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Méndez N, Corvalan F, Halabi D, Ehrenfeld P, Maldonado R, Vergara K, Seron-Ferre M, Torres-Farfan C. From gestational chronodisruption to noncommunicable diseases: Pathophysiological mechanisms of programming of adult diseases, and the potential therapeutic role of melatonin. J Pineal Res 2023; 75:e12908. [PMID: 37650128 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12908] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
During gestation, the developing fetus relies on precise maternal circadian signals for optimal growth and preparation for extrauterine life. These signals regulate the daily delivery of oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and other biophysical factors while synchronizing fetal rhythms with the external photoperiod. However, modern lifestyle factors such as light pollution and shift work can induce gestational chronodisruption, leading to the desynchronization of maternal and fetal circadian rhythms. Such disruptions have been associated with adverse effects on cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental, metabolic, and endocrine functions in the fetus, increasing the susceptibility to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adult life. This aligns with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory, suggesting that early-life exposures can significantly influence health outcomes later in life. The consequences of gestational chronodisruption also extend into adulthood. Environmental factors like diet and stress can exacerbate the adverse effects of these disruptions, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm across the lifespan to prevent NCDs and mitigate the impact of gestational chronodisruption on aging. Research efforts are currently aimed at identifying potential interventions to prevent or mitigate the effects of gestational chronodisruption. Melatonin supplementation during pregnancy emerges as a promising intervention, although further investigation is required to fully understand the precise mechanisms involved and to develop effective strategies for promoting health and preventing NCDs in individuals affected by gestational chronodisruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Méndez
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Fernando Corvalan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Diego Halabi
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Ehrenfeld
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Karina Vergara
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Maria Seron-Ferre
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- School of Dentistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Estudios del Sistema Nervioso (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago de Chile
| | - Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Wong SD, Wright KP, Spencer RL, Vetter C, Hicks LM, Jenni OG, LeBourgeois MK. Development of the circadian system in early life: maternal and environmental factors. J Physiol Anthropol 2022; 41:22. [PMID: 35578354 PMCID: PMC9109407 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-022-00294-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, an adaptable internal biological system generates circadian rhythms that maintain synchronicity of behavior and physiology with the changing demands of the 24-h environment. Development of the circadian system begins in utero and continues throughout the first few years of life. Maturation of the clock can be measured through sleep/wake patterns and hormone secretion. Circadian rhythms, by definition, can persist in the absence of environmental input; however, their ability to adjust to external time cues is vital for adaptation and entrainment to the environment. The significance of these external factors that influence the emergence of a stable circadian clock in the first years of life remain poorly understood. Infants raised in our post-modern world face adverse external circadian signals, such as artificial light and mistimed hormonal cues via breast milk, which may increase interference with the physiological mechanisms that promote circadian synchronization. This review describes the very early developmental stages of the clock and common circadian misalignment scenarios that make the developing circadian system more susceptible to conflicting time cues and temporal disorder between the maternal, fetal, infant, and peripheral clocks.
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Lin X, Zhai R, Mo J, Sun J, Chen P, Huang Y. How do maternal emotion and sleep conditions affect infant sleep: a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:237. [PMID: 35321658 PMCID: PMC8944133 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that the incidence of infant sleep disorder is related to maternal emotional and sleep conditions, but how they influence each other is not fully understood. METHODS A total of 513 pairs of parents and infants were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Maternal emotional and sleep conditions were assessed using a self-rating depression scale, self-rating anxiety scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at the third trimester and within 3 months after delivery. Infant sleep was assessed by the Brief Screening Questionnaire for Infant Sleep Problems within 3 months after birth. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), melatonin receptors (MR), exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) receptors, and dopamine receptor (DR) in the placenta was detected by immunohistochemistry. Methylation of the promoter regions for the GR (NR3C1 and NR3C2), MR (MTNR1A and MTNR1B), EPAC (RASGRF1 and RASGRF2), and DR (DRD1 and DRD2) genes was assessed by next generation sequencing-based bisulfite sequencing PCR. RESULTS The incidence of sleep disorders in infants 0-3 months of age in this cohort was 40.5%. Risk factors for infant sleep disorder were low education level of the father, depression of father, maternal postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum sleep disorder, and maternal sleep disorder extend from the third trimester to postpartum. There was no difference in expression of placental DR, GR, MR, and EPAC between mothers whose infants were with and without sleep disorders. Methylation of MTNR1B was higher and expression of MR was lower in the placenta of mothers with sleep disorder in the third trimester than in mothers without sleep disorder. Level of NR3C2 methylation was lower and GR expression was higher in the placenta of mothers with sleep disorder extend from the third trimester to postpartum than in mothers without sleep disorder. CONCLUSION Maternal sleep disorders in the third trimester could lead to decreased MR expression by up-regulating MTNR1B methylation, and then resulting in elevated cortisol and increased GR expression by down-regulating NR3C2 methylation, which could increase the incidence of maternal postpartum sleep disorders, finally, the maternal postpartum sleep disorder could result in the high incidence of infant sleep disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Lin
- Department of Neonatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neonatology, Shenshan Central Hospital of Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shanwei, 516600, Guangdong, China
| | - Ronghui Zhai
- Department of Neonatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiafeng Mo
- Department of Neonatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingzhou Sun
- Department of Mathematics, Shantou University Science College, College Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Peishan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuejun Huang
- Department of Neonatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong, China
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Sgro M, Kodila ZN, Brady RD, Reichelt AC, Mychaisuk R, Yamakawa GR. Synchronizing Our Clocks as We Age: The Influence of the Brain-Gut-Immune Axis on the Sleep-Wake Cycle Across the Lifespan. Sleep 2021; 45:6425072. [PMID: 34757429 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsab268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The microbes that colonize the small and large intestines, known as the gut microbiome, play an integral role in optimal brain development and function. The gut microbiome is a vital component of the bi-directional communication pathway between the brain, immune system, and gut, also known as the brain-gut-immune axis. To date there has been minimal investigation into the implications of improper development of the gut microbiome and the brain-gut-immune axis on the sleep-wake cycle, particularly during sensitive periods of physical and neurological development, such as childhood, adolescence, and senescence. Therefore, this review will explore the current literature surrounding the overlapping developmental periods of the gut microbiome, brain, and immune system from birth through to senescence, while highlighting how the brain-gut-immune axis affects maturation and organisation of the sleep-wake cycle. We also examine how dysfunction to either the microbiome or the sleep-wake cycle negatively affects the bidirectional relationship between the brain and gut, and subsequently the overall health and functionality of this complex system. Additionally, this review integrates therapeutic studies to demonstrate when dietary manipulations, such as supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, can modulate the gut microbiome to enhance health of the brain-gut-immune axis and optimize our sleep-wake cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Zoe N Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy C Reichelt
- Department of Medical Sciences, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychaisuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Empowering Melatonin Therapeutics with Drosophila Models. Diseases 2021; 9:diseases9040067. [PMID: 34698120 PMCID: PMC8544433 DOI: 10.3390/diseases9040067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin functions as a central regulator of cell and organismal function as well as a neurohormone involved in several processes, e.g., the regulation of the circadian rhythm, sleep, aging, oxidative response, and more. As such, it holds immense pharmacological potential. Receptor-mediated melatonin function mainly occurs through MT1 and MT2, conserved amongst mammals. Other melatonin-binding proteins exist. Non-receptor-mediated activities involve regulating the mitochondrial function and antioxidant cascade, which are frequently affected by normal aging as well as disease. Several pathologies display diseased or dysfunctional mitochondria, suggesting melatonin may be used therapeutically. Drosophila models have extensively been employed to study disease pathogenesis and discover new drugs. Here, we review the multiple functions of melatonin through the lens of functional conservation and model organism research to empower potential melatonin therapeutics to treat neurodegenerative and renal diseases.
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Validation of a Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Assay in Three Platyrrhine Primates (Alouatta caraya, Aotus azarae infulatus, and Sapajus apella). INT J PRIMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-021-00239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Demarez C, De Assis LVM, Krohn M, Ramella N, Schwaninger M, Oster H, Astiz M. The trophoblast clock controls transport across placenta in mice. Development 2021; 148:256558. [PMID: 33913482 DOI: 10.1242/dev.197673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, 24-h rhythms of physiology and behavior are organized by a body-wide network of clock genes and proteins. Despite the well-known function of the adult circadian system, the roles of maternal, fetal and placental clocks during pregnancy are poorly defined. In the mature mouse placenta, the labyrinth zone (LZ) is of fetal origin and key for selective nutrient and waste exchange. Recently, clock gene expression has been detected in LZ and other fetal tissues; however, there is no evidence of a placental function controlled by the LZ clock. Here, we demonstrate that specifically the trophoblast layer of the LZ harbors an already functional clock by late gestation, able to regulate in a circadian manner the expression and activity of the xenobiotic efflux pump, ATP-binding cassette sub-family B member 1 (ABCB1), likely gating the fetal exposure to drugs from the maternal circulation to certain times of the day. As more than 300 endogenous and exogenous compounds are substrates of ABCB1, our results might have implications in choosing the maternal treatment time when aiming either maximal/minimal drug availability to the fetus/mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Demarez
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck. Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Markus Krohn
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck. Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nahuel Ramella
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Markus Schwaninger
- Institute for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck. Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck. Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mariana Astiz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck. Marie-Curie-Straße, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
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8
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Flinn T, McCarthy NL, Swinbourne AM, Gatford KL, Weaver AC, McGrice HA, Kelly JM, Walker SK, Kind KL, Kleemann DO, van Wettere WHEJ. Supplementing Merino ewes with melatonin during the last half of pregnancy improves tolerance of prolonged parturition and survival of second-born twin lambs. J Anim Sci 2021; 98:5986736. [PMID: 33205209 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High preweaning mortality rates continue to limit sheep production globally, constituting a major economic and welfare concern. Greater losses in twin lambs (≥30%) compared with singletons (≥10%) are attributed primarily to lower birth weight and increased risk of intrapartum hypoxia, leading to impairment of thermoregulation, neuromotor activity, and maternal bonding behavior. Previous intensive studies demonstrated that supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin reduced the adverse effects of fetal growth restriction and perinatal hypoxia on the neonatal brain via increased umbilical blood flow, placental efficiency, and antioxidant actions. The current study examined the effects of supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin on lamb survival, birth weight, and behavior under intensive conditions. From gestational day (gD) 80 until parturition, pregnant singleton and twin-bearing ewes were supplemented with melatonin via a 2-mg capsule fed daily (Mel-FED, n = 61) or 18 mg subcutaneous implant (Regulin), with one implant administered at gD80 and another at gD125 (Mel-IMP, n = 60). Control ewes received no supplementation (CTL, n = 60). Ewes and lambs were monitored via video throughout parturition. Postpartum measures were taken from lambs at 4 and 24 h (live weight [LW], rectal temperature, serum immunoglobulin G, and latency to stand and suck after birth) and LW at 72 h, 7 d, marking (49.7 ± 0.2 d), and weaning (124.2 ± 0.8 d). Chi-square analysis was used to compare lamb survival between treatment groups. There were no treatment effects on singleton lamb survival. Melatonin supplementation tended to increase the proportion of twin lambs surviving from birth to weaning (Mel-FED = 85.5%; Mel-IMP = 85.9%; CTL = 72.9%; each P < 0.1). Survival of first-born twins did not differ between treatment (each ~90%, P = 0.745) but within second-born twins, survival of Mel-FED was greater than CTL (81.6 vs. 57.1%, P = 0.023), and Mel-IMP (78.1%) tended to be greater than CTL (P = 0.068). Similarly, in second-born twins exposed to prolonged parturition (≥ 90 min), survival of lambs from Mel-FED ewes was greater than CTL (86.7% vs. 42.9%, P = 0.032), while Mel-IMP was intermediate (66.7%). These data suggest that the neuroprotective actions of melatonin may improve twin lamb survival by increasing tolerance of prolonged parturition and provide a sound basis for continued testing in extensively managed sheep flocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Flinn
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Niki L McCarthy
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Alyce M Swinbourne
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alice C Weaver
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Hayley A McGrice
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Kelly
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Simon K Walker
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David O Kleemann
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - William H E J van Wettere
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
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9
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Fitzgerald E, Parent C, Kee MZL, Meaney MJ. Maternal Distress and Offspring Neurodevelopment: Challenges and Opportunities for Pre-clinical Research Models. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:635304. [PMID: 33643013 PMCID: PMC7907173 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.635304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre-natal exposure to acute maternal trauma or chronic maternal distress can confer increased risk for psychiatric disorders in later life. Acute maternal trauma is the result of unforeseen environmental or personal catastrophes, while chronic maternal distress is associated with anxiety or depression. Animal studies investigating the effects of pre-natal stress have largely used brief stress exposures during pregnancy to identify critical periods of fetal vulnerability, a paradigm which holds face validity to acute maternal trauma in humans. While understanding these effects is undoubtably important, the literature suggests maternal stress in humans is typically chronic and persistent from pre-conception through gestation. In this review, we provide evidence to this effect and suggest a realignment of current animal models to recapitulate this chronicity. We also consider candidate mediators, moderators and mechanisms of maternal distress, and suggest a wider breadth of research is needed, along with the incorporation of advanced -omics technologies, in order to understand the neurodevelopmental etiology of psychiatric risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carine Parent
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michelle Z. L. Kee
- Translational Neuroscience Programme, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Translational Neuroscience Programme, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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10
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Flinn T, Kleemann DO, Swinbourne AM, Kelly JM, Weaver AC, Walker SK, Gatford KL, Kind KL, van Wettere WHEJ. Neonatal lamb mortality: major risk factors and the potential ameliorative role of melatonin. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2020; 11:107. [PMID: 33292527 PMCID: PMC7643391 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-020-00510-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High incidences of pre-weaning mortality continue to limit global sheep production, constituting a major economic and welfare concern. Despite significant advances in genetics, nutrition, and management, the proportion of lamb deaths has remained stable at 15–20% over the past four decades. There is mounting evidence that melatonin can improve outcomes in compromised ovine pregnancies via enhanced uterine bloodflow and neonatal neuroprotection. This review provides an overview of the major risk factors and underlying mechanisms involved in perinatal lamb mortality and discusses the potential of melatonin treatment as a remedial strategy. Supplementing pregnant ewes with melatonin enhances uterine bloodflow and fetal oxygenation, and potentially birthweight and neonatal thermogenic capacity. Melatonin freely crosses the ovine placenta and blood-brain barrier and provides neuroprotection to the fetal lamb during periods of chronic and acute hypoxia throughout gestation, with improved behavioural outcomes in hypoxic neonates. The current literature provides strong evidence that maternal melatonin treatment improves outcomes for lambs which experience compromised in utero development or prolonged parturition, though to date this has not been investigated in livestock production systems. As such there is a clear basis for continued research into the effects of maternal melatonin supplementation during gestation on pre-weaning survival under extensive production conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Flinn
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia.
| | - David O Kleemann
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Alyce M Swinbourne
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - Jennifer M Kelly
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Alice C Weaver
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Simon K Walker
- Turretfield Research Centre, South Australian Research and Development Institute, Rosedale, SA, Australia
| | - Kathryn L Gatford
- Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Karen L Kind
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | - William H E J van Wettere
- Davies Livestock Research Centre, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
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12
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Pan X, Taylor MJ, Cohen E, Hanna N, Mota S. Circadian Clock, Time-Restricted Feeding and Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030831. [PMID: 32012883 PMCID: PMC7038040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this review was to seek a better understanding of the function and differential expression of circadian clock genes during the reproductive process. Through a discussion of how the circadian clock is involved in these steps, the identification of new clinical targets for sleep disorder-related diseases, such as reproductive failure, will be elucidated. Here, we focus on recent research findings regarding circadian clock regulation within the reproductive system, shedding new light on circadian rhythm-related problems in women. Discussions on the roles that circadian clock plays in these reproductive processes will help identify new clinical targets for such sleep disorder-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Pan
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Meredith J. Taylor
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
| | - Emma Cohen
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
| | - Nazeeh Hanna
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
| | - Samantha Mota
- Department of Foundations of Medicine, New York University Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
- Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, New York, NY 11501, USA
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Beñaldo FA, Llanos AJ, Araya-Quijada C, Rojas A, Gonzalez-Candia A, Herrera EA, Ebensperger G, Cabello G, Valenzuela GJ, Serón-Ferré M. Effects of Melatonin on the Defense to Acute Hypoxia in Newborn Lambs. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:433. [PMID: 31354619 PMCID: PMC6640618 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal lambs, as other neonates, have physiologically a very low plasma melatonin concentration throughout 24 h. Previously, we found that melatonin given to neonates daily for 5 days decreased heart weight and changed plasma cortisol and gene expression in the adrenal and heart. Whether these changes could compromise the responses to life challenges is unknown. Therefore, firstly, we studied acute effects of melatonin on the defense mechanisms to acute hypoxia in the neonate. Eleven lambs, 2 weeks old, were instrumented and subjected to an episode of acute isocapnic hypoxia, consisting of four 30 min periods: normoxia (room air), normoxia after an i.v. bolus of melatonin (0.27 mg kg-1, n = 6) or vehicle (ethanol 1:10 NaCl 0.9%, n = 5), hypoxia (PaO2: 30 ± 2 mmHg), and recovery (room air). Mean pulmonary and systemic blood pressures, heart rate, and cardiac output were measured, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance and stroke volume were calculated. Blood samples were taken every 30 min to measure plasma norepinephrine, cortisol, glucose, triglycerides, and redox markers (8-isoprostane and FRAP). Melatonin blunted the increase of pulmonary vascular resistance triggered by hypoxia, markedly exacerbated the heart rate response, decreased heart stroke volume, and lessened the magnitude of the increase of plasmatic norepinephrine and cortisol levels induced by hypoxia. No changes were observed in pulmonary blood pressure, systemic blood pressures and resistance, cardiac output, glucose, triglyceride plasma concentrations, or redox markers. Melatonin had no effect on cardiovascular, endocrine, or metabolic variables, under normoxia. Secondly, we examined whether acute melatonin administration under normoxia could have an effect in gene expression on the adrenal, lung, and heart. Lambs received a bolus of vehicle or melatonin and were euthanized 30 min later to collect tissues. We found that melatonin affected expression of the immediate early genes egr1 in adrenal, ctgf in lung, and nr3c1, the glucocorticoid receptor, in adrenal and heart. We speculate that these early gene responses may contribute to the observed alterations of the newborn defense mechanisms to hypoxia. This could be particularly important since the use of melatonin is proposed for several diseases in the neonatal period in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe A. Beñaldo
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Aníbal J. Llanos
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Araya-Quijada
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Auristela Rojas
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- International Center for Andean Studies (INCAS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Germán Ebensperger
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gertrudis Cabello
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - Guillermo J. Valenzuela
- Department of Women's Health, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - María Serón-Ferré
- Programa de Fisiopatología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: María Serón-Ferré
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14
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Abstract
Many processes in the human body - including brain function - are regulated over the 24-hour cycle, and there are strong associations between disrupted circadian rhythms (for example, sleep-wake cycles) and disorders of the CNS. Brain disorders such as autism, depression and Parkinson disease typically develop at certain stages of life, and circadian rhythms are important during each stage of life for the regulation of processes that may influence the development of these disorders. Here, we describe circadian disruptions observed in various brain disorders throughout the human lifespan and highlight emerging evidence suggesting these disruptions affect the brain. Currently, much of the evidence linking brain disorders and circadian dysfunction is correlational, and so whether and what kind of causal relationships might exist are unclear. We therefore identify remaining questions that may direct future research towards a better understanding of the links between circadian disruption and CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Logan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Colleen A McClung
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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15
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From Implantation to Birth: Insight into Molecular Melatonin Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092802. [PMID: 30227688 PMCID: PMC6164374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a lipophilic hormone synthesized and secreted mainly in the pineal gland, acting as a neuroendocrine transducer of photoperiodic information during the night. In addition to this activity, melatonin has shown an antioxidant function and a key role as regulator of physiological processes related to human reproduction. Melatonin is involved in the normal outcome of pregnancy, beginning with the oocyte quality, continuing with embryo implantation, and finishing with fetal development and parturition. Melatonin has been shown to act directly on several reproductive events, including folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation, and corpus luteum (CL) formation. The molecular mechanism of action has been investigated through several studies which provide solid evidence on the connections between maternal melatonin secretion and embryonic and fetal development. Melatonin administration, reducing oxidative stress and directly acting on its membrane receptors, melatonin thyroid hormone receptors (MT1 and MT2), displays effects on the earliest phases of pregnancy and during the whole gestational period. In addition, considering the reported positive effects on the outcomes of compromised pregnancies, melatonin supplementation should be considered as an important tool for supporting fetal development, opening new opportunities for the management of several reproductive and gestational pathologies.
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Devore EE, Chang SC, Okereke OI, McMahon DG, Schernhammer ES. Photoperiod during maternal pregnancy and lifetime depression in offspring. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 104:169-175. [PMID: 30092556 PMCID: PMC6104842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies indicate that perinatal light exposure has enduring effects on affective behaviors in rodents; however, insufficient research has explored this hypothesis in humans. We examined photoperiod (i.e., day length) metrics during maternal pregnancy in relation to lifetime depression in the longitudinal Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and NHS II. 160,723 participants reported birth date and birth state (used to derive daily photoperiod based on published mathematical equations), and clinician-diagnosed depression and antidepressant use throughout adulthood. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) (and 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for depression (defined as clinician diagnosis and antidepressant use) across quintiles of two exposures during maternal pregnancy: 1) total photoperiod (total number of daylight hours) and 2) differences between minimum/maximum photoperiod; each trimester of pregnancy was examined separately. Total photoperiod during maternal pregnancy was not associated with depression overall or by trimester of pregnancy. However, larger differences between minimum/maximum photoperiod during maternal pregnancy were related to lower odds of depression (multivariable [MV]-adjusted OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.90 comparing extreme quintiles of exposure; p-trend<0.0001); this association appeared specific to the second trimester of pregnancy (MV-adjusted p-trends = 0.03, <0.0001, and 0.3 across the three trimesters, respectively). In addition, birth at higher latitude (where larger differences in minimum/maximum photoperiod exist) was associated with a significant reduction in the lifetime risk of depression. These findings are consistent with an emerging hypothesis in which perinatal light exposure may influence risk of depression, and they might be understood through the conceptual framework of adaptive developmental plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Devore
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Shun-Chiao Chang
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Olivia I Okereke
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02144, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Box 351634 Station B, Nashville, TN, 37235-1634, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Eva S Schernhammer
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 181 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/ 1. Stock, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Developmental Programming of Capuchin Monkey Adrenal Dysfunction by Gestational Chronodisruption. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:9183053. [PMID: 30186871 PMCID: PMC6109991 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9183053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella), a new-world nonhuman primate, maternal exposure to constant light during last third of gestation induces precocious maturation of the fetal adrenal and increased plasma cortisol in the newborn. Here, we further explored the effects of this challenge on the developmental programming of adrenal function in newborn and infant capuchin monkeys. We measured (i) plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHAS) and cortisol response to ACTH in infants with suppressed endogenous ACTH, (ii) plasma DHAS and cortisol response to ACTH in vitro, and (iii) adrenal weight and expression level of key factors in steroid synthesis (StAR and 3β-HSD). In one-month-old infants from mothers subjected to constant light, plasma levels of cortisol and cortisol response to ACTH were twofold higher, whereas plasma levels of DHAS and DHAS response to ACTH were markedly reduced, compared to control conditions. At 10 months of age, DHAS levels were still lower but closer to control animals, whereas cortisol response to ACTH was similar in both experimental groups. A compensatory response was detected at the adrenal level, consisting of a 30% increase in adrenal weight and about 50% reduction of both StAR and 3β-HSD mRNA and protein expression and the magnitude of DHAS and cortisol response to ACTH in vitro. Hence, at birth and at 10 months of age, there were differential effects in DHAS, cortisol production, and their response to ACTH. However, by 10 months of age, these subsided, leading to a normal cortisol response to ACTH. These compensatory mechanisms may help to overcome the adrenal alterations induced during pregnancy to restore normal cortisol concentrations in the growing infant.
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Lemley CO, Vonnahme KA. PHYSIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Alterations in uteroplacental hemodynamics during melatonin supplementation in sheep and cattle. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:2211-2221. [PMID: 28726984 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.1151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Compromised placental function can result in fetal growth restriction which is associated with greater risk of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Large increases in transplacental nutrient and waste exchange, which support the exponential increase in fetal growth during the last half of gestation, are dependent primarily on the rapid growth and vascularization of the uteroplacenta. The amplitude of melatonin secretion has been associated with improved oxidative status and altered cardiovascular function in several mammalian species; however, melatonin mediated alterations of uteroplacental capacity in sheep and cattle are lacking. Therefore, our laboratories are examining uteroplacental blood flow and fetal development during maternal melatonin supplementation. Using a mid- to late-gestation ovine model of intrauterine growth restriction, we examined uteroplacental blood flow and fetal growth during supplementation with 5 mg/d of dietary melatonin. Maternal nutrient restriction decreased uterine arterial blood flow, while melatonin supplementation increased umbilical arterial blood flow compared with non-supplemented controls. Although melatonin treatment did not rescue fetal weight in nutrient restricted ewes; we observed disproportionate fetal size and fetal organ development. Elevated fetal concentrations of melatonin may result in altered blood flow distribution during important time points of development. These melatonin specific responses on umbilical arterial hemodynamics and fetal development may be partially mediated through vascular melatonin receptors. Recently, we examined the effects of supplementing Holstein heifers with 20 mg/d of dietary melatonin during the last third of gestation. Uterine arterial blood flow was increased by 25% and total serum antioxidant capacity was increased by 43% in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. In addition, peripheral concentrations of progesterone were decreased in melatonin supplemented heifers vs. non-supplemented controls. Using an in vitro model, melatonin treatment increased the activity of cytochrome P450 2C, a progesterone inactivating enzyme, which was blocked by treatment with the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole. Elucidating the consequences of specific hormonal supplements on the continual plasticity of placental function will allow us to determine important endogenous mediators of offspring growth and development.
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19
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Maternal and Early-Life Circadian Disruption Have Long-Lasting Negative Consequences on Offspring Development and Adult Behavior in Mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3326. [PMID: 28607386 PMCID: PMC5468226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern life involves chronic circadian disruption through artificial light and these disruptions are associated with numerous mental and physical health maladies. Because the developing nervous system is particularly vulnerable to perturbation, we hypothesized that early-life circadian disruption would negatively impact offspring development and adult function. Pregnant mice were subjected to chronic circadian disruption from the time of uterine implantation through weaning. To dissociate in utero from postnatal effects, a subset of litters was cross-fostered at birth from disrupted dams to control dams and vice versa. Postnatal circadian disruption was associated with reduced adult body mass, social avoidance, and hyperactivity. In utero disruption resulted in more pronounced social avoidance and hyperactivity, phenotypes not abrogated by cross-fostering to control mothers. To examine whether circadian disruption affects development by acting as an early life stressor, we examined birthweight, litter size, maternal cannibalism, and epigenetic modifications. None of these variables differed between control and disrupted dams, or resembled patterns seen following early-life stress. Our findings indicate that developmental chronic circadian disruption permanently affects somatic and behavioral development in a stage-of-life-dependent manner, independent of early life stress mechanisms, underscoring the importance of temporal structure during development, both in utero and early postnatal life.
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20
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Exogenous melatonin reduces somatic cell count of milk in Holstein cows. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43280. [PMID: 28240296 PMCID: PMC5327427 DOI: 10.1038/srep43280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High somatic cell counts in milk caused by mastitis significantly influence the quality of milk and result in substantial annual economic loss. This study evaluated the beneficial effects of melatonin (MT) on milk somatic cell count (SCC) in cows. To examine the effects of melatonin on SCC, one hundred twenty cows were divided into four groups based on milk SCC. In each group, half of the cows were treated with melatonin (S.C.). Melatonin treatment significantly reduced milk SCC. To explore the potential mechanism, 20 cows with relatively high SCC were selected to evaluate the biochemical and immunological profiles of their blood after melatonin treatment. Treatment with MT significantly reduced SCC in milk, lowered serum cortisol concentrations and increased the levels of albumin, alanine transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase. Following treatment with MT, the concentration of IgG and IgM rose transiently then decreased significantly, similar to changes observed for white blood cells and lymphocytes. In conclusion, MT treatment improved the quality of milk by reducing SCC. This may be due to melatonin improving immune activity in cows.
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21
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Gnocchi D, Bruscalupi G. Circadian Rhythms and Hormonal Homeostasis: Pathophysiological Implications. BIOLOGY 2017; 6:biology6010010. [PMID: 28165421 PMCID: PMC5372003 DOI: 10.3390/biology6010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over recent years, a deeper comprehension of the molecular mechanisms that control biological clocks and circadian rhythms has been achieved. In fact, many studies have contributed to unravelling the importance of the molecular clock for the regulation of our physiology, including hormonal and metabolic homeostasis. Here we will review the structure, organisation and molecular machinery that make our circadian clock work, and its relevance for the proper functioning of physiological processes. We will also describe the interconnections between circadian rhythms and endocrine homeostasis, as well as the underlying consequences that circadian dysregulations might have in the development of several pathologic affections. Finally, we will discuss how a better knowledge of such relationships might prove helpful in designing new therapeutic approaches for endocrine and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gnocchi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm 14186, Sweden.
| | - Giovannella Bruscalupi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy.
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22
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Behavioral and molecular effects of prenatal continuous light exposure in the adult rat. Brain Res 2016; 1650:51-59. [PMID: 27566064 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of the maternal environment during pregnancy leads to behavioral changes and diseases in the adult offspring. To explore the influence of prenatal continuous light exposure (PCLE) on the adult offspring, we exposed pregnant Wistar rats to constant light during late gestation. Adult PCLE offspring showed an anxiety-like behavior and impairment of short-term memory in different tests. Measurements in the whole brain homogenates from newborn and adult offspring indicated decreased melatonin and serotonin levels and increased reactive oxygen species level in PCLE offspring. Further, we determined melatonin-, serotonin-, oxidative stress-, apoptosis-, and circadian system-related genes expression in different brain areas of adult offspring. The serotonin reuptaker Slc6a4 displayed a decreased expression in the prefrontal cortex of PCLE group. The circadian rhythm-related gene Rora was upregulated in the amygdala of PCLE offspring. Our results point to adverse behavioral effects of PCLE on adult offspring, involving serotonin and melatonin signaling dysregulation, increased chronic oxidative stress, and altered gene expression.
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23
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González-Candia A, Veliz M, Araya C, Quezada S, Ebensperger G, Serón-Ferré M, Reyes RV, Llanos AJ, Herrera EA. Potential adverse effects of antenatal melatonin as a treatment for intrauterine growth restriction: findings in pregnant sheep. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:245.e1-7. [PMID: 26902986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction is a condition in which the fetus has a birthweight and/or length <10th percentile for the gestational age. Intrauterine growth restriction can be associated with various causes, among which is low uteroplacental perfusion and chronic hypoxia during gestation. Often, intrauterine growth-restricted fetuses have increased oxidative stress; therefore, agents that decrease oxidative stress and increase utero, placental, and umbilical perfusion have been proposed as a beneficial therapeutic strategy. In this scenario, melatonin acts as an umbilical vasodilator and a potent antioxidant that has not been evaluated in pregnancies under chronic hypoxia that induce fetal growth restriction. However, this neurohormone has been proposed as a pharmacologic therapy for complicated pregnancies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the effects of prenatal administration of melatonin during the last trimester of pregnancy on the biometry of the growth-restricted lambs because of developmental hypoxia. Further, we aimed to determine melatonin and cortisol levels and oxidative stress markers in plasma of pregnant ewes during the treatment. STUDY DESIGN High-altitude pregnant sheep received either vehicle (n = 5; 5 mL 1.4% ethanol) or melatonin (n = 7; 10 mg/kg(-1)day(-1) in 5 mL 1.4% ethanol) daily during the last one-third of gestation. Maternal plasma levels of melatonin, cortisol, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress were determined along treatment. At birth, neonates were examined, weighed, and measured (biparietal diameter, abdominal diameter, and crown-rump length). RESULTS Antenatal treatment with melatonin markedly decreased neonatal biometry and weight at birth. Additionally, melatonin treatment increased the length of gestation by 7.5% and shifted the time of delivery. Furthermore, the prenatal treatment doubled plasma levels of melatonin and cortisol and significantly improved the antioxidant capacity of the pregnant ewes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that antenatal melatonin induces further intrauterine growth restriction but improves the maternal plasma antioxidant capacity. Additional studies should address the efficiency and safety of antenatal melatonin before clinical attempts on humans.
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24
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Circadian Rhythms in the Fetus and Newborn: Significance of Interactions with Maternal Physiology and the Environment. NEUROMETHODS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3014-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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25
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Rodrigues MA, Wittwer D, Kitchen DM. Measuring stress responses in female Geoffroy's spider monkeys: Validation and the influence of reproductive state. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:925-935. [PMID: 25891651 PMCID: PMC4609222 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Fecal glucocorticoid metabolites are increasingly used to investigate physiological stress. However, it is crucial for researchers to simultaneously investigate the effects of reproductive state because estradiol and placental hormones can affect circulating glucocorticoid concentrations. Reports on the relationships between glucocorticoids and reproductive state are inconsistent among females. Unlike several primate species that have heightened glucocorticoid activity during lactation, humans experience reduced glucocorticoid activity during lactation. Rather than a taxonomic difference, we hypothesize that this is a result of different environmental stressors, particularly the threat of infanticide. Here, we expand the number of wild primate species tested by validating a glucocorticoid assay for female Geoffroy's spider monkeys. We investigate the effects of reproductive state on their glucocorticoid concentrations. Utilizing a routine veterinary exam on a captive population, we determined that fecal glucocorticoid metabolites increase in response to a stressor (anesthesia), and this rise is detected approximately 24 hr later. Additionally, we found that extracted hormone patterns in a wild population reflected basic reproductive biology-estradiol concentrations were higher in cycling than lactating females, and in lactating females with older offspring who were presumably resuming their cycle. However, we found that estradiol and glucocorticoid concentrations were significantly correlated in lactating but not cycling females. Similarly, we found that reproductive state and estradiol concentration, but not stage of lactation, predicted glucocorticoid concentrations. Unlike patterns in several other primate species that face a relatively strong threat of infanticide, lactating spider monkeys experience reduced glucocorticoid activity, possibly due to attenuating effects of oxytocin and lower male-initiated aggression than directed at cycling females. More broadly, we conclude that future studies using fecal glucocorticoid metabolites to index stress should consider that reproductive state might confound glucocorticoid measurements. Am. J. Primatol. 77:925-935, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Wittwer
- Wisconsin National Primate Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Dawn M. Kitchen
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University-Mansfield, Mansfield, Ohio
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26
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Green NH, Jackson CR, Iwamoto H, Tackenberg MC, McMahon DG. Photoperiod programs dorsal raphe serotonergic neurons and affective behaviors. Curr Biol 2015; 25:1389-94. [PMID: 25959961 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic raphe nuclei of the midbrain are principal centers from which serotonin neurons project to innervate cortical and sub-cortical structures. The dorsal raphe nuclei receive light input from the circadian visual system and indirect input from the biological clock nuclei. Dysregulation of serotonin neurotransmission is implicated in neurobehavioral disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and alterations in the serotonergic phenotype of raphe neurons have dramatic effects on affective behaviors in rodents. Here, we demonstrate that day length (photoperiod) during development induces enduring changes in mouse dorsal raphe serotonin neurons—programming their firing rate, responsiveness to noradrenergic stimulation, intrinsic electrical properties, serotonin and norepinephrine content in the midbrain, and depression/anxiety-related behavior in a melatonin receptor 1 (MT1)-dependent manner. Our results establish mechanisms by which seasonal photoperiods may dramatically and persistently alter the function of serotonin neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah H Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Chad R Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Michael C Tackenberg
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Douglas G McMahon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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27
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Bonmati-Carrion MA, Arguelles-Prieto R, Martinez-Madrid MJ, Reiter R, Hardeland R, Rol MA, Madrid JA. Protecting the melatonin rhythm through circadian healthy light exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:23448-500. [PMID: 25526564 PMCID: PMC4284776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151223448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, in developed countries, nights are excessively illuminated (light at night), whereas daytime is mainly spent indoors, and thus people are exposed to much lower light intensities than under natural conditions. In spite of the positive impact of artificial light, we pay a price for the easy access to light during the night: disorganization of our circadian system or chronodisruption (CD), including perturbations in melatonin rhythm. Epidemiological studies show that CD is associated with an increased incidence of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cognitive and affective impairment, premature aging and some types of cancer. Knowledge of retinal photoreceptors and the discovery of melanopsin in some ganglion cells demonstrate that light intensity, timing and spectrum must be considered to keep the biological clock properly entrained. Importantly, not all wavelengths of light are equally chronodisrupting. Blue light, which is particularly beneficial during the daytime, seems to be more disruptive at night, and induces the strongest melatonin inhibition. Nocturnal blue light exposure is currently increasing, due to the proliferation of energy-efficient lighting (LEDs) and electronic devices. Thus, the development of lighting systems that preserve the melatonin rhythm could reduce the health risks induced by chronodisruption. This review addresses the state of the art regarding the crosstalk between light and the circadian system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Russel Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
| | - Ruediger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen 37073, Germany.
| | - Maria Angeles Rol
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.
| | - Juan Antonio Madrid
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Murcia, Murcia 30100, Spain.
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Vilches N, Spichiger C, Mendez N, Abarzua-Catalan L, Galdames HA, Hazlerigg DG, Richter HG, Torres-Farfan C. Gestational chronodisruption impairs hippocampal expression of NMDA receptor subunits Grin1b/Grin3a and spatial memory in the adult offspring. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91313. [PMID: 24663672 PMCID: PMC3963867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental evidence correlates adverse intrauterine conditions with the onset of disease later in life. For a fetus to achieve a successful transition to extrauterine life, a myriad of temporally integrated humoral/biophysical signals must be accurately provided by the mother. We and others have shown the existence of daily rhythms in the fetus, with peripheral clocks being entrained by maternal cues, such as transplacental melatonin signaling. Among developing tissues, the fetal hippocampus is a key structure for learning and memory processing that may be anticipated as a sensitive target of gestational chronodisruption. Here, we used pregnant rats exposed to constant light treated with or without melatonin as a model of gestational chronodisruption, to investigate effects on the putative fetal hippocampus clock, as well as on adult offspring’s rhythms, endocrine and spatial memory outcomes. The hippocampus of fetuses gestated under light:dark photoperiod (12:12 LD) displayed daily oscillatory expression of the clock genes Bmal1 and Per2, clock-controlled genes Mtnr1b, Slc2a4, Nr3c1 and NMDA receptor subunits 1B-3A-3B. In contrast, in the hippocampus of fetuses gestated under constant light (LL), these oscillations were suppressed. In the adult LL offspring (reared in LD during postpartum), we observed complete lack of day/night differences in plasma melatonin and decreased day/night differences in plasma corticosterone. In the adult LL offspring, overall hippocampal day/night difference of gene expression was decreased, which was accompanied by a significant deficit of spatial memory. Notably, maternal melatonin replacement to dams subjected to gestational chronodisruption prevented the effects observed in both, LL fetuses and adult LL offspring. Collectively, the present data point to adverse effects of gestational chronodisruption on long-term cognitive function; raising challenging questions about the consequences of shift work during pregnancy. The present study also supports that developmental plasticity in response to photoperiodic cues may be modulated by maternal melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Vilches
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Spichiger
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Natalia Mendez
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lorena Abarzua-Catalan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Hugo A. Galdames
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - David G. Hazlerigg
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Hans G. Richter
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Laboratorio de Cronobiologia del Desarrollo, Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Voiculescu SE, Zygouropoulos N, Zahiu CD, Zagrean AM. Role of melatonin in embryo fetal development. J Med Life 2014; 7:488-92. [PMID: 25713608 PMCID: PMC4316124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is an indoleamine produced by the pineal gland and secreted in a circadian manner. In the past few decades, research over this topic has been enhanced. Melatonin has many important roles in the human physiology: regulator of the circadian rhythms, sleep inducer, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic. This paper reviews the involvement of melatonin in embryo fetal development. The pineal gland develops completely postpartum, so both the embryo and the fetus are dependent on the maternal melatonin provided transplacentally. Melatonin appears to be involved in the normal outcome of pregnancy beginning with the oocyte quality and finishing with the parturition. Its pregnancy night-time concentrations increase after 24 weeks of gestation, with significantly high levels after 32 weeks. Melatonin receptors are widespread in the embryo and fetus since early stages. There is solid evidence that melatonin is neuroprotective and has a positive effect on the outcome of the compromised pregnancies. In addition, chronodisruption leads to a reproductive dysfunction. Thus, the influence of melatonin on the developing human fetus may not be limited to the entertaining of circadian rhythmicity, but further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- SE Voiculescu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Division of Physiology & Fundamental Neuroscience, Bucharest, Romania
| | - N Zygouropoulos
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Division of Physiology & Fundamental Neuroscience, Bucharest, Romania
| | - CD Zahiu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Division of Physiology & Fundamental Neuroscience, Bucharest, Romania
| | - AM Zagrean
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
Division of Physiology & Fundamental Neuroscience, Bucharest, Romania
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Seron-Ferre M, Reynolds H, Mendez NA, Mondaca M, Valenzuela F, Ebensperger R, Valenzuela GJ, Herrera EA, Llanos AJ, Torres-Farfan C. Impact of Maternal Melatonin Suppression on Amount and Functionality of Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) in the Newborn Sheep. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:232. [PMID: 25610428 PMCID: PMC4285176 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In human and sheep newborns, brown adipose tissue (BAT) accrued during fetal development is used for newborn thermogenesis. Here, we explored the role of maternal melatonin during gestation on the amount and functionality of BAT in the neonate. We studied BAT from six lambs gestated by ewes exposed to constant light from 63% gestation until delivery to suppress melatonin (LL), six lambs gestated by ewes exposed to LL but receiving daily oral melatonin (12 mg at 1700 h, LL + Mel) and another six control lambs gestated by ewes maintained in 12 h light:12 h dark (LD). Lambs were instrumented at 2 days of age. At 4-6 days of age, they were exposed to 24°C (thermal neutrality conditions) for 1 h, 4°C for 1 h, and 24°C for 1 h. Afterward, lambs were euthanized and BAT was dissected for mRNA measurement, histology, and ex vivo experiments. LL newborns had lower central BAT and skin temperature under thermal neutrality and at 4°C, and higher plasma norepinephrine concentration than LD newborns. In response to 4°C, they had a pronounced decrease in skin temperature and did not increase plasma glycerol. BAT weight in LL newborns was about half of that of LD newborns. Ex vivo, BAT from LL newborns showed increased basal lipolysis and did not respond to NE. In addition, expression of adipogenic/thermogenic genes (UCP1, ADBR3, PPARγ, PPARα, PGC1α, C/EBPβ, and perilipin) and of the clock genes Bmal1, Clock, and Per2 was increased. Remarkably, the effects observed in LL newborns were absent in LL + Mel newborns. Thus, our results support that maternal melatonin during gestation is important in determining amount and normal functionality of BAT in the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Seron-Ferre
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Henry Reynolds
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Natalia Andrea Mendez
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Mauricio Mondaca
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Valenzuela
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Renato Ebensperger
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Emilio A. Herrera
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anibal J. Llanos
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Facultad de Medicina, Laboratorio de Cronobiología del Desarrollo, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- *Correspondence: Claudia Torres-Farfan, Edificio Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Isla Teja S/N, P.O. Box 567, Valdivia, Chile e-mail:
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Park SY, Walker JJ, Johnson NW, Zhao Z, Lightman SL, Spiga F. Constant light disrupts the circadian rhythm of steroidogenic proteins in the rat adrenal gland. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013. [PMID: 23178164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm of corticosterone (CORT) secretion from the adrenal cortex is regulated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which is entrained to the light-dark cycle. Since the circadian CORT rhythm is associated with circadian expression of the steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein, we investigated the 24h pattern of hormonal secretion (ACTH and CORT), steroidogenic gene expression (StAR, SF-1, DAX1 and Nurr77) and the expression of genes involved in ACTH signalling (MC2R and MRAP) in rats entrained to a normal light-dark cycle. We found that circadian changes in ACTH and CORT were associated with the circadian expression of all gene targets; with SF-1, Nurr77 and MRAP peaking in the evening, and DAX1 and MC2R peaking in the morning. Since disruption of normal SCN activity by exposure to constant light abolishes the circadian rhythm of CORT in the rat, we also investigated whether the AM-PM variation of our target genes was also disrupted in rats exposed to constant light conditions for 5weeks. We found that the disruption of the AM-PM variation of ACTH and CORT secretion in rats exposed to constant light was accompanied by a loss of AM-PM variation in StAR, SF-1 and DAX1, and a reversed AM-PM variation in Nurr77, MC2R and MRAP. Our data suggest that circadian expression of StAR is regulated by the circadian expression of nuclear receptors and proteins involved in both ACTH signalling and StAR transcription. We propose that ACTH regulates the secretion of CORT via the circadian control of steroidogenic gene pathways that become dysregulated under the influence of constant light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Y Park
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK
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Chen YC, Sheen JM, Tiao MM, Tain YL, Huang LT. Roles of melatonin in fetal programming in compromised pregnancies. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:5380-401. [PMID: 23466884 PMCID: PMC3634509 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14035380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Compromised pregnancies such as those associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, intrauterine growth retardation, preeclampsia, maternal undernutrition, and maternal stress may negatively affect fetal development. Such pregnancies may induce oxidative stress to the fetus and alter fetal development through the epigenetic process that may affect development at a later stage. Melatonin is an oxidant scavenger that reverses oxidative stress during the prenatal period. Moreover, the role of melatonin in epigenetic modifications in the field of developmental programming has been studied extensively. Here, we describe the physiological function of melatonin in pregnancy and discuss the roles of melatonin in fetal programming in compromised pregnancies, focusing on its involvement in redox and epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.C.); (J.-M.S.); (M.-M.T.); (Y.-L.T.)
| | - Jiunn-Ming Sheen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.C.); (J.-M.S.); (M.-M.T.); (Y.-L.T.)
| | - Miao-Meng Tiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.C.); (J.-M.S.); (M.-M.T.); (Y.-L.T.)
| | - You-Lin Tain
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.C.); (J.-M.S.); (M.-M.T.); (Y.-L.T.)
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tung Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; E-Mails: (Y.-C.C.); (J.-M.S.); (M.-M.T.); (Y.-L.T.)
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Linkow 333, Taiwan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +886-975-056-169; Fax: +886-773-380-09
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Serón-Ferré M, Forcelledo ML, Torres-Farfan C, Valenzuela FJ, Rojas A, Vergara M, Rojas-Garcia PP, Recabarren MP, Valenzuela GJ. Impact of chronodisruption during primate pregnancy on the maternal and newborn temperature rhythms. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57710. [PMID: 23469055 PMCID: PMC3585206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the maternal environment during pregnancy is a key contributor to offspring diseases that develop in adult life. To explore the impact of chronodisruption during pregnancy in primates, we exposed pregnant capuchin monkeys to constant light (eliminating the maternal melatonin rhythm) from the last third of gestation to term. Maternal temperature and activity circadian rhythms were assessed as well as the newborn temperature rhythm. Additionally we studied the effect of daily maternal melatonin replacement during pregnancy on these rhythms. Ten pregnant capuchin monkeys were exposed to constant light from 60% of gestation to term. Five received a daily oral dose of melatonin (250 µg kg/body weight) at 1800 h (LL+Mel) and the other five a placebo (LL). Six additional pregnant females were maintained in a 14∶10 light:dark cycles and their newborns were used as controls (LD). Rhythms were recorded 96 h before delivery in the mother and at 4-6 days of age in the newborn. Exposure to constant light had no effect on the maternal body temperature rhythm however it delayed the acrophase of the activity rhythm. Neither rhythm was affected by melatonin replacement. In contrast, maternal exposure to constant light affected the newborn body temperature rhythm. This rhythm was entrained in control newborns whereas LL newborns showed a random distribution of the acrophases over 24-h. In addition, mean temperature was decreased (34.0±0.6 vs 36.1±0.2°C, in LL and control, respectively P<0.05). Maternal melatonin replacement during pregnancy re-synchronized the acrophases and restored mean temperature to the values in control newborns. Our findings demonstrate that prenatal melatonin is a Zeitgeber for the newborn temperature rhythm and supports normal body temperature maintenance. Altogether these prenatal melatonin effects highlight the physiological importance of the maternal melatonin rhythm during pregnancy for the newborn primate.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Serón-Ferré
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Mendez N, Abarzua-Catalan L, Vilches N, Galdames HA, Spichiger C, Richter HG, Valenzuela GJ, Seron-Ferre M, Torres-Farfan C. Timed maternal melatonin treatment reverses circadian disruption of the fetal adrenal clock imposed by exposure to constant light. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42713. [PMID: 22912724 PMCID: PMC3418288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Surprisingly, in our modern 24/7 society, there is scant information on the impact of developmental chronodisruption like the one experienced by shift worker pregnant women on fetal and postnatal physiology. There are important differences between the maternal and fetal circadian systems; for instance, the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the master clock in the mother but not in the fetus. Despite this, several tissues/organs display circadian oscillations in the fetus. Our hypothesis is that the maternal plasma melatonin rhythm drives the fetal circadian system, which in turn relies this information to other fetal tissues through corticosterone rhythmic signaling. The present data show that suppression of the maternal plasma melatonin circadian rhythm, secondary to exposure of pregnant rats to constant light along the second half of gestation, had several effects on fetal development. First, it induced intrauterine growth retardation. Second, in the fetal adrenal in vivo it markedly affected the mRNA expression level of clock genes and clock-controlled genes as well as it lowered the content and precluded the rhythm of corticosterone. Third, an altered in vitro fetal adrenal response to ACTH of both, corticosterone production and relative expression of clock genes and steroidogenic genes was observed. All these changes were reversed when the mother received a daily dose of melatonin during the subjective night; supporting a role of melatonin on overall fetal development and pointing to it as a 'time giver' for the fetal adrenal gland. Thus, the present results collectively support that the maternal circadian rhythm of melatonin is a key signal for the generation and/or synchronization of the circadian rhythms in the fetal adrenal gland. In turn, low levels and lack of a circadian rhythm of fetal corticosterone may be responsible of fetal growth restriction; potentially inducing long term effects in the offspring, possibility that warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mendez
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Lorena Abarzua-Catalan
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Nelson Vilches
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM) Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hugo A. Galdames
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carlos Spichiger
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Hans G. Richter
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Guillermo J. Valenzuela
- Department of Women's Health, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Colton, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Seron-Ferre
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM) Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Instituto de Anatomía, Histología y Patología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- * E-mail:
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Vélez-Marín M, Hurtado Salazar A, Uribe-Velásquez LF. Plasma cortisol activity in rats under conditions of chronic stress supplemented with resveratrol. Colomb Med (Cali) 2012; 43:221-5. [PMID: 24893196 PMCID: PMC4001952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 09/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the activity of cortisol in rats treated with exogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and a resveratrol supplement. METHODS Forty-eight adult female rats and 16 male rats of the strain (Rattus norvegicus) that were three months old and with body weights ranging from 200 to 250 g for females and 300 to 350 g for males were used and kept in controlled environmental conditions: temperature of 20±2° C and light-dark cycles of 14 and 10 hours. They were fed a balanced diet and had free access to water. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1 - was treated with 5 µg/kg of ACTH i.p. every twelve hours; group 2 - received the same treatment with ACTH plus a grape extract supplement (resveratrol) of 40 mg/kg; group 3 - only received grape extract (resveratrol); and group 4 - received a saline solution (0.9%) i.p. and oral, and served as controls. The experimental design was a 2×2 factorial with two levels ACTH and two polyphenol levels (grape extract). RESULTS No significant differences were found in blood cortisol concentrations, by day and gender, or by treatment effects (0.75 µg/dL ± 0.11; p <0.001). CONCLUSION Results suggest that chronic stress and consumption of resveratrol did not directly alter levels of plasmatic cortisol in either stressed or unstressed rats. It was concluded that the given dosage levels of ACTH possibly did not produce sufficient stimulation of the adrenal gland for these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miryam Vélez-Marín
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural and Exact Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Alejandro Hurtado Salazar
- Department of Production Systems, School of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
| | - Luis F Uribe-Velásquez
- Department of Animal Health, School of Agricultural Sciences, Universidad de Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
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Ferreira DS, Amaral FG, Mesquita CC, Barbosa APL, Lellis-Santos C, Turati AO, Santos LR, Sollon CS, Gomes PR, Faria JA, Cipolla-Neto J, Bordin S, Anhê GF. Maternal melatonin programs the daily pattern of energy metabolism in adult offspring. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38795. [PMID: 22719949 PMCID: PMC3373595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shift work was recently described as a factor that increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, rats born to mothers subjected to a phase shift throughout pregnancy are glucose intolerant. However, the mechanism by which a phase shift transmits metabolic information to the offspring has not been determined. Among several endocrine secretions, phase shifts in the light/dark cycle were described as altering the circadian profile of melatonin production by the pineal gland. The present study addresses the importance of maternal melatonin for the metabolic programming of the offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Female Wistar rats were submitted to SHAM surgery or pinealectomy (PINX). The PINX rats were divided into two groups and received either melatonin (PM) or vehicle. The SHAM, the PINX vehicle and the PM females were housed with male Wistar rats. Rats were allowed to mate and after weaning, the male and female offspring were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT), a pyruvate tolerance test (PTT) and an insulin tolerance test (ITT). Pancreatic islets were isolated for insulin secretion, and insulin signaling was assessed in the liver and in the skeletal muscle by western blots. We found that male and female rats born to PINX mothers display glucose intolerance at the end of the light phase of the light/dark cycle, but not at the beginning. We further demonstrate that impaired glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and hepatic insulin resistance are mechanisms that may contribute to glucose intolerance in the offspring of PINX mothers. The metabolic programming described here occurs due to an absence of maternal melatonin because the offspring born to PINX mothers treated with melatonin were not glucose intolerant. Conclusions/Significance The present results support the novel concept that maternal melatonin is responsible for the programming of the daily pattern of energy metabolism in their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo S. Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G. Amaral
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Caroline C. Mesquita
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula L. Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Camilo Lellis-Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ariane O. Turati
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Laila R. Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina S. Sollon
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Patricia R. Gomes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana A. Faria
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - José Cipolla-Neto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvana Bordin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel F. Anhê
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Slominski RM, Reiter RJ, Schlabritz-Loutsevitch N, Ostrom RS, Slominski AT. Melatonin membrane receptors in peripheral tissues: distribution and functions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 351:152-66. [PMID: 22245784 PMCID: PMC3288509 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Many of melatonin's actions are mediated through interaction with the G-protein coupled membrane bound melatonin receptors type 1 and type 2 (MT1 and MT2, respectively) or, indirectly with nuclear orphan receptors from the RORα/RZR family. Melatonin also binds to the quinone reductase II enzyme, previously defined the MT3 receptor. Melatonin receptors are widely distributed in the body; herein we summarize their expression and actions in non-neural tissues. Several controversies still exist regarding, for example, whether melatonin binds the RORα/RZR family. Studies of the peripheral distribution of melatonin receptors are important since they are attractive targets for immunomodulation, regulation of endocrine, reproductive and cardiovascular functions, modulation of skin pigmentation, hair growth, cancerogenesis, and aging. Melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists have an exciting future since they could define multiple mechanisms by which melatonin modulates the complexity of such a wide variety of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir M. Slominski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular & Structural Biology, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, United States
| | - Natalia Schlabritz-Loutsevitch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Rennolds S. Ostrom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, United States
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, Suite 5000, Memphis, TN 38163, United States. Tel.: +1 901 448 3741. (A.T. Slominski)
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Hardeland R, Madrid JA, Tan DX, Reiter RJ. Melatonin, the circadian multioscillator system and health: the need for detailed analyses of peripheral melatonin signaling. J Pineal Res 2012; 52:139-66. [PMID: 22034907 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00934.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating regarding the importance of circadian core oscillators, several associated factors, and melatonin signaling in the maintenance of health. Dysfunction of endogenous clocks, melatonin receptor polymorphisms, age- and disease-associated declines of melatonin likely contribute to numerous diseases including cancer, metabolic syndrome, diabetes type 2, hypertension, and several mood and cognitive disorders. Consequences of gene silencing, overexpression, gene polymorphisms, and deviant expression levels in diseases are summarized. The circadian system is a complex network of central and peripheral oscillators, some of them being relatively independent of the pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Actions of melatonin on peripheral oscillators are poorly understood. Various lines of evidence indicate that these clocks are also influenced or phase-reset by melatonin. This includes phase differences of core oscillator gene expression under impaired melatonin signaling, effects of melatonin and melatonin receptor knockouts on oscillator mRNAs or proteins. Cross-connections between melatonin signaling pathways and oscillator proteins, including associated factors, are discussed in this review. The high complexity of the multioscillator system comprises alternate or parallel oscillators based on orthologs and paralogs of the core components and a high number of associated factors with varying tissue-specific importance, which offers numerous possibilities for interactions with melatonin. It is an aim of this review to stimulate research on melatonin signaling in peripheral tissues. This should not be restricted to primary signal molecules but rather include various secondarily connected pathways and discriminate between direct effects of the pineal indoleamine at the target organ and others mediated by modulation of oscillators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Germany.
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Serón-Ferré M, Mendez N, Abarzua-Catalan L, Vilches N, Valenzuela FJ, Reynolds HE, Llanos AJ, Rojas A, Valenzuela GJ, Torres-Farfan C. Circadian rhythms in the fetus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 349:68-75. [PMID: 21840372 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Throughout gestation, the close relationship between mothers and their progeny ensures adequate development and a successful transition to postnatal life. By living inside the maternal compartment, the fetus is inevitably exposed to rhythms of the maternal internal milieu such as temperature; rhythms originated by maternal food intake and maternal melatonin, one of the few maternal hormones that cross the placenta unaltered. The fetus, immature by adult standards, is however perfectly fit to accomplish the dual functions of living in the uterine environment and developing the necessary tools to "mature" for the next step, i.e. to be a competent newborn. In the fetal physiological context, organ function differs from the same organ's function in the newborn and adult. This may also extend to the developing circadian system. The information reviewed here suggests that the fetal circadian system is organized differently from that of the adult. Moreover, the fetal circadian rhythm is not just present simply as the initial immature expression of a mechanism that has function in the postnatal animal only. We propose that the fetal suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and fetal organs are peripheral maternal circadian oscillators, entrained by different maternal signals. Conceptually, the arrangement produces internal temporal order during fetal life, inside the maternal compartment. Following birth, it will allow for postnatal integration of the scattered fetal circadian clocks into an adult-like circadian system commanded by the SCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Serón-Ferré
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Chile.
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Miller SL, Wallace EM, Walker DW. Antioxidant therapies: a potential role in perinatal medicine. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 96:13-23. [PMID: 22377769 DOI: 10.1159/000336378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancies complicated by impaired placentation, acute severe reductions in oxygen supply to the fetus, or intrauterine infection are associated with oxidative stress to the mother and developing baby. Such oxidative stress is characterized as an upregulation in the production of oxidative or nitrative free radicals and a concomitant decrease in the availability of antioxidant species, thereby creating a state of fetoplacental oxidative imbalance. Recently, there has been a good deal of interest in the potential for the use of antioxidant therapies in the perinatal period to protect the fetus, particularly the developing brain, against oxidative stress in complications of pregnancy and birth. This review will examine why the immature brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative imbalance and will provide discussion on antioxidant treatments currently receiving attention in the adult and perinatal literature - allopurinol, melatonin, α-lipoic acid, and vitamins C and E. In addition, we aim to address the interaction between oxidative stress and the fetal inflammatory response, an interaction that may be vital when proposing antioxidant or other neuroprotective strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Miller
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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41
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Christ E, Korf HW, von Gall C. When does it start ticking? Ontogenetic development of the mammalian circadian system. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2012; 199:105-118. [PMID: 22877661 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-59427-3.00006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior ensure that vital functions are temporally synchronized with cyclic environmental changes. In mammals, the circadian system is conducted by a central circadian rhythm generator that resides in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and controls multiple subsidiary circadian oscillators in the periphery. The molecular clockwork in SCN and peripheral oscillators consists of autoregulatory transcriptional/translational feedback loops of clock genes. The adult circadian system is synchronized to the astrophysical day by light whereas the fetal and neonatal circadian system entrains to nonphotic rhythmic maternal signals. This chapter reviews maturation and entrainment of the central circadian rhythm generator in the SCN and of peripheral oscillators during ontogenetic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar Christ
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie II, Fachbereich Medizin, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Horst-Werner Korf
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie II, Fachbereich Medizin, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Charlotte von Gall
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie II, Fachbereich Medizin, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Exogenous Melatonin Induces Simultaneous Stimulation of Pineal and Adrenocortical Function in Relation to Karyomorphology, Cell proliferation and Corticosterone Content in Male Mice (Mus musculus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12595-011-0016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Torres-Farfan C, Mendez N, Abarzua-Catalan L, Vilches N, Valenzuela GJ, Seron-Ferre M. A circadian clock entrained by melatonin is ticking in the rat fetal adrenal. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1891-900. [PMID: 21363938 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal gland in the adult is a peripheral circadian clock involved in the coordination of energy intake and expenditure, required for adaptation to the external environment. During fetal life, a peripheral circadian clock is present in the nonhuman primate adrenal gland. Whether this extends to the fetal adrenal gland like the rat is unknown. Here we explored in vivo and in vitro whether the rat fetal adrenal is a peripheral circadian clock entrained by melatonin. We measured the 24-h changes in adrenal content of corticosterone and in the expression of clock genes Per-2 and Bmal-1 and of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), Mt1 melatonin receptor, and early growth response protein 1 (Egr-1) expression. In culture, we explored whether oscillatory expression of these genes persisted during 48 h and the effect of a 4-h melatonin pulse on their expression. In vivo, the rat fetal adrenal gland showed circadian expression of Bmal-1 and Per-2 in antiphase (acrophases at 2200 and 1300 h, respectively) as well as of Mt1 and Egr-1. This was accompanied by circadian rhythms of corticosterone content and of StAR expression both peaking at 0600 h. The 24-h oscillatory expression of Bmal-1, Per-2, StAR, Mt1, and Egr-1 persisted during 48 h in culture; however, the antiphase between Per-2 and Bmal-1 was lost. The pulse of melatonin shifted the acrophases of all the genes studied and restored the antiphase between Per-2 and Bmal-1. Thus, in the rat, the fetal adrenal is a strong peripheral clock potentially amenable to regulation by maternal melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Torres-Farfan
- Departamento de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 16038, Santiago 9, Santiago, Chile.
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Huang TS, Ruoff P, Fjelldal PG. Effect of continuous light on daily levels of plasma melatonin and cortisol and expression of clock genes in pineal gland, brain, and liver in atlantic salmon postsmolts. Chronobiol Int 2011; 27:1715-34. [PMID: 20969519 DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2010.521272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Continuous light is a common practice in salmon farming, where it is used to enhance growth, induce smoltification, and regulate puberty. However, knowledge about how different tissues receive information about daylength is limited. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the daily expression of clock (Per1-like, Cry2, and Clock), the nuclear transcription factor (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, PPAR; CCAAT/enhancer binding protein, C/EBP), and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (protein disulfide isomerase associated 3, PDIA3) genes in the pineal gland, brain, and liver of Atlantic salmon postsmolts reared under 12-h light:12-h dark (LD) regimes or under continuous light (LL) for 6 wks following transfer to seawater. All measured clock mRNAs displayed daily variations in one or more organs under LD, as well as plasma levels of melatonin. Similar variations were noted in the liver c/ebpα, pineal c/ebpδ, and pdia3 mRNAs. Under LL, the clock and nuclear transcription factor mRNAs did not show any daily variation in the studied organs, with the exception of pineal pdia3. Furthermore, LL had the opposite effect on the levels of melatonin and cortisol, as observed by the increase in pineal Clock, Per2, pparα, and c/ebpα and c/ebpδ mRNAs and decrease in liver Clock, Per2, and pparα mRNAs compared to those under LD. The present findings show that the expression of clock genes is affected by the light across organs and that there is a relation between PPAR, C/EBP, and clock mRNAs; however, the functional role of the individual nuclear transcription factors related to this observation remains to be established in the pineal gland and liver. (Author correspondence: Tihu@nifes.no ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien-Sheng Huang
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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Dubocovich ML, Delagrange P, Krause DN, Sugden D, Cardinali DP, Olcese J. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXV. Nomenclature, classification, and pharmacology of G protein-coupled melatonin receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 62:343-80. [PMID: 20605968 PMCID: PMC2964901 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.002832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 392] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The hormone melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine) is synthesized primarily in the pineal gland and retina, and in several peripheral tissues and organs. In the circulation, the concentration of melatonin follows a circadian rhythm, with high levels at night providing timing cues to target tissues endowed with melatonin receptors. Melatonin receptors receive and translate melatonin's message to influence daily and seasonal rhythms of physiology and behavior. The melatonin message is translated through activation of two G protein-coupled receptors, MT(1) and MT(2), that are potential therapeutic targets in disorders ranging from insomnia and circadian sleep disorders to depression, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review summarizes the steps taken since melatonin's discovery by Aaron Lerner in 1958 to functionally characterize, clone, and localize receptors in mammalian tissues. The pharmacological and molecular properties of the receptors are described as well as current efforts to discover and develop ligands for treatment of a number of illnesses, including sleep disorders, depression, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo State University of New York, 3435 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Rahman SA, Kollara A, Brown TJ, Casper RF. Selectively filtering short wavelengths attenuates the disruptive effects of nocturnal light on endocrine and molecular circadian phase markers in rats. Endocrinology 2008; 149:6125-35. [PMID: 18687787 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Various physiological processes exhibit a circadian rhythm synchronized to the geophysical light/dark cycle. Our study using a rat model demonstrated that exposure to light at night suppressed the expected nocturnal rise in melatonin, increased plasma corticosterone, and disrupted core clock gene expression in the hypothalamus and the adrenal gland. These effects were prevented by filtration of a 10-nm bandwidth of light between 470 and 480 nm, whereas filtration of light between 452 and 462 nm prevented the rise of corticosterone without restoring normal melatonin secretion or hypothalamic clock gene expression. This is the first demonstration of a wavelength dependency of glucocorticoid secretion and clock gene expression. Our results in an animal model suggest that filtering a narrow bandwidth of light from nocturnal lighting may efficiently attenuate overall disruption of circadian endocrine rhythms and clock gene expression in the hypothalamus and adrenal gland. Because a narrow bandwidth of light is filtered, the color distribution of the illumination source is not altered, and this may be of practical importance for potential future studies in shift workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab A Rahman
- Fran and Lawrence Bloomberg Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X5
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48
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Torres-Farfan C, Valenzuela FJ, Mondaca M, Valenzuela GJ, Krause B, Herrera EA, Riquelme R, Llanos AJ, Seron-Ferre M. Evidence of a role for melatonin in fetal sheep physiology: direct actions of melatonin on fetal cerebral artery, brown adipose tissue and adrenal gland. J Physiol 2008; 586:4017-27. [PMID: 18599539 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.154351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the fetal pineal gland does not secrete melatonin, the fetus is exposed to melatonin of maternal origin. In the non-human primate fetus, melatonin acts as a trophic hormone for the adrenal gland, stimulating growth while restraining cortisol production. This latter physiological activity led us to hypothesize that melatonin may influence some fetal functions critical for neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life. To test this hypothesis we explored (i) the presence of G-protein-coupled melatonin binding sites and (ii) the direct modulatory effects of melatonin on noradrenaline (norepinephrine)-induced middle cerebral artery (MCA) contraction, brown adipose tissue (BAT) lypolysis and ACTH-induced adrenal cortisol production in fetal sheep. We found that melatonin directly inhibits the response to noradrenaline in the MCA and BAT, and also inhibits the response to ACTH in the adrenal gland. Melatonin inhibition was reversed by the melatonin antagonist luzindole only in the fetal adrenal. MCA, BAT and adrenal tissue displayed specific high-affinity melatonin binding sites coupled to G-protein (K(d) values: MCA 64 +/- 1 pm, BAT 98.44 +/- 2.12 pm and adrenal 4.123 +/- 3.22 pm). Melatonin binding was displaced by luzindole only in the adrenal gland, supporting the idea that action in the MCA and BAT is mediated by different melatonin receptors. These direct inhibitory responses to melatonin support a role for melatonin in fetal physiology, which we propose prevents major contraction of cerebral vessels, restrains cortisol release and restricts BAT lypolysis during fetal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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49
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Valenzuela FJ, Torres-Farfan C, Richter HG, Mendez N, Campino C, Torrealba F, Valenzuela GJ, Serón-Ferré M. Clock gene expression in adult primate suprachiasmatic nuclei and adrenal: is the adrenal a peripheral clock responsive to melatonin? Endocrinology 2008; 149:1454-61. [PMID: 18187542 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The circadian production of glucocorticoids involves the concerted action of several factors that eventually allow an adequate adaptation to the environment. Circadian rhythms are controlled by the circadian timing system that comprises peripheral oscillators and a central rhythm generator located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, driven by the self-regulatory interaction of a set of proteins encoded by genes named clock genes. Here we describe the phase relationship between the SCN and adrenal gland for the expression of selected core clock transcripts (Per-2, Bmal-1) in the adult capuchin monkey, a New World, diurnal nonhuman primate. In the SCN we found a higher expression of Bmal-1 during the h of darkness (2000-0200 h) and Per-2 during daytime h (1400 h). The adrenal gland expressed clock genes in oscillatory fashion, with higher values for Bmal-1 during the day (1400-2000 h), whereas Per-2 was higher at nighttime (about 0200 h), resulting in a 9- to 12-h antiphase pattern. In the adrenal gland, the oscillation of clock genes was accompanied by rhythmic expression of a functional output, the steroidogenic enzyme 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Furthermore, we show that adrenal explants maintained oscillatory expression of Per-2 and Bmal-1 for at least 36 h in culture. The acrophase of both transcripts, but not its overall expression along the incubation, was blunted by 100 nm melatonin. Altogether, these results demonstrate oscillation of clock genes in the SCN and adrenal gland of a diurnal primate and support an oscillation of clock genes in the adrenal gland that may be modulated by the neurohormone melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Valenzuela
- Programa de Fisiopatología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Casilla, Santiago 9, Chile
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50
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Richter HG, Torres-Farfan C, Garcia-Sesnich J, Abarzua-Catalan L, Henriquez MG, Alvarez-Felmer M, Gaete F, Rehren GE, Seron-Ferre M. Rhythmic expression of functional MT1 melatonin receptors in the rat adrenal gland. Endocrinology 2008; 149:995-1003. [PMID: 18039783 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that melatonin is involved in the regulation of adrenal glucocorticoid production in diurnal primates through activation of MT1 membrane-bound melatonin receptors. However, whether melatonin has a similar role in nocturnal rodents remains unclear. Using an integrative approach, here we show that the adult rat adrenal gland expresses a functional MT1 melatonin receptor in a rhythmic fashion. We found that: 1) expression of the cognate mRNA encoding for the MT1 membrane-bound melatonin receptor, displaying higher levels in the day/night transition (1800-2200 h); 2) expression of the predicted 37-kDa MT1 polypeptide in immunoblots from adrenals collected at 2200 h but not 1000 h; 3) no expression of the MT2 melatonin receptor mRNA and protein; 4) specific high-affinity 2-[(125)I]iodomelatonin binding in membrane fractions and frozen sections from adrenals collected at 2200 h but not 0800 h (dissociation constant = 14.22 +/- 1.23 pm; maximal binding capacity = 0.88 +/- 0.02 fmol/mg protein); and 5) in vitro clock time-dependent inhibition of ACTH-stimulated corticosterone production by 1-100 nm melatonin, which was reversed by 1 microm luzindole (a melatonin membrane receptor antagonist). Our findings indicate not only expression but also high amplitude diurnal variation of functional MT1 melatonin receptors in the rat adrenal gland. It is conceivable that plasma melatonin may play a role to fine-tune corticosterone production in nocturnal rodents, probably contributing to the down slope of the corticosterone rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans G Richter
- Instituto de Anatomia, Histologia, y Patologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Austral de Chile, Casilla (P.O. Box) 567, Valdivia, Chile.
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