Steroid Hormones in Human Serum and Urine Using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry. TOXICS 2022; 10:687. [PMID: 36422894 PMCID: PMC9699436 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes a methodology for simultaneous determination of 19 steroid hormones, viz. estrone, estradiol, estriol, testosterone, 5α-dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione, androstenediol, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, pregnenolone, 17α-OH-progesterone, 17α-OH-pregnenolone, cortisone, cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, aldosterone, and corticosterone, in 500-µL of urine or serum/plasma. The method was optimized using isotopically labeled internal standards and liquid-liquid extraction followed by detection using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dansylation of estrogens significantly improved their sensitivities (~11- to 23-fold) and chromatographic separation. The respective limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of all analytes were 0.04−0.28 and 0.14−0.92 ng/mL in human urine, and 0.11−0.35 and 0.38−1.18 ng/mL in human serum/plasma. Recoveries of all analytes (except for progesterone) fortified at 10, 20, and 200 ng/mL in urine and serum were 80−120%, with standard deviations ranging from 0 to 17.3%. Repeated analysis of similarly fortified urine and serum samples yielded intra-day and inter-day variations of 0−21.7% and 0.16−11.5%, respectively. All analytes except cortisone exhibited weak matrix effects in urine and serum (−13.9−18.2%). The method was further validated through the analysis of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plasma Standard Reference Material (SRM1950) with certified concentrations for cortisol, progesterone, and testosterone (coefficient of variation: 3−11%). The developed method was applied in the analysis of urine samples from 20 volunteers, which revealed the occurrence of 16 analytes with detection frequencies (DFs) > 80%. Furthermore, 15 analytes were found in plasma SRM1950, indicating the feasibility of our method in the analysis of steroid hormones in urine and serum/plasma. This method will facilitate analysis of steroid hormones in population-based biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Li
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Thurston L, Hunjan T, Mills EG, Wall MB, Ertl N, Phylactou M, Muzi B, Patel B, Alexander EC, Suladze S, Modi M, Eng PC, Bassett PA, Abbara A, Goldmeier D, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Melanocortin 4 receptor agonism enhances sexual brain processing in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:152341. [PMID: 36189794 PMCID: PMC9525110 DOI: 10.1172/jci152341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is characterized by a persistent deficiency of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity, causing marked distress and interpersonal difficulty. It is the most prevalent female sexual health problem globally, affecting approximately 10% of women, but has limited treatment options. Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonists have emerged as a promising therapy for women with HSDD, through unknown mechanisms. Studying the pathways involved is crucial for our understanding of normal and abnormal sexual behavior. METHODS Using psychometric, functional neuroimaging, and hormonal analyses, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study to assess the effects of MC4R agonism compared with placebo on sexual brain processing in 31 premenopausal heterosexual women with HSDD. RESULTS MC4R agonism significantly increased sexual desire for up to 24 hours after administration compared with placebo. During functional neuroimaging, MC4R agonism enhanced cerebellar and supplementary motor area activity and deactivated the secondary somatosensory cortex, specifically in response to visual erotic stimuli, compared with placebo. In addition, MC4R agonism enhanced functional connectivity between the amygdala and the insula during visual erotic stimuli compared with placebo. CONCLUSION These data suggest that MC4R agonism enhanced sexual brain processing by reducing self-consciousness, increasing sexual imagery, and sensitizing women with HSDD to erotic stimuli. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the action of MC4R agonism in sexual behavior and are relevant to the ongoing development of HSDD therapies and MC4R agonist development more widely. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04179734. FUNDING This is an investigator-sponsored study funded by AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc., the Medical Research Council (MRC) (MR/T006242/1), and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (CS-2018-18-ST2-002 and RP-2014-05-001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Layla Thurston
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tia Hunjan
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard G Mills
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, a Konica Minolta Company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Ertl
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, a Konica Minolta Company, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Phylactou
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beatrice Muzi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bijal Patel
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma C Alexander
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sofiya Suladze
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manish Modi
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pei C Eng
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldmeier
- Jane Wadsworth Sexual Function Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital and
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Chu L, Liu S, Wu Y, Yang J, Qiao S, Zhou Y, Deng H, Li X, Shen Z. Hair levels of steroid, endocannabinoid, and the ratio biomarkers predict viral suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS in China. Clin Chim Acta 2022; 535:143-152. [PMID: 36041548 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicting viral suppression early is crucial to improving treatment outcomes among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) in clinics. Viral suppression is affected by stress, making stress indicators a potential predictive factor. Most of previous studies used the self-report questionnaire as stress indicators, but there were great drawbacks due to its subjective. In contrast, end products of neuroendocrine systems such as hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes and endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) that involved in regulating stress as objective stress indicators are urgently needed to predict viral suppression. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether neuroendocrine indictors can strongly predict viral suppression among PLWH in China. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 1198 PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Guangxi, China. The concentrations of steroids (i.e., cortisol, cortisone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and progesterone) and endocannabinoids (i.e., N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine and 1-arachidonyl glycerol) in hair were quantitated using the LC-APCI+-MS/MS method. To screen biomarkers that were used to predict viral suppression, association between hair biomarkers and viral suppression was examined by Mann-Whitney U test and partial correlation analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and binary logistic regression based on the optimal classification threshold determined with ROC curves were used to estimate the prediction effects of the screened biomarkers on viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/mL). RESULTS Hair levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (AEA), and the cortisol to DHEA ratio exhibited significant intergroup differences (ps < 0.05) and were correlated with HIV viral load (ps < 0.05). Hair DHEA concentrations strongly predicted viral suppression, showing good classification performance (area under the ROC curve = 0.651, p < 0.01) and strong predictive utility (adjusted odd ratio = 2.324, 95 % confidence interval = 1.211-4.899, p < 0.05) with an optimal threshold of 10.5 pg/mg. A hair AEA concentration of 2.4 pg/mg was the optimal threshold for predicting viral suppression based on good classification performance (area under the ROC curve = 0.598, p < 0.05) and predictive power (adjusted odd ratio = 2.124, 95 % confidence interval = 1.045-4.244, p < 0.05). In hair levels of cortisol to DHEA, viral suppression was observed to be highly predictive, with a threshold of 10.5 pg/mg being optimal for classification (area under the ROC curve = 0.624, p < 0.05) and prediction (adjusted odd ratio = 0.421, 95 % confidence interval = 0.201-0.785, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Hair levels of DHEA, and AEA and the cortisol to DHEA ratio were screened and verified to have significant predictive power with optimal thresholds for predicting viral suppression in a large-scale cohort. The data may provide new insights into predictors of successful virological outcomes and inform public health intervention and clinical practice to assist PLWH in achieving and sustaining viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuxi Chu
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Shuaifeng Liu
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning 530028, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Yuejiao Zhou
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning 530028, China
| | - Huihua Deng
- Department of Brain and Learning Science, School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China; Key Laboratory of Child Development and Learning Science (Southeast University), Ministry of Education, Nanjing 210096, China; Institute of Child Development and Education, Research Center for Learning Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Behavior, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanning 530028, China.
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