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Shi XK, Peng T, Azimova B, Li XL, Li SS, Cao DY, Fu NJ, Zhang GL, Xiao WL, Wang F. Luteolin and its analog luteolin-7-methylether from Leonurus japonicus Houtt suppress aromatase-mediated estrogen biosynthesis to alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome by the inhibition of tumor progression locus 2. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 331:118279. [PMID: 38705425 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Leonurus japonicus Houtt (L. japonicus, Chinese motherwort), known as Yi Mu Cao which means "good for women", has long been widely used in China and other Asian countries to alleviate gynecological disorders, often characterized by estrogen dysregulation. It has been used for the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder in women but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was designed to investigate the effect and mechanism of flavonoid luteolin and its analog luteolin-7-methylether contained in L. japonicus on aromatase, a rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens and a drug target to induce ovulation in PCOS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells was examined using ELISA. Western blots were used to explore the signaling pathways in the regulation of aromatase expression. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action of compounds. Finally, animal models were used to assess the therapeutic potential of these compounds in PCOS. RESULTS Luteolin potently inhibited estrogen biosynthesis in human ovarian granulosa cells stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone. This effect was achieved by decreasing cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB)-mediated expression of aromatase. Mechanistically, luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether targeted tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) to suppress mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6)-p38 MAPK-CREB pathway signaling. Transcriptional analysis showed that these compounds regulated the expression of different genes, with the MAPK signaling pathway being the most significantly affected. Furthermore, luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether effectively alleviated the symptoms of PCOS in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a previously unrecognized role of TPL2 in estrogen biosynthesis and suggests that luteolin and luteolin-7-methylether have potential as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of PCOS. The results provide a foundation for further development of these compounds as effective and safe therapies for women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ke Shi
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Peng
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; Antibiotics Research and Re-evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Bahtigul Azimova
- Department of Inorganic, Physical and Colloidal Chemistry, Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute, 45 Aybek Street, 100015, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Xiao-Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy and School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China.
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong-Yi Cao
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Department of Pharmacy, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Nai-Jie Fu
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guo-Lin Zhang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wei-Lie Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, Yunnan Characteristic Plant Extraction Laboratory, Yunnan Provincial Center for Research & Development of Natural Products, School of Pharmacy and School of Chemical Science and Technology, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Center for Natural Products Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Avenant C, Singata-Madliki M, Bick AJ, Africander D, Balakrishna Y, Storbeck KH, Moliki JM, Dlamini S, Skosana S, Smit J, Beksinska M, Beesham I, Seocharan I, Batting J, Hofmeyr GJ, Hapgood JP. The injectable contraceptives depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and norethisterone enanthate substantially and differentially decrease testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin levels: A secondary study from the WHICH randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307736. [PMID: 39178280 PMCID: PMC11343371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV acquisition risk with norethisterone (NET) enanthate (NET-EN) is reportedly less than for depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate intramuscular (DMPA-IM). We investigated the effects of these progestin-only injectable contraceptives on serum testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, since these may play a role in sexual behavior and HIV acquisition. The open-label WHICH clinical trial, conducted at two sites in South Africa from 2018-2019, randomized HIV-negative women aged 18-40 years to 150 mg DMPA-IM 12-weekly (n = 262) or 200 mg NET-EN 8-weekly (n = 259). We measured testosterone by UHPLC-MS/MS and SHBG by immunoassay in matched pairs of serum samples collected at baseline (D0) and at peak serum progestin levels at 25 weeks post initiation (25W) (n = 214-218 pairs). Both contraceptives substantially decreased, from D0 to 25W, the total testosterone [DMPA-IM D0 0.560, 25W 0.423 nmol/L, -24.3% (p < 0.0001); NET-EN D0 0.551, 25W 0.253 nmol/L, -54.1%, (p < 0.0001)], SHBG [DMPA-IM D0 45.0, 25W 32.7 nmol/L, -29.8% (p < 0.0001); NET-EN D0 50.2, 25W 17.6 nmol/L, -65.1% (p < 0.0001)], and calculated free testosterone levels [DMPA-IM D0 6.87, 25W 5.38 pmol/L, -17.2% (p = 0.0371); NET-EN D0 6.00, 25W 3.70, -40.0% (p < 0.0001)]. After adjusting for change from D0, the total testosterone, SHBG and calculated free testosterone levels were significantly higher for DMPA-IM than NET-EN (64.9%, p < 0.0001; 101.2%, p < 0.0001; and 38.0%, p = 0.0120, respectively). The substantial and differential decrease in testosterone and SHBG levels does not explain our previous finding of no detected decrease in risky sexual behavior or sexual function for DMPA-IM or NET-EN users from D0 to 25W. Medroxyprogesterone (MPA) and NET are androgenic and are both present in molar excess over testosterone and SHBG concentrations at 25W. Any within or between contraceptive group androgenic effects on behavior in the brain are likely dominated by the androgenic activities of MPA and NET and not by the decreased endogenous testosterone levels. The clinical trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR 202009758229976).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandisa Singata-Madliki
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - Alexis J. Bick
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Donita Africander
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Johnson M. Moliki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sigcinile Dlamini
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Salndave Skosana
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jenni Smit
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ivana Beesham
- Wits MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ishen Seocharan
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Joanne Batting
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
| | - George J. Hofmeyr
- Effective Care Research Unit, Eastern Cape Department of Health/Universities of the Witwatersrand and Fort Hare, East London, South Africa
- Walter Sisulu University, East London, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Janet P. Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhou N, Lv W, Chen L, Chen K, He Q, Xie G, Ma J, Cao Y, Zhang B, Zhou X. Jujuboside A Attenuates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Based on Estrogen Metabolism Through Activating AhR-mediated CYP1A2 Expression. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2234-2245. [PMID: 38499949 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01511-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of Jujuboside A on PCOS using a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced PCOS mouse model. Estrogen and androgen homeostasis was evaluated in serum from both clinical samples and PCOS mice. The stages of the estrous cycle were determined based on vaginal cytology. The ovarian morphology was observed by stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Moreover, we analyzed protein expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in ovary and KGN cells. Molecular docking, immunofluorescence, and luciferase assay were performed to confirm the activation of AhR by Jujuboside A. Jujuboside A effectively alleviated the disturbance of estrogen homeostasis and restored ovarian function, leading to an improvement in the occurrence and progression of PCOS. Furthermore, the protective effect of JuA against PCOS was dependent on increased CYP1A2 levels regulated by AhR. Our findings suggest that Jujuboside A improves estrogen disorders and may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Wenqiang Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Linna Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Qing He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Guangyan Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Jiachen Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Yijuan Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, 199 South Jiefang Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, 199 South Jiefang Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Xueyan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
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Bartkowiak-Wieczorek J, Jaros A, Gajdzińska A, Wojtyła-Buciora P, Szymański I, Szymaniak J, Janusz W, Walczak I, Jonaszka G, Bienert A. The Dual Faces of Oestrogen: The Impact of Exogenous Oestrogen on the Physiological and Pathophysiological Functions of Tissues and Organs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8167. [PMID: 39125736 PMCID: PMC11311417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Oestrogen plays a crucial physiological role in both women and men. It regulates reproductive functions and maintains various non-reproductive tissues through its receptors, such as oestrogen receptor 1/oestrogen receptor α (ESR1/Erα), oestrogen receptor 2/oestrogen receptor β (ESR2/Erβ), and G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor 1 (GPER). This hormone is essential for the proper functioning of women's ovaries and uterus. Oestrogen supports testicular function and spermatogenesis in men and contributes to bone density, cardiovascular health, and metabolic processes in both sexes. Nuclear receptors Er-α and Er-β belong to the group of transcription activators that stimulate cell proliferation. In the environment, compounds similar in structure to the oestrogens compete with endogenous hormones for binding sites to receptors and to disrupt homeostasis. The lack of balance in oestrogen levels can lead to infertility, cancer, immunological disorders, and other conditions. Exogenous endocrine-active compounds, such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and organic phosphoric acid esters, can disrupt signalling pathways responsible for cell division and apoptosis processes. The metabolism of oestrogen and its structurally similar compounds can produce carcinogenic substances. It can also stimulate the growth of cancer cells by regulating genes crucial for cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, with long-term elevated levels linked to hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancer. Oestrogens can also affect markers of immunological activation and contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases. Hormone replacement therapy, oral contraception, in vitro fertilisation stimulation, and hormonal stimulation of transgender people can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cortisol, similar in structure to oestrogen, can serve as a biomarker associated with the risk of developing breast cancer. The aim of this review is to analyse the sources of oestrogens and their effects on the endogenous and exogenous process of homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bartkowiak-Wieczorek
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Agnieszka Jaros
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.J.); (A.B.)
| | - Anna Gajdzińska
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Paulina Wojtyła-Buciora
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Calisia University, 62-800 Kalisz, Poland
| | - Igor Szymański
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Julian Szymaniak
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Wojciech Janusz
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Iga Walczak
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Gabriela Jonaszka
- Physiology Department, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.G.); (P.W.-B.); (I.S.); (J.S.); (W.J.); (I.W.); (G.J.)
| | - Agnieszka Bienert
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (A.J.); (A.B.)
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Schilling-Tóth BM, Belcher SM, Knotz J, Ondrašovičová S, Bartha T, Tóth I, Zsarnovszky A, Kiss DS. Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination in Crocodilians and Climate Challenges. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2015. [PMID: 38998126 PMCID: PMC11240705 DOI: 10.3390/ani14132015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The sex of crocodilians is determined by the temperature to which the eggs, and hence the developing embryo are exposed during critical periods of development. Temperature-dependent sex determination is a process that occurs in all crocodilians and numerous other reptile taxa. The study of artificial incubation temperatures in different species of crocodiles and alligators has determined the specific temperature ranges that result in altered sex ratios. It has also revealed the precise temperature thresholds at which an equal number of males and females are generated, as well as the specific developmental period during which the sex of the hatchlings may be shifted. This review will examine the molecular basis of the sex-determination mechanism in crocodilians elucidated during recent decades. It will focus on the many patterns and theories associated with this process. Additionally, we will examine the consequences that arise after hatching due to changes in incubation temperatures, as well as the potential benefits and dangers of a changing climate for crocodilians who display sex determination based on temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boglárka Mária Schilling-Tóth
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Scott M. Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Josefine Knotz
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Silvia Ondrašovičová
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Tibor Bartha
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - István Tóth
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
| | - Attila Zsarnovszky
- Agribiotechnology and Precision Breeding for Food Security National Laboratory, Institute of Physiology and Nutrition, Department of Animal Physiology and Health, Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Dávid Sándor Kiss
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (B.M.S.-T.); (J.K.); (T.B.); (I.T.); (D.S.K.)
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Bhatia N, Thareja S. Aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer: An overview (2019-2023). Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107607. [PMID: 39002515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibition is considered a legitimate approach for the treatment of ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer as it accounts for more than 70% of breast cancer cases. Aromatase inhibitor therapy has been demonstrated to be highly effective in decreasing tumour size, increasing survival rates, and lowering the chance of cancer recurrence. The present review deliberates the pathophysiology and the role of aromatase in estrogen biosynthesis. Estrogen biosynthesis, various androgens, and their function in the human body have also been discussed. The salient aspects of the aromatase active site, its mode of action, and AIs, along with their intended interactions with presently FDA-approved inhibitors, have been briefly discussed. It has been detailed how different reported AIs were designed, their SAR investigations, in silico analysis, and biological evaluations. Various AIs from multiple origins, such as synthetic and semi-synthetic, have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab 151401, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab 151401, India.
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Merzel Šabović EK, Kocjan T, Zalaudek I. Treatment of menopausal skin - A narrative review of existing treatments, controversies, and future perspectives. Post Reprod Health 2024; 30:85-94. [PMID: 38379168 DOI: 10.1177/20533691241233440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Menopause is a state of estrogen deficiency that affects numerous estrogen-dependent tissues in the female body. Skin is one of the most affected organs. Many consider menopausal skin changes to be merely an aesthetic problem; however, they can significantly affect women's quality of life. Currently, there are no approved effective treatments to prevent or alleviate skin changes associated with estrogen deficiency. Standard systemic hormone replacement therapy used to treat menopausal symptoms may be effective to some degree for skin treatment. In addition, compounded bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and phytoestrogens could also be used for skin treatment, although this is only hypothetical due to lack of data. Many questions therefore remain unanswered. On the other hand, topical, low-dose estrogen that would act only on the skin without systemic effects could be a possible option, as could be skin-only acting topical phytoestrogens. Such topical products without systemic effects could play a role in the treatment of menopausal skin. However, they are not currently approved because there is insufficient data on their safety and efficacy. A healthy lifestyle could have a positive effect on the menopausal skin. In this review, we provide an overview of the characteristics of menopausal skin, an outlook on the future treatment of menopausal skin with estrogens and other approaches, and the associated controversies and speculations. Overall, the importance of menopausal skin changes should not be neglected, and high-quality research is needed to gain new insights into the treatment of menopausal skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Merzel Šabović
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Kocjan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Department of Dermatology, Maggiore Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Bel’skaya LV, Dyachenko EI. Oxidative Stress in Breast Cancer: A Biochemical Map of Reactive Oxygen Species Production. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4646-4687. [PMID: 38785550 PMCID: PMC11120394 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This review systematizes information about the metabolic features of breast cancer directly related to oxidative stress. It has been shown those redox changes occur at all levels and affect many regulatory systems in the human body. The features of the biochemical processes occurring in breast cancer are described, ranging from nonspecific, at first glance, and strictly biochemical to hormone-induced reactions, genetic and epigenetic regulation, which allows for a broader and deeper understanding of the principles of oncogenesis, as well as maintaining the viability of cancer cells in the mammary gland. Specific pathways of the activation of oxidative stress have been studied as a response to the overproduction of stress hormones and estrogens, and specific ways to reduce its negative impact have been described. The diversity of participants that trigger redox reactions from different sides is considered more fully: glycolytic activity in breast cancer, and the nature of consumption of amino acids and metals. The role of metals in oxidative stress is discussed in detail. They can act as both co-factors and direct participants in oxidative stress, since they are either a trigger mechanism for lipid peroxidation or capable of activating signaling pathways that affect tumorigenesis. Special attention has been paid to the genetic and epigenetic regulation of breast tumors. A complex cascade of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation is explained, which made it possible to reconsider the existing opinion about the triggers and pathways for launching the oncological process, the survival of cancer cells and their ability to localize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyudmila V. Bel’skaya
- Biochemistry Research Laboratory, Omsk State Pedagogical University, 644099 Omsk, Russia;
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Ferreira Almeida C, Correia-da-Silva G, Teixeira N, Amaral C. Influence of tumor microenvironment on the different breast cancer subtypes and applied therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116178. [PMID: 38561089 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Despite the significant improvements made in breast cancer therapy during the last decades, this disease still has increasing incidence and mortality rates. Different targets involved in general processes, like cell proliferation and survival, have become alternative therapeutic options for this disease, with some of them already used in clinic, like the CDK4/6 inhibitors for luminal A tumors treatment. Nevertheless, there is a demand for novel therapeutic strategies focused not only on tumor cells, but also on their microenvironment. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is a very complex and dynamic system that, more than surrounding and supporting tumor cells, actively participates in tumor development and progression. During the last decades, it has become clear that the cellular and acellular components of TME differ between the various breast cancer subtypes and shape the differences regarding their severity and prognosis. The pivotal role of the TME in controlling tumor growth and influencing responses to therapy represents a potential source for novel targets and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we present a description of the multiple therapeutic options used for different breast cancer subtypes, as well as the influence that the TME may exert on the development of the disease and on the response to the distinct therapies, which in some cases may explain their failure by the occurrence of relapses and resistance. Furthermore, the ongoing studies focused on the use of TME components for developing potential cancer treatments are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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10
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Balasem Z, Salamat N, Mojiri-Forushani H. Using cell culture systems from the Persian Gulf Arabian yellowfin sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus, to assess the effects of dexamethasone on gonad and brain aromatase activity and steroid production. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 97:105803. [PMID: 38431060 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is a synthetic glucocorticoid widely used as pharmaceutical and usually exists in effluents with varying degrees of concentrations. In this study, cultivated Brain, ovary and testis cells from Arabian Sea bream, Acanthopagrus arabicus, were treated by DEX at concentrations of 0, 0.3, 3.0, 30.0 and 300.0 μg/ml for 48 h. The aromatase activity and steroid (17-β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) and testosterone (T)) production by cells were measured at 12, 24 and 48 h of the experiment. The results showed that the sensitivity of cultivated ovarian, testicular and brain cells to DEX increased dose dependently. DEX was potent inhibitor of aromatase activity at specially 30.0 and 300.0 μg/ml in the cultivated ovarian and testicular cells at different sampling time. On the other hand, DEX was found to stimulate the aromatase activity of fish brain. DEX also decreased E2, P and T production by cultivated ovarian and testicular cells during the experiment. While, DEX caused an increase in the production of E2 and P by brain cells, which seems logical considering the stimulating effect of this drug on brain aromatase activity. In conclusion, results highlight that DEX is able to change the activity of aromatase, and disrupt the biosynthesis of estrogens and thus affect reproduction in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Balasem
- Department of Marine Biology, School of Marine Science, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology in Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iran
| | - Negin Salamat
- Department of Marine Biology, School of Marine Science, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology in Khorramshahr University of Marine Sciences and Technology, Iran.
| | - Hoda Mojiri-Forushani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
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11
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Hu J, Zhu BY, Niu ZX. Catalysts of Healing: A Symphony of Synthesis and Clinical Artistry in Small-Molecule Agents for Breast Cancer Alleviation. Molecules 2024; 29:1166. [PMID: 38474678 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, characterized by its molecular intricacy, has witnessed a surge in targeted therapeutics owing to the rise of small-molecule drugs. These entities, derived from cutting-edge synthetic routes, often encompassing multistage reactions and chiral synthesis, target a spectrum of oncogenic pathways. Their mechanisms of action range from modulating hormone receptor signaling and inhibiting kinase activity, to impeding DNA damage repair mechanisms. Clinical applications of these drugs have resulted in enhanced patient survival rates, reduction in disease recurrence, and improved overall therapeutic indices. Notably, certain molecules have showcased efficacy in drug-resistant breast cancer phenotypes, highlighting their potential in addressing treatment challenges. The evolution and approval of small-molecule drugs have ushered in a new era for breast cancer therapeutics. Their tailored synthetic pathways and defined mechanisms of action have augmented the precision and efficacy of treatment regimens, paving the way for improved patient outcomes in the face of this pervasive malignancy. The present review embarks on a detailed exploration of small-molecule drugs that have secured regulatory approval for breast cancer treatment, emphasizing their clinical applications, synthetic pathways, and distinct mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
| | - Bi-Yue Zhu
- Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400015, China
| | - Zhen-Xi Niu
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, China
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12
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Wang J, Chen H, Zhang Y, Shen H, Zeng X. Long non-coding RNA Loc105611671 promotes the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and steroid hormone production upregulation of CDC42. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1366759. [PMID: 38500606 PMCID: PMC10944914 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1366759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cells (GCs) are essential for follicular development, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are known to support the maintenance of this process and hormone synthesis in mammals. Nevertheless, the regulatory roles of these lncRNAs within sheep follicular GCs remain largely unexplored. This study delved into the influence of a Loc105611671, on the proliferation and steroid hormone synthesis of sheep ovarian GCs and the associated target genes in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) gain-of-function experiments indicated that overexpression of Loc105611671 significantly boosted GCs proliferation, along with estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. Further mechanistic scrutiny revealed that Loc105611671 is primarily localized within the cytoplasm of ovarian granulosa cells and engages in molecular interplay with CDC42. This interaction results in the upregulation of CDC42 protein expression. Moreover, it was discerned that increased CDC42 levels contribute to augmented proliferation of follicular granulosa cells and the secretion of E2 and P4. Experiments involving co-transfection elucidated that the concurrent overexpression of CDC42 and Loc105611671 acted synergistically to potentiate these effects. These findings provide insights into the molecular underpinnings of fecundity in ovine species and may inform future strategies for enhancing reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hanying Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hong Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiancun Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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13
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Ledesma-Corvi S, Jornet-Plaza J, Gálvez-Melero L, García-Fuster MJ. Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107085. [PMID: 38309382 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for novel fast-acting antidepressants for adolescent treatment-resistant depression and/or suicidal risk, since the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that are clinically approved for that age (i.e., fluoxetine or escitalopram) take weeks to work. In this context, one of the main research lines of our group is to characterize at the preclinical level novel approaches for rapid-acting antidepressants for adolescence. The present review summarizes the potential use in adolescence of non-pharmacological options, such as neuromodulators (electroconvulsive therapy and other innovative types of brain stimulation), as well as pharmacological options, including consciousness-altering drugs (mainly ketamine but also classical psychedelics) and cannabinoids (i.e., cannabidiol), with promising fast-acting responses. Following a brief analytical explanation of adolescent depression, we present a general introduction for each therapeutical approach together with the clinical evidence supporting its potential beneficial use in adolescence (mainly extrapolated from prior successful examples for adults), to then report recent and/or ongoing preclinical studies that will aid in improving the inclusion of these therapies in the clinic, by considering potential sex-, age-, and dose-related differences, and/or other factors that might affect efficacy or long-term safety. Finally, we conclude the review by providing future avenues to maximize treatment response, including the need for more clinical studies and the importance of designing and/or testing novel treatment options that are safe and fast-acting for adolescent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jordi Jornet-Plaza
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Gálvez-Melero
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- Neuropharmacology Research Group, IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
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14
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Reder SR, Fritzen I, Brockmann MA, Hardt J, Elsner K, Petrowski K, Bjelopavlovic M. Comparing a common clavicle maturation-based age estimation method to ordinary regression analyses with quadratic and sex-specific interaction terms in adolescents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2754. [PMID: 38307929 PMCID: PMC10837444 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52980-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Established methods of age estimation are based on correlating defined maturation stages of bony structures with tables representing the observed range of biological ages in the majority of cases. In this retrospective monocentric study in southwestern Germany, common age estimation methodology was assessed in n = 198 subjects at the age of 25 or younger by analyzing the influence of age, quadratic age, biological sex and age-sex interaction on the ossification stages of the medial epiphysis fugue. Three readers (ICC ≥ 0.81 for left/right side) evaluated routine care computed tomography images of the clavicle with a slice thickness of 1 mm. By using least square regression analyses, to determine the real biological age a quadratic function was determined corrected for the age estimated by established methods and sex (R2 = 0.6 each side), reducing the mean absolute error and root mean squared error in the age estimation of women (2.57 and 3.19) and men (2.57 and 3.47) to 1.54 and 1.82 for women, and 1.54 and 2.25 for men. In women, the medial clavicle epiphysis seem to fuse faster, which was particularly observable from approximately 18 years of age. Before that age, the estimation method was relatively close to the ideal correlation between assessed and real age. To conclude, the presented new method enables more precise age estimation in individuals and facilitates the determination and quantification of additional variables, quantifying their influence on the maturation of the medial clavicle epiphysis based on the established ossification stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian R Reder
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Isabel Fritzen
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marc A Brockmann
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jochen Hardt
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katrin Elsner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University of Mainz, Am Pulverturm 9, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katja Petrowski
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Monika Bjelopavlovic
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Augustusplatz 2, 55131, Mainz, Germany
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15
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Ren W, Wang J, Zeng Y, Wang T, Meng J, Yao X. Differential age-related transcriptomic analysis of ovarian granulosa cells in Kazakh horses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1346260. [PMID: 38352714 PMCID: PMC10863452 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1346260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Kazakh horse, renowned for its excellence as a breed, exhibits distinctive reproductive traits characterized by early maturity and seasonal estrus. While normal reproductive function is crucial for ensuring the breeding and expansion of the Kazakh horse population, a noteworthy decline in reproductive capabilities is observed after reaching 14 years of age. Methods In this study, ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) were meticulously collected from Kazakh horses aged 1, 2, 7, and above 15 years old (excluding 15 years old) for whole transcriptome sequencing. Results The analysis identified and selected differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs for each age group, followed by a thorough examination through GO enrichment analysis. The study uncovered significant variations in the expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs within GCs at different stages of maturity. Notably, eca-miR-486-3p and miR-486-y exhibited the highest degree of connectivity. Subsequent GO, KEGG, PPI, and ceRNA network analyses elucidated that the differentially expressed target genes actively participate in signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, and hormonal regulation. These pathways include but are not limited to the MAPK signaling pathway, Hippo signaling pathway, Wnt signaling pathway, Calcium signaling pathway, Aldosterone synthesis and secretion, Cellular senescence, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway-essentially encompassing signal transduction pathways crucial to reproductive processes. Discussion This research significantly contributes to unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing follicular development in Kazakh horses. It establishes and preliminarily validates a differential regulatory network involving lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA, intricately associated with processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis and integral to the developmental intricacies of stromal follicles. The findings of this study provide a solid theoretical foundation for delving deeper into the realm of reproductive aging in Kazakh mares, presenting itself as a pivotal regulatory pathway in the context of horse ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlu Ren
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jianwen Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
| | - Yaqi Zeng
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Tongliang Wang
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jun Meng
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
| | - Xinkui Yao
- College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
- Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi, China
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16
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Guo C, Zhang K, Li C, Xing R, Xu S, Wang D, Wang X. Cyp19a1a Promotes Ovarian Maturation through Regulating E2 Synthesis with Estrogen Receptor 2a in Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1583. [PMID: 38338860 PMCID: PMC10855460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the artificial breeding of Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788), female fish spawn before male release sperm, which indicates rapid ovarian development. In fish, aromatase is responsible for converting androgens into estrogens and estrogen plays a crucial role in ovarian development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential role of brain-type and ovarian-type aromatase to study the rapid ovarian development mechanism. The results showed that cyp19a1a was mainly expressed in the ovary and could be classified as the ovarian type, whereas cyp19a1b could be considered as the brain type for its expression was mainly in the brain. During ovarian development, the expression of cyp19a1a in the ovary significantly increased from stage IV to stage V and Cyp19a1a signals were present in the follicle cells, while cyp19a1b expression in the pituitary gland decreased from stage IV to stage V. To further investigate the function of Cyp19a1a, recombinant Cyp19a1a (rCyp19a1a) was produced and specific anti-Cyp19a1a antiserum was obtained. The expressions of cyp19a1a, estrogen receptors 2 alpha (esr2a), and androgen receptor alpha (arα) were significantly upregulated in the presence of rCyp19a1a. Meanwhile, cyp19a1a was expressed significantly after E2 treatment in both ovarian and testicular tissue culture. Taken together, we found two forms of aromatase in silver pomfret. The ovarian-type aromatase might play an important role in ovarian differentiation and maturation, and participate in E2 synthesis through co-regulation with esr2a. The brain-type aromatase cyp19a1b might be involved in the regulation of both brain and gonadal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyang Guo
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Chang Li
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Ruixue Xing
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
| | - Shanliang Xu
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Danli Wang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xubo Wang
- College of Marine Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China; (C.G.); (K.Z.); (C.L.); (R.X.); (S.X.); (D.W.)
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Zhejiang Marine High-Efficiency and Healthy Aquaculture, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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17
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Youngblood H, Schoenlein PV, Pasquale LR, Stamer WD, Liu Y. Estrogen dysregulation, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma risk. Exp Eye Res 2023; 237:109725. [PMID: 37956940 PMCID: PMC10842791 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Characterized by optic nerve atrophy due to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Of the major risk factors for glaucoma (age, ocular hypertension, and genetics), only elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is modifiable, which is largely regulated by aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone have long been known to elevate IOP and lead to glaucoma. However, several recent studies have reported that steroid hormone estrogen levels inversely correlate with glaucoma risk, and that variants in estrogen signaling genes have been associated with glaucoma. As a result, estrogen dysregulation may contribute to glaucoma pathogenesis, and estrogen signaling may protect against glaucoma. The mechanism for estrogen-related protection against glaucoma is not completely understood but likely involves both regulation of IOP homeostasis and neuroprotection of RGCs. Based upon its known activities, estrogen signaling may promote IOP homeostasis by affecting extracellular matrix turnover, focal adhesion assembly, actin stress fiber formation, mechanosensation, and nitric oxide production. In addition, estrogen receptors in the RGCs may mediate neuroprotective functions. As a result, the estrogen signaling pathway may offer a therapeutic target for both IOP control and neuroprotection. This review examines the evidence for a relationship between estrogen and IOP and explores the possible mechanisms by which estrogen maintains IOP homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Youngblood
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Patricia V Schoenlein
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Radiology and Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Surgery, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Louis R Pasquale
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - W Daniel Stamer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; James and Jean Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA; Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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18
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Dong S, Xu J, Yang D, Zhao X, Li X, Chen D, Xing J, Shi Y, Sun Y, Ding G. Different Life-Stage Exposure to Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Trimer Acid Induces Reproductive Toxicity in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2023; 42:2490-2500. [PMID: 37589400 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
As a novel alternative to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) has been widely used and has caused ubiquitous water pollution. However, its adverse effects on aquatic organisms are still not well known. In the present study, zebrafish at different life stages were exposed to 0, 5, 50, and 100 μg/L of HFPO-TA for 21 days to investigate reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. The results showed that HFPO-TA exposure significantly inhibited growth and induced reproductive toxicity in zebrafish, including a decrease of the condition factor, gonadosomatic index, and the average number of eggs. Histological section observation revealed that percentages of mature oocytes and spermatozoa were reduced, while those of primary oocytes and spermatocytes increased. In addition, exposure to HFPO-TA at three stages induced a significant decrease in the hatching rate, while the heart rate and normal growth rate of F1 offspring were only significantly inhibited for the exposure from fertilization to 21 days postfertilization (dpf). Compared with the exposure from 42 to 63 dpf, the reproductive toxicity induced by HFPO-TA was more significant for the exposure from fertilization to 21 dpf and from 21 to 42 dpf. Expression of the genes for cytochrome P450 A1A, vitellogenin 1, estrogen receptor alpha, and estrogen receptor 2b was significantly up-regulated in most cases after exposure to HFPO-TA, suggesting that HFPO-TA exhibited an estrogen effect similar to PFOA. Therefore, HFPO-TA might disturb the balance of sex steroid hormones and consequently induce reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. Taken together, the results demonstrate that exposure to HFPO-TA at different life stages could induce reproductive toxicity in zebrafish. However, the underlying mechanisms deserve further investigation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2490-2500. © 2023 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Dong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Jianhui Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Dan Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Dezhi Chen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Xing
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Yawei Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Ya Sun
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
| | - Guanghui Ding
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, China
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19
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Hirtz A, Rech F, Dubois-Pot-Schneider H, Dumond H. Estrogen signaling in healthy and tumor brain. Steroids 2023; 199:109285. [PMID: 37543222 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex-specific differences in brain organization and function are widely explored in multidisciplinary studies, ranging from sociology and biology to digital modelling. In addition, there is growing evidence that natural or disturbed hormonal environments play a crucial role in the onset of brain disorders and pathogenesis. For example, steroid hormones, but also enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and receptors triggering hormone signaling are key players of gliomagenesis. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge about steroid hormone, particularly estrogens synthesis and signaling, in normal brain compared to the tumor brain. We will focus on two key molecular players, aromatase and the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor, GPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hirtz
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | - Fabien Rech
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Service de Neurochirurgie, F-54000 Nancy, France.
| | | | - Hélène Dumond
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, CRAN, F-54000 Nancy, France.
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20
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Wang Y, Li Q, Ma Z, Xu H, Peng F, Chen B, Ma B, Qin L, Lan J, Li Y, Lan D, Li J, Wang S, Fu W. β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Alleviates Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Death in Ovarian Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15666. [PMID: 37958650 PMCID: PMC10649918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining normal functions of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is essential for oocyte development and maturation. The dysfunction of GCs impairs nutrition supply and estrogen secretion by follicles, thus negatively affecting the breeding capacity of farm animals. Impaired GCs is generally associated with declines in Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels, which triggers un-controlled oxidative stress, and the oxidative stress, thus, attack the subcellular structures and cause cell damage. β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a NAD+ precursor, has demonstrated well-known antioxidant properties in several studies. In this study, using two types of ovarian GCs (mouse GCs (mGCs) and human granulosa cell line (KGN)) as cell models, we aimed to investigate the potential effects of NMN on gene expression patterns and antioxidant capacity of both mGCs and KGN that were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). As shown in results of the study, mGCs that were exposed to H2O2 significantly altered the gene expression patterns, with 428 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) when compared with those of the control group. Furthermore, adding NMN to H2O2-cultured mGCs displayed 621 DEGs. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in key pathways like cell cycle, senescence, and cell death. Using RT-qPCR, CCK8, and β-galactosidase staining, we found that H2O2 exposure on mGCs obviously reduced cell activity/mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cellular senescence. Notably, NMN supplementation partially prevented these H2O2-induced abnormalities. Moreover, these similar beneficial effects of NMN on antioxidant capacity were confirmed in the KGN cell models that were exposed to H2O2. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that NMN supplementation protects against H2O2-induced impairments in gene expression pattern, cell cycle arrest, and cell death in ovarian GCs through boosting NAD+ levels and provide potential strategies to ameliorate uncontrolled oxidative stress in ovarian GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunduan Wang
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Qiao Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Zifeng Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Hongmei Xu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Feiyu Peng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bin Chen
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Bo Ma
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Linmei Qin
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiachen Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Yueyue Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
| | - Daoliang Lan
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400032, China
| | - Wei Fu
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chendu 610041, China; (Y.W.); (H.X.); (J.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Southwest Minzu University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Science of National Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Ledesma-Corvi S, Jornet-Plaza J, García-Fuster MJ. Aromatase inhibition and ketamine in rats: sex-differences in antidepressant-like efficacy. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:73. [PMID: 37876000 PMCID: PMC10599051 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00560-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketamine has been recently approved to treat resistant depression; however preclinical studies showed sex differences in its efficacy. Sex steroids, such as estrogens and testosterone, both in the periphery and locally in the brain, are regarded as important modulators of these sex differences. Therefore, the present study evaluated how inhibiting the biosynthesis of estrogens with letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) could affect the observed sex differences in ketamine's antidepressant-like-response. METHODS We performed several consecutive studies in adult Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate potential sex differences in the antidepressant-like effects of ketamine (5 mg/kg, 7 days, i.p.), letrozole (1 mg/kg, 8 days, i.p.) and their combination (letrozole pre-treatment 3 h before ketamine). Acute and repeated antidepressant-like responses were ascertained in a series of behavioral tests (forced-swim, novelty-suppressed feeding, two-bottle choice for sucrose preference). RESULTS The main results proved clear sex differences in the antidepressant-like response induced by ketamine, which was observed following a repeated paradigm in adult male rats, but rendered inefficacious in female rats. Moreover, decreasing estrogens production with letrozole induced on itself an antidepressant-like response in female rats, while also increased ketamine's response in male rats (i.e., quicker response observed after only a single dose). Interestingly, both the antidepressant-like effects induced by ketamine in male rats or letrozole in female rats persisted over time up to 65 days post-treatment, suggesting long-term sex-directed benefits for these drugs. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrated a sex-specific role for aromatase inhibition with letrozole in the antidepressant-like response induced by ketamine in male rats. Moreover, letrozole itself presented as a potential antidepressant for females with persistent effects over time. Clearly, the production of estrogens is key in modulating, in a sex-specific manner, affective-like responses and thus deserve further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Jordi Jornet-Plaza
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. de Valldemossa Km 7.5, 07122, Palma, Spain.
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.
- Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain.
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22
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Ledesma-Corvi S, García-Fuster MJ. Aromatase Inhibition and Electroconvulsive Seizures in Adolescent Rats: Antidepressant and Long-Term Cognitive Sex Differences. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:607-615. [PMID: 37559395 PMCID: PMC10519810 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed sex differences in the antidepressant-like potential of electroconvulsive seizures (ECS) in adolescent rats; whereas it worked for male rats, it was inefficacious in females. Because sex steroids might be important modulators of these sex disparities, we evaluated the role of estrogens in the differential response induced by adolescent ECS. Moreover, given the literature suggesting certain cognitive sequelae from ECS exposure, we aimed at evaluating its long-term safety profile in adulthood. METHODS Adolescent Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with letrozole (1 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (1 mL/kg/day) for 8 days (i.p.) and treated during the last 5 days (3 hours later) with ECS (95 mA, 0.6 s, 100 Hz) or SHAM. Antidepressant-like responses were measured in the forced swim test, and long-term cognitive performance was assessed in the Barnes maze. RESULTS During adolescence, whereas ECS alone exerted an antidepressant-like response in male rats, its combination with letrozole permitted ECS to also induce efficacy in females. Moreover, adolescent ECS treatment improved cognitive performance in adulthood although exclusively in male rats. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent ECS demonstrated an antidepressant-like potential together with certain long-term beneficial cognitive effects but exclusively in male rats. For females, efficacy was restricted to a situation in which the biosynthesis of estrogens was reduced. Therefore, estrogens and/or testosterone levels play a crucial role in the sex disparities induced by ECS in Sprague-Dawley rats. Based on this study and on the literature supporting its safety, ECS should be encouraged for use in cases of treatment-resistant depression during adolescence, while adhering to sex-specific considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Ledesma-Corvi
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - M Julia García-Fuster
- IUNICS, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
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23
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Lai X, Peng S, Liu L, Zou Z, Cao L, Wang Y. Tissue-specific promoters regulate the transcription of cyp19a1 in the brain-pituitary-gonad axis of Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 232:106334. [PMID: 37236374 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is a key enzyme that catalyzes the biosynthesis of estrogens. Previous study indicated that putative tissue-specific promoters of the one aromatase gene (cyp19a1) may drive the differential regulatory mechanisms of cyp19a1 expression in Anguilla japonica. In the present study, for elucidating the transcription characteristics and the function of putative tissue-specific promoters of cyp19a1 in the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis during vitellogenesis, we investigated the transcriptional regulation of cyp19a1 by 17β-estrogen (E2), testosterone (T), or human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in A. japonica. The expression of estrogen receptor (esra), androgen receptor (ara), or luteinizing hormone receptor (lhr) was up-regulated as cyp19a1 in response to E2, T, or HCG, respectively in the telencephalon, diencephalon, and pituitary. The expression of cyp19a1 was also upregulated in the ovary by HCG or T in a dose-dependent manner. Unlike in the brain and pituitary, the expression of esra and lhr, rather than ara, was upregulated by T in the ovary. Subsequently, four primary subtypes of 5'-untranslated terminal regions of cyp19a1 transcripts and the corresponding two 5' flanking regions (promoter P.I and P.II) were identified. The P.II existed in all BPG axis tissues, whereas the P.I with strong transcriptional activity was brain- and pituitary-specific. Furthermore, the transcriptional activity of promoters, the core promoter region, and the three putative hormone receptor response elements were validated. The transcriptional activity did not change when the HEK291T cells co-transfected with P.II and ar vector were exposed to T. These results suggested that the expression of cyp19a1 was upregulated indirectly through esra and lhr rather than ara by T in the ovary, whereas the expression of cyp19a1 was upregulated directly through androgen receptor and the downstream androgen response element of tissue-specific P.I in the brain and pituitary. The results of the study reveal the regulatory mechanisms of estrogen biosynthesis and provide a reference for optimizing the technology of artificially induced maturation in eels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Lai
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education P. R. China, Xiamen 361021, China.
| | - Shuai Peng
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Liping Liu
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zhihua Zou
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Le Cao
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China; Engineering Research Center of the Modern Technology for Eel Industry, Ministry of Education P. R. China, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, China.
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24
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Hodge MJ, de Las Heras-Saldana S, Rindfleish SJ, Stephen CP, Pant SD. QTLs and Candidate Genes Associated with Semen Traits in Merino Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2286. [PMID: 37508063 PMCID: PMC10376747 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Ram semen traits play a significant role in conception outcomes, which in turn may influence reproductive efficiency and the overall productivity and profitability of sheep enterprises. Since hundreds of ewes may be inseminated from a single ejaculate, it is important to evaluate semen quality prior to use in sheep breeding programs. Given that semen traits have been found to be heritable, genetic variation likely contributes to the variability observed in these traits. Identifying such genetic variants could provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying variability in semen traits. Therefore, this study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with semen traits in Merino sheep. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken using 4506 semen collection records from 246 Merino rams collected between January 2002 and May 2021. The R package RepeatABEL was used to perform a GWAS for semen volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility. A total of 35 QTLs, located on 16 Ovis aries autosomes (OARs), were significantly associated with either of the four semen traits in this study. A total of 89, 95, 33, and 73 candidate genes were identified, via modified Bonferroni, within the QTLs significantly associated with volume, gross motility, concentration, and percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Among the candidate genes identified, SORD, SH2B1, and NT5E have been previously described to significantly influence spermatogenesis, spermatozoal motility, and high percent post-thaw motility, respectively. Several candidate genes identified could potentially influence ram semen traits based on existing evidence in the literature. As such, validation of these putative candidates may offer the potential to develop future strategies to improve sheep reproductive efficiency. Furthermore, Merino ram semen traits are lowly heritable (0.071-0.139), and thus may be improved by selective breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnie J Hodge
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Apiam Animal Health, Apiam Genetic Services, Dubbo, NSW 2830, Australia
| | - Sara de Las Heras-Saldana
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit, a Joint Venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | | | - Cyril P Stephen
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
| | - Sameer D Pant
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
- Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Boorooma Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2678, Australia
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25
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Wagner S, Whiteley SL, Castelli M, Patel HR, Deveson IW, Blackburn J, Holleley CE, Marshall Graves JA, Georges A. Gene expression of male pathway genes sox9 and amh during early sex differentiation in a reptile departs from the classical amniote model. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:243. [PMID: 37147622 PMCID: PMC10163765 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09334-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex determination is the process whereby the bipotential embryonic gonads become committed to differentiate into testes or ovaries. In genetic sex determination (GSD), the sex determining trigger is encoded by a gene on the sex chromosomes, which activates a network of downstream genes; in mammals these include SOX9, AMH and DMRT1 in the male pathway, and FOXL2 in the female pathway. Although mammalian and avian GSD systems have been well studied, few data are available for reptilian GSD systems. RESULTS We conducted an unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis of gonad development throughout differentiation in central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) embryos with GSD. We found that sex differentiation of transcriptomic profiles occurs at a very early stage, before the gonad consolidates as a body distinct from the gonad-kidney complex. The male pathway genes dmrt1 and amh and the female pathway gene foxl2 play a key role in early sex differentiation in P. vitticeps, but the central player of the mammalian male trajectory, sox9, is not differentially expressed in P. vitticeps at the bipotential stage. The most striking difference from GSD systems of other amniotes is the high expression of the male pathway genes amh and sox9 in female gonads during development. We propose that a default male trajectory progresses if not repressed by a W-linked dominant gene that tips the balance of gene expression towards the female trajectory. Further, weighted gene expression correlation network analysis revealed novel candidates for male and female sex differentiation. CONCLUSION Our data reveal that interpretation of putative mechanisms of GSD in reptiles cannot solely depend on lessons drawn from mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Wagner
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
| | - Sarah L Whiteley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Meghan Castelli
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Hardip R Patel
- Genome Sciences Department. John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ira W Deveson
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Blackburn
- Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare E Holleley
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- Australian National Wildlife Collection CSIRO, National Research Collections Australia, Crace, ACT, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Marshall Graves
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Arthur Georges
- Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia.
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Travers SS, Fisher CM, Kabos P, Cittelly DM, Ormond DR. Breast cancer brain metastases localization and risk of hydrocephalus: a single institution experience. J Neurooncol 2023; 163:115-121. [PMID: 37131107 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain metastases occur in up to one-third of patients with breast cancer. aromatase, a marker for estrogen activity that has been shown to promote such metastasis, heavily concentrates in certain midline structures of brain. We hypothesize that breast cancer metastasizes more often to brain areas with higher aromatase activity and that these patients have a higher risk of developing obstructive hydrocephalus. METHODS In our retrospective review of 709 patients who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (January 2014-May 2020), we identified 358 patients treated for metastatic breast or lung cancer. The MRI scan that first showed evidence of brain metastases was reviewed and number of metastases counted by location. Procedures used to treat obstructive hydrocephalus were recorded. Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Of 358 patients, 99 patients with breast cancer had 618 brain metastases and 259 patients with lung cancer had 1487 brain metastases. Compared with expected distribution of brain metastases based on regional brain volumes and metastatic lung carcinoma as a control, patients with breast cancer more often had metastases to the cerebellum, diencephalon, medulla, and parietal lobe, and underwent significantly more neurosurgical interventions for treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION Brain metastases in patients with breast cancer occurred more often along midline structures of the brain, which we believe may be associated with the increased estrogen activity in these structures. This finding is important for physicians who treat patients with metastatic breast cancer given the higher possibility of developing obstructive hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Travers
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christine M Fisher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter Kabos
- Department of Medicine-Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Diana M Cittelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - D Ryan Ormond
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, 12631 E. 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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27
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Wang J, Pratap UP, Lu Y, Sareddy GR, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK, Brann DW. Development and Characterization of Inducible Astrocyte-Specific Aromatase Knockout Mice. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:621. [PMID: 37106821 PMCID: PMC10135694 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) is produced in the brain as a neurosteroid, in addition to being an endocrine signal in the periphery. The current animal models for studying brain-derived E2 include global and conditional non-inducible knockout mouse models. The aim of this study was to develop a tamoxifen (TMX)-inducible astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse line (GFAP-ARO-iKO mice) to specifically deplete the E2 synthesis enzymes and aromatase in astrocytes after their development in adult mice. The characterization of the GFAP-ARO-iKO mice revealed a specific and robust depletion in the aromatase expressions of their astrocytes and a significant decrease in their hippocampal E2 levels after a GCI. The GFAP-ARO-iKO animals were alive and fertile and had a normal general brain anatomy, with a normal astrocyte shape, intensity, and distribution. In the hippocampus, after a GCI, the GFAP-ARO-iKO animals showed a major deficiency in their reactive astrogliosis, a dramatically increased neuronal loss, and increased microglial activation. These findings indicate that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) regulates the ischemic induction of reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation and is neuroprotective in the ischemic brain. The GFAP-ARO-iKO mouse models thus provide an important new model to help elucidate the roles and functions of ADE2 in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Uday P. Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Gangadhara R. Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R. Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K. Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Darrell W. Brann
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Casteleiro Alves MM, Almeida M, Oliani AH, Breitenfeld L, Ramalhinho AC. CYP19A1 TC/CC Polymorphism, along with Deletion of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes, Strongly Influences Female Infertility Risk. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040940. [PMID: 37107315 PMCID: PMC10135531 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has a fundamental role in the pathophysiology of various conditions, like infertility. This case-control study was performed to assess the potential role of CYP19A1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 in modifying individual predisposition to female infertility. Genotyping of 201 women with established infertility and 161 fertile female controls was performed, and statistical associations were analyzed. For carriers of GSTM1 null genotype along with CYP19A1 C allele, there is a significant association with female infertility risk (OR 7.023; 95% CI (3.627-13.601; p < 0.001), and, also for carriers of GSTT1 null genotype along with the CYP19A1 TC/CC genotype (OR 24.150; 95% CI (11.148-52.317; p < 0.001). A positive association with female infertility risk for carriers of the C allele in CYP19A1 and null genotypes in GTSM1 (OR 11.979; 95% CI (4.570-31.400; p < 0.001) or GSTT1 (OR 13.169; 95% CI (4.518-38.380; p < 0.001) was found. When both GSTs are deleted, the risk of developing female infertility is significant, independently of the CYP19A1 genotype; when all the presumed high-risk genotypes are present, we found a significant association with female infertility risk (OR 47,914; 95% CI (14,051-163,393; p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manuel Casteleiro Alves
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of Academic Hospital of Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Micaela Almeida
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - António Hélio Oliani
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of Academic Hospital of Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, São José do Rio Preto School of Medicine (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto 15090-000, Brazil
| | - Luiza Breitenfeld
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Ramalhinho
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior (UBI), 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
- Assisted Reproduction Laboratory of Academic Hospital of Cova da Beira (CHUCB), 6200-251 Covilhã, Portugal
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Liu L, Mo M, Chen X, Chao D, Zhang Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Zhang N, He N, Yuan X, Chen H, Yang J. Targeting inhibition of prognosis-related lipid metabolism genes including CYP19A1 enhances immunotherapeutic response in colon cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:85. [PMID: 37055842 PMCID: PMC10100168 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid metabolic reprogramming in colon cancer shows a potential impact on tumor immune microenvironment and is associated with response to immunotherapy. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a lipid metabolism-related prognostic risk score (LMrisk) to provide new biomarkers and combination therapy strategies for colon cancer immunotherapy. METHODS Differentially expressed lipid metabolism-related genes (LMGs) including cytochrome P450 (CYP) 19A1 were screened to construct LMrisk in TCGA colon cancer cohort. The LMrisk was then validated in three GEO datasets. The differences of immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy response between LMrisk subgroups were investigated via bioinformatic analysis. These results were comfirmed by in vitro coculture of colon cancer cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, human colon cancer tissue microarray analysis, multiplex immunofluorescence staining and mouse xenograft models of colon cancer. RESULTS Six LMGs including CYP19A1, ALOXE3, FABP4, LRP2, SLCO1A2 and PPARGC1A were selected to establish the LMrisk. The LMrisk was positively correlated with the abundance of macrophages, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), endothelial cells and the levels of biomarkers for immunotherapeutic response including programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, tumor mutation burden and microsatellite instability, but negatively correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration levels. CYP19A1 protein expression was an independent prognostic factor, and positively correlated with PD-L1 expression in human colon cancer tissues. Multiplex immunofluorescence analyses revealed that CYP19A1 protein expression was negatively correlated with CD8+ T cell infiltration, but positively correlated with the levels of tumor-associated macrophages, CAFs and endothelial cells. Importantly, CYP19A1 inhibition downregulated PD-L1, IL-6 and TGF-β levels through GPR30-AKT signaling, thereby enhancing CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune response in vitro co-culture studies. CYP19A1 inhibition by letrozole or siRNA strengthened the anti-tumor immune response of CD8+ T cells, induced normalization of tumor blood vessels, and enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in orthotopic and subcutaneous mouse colon cancer models. CONCLUSION A risk model based on lipid metabolism-related genes may predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic response in colon cancer. CYP19A1-catalyzed estrogen biosynthesis promotes vascular abnormality and inhibits CD8+ T cell function through the upregulation of PD-L1, IL-6 and TGF-β via GPR30-AKT signaling. CYP19A1 inhibition combined with PD-1 blockade represents a promising therapeutic strategy for colon cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Min Mo
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xuehan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Dongchen Chao
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yufan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xuewei Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Nan He
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xi Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Honglei Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immune-related Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, China.
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An K, Yao B, Tan Y, Kang Y, Su J. Potential Role of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Regulating Seasonal Reproduction in Animals: The Example of Males. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065874. [PMID: 36982948 PMCID: PMC10054328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction is a survival strategy by which animals adapt to environmental changes to improve their fitness. Males are often characterized by a significantly reduced testicular volume, indicating that they are in an immature state. Although many hormones, including gonadotropins, have played a role in testicular development and spermatogenesis, research on other hormones is insufficient. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which is a hormone responsible for inducing the regression of Müllerian ducts involved in male sex differentiation, was discovered in 1953. Disorders in AMH secretion are the main biomarkers of gonadal dysplasia, indicating that it may play a crucial role in reproduction regulation. A recent study has found that the AMH protein is expressed at a high level during the non-breeding period of seasonal reproduction in animals, implying that it may play a role in restricting breeding activities. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the AMH gene expression, regulatory factors of the gene's expression, and its role in reproductive regulation. Using males as an example, we combined testicular regression and the regulatory pathway of seasonal reproduction and attempted to identify the potential relationship between AMH and seasonal reproduction, to broaden the physiological function of AMH in reproductive suppression, and to provide new ideas for understanding the regulatory pathway of seasonal reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang An
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Baohui Yao
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yukun Kang
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem, Ministry of Education, College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Banjare L, Singh Y, Verma SK, Singh AK, Kumar P, Kumar S, Jain AK, Thareja S. Multifaceted 3D-QSAR analysis for the identification of pharmacophoric features of biphenyl analogues as aromatase inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:1322-1341. [PMID: 34963408 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2019122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase, a cytochrome P450 enzyme, is responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens, which fuel the multiplication of cancerous cells. Inhibition of estrogen biosynthesis by aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is one of the highly advanced therapeutic approach available for the treatment of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Biphenyl moiety aids lipophilicity to the conjugated scaffold and enhances the accessibility of the ligand to the target. The present study is focused on the investigation of, the mode of binding of biphenyl with aromatase, prediction of ligand-target binding affinities, and pharmacophoric features essential for favorable for aromatase inhibition. A multifaceted 3D-QSAR (SOMFA, Field and Gaussian) along with molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and pharmacophore mapping were performed on a series of biphenyl bearing molecules (1-33) with a wide range of aromatase inhibitory activity (0.15-920 nM). Among the generated 3D-QSAR models, the Force field-based 3D-QSAR model (R2 = 0.9151) was best as compared to SOMFA and Gaussian Field (R2=0.7706, 0.9074, respectively). However, all the generated 3D-QSAR models were statistically fit, robust enough, and reliable to explain the variation in biological activity in relation to pharmacophoric features of dataset molecules. A four-point pharmacophoric features with three acceptor sites (A), one aromatic ring (R) features, AAAR_1, were obtained with the site and survival score values 0.890 and 4.613, respectively. The generated 3D-QSAR plots in the study insight into the structure-activity relationship of dataset molecules, which may help in the designing of potent biphenyl derivatives as newer inhibitors of aromatase.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Banjare
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Yogesh Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Central, University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Sant Kumar Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Atul Kumar Singh
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Central, University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Shashank Kumar
- Molecular Signaling and Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India
| | - Akhlesh Kumar Jain
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Central, University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
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Kaiser A, Eiselt G, Bechler J, Huber O, Schmidt M. WNT3a Signaling Inhibits Aromatase Expression in Breast Adipose Fibroblasts-A Possible Mechanism Supporting the Loss of Estrogen Responsiveness of Triple-Negative Breast Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054654. [PMID: 36902090 PMCID: PMC10003471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen-dependent breast cancers rely on a constant supply of estrogens and expression of estrogen receptors. Local biosynthesis, by aromatase in breast adipose fibroblasts (BAFs), is their most important source for estrogens. Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) rely on other growth-promoting signals, including those from the Wnt pathway. In this study, we explored the hypothesis that Wnt signaling alters the proliferation of BAFs, and is involved in regulation of aromatase expression in BAFs. Conditioned medium (CM) from TNBC cells and WNT3a consistently increased BAF growth, and reduced aromatase activity up to 90%, by suppression of the aromatase promoter I.3/II region. Database searches identified three putative Wnt-responsive elements (WREs) in the aromatase promoter I.3/II. In luciferase reporter gene assays, promoter I.3/II activity was inhibited by overexpression of full-length T-cell factor (TCF)-4 in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, which served as a model for BAFs. Full-length lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (LEF)-1 increased the transcriptional activity. However, TCF-4 binding to WRE1 in the aromatase promoter, was lost after WNT3a stimulation in immunoprecipitation-based in vitro DNA-binding assays, and in chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). In vitro DNA-binding assays, ChIP, and Western blotting revealed a WNT3a-dependent switch of nuclear LEF-1 isoforms towards a truncated variant, whereas β-catenin levels remained unchanged. This LEF-1 variant revealed dominant negative properties, and most likely recruited enzymes involved in heterochromatin formation. In addition, WNT3a induced the replacement of TCF-4 by the truncated LEF-1 variant, on WRE1 of the aromatase promoter I.3/II. The mechanism described here may be responsible for the loss of aromatase expression predominantly associated with TNBC. Tumors with (strong) expression of Wnt ligands actively suppress aromatase expression in BAFs. Consequently a reduced estrogen supply could favor the growth of estrogen-independent tumor cells, which consequently would make estrogen receptors dispensable. In summary, canonical Wnt signaling within (cancerous) breast tissue may be a major factor controlling local estrogen synthesis and action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kaiser
- Institute for Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Gabriele Eiselt
- Institute for Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Joachim Bechler
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Robert-Koch-Hospital, 99510 Apolda, Germany
| | - Otmar Huber
- Institute for Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Institute for Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-3641-939-6420
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Li X, Berk M, Goins C, Alyamani M, Chung YM, Wang C, Patel M, Rathi N, Zhu Z, Willard B, Stauffer S, Klein E, Sharifi N. BMX controls 3βHSD1 and sex steroid biosynthesis in cancer. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e163498. [PMID: 36647826 PMCID: PMC9843047 DOI: 10.1172/jci163498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is highly dependent on androgens and the androgen receptor (AR). Hormonal therapies inhibit gonadal testosterone production, block extragonadal androgen biosynthesis, or directly antagonize AR. Resistance to medical castration occurs as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and is driven by reactivation of the androgen-AR axis. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (3βHSD1) serves as the rate-limiting step for potent androgen synthesis from extragonadal precursors, thereby stimulating CRPC. Genetic evidence in men demonstrates the role of 3βHSD1 in driving CRPC. In postmenopausal women, 3βHSD1 is required for synthesis of aromatase substrates and plays an essential role in breast cancer. Therefore, 3βHSD1 lies at a critical junction for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens, and this metabolic flux is regulated through germline-inherited mechanisms. We show that phosphorylation of tyrosine 344 (Y344) occurs and is required for 3βHSD1 cellular activity and generation of Δ4, 3-keto-substrates of 5α-reductase and aromatase, including in patient tissues. BMX directly interacts with 3βHSD1 and is necessary for enzyme phosphorylation and androgen biosynthesis. In vivo blockade of 3βHSD1 Y344 phosphorylation inhibits CRPC. These findings identify what we believe to be new hormonal therapy pharmacologic vulnerabilities for sex-steroid dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Li
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Michael Berk
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | | | - Mohammad Alyamani
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Chenyao Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Monaben Patel
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Nityam Rathi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Ziqi Zhu
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
| | | | - Shaun Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute
| | - Eric Klein
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, and
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Genitourinary Malignancies Research Center, Lerner Research Institute
- Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, and
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Riondino S, Formica V, Valenzi E, Morelli C, Flaminio V, Portarena I, Torino F, Roselli M. Obesity and Breast Cancer: Interaction or Interference with the Response to Therapy? Curr Oncol 2023; 30:1220-1231. [PMID: 36661743 PMCID: PMC9857850 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are widely used for treating hormone-sensitive breast cancer (BC). Obesity, however, due to aromatase-mediated androgen conversion into estradiol in the peripheral adipose tissue, might impair AI inhibitory capacity. We aimed at identifying a cut-off of body mass index (BMI) with significant prognostic impact, in a cohort of stage I-II BC patients on systemic adjuvant therapy with AI. Methods: we retrospectively evaluated routinely collected baseline parameters. The optimal BMI cut-off affecting disease-free survival (DFS) in AI-treated BC patients was identified through maximally selected rank statistics; non-linear association between BMI and DFS in the AI cohort was assessed by hazard-ratio-smoothed curve analysis using BMI as continuous variable. The impact of the BMI cut-off on survival outcomes was estimated through Kaplan−Meier plots, with log-rank test and hazard ratio estimation comparing patient subgroups. Results: A total of 319 BC patients under adjuvant endocrine therapy and/or adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Curve-fitting analysis showed that for a BMI cut-off >29 in AI-treated BC patients (n = 172), DFS was increasingly deteriorating and that the impact of BMI on 2-year DFS identified a cut-off specific only for the cohort of postmenopausal BC patients under adjuvant therapy with AI. Conclusion: in radically resected hormone-sensitive BC patients undergoing neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and treated with AI, obesity represents a risk factor for recurrence, with a significantly reduced 2-year DFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Riondino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Formica
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Valenzi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Morelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Flaminio
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Portarena
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00152 Rome, Italy
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Abaffy T, Lu HY, Matsunami H. Sex steroid hormone synthesis, metabolism, and the effects on the mammalian olfactory system. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:19-42. [PMID: 36401093 PMCID: PMC9676892 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones influence olfactory-mediated social behaviors, and it is generally hypothesized that these effects result from circulating hormones and/or neurosteroids synthesized in the brain. However, it is unclear whether sex steroid hormones are synthesized in the olfactory epithelium or the olfactory bulb, and if they can modulate the activity of the olfactory sensory neurons. Here, we review important discoveries related to the metabolism of sex steroids in the mouse olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb, along with potential areas of future research. We summarize current knowledge regarding the expression, neuroanatomical distribution, and biological activity of the steroidogenic enzymes, sex steroid receptors, and proteins that are important to the metabolism of these hormones and reflect on their potential to influence early olfactory processing. We also review evidence related to the effects of sex steroid hormones on the development and activity of olfactory sensory neurons. By better understanding how these hormones are metabolized and how they act both at the periphery and olfactory bulb level, we can better appreciate the complexity of the olfactory system and discover potential similarities and differences in early olfactory processing between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Abaffy
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Hsiu-Yi Lu
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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Hu C, Bai Y, Li J, Sun B, Chen L. Endocrine disruption and reproductive impairment of methylparaben in adult zebrafish. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 171:113545. [PMID: 36470324 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Methylparaben (MeP) is one of the most frequently used preservatives in our daily products. However, it is becoming an aquatic pollutant of emerging concern. To reveal the endocrine disruption mechanism and reproductive impairment of MeP, the present study exposed adult zebrafish to 0, 1, 3, and 10 μg/L (0, 6.6, 19.7, and 65.7 nM) of MeP for 28 days. The results showed that subchronic exposure to 10 μg/L of MeP significantly increased the gonadosomatic index in zebrafish. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis were blocked by MeP at concentrations as low as 1 μg/L. Furthermore, parental exposure to MeP induced developmental deficits in offspring larvae, by increasing mortality, stimulating precocious hatching, and elevating heart rate. Blood concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, and 11-keto-testosterone were consistently lowered in MeP exposure groups. Transcriptional results evidenced that the disturbance in steroidogenesis and feedback regulation mechanisms along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis underlay the imbalance of sex hormones. In line with the low estradiol level, hepatic production of vitellogenin (VTG) was significantly down-regulated, subsequently leading to a deficiency of VTG supply during oogenesis. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide systemic insight about the antiestrogenic activity and reproductive toxicity of MeP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyan Hu
- School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yachen Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Baili Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Lianguo Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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Brain-Derived Estrogen and Neurological Disorders. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121698. [PMID: 36552208 PMCID: PMC9774965 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes and neurons in the male and female brains produce the neurosteroid brain-derived 17β-estradiol (BDE2) from androgen precursors. In this review, we discuss evidence that suggest BDE2 has a role in a number of neurological conditions, such as focal and global cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury, excitotoxicity, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Much of what we have learned about BDE2 in neurological disorders has come from use of aromatase inhibitors and global aromatase knockout mice. Recently, our group developed astrocyte- and neuron-specific aromatase knockout mice, which have helped to clarify the precise functions of astrocyte-derived 17β-estradiol (ADE2) and neuron-derived 17β-estradiol (NDE2) in the brain. The available evidence to date suggests a primarily beneficial role of BDE2 in facilitating neuroprotection, synaptic and cognitive preservation, regulation of reactive astrocyte and microglia activation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of these beneficial effects appear to be due to ADE2, which is induced in most neurological disorders, but there is also recent evidence that NDE2 exerts similar beneficial effects. Furthermore, in certain situations, BDE2 may also have deleterious effects, as recent evidence suggests its overproduction in epilepsy contributes to seizure induction. In this review, we examine the current state of this quickly developing topic, as well as possible future studies that may be required to provide continuing growth in the field.
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Wu Q, Qian W, Sun X, Jiang S. Small-molecule inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and more: FDA-approved novel therapeutic drugs for solid tumors from 1991 to 2021. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:143. [PMID: 36209184 PMCID: PMC9548212 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01362-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has always been a forerunner in drug evaluation and supervision. Over the past 31 years, 1050 drugs (excluding vaccines, cell-based therapies, and gene therapy products) have been approved as new molecular entities (NMEs) or biologics license applications (BLAs). A total of 228 of these 1050 drugs were identified as cancer therapeutics or cancer-related drugs, and 120 of them were classified as therapeutic drugs for solid tumors according to their initial indications. These drugs have evolved from small molecules with broad-spectrum antitumor properties in the early stage to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antibody‒drug conjugates (ADCs) with a more precise targeting effect during the most recent decade. These drugs have extended indications for other malignancies, constituting a cancer treatment system for monotherapy or combined therapy. However, the available targets are still mainly limited to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), restricting the development of antitumor drugs. In this review, these 120 drugs are summarized and classified according to the initial indications, characteristics, or functions. Additionally, RTK-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint-based immunotherapies are also discussed. Our analysis of existing challenges and potential opportunities in drug development may advance solid tumor treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Wei Qian
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Xiaoli Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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Caciolla J, Martini S, Spinello A, Belluti F, Bisi A, Zaffaroni N, Magistrato A, Gobbi S. Single-digit nanomolar inhibitors lock the aromatase active site via a dualsteric targeting strategy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114802. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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40
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Rodriguez-Arias JJ, García-Álvarez A. Sex Differences in Pulmonary Hypertension. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:727558. [PMID: 35822006 PMCID: PMC9261364 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.727558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes multiple diseases that share as common characteristic an elevated pulmonary artery pressure and right ventricular involvement. Sex differences are observed in practically all causes of PH. The most studied type is pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) which presents a gender bias regarding its prevalence, prognosis, and response to treatment. Although this disease is more frequent in women, once affected they present a better prognosis compared to men. Even if estrogens seem to be the key to understand these differences, animal models have shown contradictory results leading to the birth of the estrogen paradox. In this review we will summarize the evidence regarding sex differences in experimental animal models and, very specially, in patients suffering from PAH or PH from other etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana García-Álvarez
- Cardiology Department, Institut Clínic Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
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41
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Ciallella HL, Russo DP, Sharma S, Li Y, Sloter E, Sweet L, Huang H, Zhu H. Predicting Prenatal Developmental Toxicity Based On the Combination of Chemical Structures and Biological Data. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:5984-5998. [PMID: 35451820 PMCID: PMC9191745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c01040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
For hazard identification, classification, and labeling purposes, animal testing guidelines are required by law to evaluate the developmental toxicity potential of new and existing chemical products. However, guideline developmental toxicity studies are costly, time-consuming, and require many laboratory animals. Computational modeling has emerged as a promising, animal-sparing, and cost-effective method for evaluating the developmental toxicity potential of chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors, without the use of animals. We aimed to develop a predictive and explainable computational model for developmental toxicants. To this end, a comprehensive dataset of 1244 chemicals with developmental toxicity classifications was curated from public repositories and literature sources. Data from 2140 toxicological high-throughput screening assays were extracted from PubChem and the ToxCast program for this dataset and combined with information about 834 chemical fragments to group assays based on their chemical-mechanistic relationships. This effort revealed two assay clusters containing 83 and 76 assays, respectively, with high positive predictive rates for developmental toxicants identified with animal testing guidelines (PPV = 72.4 and 77.3% during cross-validation). These two assay clusters can be used as developmental toxicity models and were applied to predict new chemicals for external validation. This study provides a new strategy for constructing alternative chemical developmental toxicity evaluations that can be replicated for other toxicity modeling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Ciallella
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Daniel P. Russo
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08102, USA
| | - Swati Sharma
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
| | - Yafan Li
- The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, OH, 44092, USA
| | - Eddie Sloter
- The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, OH, 44092, USA
| | - Len Sweet
- The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe, OH, 44092, USA
| | - Heng Huang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08103, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, 08102, USA
- Corresponding Author333 Hao Zhu, 201 South Broadway, Joint Health Sciences Center, Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey 08103; Telephone: (856) 225-6781;
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Draskau MK, Svingen T. Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:883254. [PMID: 35573275 PMCID: PMC9097791 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.883254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
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Jacoby C, Ebenau-Jehle C, Saum K, Jehmlich N, von Bergen M, Brüls T, Boll M. Genes and enzymes involved in the biodegradation of the quaternary carbon compound pivalate in the denitrifying Thauera humireducens strain PIV-1. Environ Microbiol 2022; 24:3181-3194. [PMID: 35437936 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quaternary carbon containing compounds exist in natural and fossil oil derived products and are used in chemical and pharmaceutical applications up to industrial scale. Due to the inaccessibility of the quaternary carbon atom for a direct oxidative or reductive attack, they are considered as persistent in the environment. Here, we investigated the unknown degradation of the quaternary carbon-containing model compound pivalate (2,2-dimethyl-propionate) in the denitrifying bacterium Thauera humireducens strain PIV-1 (formerly T. pivalivorans). We provide multiple evidence for a pathway comprising the activation to pivalyl-CoA and the carbon skeleton rearrangement to isovaleryl-CoA. Subsequent reactions proceed similar to the catabolic leucine degradation pathway such as the carboxylation to 3-methylglutaconyl-CoA and the cleavage of 3-methyl-3-hydroxyglutaryl-CoA to acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate. The completed genome of Thauera humireducens strain PIV-1 together with proteomic data was used to identify pivalate-upregulated gene clusters including genes putatively encoding pivalate CoA ligase and adenosylcobalamin-dependent pivalyl-CoA mutase. A pivalate-induced gene encoding a putative carboxylic acid CoA ligase was heterologously expressed, and its highly enriched product exhibited pivalate CoA ligase activity. The results provide first experimental insights into the biodegradation pathway of a quaternary carbon-containing model compound that serves as a blueprint for the degradation of related quaternary carbon-containing compounds. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Jacoby
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christa Ebenau-Jehle
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Saum
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nico Jehmlich
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz,Centre for Environmental Research -.UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin von Bergen
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.,Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz,Centre for Environmental Research -.UFZ, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Brüderstr. 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Brüls
- Génomique métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Univ Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Matthias Boll
- Faculty of Biology - Microbiology, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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44
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The Potent Phytoestrogen 8-Prenylnaringenin: A Friend or a Foe? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063168. [PMID: 35328588 PMCID: PMC8953904 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) is a prenylated flavonoid, occurring, in particular, in hop, but also in other plants. It has proven to be one of the most potent phytoestrogens in vitro known to date, and in the past 20 years, research has unveiled new effects triggered by it in biological systems. These findings have aroused the hopes, expectations, and enthusiasm of a “wonder-drug” for a host of human diseases. However, the majority of 8-PN effects require such high concentrations that they cannot be reached by normal dietary exposure, only pharmacologically; thus, adverse impacts may also emerge. Here, we provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review on this fascinating compound, with special reference to the range of beneficial and untoward health consequences that may ensue from exposure to it.
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Michałowicz J, Włuka A, Bukowska B. A review on environmental occurrence, toxic effects and transformation of man-made bromophenols. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152289. [PMID: 34902422 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Brominated phenols (BPs) of anthropogenic origin are aromatic substances widely used in the industry as flame retardants (FRs) and pesticides as well as the components of FRs and polymers. In this review, we have focused on describing 2,4-dibromophenol (2,4-DBP), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) and pentabromophenol (PBP), which are the most commonly used in the industry and are the most often detected in the air, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the human body. This review describes human-related sources of these BPs that influence their occurrence in the environment (atmosphere, surface water, sediment, soil, biota), indoor air and dust, food, drinking water and the human organism. Data from in vitro and in vivo studies showing 2,4-DBP, 2,4,6-TBP and PBP toxicity, including their estrogenic activity, effects on development and reproduction, perturbations of cellular redox balance and cytotoxic action have been described. Moreover, the processes of BPs transformation that occur in human and other mammals, plants and bacteria have been discussed. Finally, the effect of abiotic factors (e.g. UV irradiation and temperature) on BPs conversion to highly toxic brominated dioxins and brominated furans as well as polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers has been presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaromir Michałowicz
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Anna Włuka
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Bożena Bukowska
- University of Lodz, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of Biophysics of Environmental Pollution, Pomorska Str. 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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46
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Vaura F, Palmu J, Aittokallio J, Kauko A, Niiranen T. Genetic, Molecular, and Cellular Determinants of Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Traits. Circ Res 2022; 130:611-631. [PMID: 35175841 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite the well-known sex dimorphism in cardiovascular disease traits, the exact genetic, molecular, and cellular underpinnings of these differences are not well understood. A growing body of evidence currently points at the links between cardiovascular disease traits and the genome, epigenome, transcriptome, and metabolome. However, the sex-specific differences in these links remain largely unstudied due to challenges in bioinformatic methods, inadequate statistical power, analytic costs, and paucity of valid experimental models. This review article provides an overview of the literature on sex differences in genetic architecture, heritability, epigenetic changes, transcriptomic signatures, and metabolomic profiles in relation to cardiovascular disease traits. We also review the literature on the associations between sex hormones and cardiovascular disease traits and discuss the potential mechanisms underlying these associations, focusing on human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Vaura
- Department of Internal Medicine (F.V., J.P., A.K., T.N.), University of Turku, Finland
| | - Joonatan Palmu
- Department of Internal Medicine (F.V., J.P., A.K., T.N.), University of Turku, Finland
| | - Jenni Aittokallio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (J.A.), University of Turku, Finland.,Division of Perioperative Services, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine (J.A.), Turku University Hospital, Finland
| | - Anni Kauko
- Department of Internal Medicine (F.V., J.P., A.K., T.N.), University of Turku, Finland
| | - Teemu Niiranen
- Department of Internal Medicine (F.V., J.P., A.K., T.N.), University of Turku, Finland.,Division of Medicine (T.N.), Turku University Hospital, Finland.,Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland (T.N.)
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47
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Guo Y, Cheng L, Li X, Tang S, Zhang X, Gong Y. Transcriptional regulation of CYP19A1 expression in chickens: ESR1, ESR2 and NR5A2 form a functional network. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113939. [PMID: 34710471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase, encoded by CYP19A1, is responsible for the conversion of androgen to estrogen, which plays a vital role in the development and function of the ovary and functions in many other physiological processes in both sexes. Instead of being expressed in ovarian granulosa cells, as in mammals, CYP19A1 is expressed in chickens in the theca cells of ovarian follicles, and the mechanism of CYP19A1 expression regulation remains unknown. Here, using immunofluorescence and western blotting assay, we first confirmed that CYP19A1 and FOXL2 (Forkheadbox L2) were coexpressed in pre-granulosa cells of female chicken embryonic gonads, while FOXL2 did not affect aromatase expression at embryonic stages. Second, our research showed that CYP19A1, ESR1 (estrogen receptor alpha), ESR2 (estrogen receptor beta) and NR5A2 (liver receptor homologue-1) were coexpressed in the theca cell layers of chicken small yellow follicles. There was cross-talk between CYP19A1 and candidate transcription factors (ESR1, ESR2 and NR5A2), which was identified by generating a reliable theca cell culture model. Using luciferase assays in theca cells and chicken embryonic fibroblast (DF-1) cells, the results suggested that ESR1 and NR5A2 had potential effects on CYP19A1 promoter activity in chickens. Overexpression of ESR1, ESR2 and NR5A2 in chicken embryonic fibroblast (DF-1) cells upregulated the protein expression of CYP19A1, mutually restricted each other and formed a potential regulatory network to coordinate the expression of CYP19A1. To conclude, our results indicated that FOXL2 cannot regulate the expression of CYP19A1 at chicken embryonic stages and after sexual maturity, ESR1, ESR2 and NR5A2 form a functional network to affect the expression of CYP19A1. These results laid a foundation for further research on the transcriptional regulation of chicken aromatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Lu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Xuelian Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Shuixin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Xiaxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
| | - Yanzhang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Education, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, No. 1, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430070, PR China.
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Liu XM, Li Z, He XR, Liu RP, Ma ZY, Qiao X, Wang SQ, Xu JY. Dual-targeting aromatase binding domain of heme and androstenedione by Pt(IV) prodrug: a new treatment for postmenopausal breast cancer. Inorg Chem Front 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2qi00900e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The combination of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy is an attractive approach for treating breast cancers. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are the first-line drugs for postmenopausal ER-positive breast cancer and adjuvant therapy...
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49
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McMillin SL, Minchew EC, Lowe DA, Spangenburg EE. Skeletal muscle wasting: the estrogen side of sexual dimorphism. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C24-C37. [PMID: 34788147 PMCID: PMC8721895 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00333.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The importance of defining sex differences across various biological and physiological mechanisms is more pervasive now than it has been over the past 15-20 years. As the muscle biology field pushes to identify small molecules and interventions to prevent, attenuate, or even reverse muscle wasting, we must consider the effect of sex as a biological variable. It should not be assumed that a therapeutic will affect males and females with equal efficacy or equivalent target affinities under conditions where muscle wasting is observed. With that said, it is not surprising to find that we have an unclear or even a poor understanding of the effects of sex or sex hormones on muscle wasting conditions. Although recent investigations are beginning to establish experimental approaches that will allow investigators to assess the impact of sex-specific hormones on muscle wasting, the field still needs rigorous scientific tools that will allow the community to address critical hypotheses centered around sex hormones. The focus of this review is on female sex hormones, specifically estrogens, and the roles that these hormones and their receptors play in skeletal muscle wasting conditions. With the overall review goal of assembling the current knowledge in the area of sexual dimorphism driven by estrogens with an effort to provide insights to interested physiologists on necessary considerations when trying to assess models for potential sex differences in cellular and molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna L. McMillin
- 1Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota,2Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Everett C. Minchew
- 3Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Dawn A. Lowe
- 1Division of Rehabilitation Science, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota,2Division of Physical Therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Espen E. Spangenburg
- 3Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
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50
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Li X, Wu K, Dong Q, Chen H, Li C, Ren Z, Liu F, Yue X, Xia C, Wang Y, Luo Y, Li L, Zhao R, Wang Z, Qin D. Overall adjustment acupuncture improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1074516. [PMID: 36465626 PMCID: PMC9712736 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is a widely practiced, convenient, and safe treatment modality within complementary and integrative medicine. Increasing studies have revealed the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of osteoporosis in both human and non-human subjects. The aim of the present study was to assess the improvement of osteoporosis after overall adjustment acupuncture (OA) as well as its endocrine-modulating effect in an ovariectomized rat model. METHODS In total, 32 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the sham, model, ovariectomy+estrogen (OVX+E), and OVX+OA (OVX+A) groups with eight rats in each group. The postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) rat model was induced by bilateral ovariectomy. At 12 weeks after surgery, rats in the OVX+E group received estradiol (0.2 mg/kg/i.g./qod) for 12 weeks, and rats in the OVX+A group were treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Shenshu (BL23), and Dazhu (BL11) points (qod) for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the body weight, uterus index, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone trabeculae structural parameters, femoral biomechanical properties, femoral histomorphology, and several hormone levels were examined. RESULTS In OVX rats, OA abrogated the body weight gain and improved osteoporosis in terms of BMD, BMC, bone trabeculae structural parameters, bone strength, and bone tissue histomorphology. Moreover, OA modulated the serum levels of estradiol, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticosterone (CORT). CONCLUSIONS OA improves osteoporosis and exerts an endocrine-modulating effect in ovariectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- The First Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Kenan Wu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qinzuo Dong
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongxi Chen
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Life Technology Teaching and Research, School of Life Science, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zeqin Ren
- Department of Rehabilitation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Fan Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xianwu Yue
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chunlin Xia
- The Second Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanfeng Wang
- Department of Acupuncture, Qujing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qujing, Yunnan, China
| | - Yingjing Luo
- The Affiliated Hospital, Yunnan Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Jingzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jingzhou, Hubei, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- The First Clinical Medical School, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Qin, ; Rong Zhao, ; Zuhong Wang,
| | - Zuhong Wang
- Department of Acupuncture, Kunming Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Qin, ; Rong Zhao, ; Zuhong Wang,
| | - Dongdong Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- *Correspondence: Dongdong Qin, ; Rong Zhao, ; Zuhong Wang,
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