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Guldvik IJ, Ramberg H, Kristensen G, Røder A, Mills IG, Lilleby W, Taskén KA. Systemic interrogation of immune-oncology-related proteins in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation and intensity-modulated radiotherapy. World J Urol 2024; 42:95. [PMID: 38386171 PMCID: PMC10884049 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-024-04787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The primary objective was to establish whether blood-based leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein (LRG1) can predict outcomes in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiotherapy (RT) and to determine how it may relate to 92 immune-oncology (I-O)-related proteins in this setting. METHODS Baseline blood level of LRG1 from patients treated with ADT and RT enrolled in the CuPCa (n = 128) and IMRT (n = 81) studies was measured using ELISA. A longitudinal cohort with matched blood samples from start of ADT, start of RT, and end of RT protocol from 47 patients from the IMRT cohort was used to establish levels of I-O proteins by high-multiplexing Proximal Extension Assay by Olink Proteomics. Statistical analyses using Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression, and LIMMA analyses were applied to predict the prognostic value of LRG1 and its correlation to I-O proteins. RESULTS High baseline levels of LRG1 predicted a low frequency of treatment failure in patients undergoing ADT + RT in both the CuPCa and the IMRT cohorts. LRG1 was moderately correlated with CD4, IL6, and CSF1. We identified I-O proteins predicting metastatic failure (MF) at different timepoints. CONCLUSION LRG1 biomarker is associated with I-O proteins and can be used to improve stratification and monitoring of prostate cancer patients undergoing ADT + RT. This work will require further in-depth analyses in independent cohorts with treatment outcome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Jenny Guldvik
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Håkon Ramberg
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gitte Kristensen
- Department of Urology, Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen Prostate Cancer Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Røder
- Department of Urology, Center for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen Prostate Cancer Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ian G Mills
- Cancer Research UK, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Kristin Austlid Taskén
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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2
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Nguyen Hoai B, Hoang L, Nguyen Cao T, Pham Minh Q, A Jannini E. Testosterone and aging male, a perspective from a developing country. Aging Male 2023; 26:2223712. [PMID: 37335039 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2023.2223712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypogonadism is associated with a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can affect the overall health of men. However, in a developing country, there are several imposing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition among healthcare providers and patients, limited resources and the high cost of treatment. This review aimed to examine the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and provides a perspective of a developing country on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant information on the impact of testosterone deficiency on ageing males and the effectiveness of TRT for treating hypogonadism. Published peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to evaluate the benefits and risks of TRT. Additionally, the unique challenges faced in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in a developing country were considered. RESULTS Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypogonadism, particularly in symptomatic men with low testosterone levels. It offers potential benefits such as improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life. However, there are associated risks and side effects that need to be considered. In a developing country, challenges such as limited awareness and understanding of hypogonadism, resource constraints, and high treatment costs pose additional barriers to accessing TRT and comprehensive care. CONCLUSION In conclusion, TRT holds promise as a treatment for hypogonadism, but its implementation and accessibility face significant challenges in a developing country. Addressing these challenges, including raising awareness, allocating resources, and finding cost-effective solutions, is crucial for ensuring that men with hypogonadism in such settings receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Further research and efforts are needed to improve the management of hypogonadism in developing countries and optimize the potential benefits of TRT for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bac Nguyen Hoai
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang
- Department of Urology, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thang Nguyen Cao
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quan Pham Minh
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Sexual Medicine (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Pallotti F, Senofonte G, Conflitti AC, Giancotti A, Anzuini A, Delli Paoli E, Di Chiano S, Faja F, Gatta V, Mondo A, Mosconi M, Rizzo F, Spiniello L, Lombardo F, Paoli D. Safety of gender affirming treatment in assigned female at birth transgender people and association of androgen and estrogen β receptor polymorphisms with clinical outcomes. Endocrine 2023; 81:621-630. [PMID: 37326767 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03421-8] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gender affirming hormone treatment (GAHT) with androgens in assigned female at birth (AFAB) people with Gender Incongruence (GI) can induce and maintain variable phenotypical changes, but individual response may be genetically determined. To clarify the role of AR and ERβ polymorphisms we prospectively evaluated AFAB subjects undergoing virilizing GAHT. METHODS Fifty-two AFAB people with confirmed GI were evaluated before (T0) and after 6 (T6) and 12 months (T12) of testosterone enanthate 250 mg i.m. every 28 days. Hormone profile (testosterone, estradiol), biochemical (blood count, glyco-metabolic profile) and clinical parameters (Ferriman-Gallwey score, pelvic organs) were evaluated at each time-point, as well as number of CAG and CA repeats for AR and ERβ, respectively. RESULTS All subjects have successfully achieved testosterone levels within normal male ranges and improved their degree of virilization, in absence of significant side effects. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells were significantly increased after treatment, but within normal ranges. Ultrasound monitoring of pelvic organs showed their significant reduction already after 6 months of GATH, in absence of remarkable abnormalities. Furthermore, a lower number of CAG repeats was associated with a higher Ferriman-Gallwey score post treatment and a higher number of CA repeats was associated with uterine volume reduction. CONCLUSION We confirmed safety and efficacy of testosterone treatment on all measured parameters. This preliminary data hints a future role of genetic polymorphisms to tailor GAHT in GI people, but evaluation on a larger cohort is necessary as the reduced sample size could limit data generalization at this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pallotti
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", 94100, Enna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Senofonte
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Chiara Conflitti
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Giancotti
- Prenatal Diagnosis Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urologic Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Delli Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Chiano
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Faja
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
- Unit of Molecular Genetics, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mondo
- Prenatal Diagnosis Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urologic Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Mosconi
- Gender Identity Development Service, Hospital S. Camillo-Forlanini, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzo
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spiniello
- Prenatal Diagnosis Centre, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Urologic Science, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Laboratory of Seminology - Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Figueiredo MG, Gagliano-Jucá T, Basaria S. Male Reproduction and Aging. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2023; 52:211-228. [PMID: 36948776 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2022.12.002] [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: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent publications of well-conducted population studies have informed us that the syndromic prevalence of age-related low testosterone, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, is quite low. Several well-conducted trials in middle-aged and older men with age-related decline in testosterone levels have revealed that efficacy of testosterone therapy is modest with improvement in sexual function, mood, volumetric bone density, and anemia. Although select older men might benefit from testosterone therapy, its effect on prostate cancer risk and major adverse cardiovascular events remains unclear. The results of the ongoing TRAVERSE trial will likely provide important insights into these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela Figueiredo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI 541, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Thiago Gagliano-Jucá
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI 541, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, McHenry, IL, USA
| | - Shehzad Basaria
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Avenue, BLI 541, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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5
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Abstract
In this review, we discuss the effects on androgens on the haemopoietic system, focussing largely on the effects of testosterone on erythropoiesis. Stimulation of erythropoiesis is one of the most consistent effects of testosterone treatment observed in clinical trials. In men with anaemia this effect can be beneficial. Conversely, erythrocytosis is one of the most common adverse effects of testosterone treatment with a relative risk of 8.14 (95% CI: 1.87-35.40) estimated by a recent meta-analysis of randomised placebo controlled clinical trials. A reduction in haemoglobin is commonly seen in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer, and in transwomen receiving gender affirming therapy to reduce serum testosterone. While mechanisms by which androgens regulate erythropoiesis are not fully understood, it is likely that effects on erythropoietic progenitor cells and erythropoietin are involved, with secondary effects on iron metabolism. In contrast, whether androgens exert clinically relevant effects on white blood cells and on platelets requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle M Warren
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health and University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health and University of Melbourne, Australia.
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Delaney KM, Guillet R, Pressman EK, Ganz T, Nemeth E, O'Brien KO. Serum Erythroferrone During Pregnancy Is Related to Erythropoietin but Does Not Predict the Risk of Anemia. J Nutr 2021; 151:1824-1833. [PMID: 33982118 PMCID: PMC8245876 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maintaining adequate iron status during pregnancy is important for the mother and her developing fetus. Iron homeostasis is influenced by 3 regulatory hormones: erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and erythroferrone (ERFE). To date, normative data on ERFE across pregnancy and its relations to other hormones and iron status indicators are limited. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to characterize maternal ERFE across pregnancy and at delivery and evaluate the utility of hepcidin, ERFE, and EPO in identifying women with increased iron needs. METHODS ERFE was measured in extant serum samples collected from 2 longitudinal cohorts composed of women carrying multiple fetuses (n = 79) and pregnant adolescents (n = 218) at midgestation (∼26 wk) and delivery (∼39 wk). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to characterize the predictive ability of serum ERFE, hepcidin, and EPO and their ratios to identify women at increased risk of iron deficiency and anemia. RESULTS In these pregnant women, mean ERFE was 0.48 ng/mL at both ∼25 wk of gestation and at delivery. ERFE was positively associated with EPO at midgestation (β = 0.14, P = 0.002, n = 202) and delivery (β = 0.12, P < 0.001, n = 225) but was not significantly associated with maternal hepcidin at any time point surveyed. Of all hormones measured at midgestation and delivery, EPO was best able to identify women with anemia (AUC: 0.86 and 0.75, respectively) and depleted iron stores (AUC: 0.77 and 0.84), whereas the hepcidin-to-EPO ratio was best able to identify women with iron deficiency anemia (AUC: 0.85 and 0.84). CONCLUSIONS Maternal ERFE was significantly associated with EPO but was not able to identify women with gestational iron deficiency. At term, the hepcidin-to-EPO ratio, an index that accounts for both iron status and erythropoietic demand, and EPO were the strongest indicators of maternal iron deficiency and anemia. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04517734 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04517734).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ronnie Guillet
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Eva K Pressman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Tomas Ganz
- Center for Iron Disorders, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeta Nemeth
- Center for Iron Disorders, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Robach P, Gammella E, Recalcati S, Girelli D, Castagna A, Roustit M, Lundby C, Lundby AK, Bouzat P, Vergès S, Séchaud G, Banco P, Uhr M, Cornu C, Sallet P, Cairo G. Induction of erythroferrone in healthy humans by micro-dose recombinant erythropoietin or high-altitude exposure. Haematologica 2021; 106:384-390. [PMID: 31919080 PMCID: PMC7849588 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.233874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The erythropoietin (Epo)-erythroferrone (ERFE)-hepcidin axis coordinates erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis. While mouse studies have established that Epo-induced ERFE production represses hepcidin synthesis by inhibiting hepatic BMP/SMAD signaling, evidence for the role of ERFE in humans is limited. To investigate the role of ERFE as a physiological erythroid regulator in humans, we conducted two studies. First, 24 males were given six injections of saline (placebo), recombinant Epo (rhEpo) at a dose of 20 IU/kg (micro-dose) or rhEpo at 50 IU/kg (low dose). Second, we quantified ERFE in 22 subjects exposed to high altitude (3800 m) for 15 h. In the first study, total hemoglobin mass (Hbmass) increased after low- but not after micro-dose injections, when compared to the mass after placebo injections. Serum ERFE levels were enhanced by rhEpo, remaining higher than after placebo for 48 h (micro-dose) or 72 h (low-dose) after injections. Conversely, hepcidin levels decreased when Epo and ERFE rose, before any changes in serum iron parameters occurred. In the second study, serum Epo and ERFE increased at high altitude. The present results demonstrate that in healthy humans ERFE responds to slightly increased Epo levels not associated with Hbmass expansion and downregulates hepcidin in an apparently iron-independent way. Notably, ERFE flags micro-dose Epo, thus holding promise as a novel biomarker of doping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Robach
- National School for Mountains Sports, Chamonix, France
| | - Elena Gammella
- Dept Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Carsten Lundby
- Center for Physical Activity Research, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Pierre Bouzat
- Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Samuel Vergès
- HP2 Laboratory, U1042, Grenoble Alpes University, INSERM, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | - Mario Uhr
- Dept. Hematology Synlab-Suisse, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Catherine Cornu
- Hospices Civils de Lyon INSERM CIC1407/UMR5558, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Bron, France
| | | | - Gaetano Cairo
- Dept Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Italy
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Increased prostaglandin-D2 in male STAT3-deficient hearts shifts cardiac progenitor cells from endothelial to white adipocyte differentiation. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000739. [PMID: 33370269 PMCID: PMC7793290 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac levels of the signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-3 (STAT3) decline with age, and male but not female mice with a cardiomyocyte-specific STAT3 deficiency conditional knockout (CKO) display premature age-related heart failure associated with reduced cardiac capillary density. In the present study, isolated male and female CKO-cardiomyocytes exhibit increased prostaglandin (PG)-generating cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression. The PG-degrading hydroxyprostaglandin-dehydrogenase-15 (HPGD) expression is only reduced in male cardiomyocytes, which is associated with increased prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) secretion from isolated male but not female CKO-cardiomyocytes. Reduced HPGD expression in male cardiomyocytes derive from impaired androgen receptor (AR)–signaling due to loss of its cofactor STAT3. Elevated PGD2 secretion in males is associated with increased white adipocyte accumulation in aged male but not female hearts. Adipocyte differentiation is enhanced in isolated stem cell antigen-1 (SCA-1)+ cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) from young male CKO-mice compared with the adipocyte differentiation of male wild-type (WT)-CPC and CPC isolated from female mice. Epigenetic analysis in freshly isolated male CKO-CPC display hypermethylation in pro-angiogenic genes (Fgfr2, Epas1) and hypomethylation in the white adipocyte differentiation gene Zfp423 associated with up-regulated ZFP423 expression and a shift from endothelial to white adipocyte differentiation compared with WT-CPC. The expression of the histone-methyltransferase EZH2 is reduced in male CKO-CPC compared with male WT-CPC, whereas no differences in the EZH2 expression in female CPC were observed. Clonally expanded CPC can differentiate into endothelial cells or into adipocytes depending on the differentiation conditions. ZFP423 overexpression is sufficient to induce white adipocyte differentiation of clonal CPC. In isolated WT-CPC, PGD2 stimulation reduces the expression of EZH2, thereby up-regulating ZFP423 expression and promoting white adipocyte differentiation. The treatment of young male CKO mice with the COX inhibitor Ibuprofen or the PGD2 receptor (DP)2 receptor antagonist BAY-u 3405 in vivo increased EZH2 expression and reduced ZFP423 expression and adipocyte differentiation in CKO-CPC. Thus, cardiomyocyte STAT3 deficiency leads to age-related and sex-specific cardiac remodeling and failure in part due to sex-specific alterations in PGD2 secretion and subsequent epigenetic impairment of the differentiation potential of CPC. Causally involved is the impaired AR signaling in absence of STAT3, which reduces the expression of the PG-degrading enzyme HPGD. Impaired androgen-receptor-signaling due to STAT3-deficiency promotes increased prostaglandin-D2-secretion from male but not female cardiomyocytes; this induces an epigenetic switch in cardiac progenitor cells from endothelial to white adipocyte differentiation, associated with reduced cardiac capillary density, increased cardiac white fat deposits and heart failure in aged male but not female mice.
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Kharaba ZJ, Buabeid MA, Ibrahim NA, Jirjees FJ, Obaidi HJA, Kaddaha A, Khajehkarimoddini L, Alfoteih Y. Testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and the associated risks of cardiovascular events. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 129:110423. [PMID: 32570122 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the male secondary sex characters, libido and fertility are attributed to their major androgen hormone testosterone, the sub-optimum levels of testosterone in young adults may cause infertility and irregularities in their sexual behaviour. Such deficiency is often secondary to maladies involving testes, pituitary or hypothalamus that could be treated with an administration of exogenous testosterone. In the last few decades, the number of testosterone prescriptions has markedly increased to treat sub-optimal serum levels even though its administration in such conditions is not yet approved. On account of its associated cardiovascular hazards, the food and drug authority in the United States has issued safety alerts on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Owing to a great degree of conflict among their findings, the published clinical trials seem struggling in presenting a decisive opinion on the matter. Hence, the clinicians remain uncertain about the possible cardiovascular adversities while prescribing TRT in hypogonadal men. The uncertainty escalates even further while prescribing such therapy in older men with a previous history of cardiovascular ailments. In the current review, we analysed the pre-clinical and clinical studies to evaluate the physiological impact of testosterone on cardiovascular and related parameters. We have enlisted studies on the association of cardiovascular health and endogenous testosterone levels with a comprehensive analysis of epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and meta-analyses on the cardiovascular risk of TRT. The review is aimed to assist clinicians in making smart decisions regarding TRT in their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Jaber Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nihal A Ibrahim
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, 346, United Arab Emirates
| | | | | | | | | | - Yassen Alfoteih
- City University College of Ajman, Ajman, 18484, United Arab Emirates.
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Gagliano-Jucá T, Pencina KM, Guo W, Li Z, Huang G, Basaria S, Bhasin S. Differential effects of testosterone on circulating neutrophils, monocytes, and platelets in men: Findings from two trials. Andrology 2020; 8:1324-1331. [PMID: 32485095 PMCID: PMC7484244 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone treatment increases erythrocytes in men, but its effects on leukocyte and platelet counts are unknown and could affect its safety. OBJECTIVE To determine whether testosterone affects circulating leukocytes and platelets in men. METHODS Secondary analyses of two randomized testosterone trials were performed: the 5α-reductase (5aR) and OPTIMEN trials. In 5aR trial, 102 healthy men, 21-50 years (mean age 38), received a long-acting GnRH agonist, and 50, 125, 300, or 600 mg/week testosterone enanthate (TE) plus placebo or 2.5 mg/ day dutasteride for 20 weeks. In OPTIMEN, 78 functionally limited men, ≥65 years (mean age 72) with protein intake ≤ 0.83 g kg-1 day-1 , were randomized to controlled diets with 0.8 g kg-1 day-1 protein or 1.3 g kg-1 day-1 protein plus placebo or TE (100 mg/week) for 6 months. Changes from baseline in total and differential leukocyte count, and platelet count were evaluated. RESULTS In 5aR, testosterone administration was associated with increases in total leukocyte (estimated change from baseline 40, 490, 1230, and 1280 cells/µL, P < .001), neutrophil (65.1, 436.1, 1177.2, and 1192.2 cells/µL, P < .001), monocyte (-20.2, 24.5, 90.6, and 143.9 cells/µL, P < .001), platelet (-7.3, 8.4, 8.7, and 8.9 × 103 cells/µL, P = .033), and erythrocyte counts. Testosterone did not affect absolute lymphocyte count. Similar increase in total leukocyte count was observed with testosterone treatment in OPTIMEN (change 0.77 × 103 cells/µL, P vs placebo = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Testosterone administration in men differentially increases neutrophil and monocyte counts. These findings, together with its erythropoietic effects, suggest that testosterone promotes the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitors into the myeloid lineage. These findings have potential mechanistic, therapeutic, and safety implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Gagliano-Jucá
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Karol M. Pencina
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Wen Guo
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Zhuoying Li
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Grace Huang
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shehzad Basaria
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men’s Health: Aging and Metabolism, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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11
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Kharaba ZJ, Buabeid MA, Alfoteih YA. Effectiveness of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal patients and its controversial adverse impact on the cardiovascular system. Crit Rev Toxicol 2020; 50:491-512. [PMID: 32689855 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2020.1789944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone is the major male hormone produced by testicles which are directly associated with man's appearance and secondary sexual developments. Androgen deficiency starts when the male hormonal level falls from its normal range though, in youngsters, the deficiency occurs due to disruption of the normal functioning of pituitary, hypothalamus glands, and testes. Thus, testosterone replacement therapy was already known for the treatment of androgen deficiency with lesser risks of producing cardiovascular problems. Since from previous years, the treatment threshold in the form of testosterone replacement therapy has effectively increased to that extent that it was prescribed for those conditions which it was considered as inappropriate. However, there are some research studies and clinical trials available that proposed the higher risk of inducing cardiovascular disease with the use of testosterone replacement therapy. Thus under the light of these results, the FDA has published the report of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease with the increased use of testosterone replacement therapy. Nevertheless, there is not a single trial available or designed that could evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events with the use of testosterone replacement therapy. As a result, the use of testosterone still questioned the cardiovascular safety of this replacement therapy. Thus, this literature outlines the distribution pattern of disease by investigating the data and link between serum testosterone level and the cardiovascular disease, also the prescription data of testosterone replacement therapy patients and their tendency of inducing cardiovascular disease, meta-analysis and the trials regarding testosterone replacement therapy and its connection with the risks of causing cardiovascular disease and lastly, the possible effects of testosterone replacement therapy on the cardiovascular system. This study aims to evaluate the available evidence regarding the use of testosterone replacement therapy when choosing it as a treatment plan for their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelal Jaber Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al-Ain University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal Ali Buabeid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Thong MSY, van Noorden CJF, Steindorf K, Arndt V. Cancer-Related Fatigue: Causes and Current Treatment Options. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2020; 21:17. [PMID: 32025928 PMCID: PMC8660748 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-020-0707-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a problem for a significant proportion of cancer survivors during and after active cancer treatment. However, CRF is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Interventions are available for CRF although there is no gold standard. Based on current level of evidence, exercise seems to be most effective in preventing or ameliorating CRF during the active- and posttreatment phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa S Y Thong
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Cornelis J F van Noorden
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, AMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Genetic Toxicology and Tumor Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karen Steindorf
- Division of Physical Activity, Prevention and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Arndt
- Unit of Cancer Survivorship, Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), P.O. Box 101949, 69009, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is essential for the maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics and fertility. Androgen deficiency in young men owing to organic disease of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or testes has been treated with testosterone replacement for decades without reports of increased cardiovascular events. In the past decade, the number of testosterone prescriptions issued for middle-aged or older men with either age-related or obesity-related decline in serum testosterone levels has increased exponentially even though these conditions are not approved indications for testosterone therapy. Some retrospective studies and randomized trials have suggested that testosterone replacement therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which has led the FDA to release a warning statement about the potential cardiovascular risks of testosterone replacement therapy. However, no trials of testosterone replacement therapy published to date were designed or adequately powered to assess cardiovascular events; therefore, the cardiovascular safety of this therapy remains unclear. In this Review, we provide an overview of epidemiological data on the association between serum levels of endogenous testosterone and cardiovascular disease, prescription database studies on the risk of cardiovascular disease in men receiving testosterone therapy, randomized trials and meta-analyses evaluating testosterone replacement therapy and its association with cardiovascular events and mechanistic studies on the effects of testosterone on the cardiovascular system. Our aim is to help clinicians to make informed decisions when considering testosterone replacement therapy in their patients.
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Al-Sharefi A, Mohammed A, Abdalaziz A, Jayasena CN. Androgens and Anemia: Current Trends and Future Prospects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:754. [PMID: 31798530 PMCID: PMC6867967 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Sharefi
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Azmi Mohammed
- The James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Altayeb Abdalaziz
- The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Channa N. Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Regulation of Leydig cell steroidogenesis: intriguing network of signaling pathways and mitochondrial signalosome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Guo W, Schmidt PJ, Fleming MD, Bhasin S. Hepcidin is not essential for mediating testosterone's effects on erythropoiesis. Andrology 2019; 8:82-90. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. Guo
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism The Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - P. J. Schmidt
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - M. D. Fleming
- Department of Pathology Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
| | - S. Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism The Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School Boston MA USA
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Hepcidin Therapeutics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11040127. [PMID: 30469435 PMCID: PMC6316648 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin is a key hormonal regulator of systemic iron homeostasis and its expression is induced by iron or inflammatory stimuli. Genetic defects in iron signaling to hepcidin lead to “hepcidinopathies” ranging from hereditary hemochromatosis to iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia, which are disorders caused by hepcidin deficiency or excess, respectively. Moreover, dysregulation of hepcidin is a pathogenic cofactor in iron-loading anemias with ineffective erythropoiesis and in anemia of inflammation. Experiments with preclinical animal models provided evidence that restoration of appropriate hepcidin levels can be used for the treatment of these conditions. This fueled the rapidly growing field of hepcidin therapeutics. Several hepcidin agonists and antagonists, as well as inducers and inhibitors of hepcidin expression have been identified to date. Some of them were further developed and are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. This review summarizes the state of the art.
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