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Nittoli V, Colella M, Porciello A, Reale C, Roberto L, Russo F, Russo NA, Porreca I, De Felice M, Mallardo M, Ambrosino C. Multi Species Analyses Reveal Testicular T3 Metabolism and Signalling as a Target of Environmental Pesticides. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092187. [PMID: 34571837 PMCID: PMC8471965 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate many biological processes in vertebrates, including reproduction. Testicular somatic and germ cells are equipped with the arrays of enzymes (deiodinases), transporters, and receptors necessary to locally maintain the optimal level of THs and their signalling, needed for their functions and spermatogenesis. Pesticides, as chlorpyrifos (CPF) and ethylene thiourea (ETU), impair the function of thyroid and testis, affecting male fertility. However, their ability to disarrange testicular T3 (t-T3) metabolism and signalling is poorly considered. Here, a multi-species analysis involving zebrafish and mouse suggests the damage of t-T3 metabolism and signalling as a mechanism of gonadic toxicity of low-doses CPF and ETU. Indeed, the developmental exposure to both compounds reduces Dio2 transcript in both models, as well as in ex-vivo cultures of murine seminiferous tubules, and it is linked to alteration of steroidogenesis and germ cell differentiation. A major impact on spermatogonia was confirmed molecularly by the expression of their markers and morphologically evidenced in zebrafish. The results reveal that in the adopted models, exposure to both pesticides alters the t-T3 metabolism and signalling, affecting the reproductive capability. Our data, together with previous reports suggest zebrafish as an evaluable model in assessing the action of compounds impairing locally T3 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Nittoli
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Marco Colella
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, 85028 Potenza, Italy
| | - Alfonsina Porciello
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Carla Reale
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Luca Roberto
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Filomena Russo
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Nicola A. Russo
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Immacalata Porreca
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
| | - Mario De Felice
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 59100 Naples, Italy;
- IEOS-CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Mallardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, 59100 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.A.)
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Biogem, Istituto di Biologia e Genetica Molecolare, Via Camporeale, 83031 Ariano Irpino (AV), Italy; (V.N.); (M.C.); (A.P.); (C.R.); (L.R.); (F.R.); (N.A.R.); (I.P.)
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
- IEOS-CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (C.A.)
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Hernandez A, Martinez ME. Thyroid hormone action in the developing testis: intergenerational epigenetics. J Endocrinol 2020; 244:R33-R46. [PMID: 31977317 PMCID: PMC7220832 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Male fertility involves the successful transmission of the genetic code to the next generation. It requires appropriately timed cellular processes during testis development, adequate support of spermatogenesis by hormonal cues from the reproductive axis and cellular cross-talk between germ and somatic cells. In addition to being the vessel of the father’s genome, increasing evidence shows that the mature sperm carries valuable epigenetic information – the epigenome – that, after fecundation, influences the development of the next generation, affecting biological traits and disease susceptibility. The epigenome of the germ line is susceptible to environmental factors, including exogenous chemicals and diet, but it is also affected by endogenous molecules and pathophysiological conditions. Factors affecting testis development and the epigenetic information of the germ line are critical for fertility and of relevance to the non-genetic but heritable component in the etiology of complex conditions. Thyroid hormones are one of those factors and their action, when untimely, produces profound effects on the developing testis, affecting spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis, testis size, reproductive hormones and fertility. Altered thyroid hormone states can also change the epigenetic information of the male germ line, with phenotypic consequences for future generations. In the context of past literature concerning the consequences of altered thyroid hormone action for testis development, here we review recent findings about the pathophysiological roles of the principal determinants of testicular thyroid hormone action. We also discuss limited work on the effects of thyroid hormone on the male germ line epigenome and the implications for the intergenerational transmission of phenotypes via epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
- Graduate School for Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
- Department of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Arturo Hernandez, Ph.D., Faculty Scientist II, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA, , Phone number: 1-207-396-8139, Fax number: 1-207-396-8110
| | - M. Elena Martinez
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Maine Medical Center, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
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3
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Wang L, Lu M, Zhang R, Guo W, Lin P, Yang D, Chen H, Tang K, Zhou D, Wang A, Jin Y. Inhibition of Luman/CREB3 expression leads to the upregulation of testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15257-15269. [PMID: 30673139 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Luman, also known as cAMP-response element-binding protein 3, is an endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein that has been identified as a novel transcriptional coregulator of a variety of nuclear receptors. Herein, immunohistochemistry results showed that Luman was specifically expressed in mouse Leydig cells in an age-dependent increase manner, from prepuberty to sexual maturation. Luman was not detected in Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules at any developmental period. The immunofluorescent experiment indicated that Luman was mainly located within the cytoplasm of murine Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1) and primary Leydig cells (PLCs). To investigate the physiological function of Luman, experiments were conducted to examine the consequences of short hairpin RNA- and small interfering RNA-mediated Luman knock-down in MLTC-1 and PLCs, respectively. Luman knock-down significantly upregulated the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory, cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzymes, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17-α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase in MLTC-1 cells and PLCs. Luman knock-down caused an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated testosterone production in vitro and in vivo. The nuclear receptors SF-1 and Nur-77 were significantly increased upon Luman knock-down in MLTC-1. By contrast, the level of the nuclear receptor SHP decreased. Luciferase reporter assay results demonstrated that Luman knock-down upregulated the activity of SF-1 and Nur-77 promoters. These data suggested that Luman expressed in mouse Leydig cells in an age-dependent increase manner. Luman knock-down upregulated the activity of SF-1 and Nur-77 promoters, which lead to the increase of testosterone synthesis and steroidogenesis genes expression. In conclusion, these findings provide us with new insights into the role Luman played in male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minjie Lu
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruixue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenwen Guo
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Diqi Yang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Keqiong Tang
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Aliberti P, Sethi R, Belgorosky A, Chandran UR, Plant TM, Walker WH. Gonadotrophin-mediated miRNA expression in testis at onset of puberty in rhesus monkey: predictions on regulation of thyroid hormone activity and DLK1-DIO3 locus. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 25:124-136. [PMID: 30590698 PMCID: PMC6396851 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation of primate spermatogenesis remain poorly characterized. Previously, 48 h stimulation of the testes of three juvenile rhesus monkeys with pulsatile LH and FSH resulted in down-regulation of a cohort of genes recognized to favor spermatogonia stem cell renewal. This change in genetic landscape occurred in concert with amplification of Sertoli cell proliferation and the commitment of undifferentiated spermatogonia to differentiate. In this report, the non-protein coding small RNA transcriptomes of the same testes were characterized using RNA sequencing: 537 mature micro-RNAs (miRNAs), 322 small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) and 49 small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) were identified. Pathway analysis of the 20 most highly expressed miRNAs suggested that these transcripts contribute to limiting the proliferation of the primate Sertoli cell during juvenile development. Gonadotrophin treatment resulted in differential expression of 35 miRNAs, 12 snoRNAs and four snRNA transcripts. Ten differentially expressed miRNAs were derived from the imprinted delta-like homolog 1-iodothyronine deiodinase 3 (DLK1-DIO3) locus that is linked to stem cell fate decisions. Four gonadotrophin-regulated expressed miRNAs were predicted to trigger a local increase in thyroid hormone activity within the juvenile testis. The latter finding leads us to predict that, in primates, a gonadotrophin-induced selective increase in testicular thyroid hormone activity, together with the established increase in androgen levels, at the onset of puberty is necessary for the normal timing of Sertoli cell maturation, and therefore initiation of spermatogenesis. Further examination of this hypothesis requires that peripubertal changes in thyroid hormone activity of the testis of a representative higher primate be determined empirically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Aliberti
- Endocrine Service, Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881(C 1245 AAM) C.A.B.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rahil Sethi
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5607 Baum Boulevard, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alicia Belgorosky
- Endocrine Service, Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881(C 1245 AAM) C.A.B.A., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Uma R Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 5607 Baum Boulevard, Suite 500, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tony M Plant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William H Walker
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hernandez A. Thyroid Hormone Role and Economy in the Developing Testis. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 106:473-500. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2017.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Rijntjes E, Gomes MLM, Zupanič N, Swarts HJM, Keijer J, Teerds KJ. Transient Hypothyroidism: Dual Effect on Adult-Type Leydig Cell and Sertoli Cell Development. Front Physiol 2017; 8:323. [PMID: 28588502 PMCID: PMC5441398 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient neonatal 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) induced hypothyroidism affects Leydig and Sertoli cell numbers in the developing testis, resulting in increased adult testis size. The hypothyroid condition was thought to be responsible, an assumption questioned by studies showing that uninterrupted fetal/postnatal hypothyroidism did not affect adult testis size. Here, we investigated effects of transient hypothyroidism on Leydig and Sertoli cell development, employing a perinatal iodide-deficient diet in combination with sodium perchlorate. This hypothyroidism inducing diet was continued until days 1, 7, 14, or 28 postpartum (pp) respectively, when the rats were switched to a euthyroid diet and followed up to adulthood. Continuous euthyroid and hypothyroid, and neonatal PTU-treated rats switched to the euthyroid diet at 28 days pp, were included for comparison. No effects on formation of the adult-type Leydig cell population or on Sertoli cell proliferation and differentiation were observed when the diet switched at/or before day 14 pp. However, when the diet was discontinued at day 28 pp, Leydig cell development was delayed similarly to what was observed in chronic hypothyroid rats. Surprisingly, Sertoli cell proliferation was 6- to 8-fold increased 2 days after the diet switch and remained elevated the next days. In adulthood, Sertoli cell number per seminiferous tubule cross-section and consequently testis weight was increased in this group. These observations implicate that increased adult testis size in transiently hypothyroid rats is not caused by the hypothyroid condition per se, but originates from augmented Sertoli cell proliferation as a consequence of rapid normalization of thyroid hormone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Rijntjes
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands.,Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Marcos L M Gomes
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Nina Zupanič
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Hans J M Swarts
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands
| | - Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen UniversityWageningen, Netherlands
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Meng L, Rijntjes E, Swarts HJM, Keijer J, Teerds KJ. Prolonged hypothyroidism severely reduces ovarian follicular reserve in adult rats. J Ovarian Res 2017; 10:19. [PMID: 28302175 PMCID: PMC5356350 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-017-0314-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is substantial evidence both in humans and in animals that a prolonged reduction in plasma thyroid hormone concentration leads to reproductive problems, including disturbed folliculogenesis, impaired ovulation and fertilization rates, miscarriage and pregnancy complications. The objective of the present study is to examine the consequences of chronic hypothyroidism, induced in adulthood, for the size of the ovarian follicle pool. In order to investigate this, adult female rats were provided either a control or an iodide deficient diet in combination with perchlorate supplementation to inhibit iodide uptake by the thyroid. Sixteen weeks later animals were sacrificed. Blood was collected for hormone analyses and ovaries were evaluated histologically. Results At the time of sacrifice, plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were 20- to 40-fold increased, thyroxine concentrations were negligible while tri-iothyronin concentrations were decreased by 40% in the hypothyroid group, confirming that the animals were hypothyroid. Primordial, primary and preantral follicle numbers were significantly lower in the hypothyroid ovaries compared to the euthyroid controls, while a downward trend in antral follicle and corpora lutea numbers was observed. Surprisingly the percentage of atretic follicles was not significantly different between the two groups, suggesting that the reduced preantral and antral follicle numbers were presumably not the consequence of increased degeneration of these follicle types in the hypothyroid group. Plasma anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels showed a significant correlation with the growing follicle population represented by the total ovarian number of primary, preantral and antral follicles, suggesting that also under hypothyroid conditions AMH can serve as a surrogate marker to assess the growing ovarian follicle population. Conclusions The induction of a chronic hypothyroid condition in adult female rats negatively affects the ovarian follicular reserve and the size of the growing follicle population, which may impact fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Meng
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Eddy Rijntjes
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans J M Swarts
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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The syndrome of central hypothyroidism and macroorchidism: IGSF1 controls TRHR and FSHB expression by differential modulation of pituitary TGFβ and Activin pathways. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42937. [PMID: 28262687 PMCID: PMC5338029 DOI: 10.1038/srep42937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IGSF1 (Immunoglobulin Superfamily 1) gene defects cause central hypothyroidism and macroorchidism. However, the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease remain unclear. Based on a patient with a full deletion of IGSF1 clinically followed from neonate to adulthood, we investigated a common pituitary origin for hypothyroidism and macroorchidism, and the role of IGSF1 as regulator of pituitary hormone secretion. The patient showed congenital central hypothyroidism with reduced TSH biopotency, over-secretion of FSH at neonatal minipuberty and macroorchidism from 3 years of age. His markedly elevated inhibin B was unable to inhibit FSH secretion, indicating a status of pituitary inhibin B resistance. We show here that IGSF1 is expressed both in thyrotropes and gonadotropes of the pituitary and in Leydig and germ cells in the testes, but at very low levels in Sertoli cells. Furthermore, IGSF1 stimulates transcription of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) by negative modulation of the TGFβ1-Smad signaling pathway, and enhances the synthesis and biopotency of TSH, the hormone secreted by thyrotropes. By contrast, IGSF1 strongly down-regulates the activin-Smad pathway, leading to reduced expression of FSHB, the hormone secreted by gonadotropes. In conclusion, two relevant molecular mechanisms linked to central hypothyroidism and macroorchidism in IGSF1 deficiency are identified, revealing IGSF1 as an important regulator of TGFβ/Activin pathways in the pituitary.
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Aiceles V, Gombar F, da Fonte Ramos C. Hormonal and testicular changes in rats submitted to congenital hypothyroidism in early life. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 439:65-73. [PMID: 27793676 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypothyroidism induced by MMI, during gestation (G) or gestation plus lactation (GL) on testis and its relation with leptin in rats. Six to eight pups were killed at 90 days of age. For statistical analysis One-way ANOVA followed by the Holm-Sìdak post hoc test was used. Hypothyroidism resulted in a significant reduction in LH, FSH and testosterone and an increase in leptin serum levels (p < 0.04). There was a significant decrease in StAR, AR, FSHR, LHR, pSTAT3 and SOCS3 (p < 0.04) protein expression and in the fertility parameters (p < 0.04). We can conclude that hypothyroidism is associated with reduction of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis leading to a low fertility potential in these animals. This outcome could be a consequence of low pituitary stimulus and testicular response and probably are not related with leptin hormone since its signaling pathway is down-regulated in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Aiceles
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Flavia Gombar
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane da Fonte Ramos
- Laboratory of Morphometry, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Biomedical Center, Institute of Biology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Miller I, Diepenbroek C, Rijntjes E, Renaut J, Teerds KJ, Kwadijk C, Cambier S, Murk AJ, Gutleb AC, Serchi T. Gender specific differences in the liver proteome of rats exposed to short term and low-concentration hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1273-1283. [PMID: 30090431 PMCID: PMC6062380 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00166a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The influence of short term (7-day) exposure of male rats to the brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was studied by investigation of the liver proteome, both in euthyroid and hypothyroid rats and by comparing results with general data on animal physiology and thyroid hormone, leptin, insulin and gonadotropin concentrations determined in parallel. Proteome analysis of liver tissue by two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) revealed that only small protein pattern changes were induced by exposure in males, on just a few proteins with different functions and not involved in pathways in common. This is in contrast to previous findings in similarly exposed eu- and hypothyroid female rats, where general metabolic pathways had been shown to be affected. The largest gender-dependent effects concerned basal concentrations of liver proteins already in control and hypothyroid animals, involving mainly the pathways which were also differently affected by HBCD exposure. Among them were differences in lipid metabolism, which - upon exposure to HBCD - may also be the reason for the considerably higher ratio of γ-HBCD accumulated in white adipose tissue of exposed female rats compared to males. The results further elucidate the already suggested different sensitivity of genders towards HBCD exposure on the protein level, and confirm the need for undertaking toxicological animal experiments in both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Miller
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry , Department for Biomedical Sciences , University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna , Veterinaerplatz 1 , A-1210 Vienna , Austria .
| | - C Diepenbroek
- Wageningen University , Human and Animal Physiology , P.O. Box 338 , 6700 AH Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - E Rijntjes
- Wageningen University , Human and Animal Physiology , P.O. Box 338 , 6700 AH Wageningen , The Netherlands
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Institute of Experimental Endocrinology , Augustenburger Platz 1 , 13353, Berlin , Germany
| | - J Renaut
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department , Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) , 5 , avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux , L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette , Grand-duchy of Luxembourg . ; Tel: +352-470 261
| | - K J Teerds
- Wageningen University , Human and Animal Physiology , P.O. Box 338 , 6700 AH Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - C Kwadijk
- Wageningen Institute for Marine Resources & Ecosystem Studies , IMARES , IJmuiden , The Netherlands
| | - S Cambier
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department , Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) , 5 , avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux , L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette , Grand-duchy of Luxembourg . ; Tel: +352-470 261
| | - A J Murk
- Wageningen University , Marine Animal Ecology Group , De Elst 1 , 6708 WD Wageningen , The Netherlands
| | - A C Gutleb
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department , Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) , 5 , avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux , L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette , Grand-duchy of Luxembourg . ; Tel: +352-470 261
| | - T Serchi
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department , Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) , 5 , avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux , L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette , Grand-duchy of Luxembourg . ; Tel: +352-470 261
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11
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Meng L, Rijntjes E, Swarts H, Bunschoten A, van der Stelt I, Keijer J, Teerds K. Dietary-Induced Chronic Hypothyroidism Negatively Affects Rat Follicular Development and Ovulation Rate and Is Associated with Oxidative Stress. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:90. [PMID: 26962119 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.136515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-term effects of chronic hypothyroidism on ovarian follicular development in adulthood are not well known. Using a rat model of chronic diet-induced hypothyroidism initiated in the fetal period, we investigated the effects of prolonged reduced plasma thyroid hormone concentrations on the ovarian follicular reserve and ovulation rate in prepubertal (12-day-old) and adult (64-day-old and 120-day-old) rats. Besides, antioxidant gene expression, mitochondrial density and the occurrence of oxidative stress were analyzed. Our results show that continuous hypothyroidism results in lower preantral and antral follicle numbers in adulthood, accompanied by a higher percentage of atretic follicles, when compared to euthyroid age-matched controls. Not surprisingly, ovulation rate was lower in the hypothyroid rats. At the age of 120 days, the mRNA and protein content of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were significantly increased while catalase (CAT) mRNA and protein content was significantly decreased, suggesting a disturbed antioxidant defense capacity of ovarian cells in the hypothyroid animals. This was supported by a significant reduction in the expression of peroxiredoxin 3 ( ITALIC! Prdx3), thioredoxin reductase 1 ( ITALIC! Txnrd1), and uncoupling protein 2 ( ITALIC! Ucp2) and a downward trend in glutathione peroxidase 3 ( ITALIC! Gpx3) and glutathione S-transferase mu 2 ( ITALIC! Gstm2) expression. These changes in gene expression were likely responsible for the increased immunostaining of the oxidative stress marker 4-hydroxynonenal. Together these results suggest that chronic hypothyroidism initiated in the fetal/neonatal period results in a decreased ovulation rate associated with a disturbance of the antioxidant defense system in the ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Meng
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy Rijntjes
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité Universitäts-Medizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Swarts
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bunschoten
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge van der Stelt
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Keijer
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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12
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Miller I, Serchi T, Cambier S, Diepenbroek C, Renaut J, Van der Berg JHJ, Kwadijk C, Gutleb AC, Rijntjes E, Murk AJ. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) induced changes in the liver proteome of eu- and hypothyroid female rats. Toxicol Lett 2016; 245:40-51. [PMID: 26795019 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a brominated flame retardant known for its low acute toxicity as observed in animal experiments. However, HBCD exposure can affect liver functioning and thyroid hormone (TH) status. As exact mechanisms are unknown and only limited toxicological data exists, a gel-based proteomic approach was undertaken. In a eu- and hypothyroid female rat model, rats were exposed to 3 and 30 mg/kg bw/day HBCD for 7 days via their diet, and exposure was related to a range of canonical endpoints (hormone status, body weight) available for these animals. Alterations in the liver proteome under HBCD exposure were determined in comparison with patterns of control animals, for both thyroid states. This revealed significantly changed abundance of proteins involved in metabolic processes (gluconeogenesis/glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism), but also in oxidative stress responses, in both euthyroid and hypothyroid rats. The results provide a more detailed picture on the mechanisms involved in these alterations, e.g. at the protein level changes of the proposed influence of HBCD on the lipid metabolism. Present results show that proteomic approaches can provide further mechanistic insights in toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Miller
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, Department for Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinaerplatz 1, A-1210 Vienna, Austria.
| | - T Serchi
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 5, Avenue des Hauts-Forneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - S Cambier
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 5, Avenue des Hauts-Forneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - C Diepenbroek
- Wageningen University, Human and Animal Physiology Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - J Renaut
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 5, Avenue des Hauts-Forneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - J H J Van der Berg
- Wageningen University, Division of Toxicology, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - C Kwadijk
- Wageningen Institute for Marine Resources & Ecosystem Studies, IMARES, IJmuiden, The Netherlands.
| | - A C Gutleb
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN) Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), 5, Avenue des Hauts-Forneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - E Rijntjes
- Wageningen University, Human and Animal Physiology Group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Experimental Endocrinology, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| | - A J Murk
- Wageningen University, Division of Toxicology, Tuinlaan 5, 6703 HE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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13
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Kassotis CD, Klemp KC, Vu DC, Lin CH, Meng CX, Besch-Williford CL, Pinatti L, Zoeller RT, Drobnis EZ, Balise VD, Isiguzo CJ, Williams MA, Tillitt DE, Nagel SC. Endocrine-Disrupting Activity of Hydraulic Fracturing Chemicals and Adverse Health Outcomes After Prenatal Exposure in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4458-73. [PMID: 26465197 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oil and natural gas operations have been shown to contaminate surface and ground water with endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In the current study, we fill several gaps in our understanding of the potential environmental impacts related to this process. We measured the endocrine-disrupting activities of 24 chemicals used and/or produced by oil and gas operations for five nuclear receptors using a reporter gene assay in human endometrial cancer cells. We also quantified the concentration of 16 of these chemicals in oil and gas wastewater samples. Finally, we assessed reproductive and developmental outcomes in male C57BL/6J mice after the prenatal exposure to a mixture of these chemicals. We found that 23 commonly used oil and natural gas operation chemicals can activate or inhibit the estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and/or thyroid receptors, and mixtures of these chemicals can behave synergistically, additively, or antagonistically in vitro. Prenatal exposure to a mixture of 23 oil and gas operation chemicals at 3, 30, and 300 μg/kg · d caused decreased sperm counts and increased testes, body, heart, and thymus weights and increased serum testosterone in male mice, suggesting multiple organ system impacts. Our results suggest possible adverse developmental and reproductive health outcomes in humans and animals exposed to potential environmentally relevant levels of oil and gas operation chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Kassotis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Kara C Klemp
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Danh C Vu
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chung-Ho Lin
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chun-Xia Meng
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Cynthia L Besch-Williford
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Lisa Pinatti
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Erma Z Drobnis
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Victoria D Balise
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Chiamaka J Isiguzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Michelle A Williams
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Donald E Tillitt
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
| | - Susan C Nagel
- Nicholas School of the Environment (C.D.K.), Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health (K.C.K., C.-X.M., E.Z.D., V.D.B., C.J.I., S.C.N.), Department of Forestry (D.C.V., C.-H.L.), Division of Biological Sciences (V.D.B., M.A.W., S.C.N.), University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211; IDEXX RADIL Pathology Services (C.L.B.-W.), Columbia, Missouri 65201; Department of Biology (L.P., R.T.Z.), University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003; and US Geological Survey (D.E.T.), Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri 65201
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14
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Rotgers E, Cisneros-Montalvo S, Jahnukainen K, Sandholm J, Toppari J, Nurmio M. A detailed protocol for a rapid analysis of testicular cell populations using flow cytometry. Andrology 2015; 3:947-55. [PMID: 26256546 PMCID: PMC5042039 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Accurate analysis and quantification of different testicular cell populations are of central importance in studies of male reproductive biology. The traditional histomorphometric and immunohistochemical methods remain the gold standard in studying the complex dynamics of the testicular tissue. Through past years advances have been made in the application of flow cytometry for the rapid analysis of testicular cell populations. Detection of DNA content and of surface antigens and fluorescent reporters have been widely used to analyze and sort cells. Detection of intracellular antigens can broaden the possibilities of applying flow cytometry in studies of male reproduction. Here, we report a detailed protocol for the preparation of rat testicular tissue for detection of intracellular antigens by flow cytometry, and a pipeline for subsequent data analysis and troubleshooting. Rat testicular ontogenesis was chosen as the experimental model to validate the performance of the assay using vimentin and γH2AX as intracellular markers for the somatic and spermatogenic cells, respectively. The results show that the assay is reproducible and recapitulates the rat testis ontogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rotgers
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - S Cisneros-Montalvo
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - K Jahnukainen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Departments of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Sandholm
- Cell Imaging Core, Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - J Toppari
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - M Nurmio
- Department of Physiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Paediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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15
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Teerds KJ, Huhtaniemi IT. Morphological and functional maturation of Leydig cells: from rodent models to primates. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:310-28. [PMID: 25724971 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells (LC) are the sites of testicular androgen production. Development of LC occurs in the testes of most mammalian species as two distinct growth phases, i.e. as fetal and pubertal/adult populations. In primates there are indications of a third neonatal growth phase. LC androgen production begins in embryonic life and is crucial for the intrauterine masculinization of the male fetal genital tract and brain, and continues until birth after which it rapidly declines. A short post-natal phase of LC activity in primates (including human) termed 'mini-puberty' precedes the period of juvenile quiescence. The adult population of LC evolves, depending on species, in mid- to late-prepuberty upon reawakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and these cells are responsible for testicular androgen production in adult life, which continues with a slight gradual decline until senescence. This review is an updated comparative analysis of the functional and morphological maturation of LC in model species with special reference to rodents and primates. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched between December 2012 and October 2014. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as were data in abstract form only. Studies available on primates were primarily examined and compared with available data from specific animal models with emphasis on rodents. RESULTS Expression of different marker genes in rodents provides evidence that at least two distinct progenitor lineages give rise to the fetal LC (FLC) population, one arising from the coelomic epithelium and the other from specialized vascular-associated cells along the gonad-mesonephros border. There is general agreement that the formation and functioning of the FLC population in rodents is gonadotrophin-responsive but not gonadotrophin-dependent. In contrast, although there is in primates some controversy on the role of gonadotrophins in the formation of the FLC population, there is consensus about the essential role of gonadotrophins in testosterone production. Like the FLC population, adult Leydig cells (ALC) in rodents arise from stem cells, which have their origin in the fetal testis. In contrast, in primates the ALC population is thought to originate from FLC, which undergo several cycles of regression and redifferentiation before giving rise to the mature ALC population, as well as from differentiation of stem cells/precursor cells. Despite this difference in origin, both in primates and rodents the formation of the mature and functionally active ALC population is critically dependent on the pituitary gonadotrophin, LH. From studies on rodents considerable knowledge has emerged on factors that are involved besides LH in the regulation of this developmental process. Whether the same factors also play a role in the development of the mature primate LC population awaits further investigation. CONCLUSION Distinct populations of LC develop along the life span of males, including fetal, neonatal (primates) and ALC. Despite differences in the LC lineages of rodents and primates, the end product is a mature population of LC with the main function to provide androgens necessary for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extra-gonadal androgen actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, UK Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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16
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Maranghi F, De Angelis S, Tassinari R, Chiarotti F, Lorenzetti S, Moracci G, Marcoccia D, Gilardi E, Di Virgilio A, Eusepi A, Mantovani A, Olivieri A. Reproductive toxicity and thyroid effects in Sprague Dawley rats exposed to low doses of ethylenethiourea. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 59:261-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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17
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Abstract
Several signals, such as hormones and signaling molecules, have been identified as important regulators of Leydig cell differentiation and function. Conveying these signals and translating them into a genomic response to ensure an accurate physiological output requires the action of a network of transcription factors, including those belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Nuclear receptors regulate expression of genes important for growth, differentiation, development, and homeostasis. Several nuclear receptors, such as steroid hormone receptors (NR3A and NR3C families), are activated upon ligand binding, whereas others, including members of the NR2C, NR2F, and NR4A families, either do not require a ligand or ligands have yet to be identified. Several nuclear receptors (e.g., NR2F2 and NR5A1) have been shown to play essential roles in Leydig cells, whereas for others (e.g., NR2B1 and NR4A1), the assessment of their function has been precluded by the early embryonic lethality associated with null mice or by redundancy mechanisms by other family members. This is now being overcome with the generation of novel approaches, including Leydig cell-specific knockout models. This review provides an overview of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors as they relate to Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc J Martin
- Reproduction, Perinatal, and Child Health, Research Centre du Centre Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
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