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McIlwraith EK, Loganathan N, Mak KWY, He W, Belsham DD. Phoenixin knockout mice show no impairment in fertility or differences in metabolic response to a high-fat diet, but exhibit behavioral differences in an open field test. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13398. [PMID: 38733120 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) is a conserved secreted peptide that was identified 10 years ago with numerous studies published on its pleiotropic functions. PNX is associated with estrous cycle length, protection from a high-fat diet, and reduction of anxiety behavior. However, no study had yet evaluated the impact of deleting PNX in the whole animal. We sought to evaluate a mouse model lacking the PNX parent gene, small integral membrane protein 20 (Smim20), and the resulting effect on reproduction, energy homeostasis, and anxiety. We found that the Smim20 knockout mice had normal fertility and estrous cycle lengths. Consistent with normal fertility, the hypothalamii of the knockout mice showed no changes in the levels of reproduction-related genes, but the male mice had some changes in energy homeostasis-related genes, such as melanocortin receptor 4 (Mc4r). When placed on a high-fat diet, the wildtype and knockout mice responded similarly, but the male heterozygous mice gained slightly less weight. When placed in an open field test box, the female knockout mice traveled less distance in the outer zone, indicating alterations in anxiety or locomotor behavior. In summary, the homozygous knockout of PNX did not alter fertility and modestly alters a few neuroendocrine genes in response to a high-fat diet, especially in the female mice. However, it altered the behavior of mice in an open field test. PNX therefore may not be crucial for reproductive function or weight, however, we cannot rule out possible compensatory mechanisms in the knockout model. Understanding the role of PNX in physiology may ultimately lead to an enhanced understanding of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving this enigmatic peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K McIlwraith
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neruja Loganathan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly W Y Mak
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wenyuan He
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Licitra R, Fronte B, Verri T, Marchese M, Sangiacomo C, Santorelli FM. Zebrafish Feed Intake: A Systematic Review for Standardizing Feeding Management in Laboratory Conditions. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:209. [PMID: 38666821 PMCID: PMC11047914 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish are one of the most used animal models in biological research and a cost-effective alternative to rodents. Despite this, nutritional requirements and standardized feeding protocols have not yet been established for this species. This is important to avoid nutritional effects on experimental outcomes, and especially when zebrafish models are used in preclinical studies, as many diseases have nutritional confounding factors. A key aspect of zebrafish nutrition is related to feed intake, the amount of feed ingested by each fish daily. With the goal of standardizing feeding protocols among the zebrafish community, this paper systematically reviews the available data from 73 studies on zebrafish feed intake, feeding regimes (levels), and diet composition. Great variability was observed regarding diet composition, especially regarding crude protein (mean 44.98 ± 9.87%) and lipid content (9.91 ± 5.40%). Interestingly, the gross energy levels of the zebrafish diets were similar across the reviewed studies (20.39 ± 2.10 kilojoules/g of feed). In most of the reviewed papers, fish received a predetermined quantity of feed (feed supplied). The authors fed the fish according to the voluntary intake and then calculated feed intake (FI) in only 17 papers. From a quantitative point of view, FI was higher than when a fixed quantity (pre-defined) of feed was supplied. Also, the literature showed that many biotic and abiotic factors may affect zebrafish FI. Finally, based on the FI data gathered from the literature, a new feeding protocol is proposed. In summary, a daily feeding rate of 9-10% of body weight is proposed for larvae, whereas these values are equal to 6-8% for juveniles and 5% for adults when a dry feed with a proper protein and energy content is used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Licitra
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Baldassare Fronte
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (B.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Maria Marchese
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Chiara Sangiacomo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (B.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
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Breton TS, Fike S, Francis M, Patnaude M, Murray CA, DiMaggio MA. Characterizing the SREB G protein-coupled receptor family in fish: Brain gene expression and genomic differences in upstream transcription factor binding sites. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 285:111507. [PMID: 37611891 PMCID: PMC10529039 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111507] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The SREB (Super-conserved Receptors Expressed in Brain) family of orphan G protein-coupled receptors is highly conserved in vertebrates and consists of three members: SREB1 (orphan designation GPR27), SREB2 (GPR85), and SREB3 (GPR173). SREBs are associated with processes ranging from neuronal plasticity to reproductive control. Relatively little is known about similarities across the entire family, or how mammalian gene expression patterns compare to non-mammalian vertebrates. In fish, this system may be particularly complex, as some species have gained a fourth member (SREB3B) while others have lost genes. To better understand the system, the present study aimed to: 1) use qPCR to characterize sreb and related gene expression patterns in the brains of three fish species with different systems, and 2) identify possible differences in transcriptional regulation among the receptors, using upstream transcription factor binding sites across 70 ray-finned fish genomes. Overall, regional patterns of sreb expression were abundant in forebrain-related areas. However, some species-specific patterns were detected, such as abundant expression of receptors in zebrafish (Danio rerio) hypothalamic-containing sections, and divergence between sreb3a and sreb3b in pufferfish (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis). In addition, a gene possibly related to the system (dkk3a) was spatially correlated with the receptors in all three species. Genomic regions upstream of sreb2 and sreb3b, but largely not sreb1 or sreb3a, contained many highly conserved transcription factor binding sites. These results provide novel information about expression differences and transcriptional regulation across fish that may inform future research to better understand these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Breton
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA.
| | - Samantha Fike
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Mullein Francis
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Michael Patnaude
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Casey A Murray
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA
| | - Matthew A DiMaggio
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA
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Çimenli S, Kale İ, Muhcu M. Investigation of Serum Phoenixin-14 Concentration in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2023; 227:347-353. [PMID: 37216963 DOI: 10.1055/a-2073-8652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the relationship between the hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and maternal serum phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 pregnant women who applied to the Umraniye Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic between February 2022 and October 2022. The HG group consisted of 44 pregnant women diagnosed with HG between the 7th and 14th gestational weeks, and the control group consisted of 44 healthy pregnant women matched with the HG group in terms of age, BMI, and gestational week. Demographic characteristics, ultrasound findings, and laboratory outcomes were noted. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal serum PNX-14 concentrations. RESULTS Gestational age at blood sampling for PNX-14 was similar in both groups (p=1.000). While maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was 85.5 pg/ml in the HG group, it was 71.3 pg/ml in the control group (p=0.012). ROC analysis was performed to determine the value of maternal serum PNX-14 concentration in terms of predicting HG. AUC analysis of maternal serum PNX-14 for HG estimation was 0.656 (p=0.012, 95% CI=0.54-0.77). The optimal cutoff value for maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was determined as 79.81 pg/ml with 59% sensitivity and 59% specificity. CONCLUSION In this study, maternal serum PNX-14 concentration was found to be higher in pregnant women with HG, which indicates that high serum PNX-14 concentrations may have an anorexigenic effect on food intake in pregnancy. Concentrations of other PNX isoforms in HG and changes in PNX concentrations in pregnant women with HG who regained weight after treatment remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sümeyye Çimenli
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İbrahim Kale
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Muhcu
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal Fetal Unit, Umraniye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Schalla MA, Oerter S, Cubukova A, Metzger M, Appelt-Menzel A, Stengel A. Locked Out: Phoenixin-14 Does Not Cross a Stem-Cell-Derived Blood-Brain Barrier Model. Brain Sci 2023; 13:980. [PMID: 37508911 PMCID: PMC10377091 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13070980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin-14 is a recently discovered peptide regulating appetite. Interestingly, it is expressed in the gastrointestinal tract; however, its supposed receptor, GPR173, is predominantly found in hypothalamic areas. To date, it is unknown how peripherally secreted phoenixin-14 is able to reach its centrally located receptor. To investigate whether phoenixin is able to pass the blood-brain barrier, we used an in vitro mono-culture blood-brain barrier (BBB) model consisting of brain capillary-like endothelial cells derived from human induced-pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-BCECs). The passage of 1 nMol and 10 nMol of phoenixin-14 via the mono-culture was measured after 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240 min using a commercial ELISA kit. The permeability coefficients (PC) of 1 nMol and 10 nMol phoenixin-14 were 0.021 ± 0.003 and 0.044 ± 0.013 µm/min, respectively. In comparison with the PC of solutes known to cross the BBB in vivo, those of phoenixin-14 in both concentrations are very low. Here, we show that phoenixin-14 alone is not able to cross the BBB, suggesting that the effects of peripherally secreted phoenixin-14 depend on a co-transport mechanism at the BBB in vivo. The mechanisms responsible for phoenixin-14's orexigenic property along the gut-brain axis warrant further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A Schalla
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine; Charite-Universitätsmedizin BerlinCorporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, HELIOS Kliniken GmbH, 78628 Rottweil, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Oerter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alevtina Cubukova
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Metzger
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Antje Appelt-Menzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), 97070 Würzburg, Germany
- Chair Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM), University Hospital Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine; Charite-Universitätsmedizin BerlinCorporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Antomagesh F, Rajeswari JJ, Vijayan MM. Chronic cortisol elevation restricts glucose uptake but not insulin responsiveness in zebrafish skeletal muscle. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 336:114231. [PMID: 36791823 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Although teleosts show an elevated insulin response to hyperglycemia, the circulating glucose levels are not normalized as rapidly as in mammals. While this may suggest a lack of target tissue insulin responsiveness, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated whether changes in skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake underlie the cortisol-mediated elevated blood glucose levels. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to water-borne cortisol for 3 days followed by an intraperitoneal injection of glucose with or without insulin. Cortisol treatment resulted in a temporal delay in the reduction in blood glucose levels, and this corresponded with a reduced glucose uptake capacity and lower glycogen content in the skeletal muscle. The transcript abundance of slc2a1b (which encodes for GLUT1b) and a suite of genes encoding enzymes involved in muscle glycogenesis and glycolysis were upregulated in the cortisol group. Both the control and cortisol groups showed higher whole body insulin expression in response to blood glucose elevation, which also resulted in enhanced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT in the skeletal muscle. The insulin-mediated phosphorylation of S6 kinase was lower in the cortisol group. Altogether, chronic cortisol stimulation restricts glucose uptake and enhances the glycolytic capacity without affecting insulin responsiveness in zebrafish skeletal muscle.
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Liu T, Yang M, Wu Y, Bu G, Han X, Du X, Liang Q, Cao X, Huang A, Zeng X, Meng F. PNX14 but not PNX20 as a novel regulator of preadipocyte differentiation via activating Epac-ERK signaling pathway in Gallus gallus. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114232. [PMID: 36774983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Small integral membrane protein 20 (SMIM20) could generate two main peptides, PNX14 and PNX20, which participate in multiple biological roles such as reproduction, inflammation and energy metabolism in mammals. However, little is known about their physiological functions in non-mammalian vertebrates. Using chicken (c-) as an animal model, we found cSMIM20 was moderately expressed in adipose tissues, and its expression was gradually increased during the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes, suggesting that it may play an important role in chicken adipogenesis. Further research showed cPNX14 could facilitate the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes into mature adipocytes by enhancing expression of adipogenic genes including PPARγ, CEBPα and FABP4, and promoting the formation of lipid droplets. This pro-adipogenic effect of cPNX14 was completely attenuated by Epac-specific and ERK inhibitor. Interestingly, cPNX20 failed to regulate the adipogenic genes and lipid droplet content. Collectively, our findings reveal that cPNX14 but not cPNX20 can serve as a novel adipogenesis mediator by activating the Epac-ERK signaling pathway in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuoyuan Liu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Ming Yang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Yuping Wu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Guixian Bu
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xingfa Han
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaogang Du
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Qiuxia Liang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Cao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Anqi Huang
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Xianyin Zeng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China
| | - Fengyan Meng
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Xinkang Road, Ya'an 625014, PR China.
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Friedrich T, Stengel A. Current state of phoenixin-the implications of the pleiotropic peptide in stress and its potential as a therapeutic target. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1076800. [PMID: 36860304 PMCID: PMC9968724 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1076800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin is a pleiotropic peptide, whose known functions have broadened significantly over the last decade. Initially first described as a reproductive peptide in 2013, phoenixin is now recognized as being implicated in hypertension, neuroinflammation, pruritus, food intake, anxiety as well as stress. Due to its wide field of involvement, an interaction with physiological as well as psychological control loops has been speculated. It has shown to be both able to actively reduce anxiety as well as being influenced by external stressors. Initial rodent models have shown that central administration of phoenixin alters the behavior of the subjects when confronted with stress-inducing situations, proposing an interaction with the perception and processing of stress and anxiety. Although the research on phoenixin is still in its infancy, there are several promising insights into its functionality, which might prove to be of value in the pharmacological treatment of several psychiatric and psychosomatic illnesses such as anorexia nervosa, post-traumatic stress disorder as well as the increasingly prevalent stress-related illnesses of burnout and depression. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of phoenixin, its interactions with physiological processes as well as focus on the recent developments in stress response and the possible novel treatment options this might entail.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Friedrich
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - A. Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany,*Correspondence: A. Stengel,
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Ozdemir-Kumral ZN, Sen E, Yapici HB, Atakul N, Domruk OF, Aldag Y, Sen LS, Kanpalta Mustafaoğlu F, Yuksel M, Akakin D, Erzik C, Haklar G, Imeryuz N. Phoenixin 14 ameloriates pancreatic injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by alleviating oxidative burden. J Pharm Pharmacol 2022; 74:1651-1659. [PMID: 36130115 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Phoenixin-14 (PNX) is a neuropeptide that has been shown to prevent oxidative damage and stimulates insulin secretion. We investigated the effects of PNX on pancreatic injury induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and nicotinamide (NAD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats, in control (C) and diabetic (STZ) groups, were treated with either saline, or PNX (0.45 nmol/kg, or 45 nmol/kg) daily for 3 days 1 week after STZ injection. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and gastric emptying rate (GER) were measured. Tissue and blood samples were collected. PNX treatments prevented pancreatic damage and β cell loss. Increased luminol and lucigenin levels in the pancreas, ileum and liver tissues of STZ groups were alleviated by PNX treatment in pancreatic and ileal tissues. PNX0.45 decreased FBG without any change in insulin blood level and pancreatic mRNA. GER increased in all diabetic rats while PNX0.45 delayed GER only in the C group. PNX diminishes pancreatic damage and lowers FBG by reducing oxidative load.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eminenur Sen
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Yusra Aldag
- Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Leyla Semiha Sen
- Department of Physiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of General Surgery, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Meral Yuksel
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technics, Marmara University Vocational School of Health Services, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Akakin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Can Erzik
- Department of Medical Biology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Goncagul Haklar
- Department of Biochemistry, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Neşe Imeryuz
- Department of Physiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Celik F, Aydin S. Blood and aqueous humor phoenixin, endocan and spexin in patients with diabetes mellitus and cataract with and without diabetic retinopathy. Peptides 2022; 150:170728. [PMID: 34971675 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptide phoenixin (PNX), endocan (EDC), and spexin (SPX) are associated with diabetes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of PNX, EDC and SPX in the blood and aqueous humor (AH) of patient with type 2 diabetes with and without DRP and cataract. 30 type 2 diabetes patients with cataract (DM + C), 30 DRP patient with cataract (DRP + C), 30 non-diabetic patient with only cataract and 30 control participants were enrolled into this study. PNX, EDC, and SPX were measured in blood and AH by ELISA. In patients with DRP + C, the levels of PNX and EDC were significantly higher in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DRP + C (<0.05). Also, in patients with DM + C, the levels of PNX and EDC were higher in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DM + C. However, in patients with DRP + C, the levels of SPX were significantly lower in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DRP + C (<0.05). Also, in patients with DM + C, the levels of SPX were also lower in both AH and blood samples compared with the group of patients without DM + C. These findings suggest that increased PNX, EDC, and decreased SPX amounts in blood and AH of DM + C and DRP + C groups when compared with control and cataract groups show that they might have a role in the pathophysiology of DM + C, especially in the DRP + C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Celik
- Department of Ophthalmology, Elazig Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Health Science University, Elazig Campus, Elazig, Turkey.
| | - Suleyman Aydin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, (Firat Hormones Research Group), School of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey.
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11
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Rajaei S, Zendehdel M, Rahnema M, Hassanpour S, Asle-Rousta M. Mediatory role of the central NPY, melanocortine and corticotrophin systems on phoenixin-14 induced hyperphagia in neonatal chicken. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113930. [PMID: 34673032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal research indicates the neuropeptide Y (NPY), corticotrophin and melanocortin systems have a mediatory role in reward, however, how these substances interact with phenytoin-14 (PNX-14) induced food intake in birds remains to be identified. Accordingly, in this research eight tests were carried out to investigate the potential interactions of the NPY, melanocortin, as well as corticotrophin systems with PNX-14 on food consumption in neonatal chickens. In the first experiment, chickens were intracerebroventricular (ICV) injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and PNX-14 (0.8, 0.16, and 3.2 nmol). In second experiment, PBS, the antagonist of CRF1/CRF2 receptors (astressin-B, 30 μg) and PNX-14 + astressin-B were injected. In the rest of the experiments chicken received astressin2-B (CRF2 receptor antagonist; 30 µg), SHU9119 (MCR3/MCR4 receptor antagonist, 0.5nomol), MCL0020 (MCR4 receptor agonist, 0.5 nmol), B5063 (NPY1 receptor antagonist, 1.25 μg), SF22 (NPY2 receptor antagonist, 1.25 μg) and SML0891 (NPY5 receptor antagonist, 1.25 μg) rather than astressin-B. Then, cumulative intake of food was recorded for 2 h. Based on the findings, PNX-14 (0.16 and 3.2 nmol) led to increment in food consumption compared with the control (P < 0.05). Co-administration of the PNX-14 and astressin-B promoted PNX-14-induced hyperphagia (P < 0.05). Co-injection of the PNX-14 + astressin2-B potentiated hyperphagia PNX-14 (P < 0.05). Co-injection of PNX-14 + B5063 inhibited the effects of the PNX-14 (P < 0.05). The co-administration of the PNX-14 and SML0891 potentiated hypophagic effects of the PNX-14 (P < 0.05). The results showed that PNX-14-induced hyperphagia mediates via NPY1, NPY5, and CRF1/CRF2 receptors in neonatal chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Rajaei
- Department of Physiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Morteza Zendehdel
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 14155-6453 Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Rahnema
- Department of Physiology, Zanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Shahin Hassanpour
- Division of Physiology, Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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12
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McIlwraith EK, Zhang N, Belsham DD. The Regulation of Phoenixin: A Fascinating Multidimensional Peptide. J Endocr Soc 2021; 6:bvab192. [PMID: 35059547 PMCID: PMC8763610 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The phoenixin (PNX) peptide is linked to the control of reproduction, food intake, stress, and inflammation. However, little is known about what regulates its gene and protein expression, information that is critical to understand the physiological role of PNX. In this review, we summarize what is known about the transcriptional control of Pnx and its receptor Gpr173. A main function of PNX is as a positive regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, but there is a lack of research on its control by reproductive hormones and peptides. PNX is also associated with food intake, and its expression is linked to feeding status, fatty acids, and glucose. It is influenced by environmental and hormonal-induced stress. The regulation of Pnx in most contexts remains an enigma, in part due to conflicting and negative results. An extensive analysis of the response of the Pnx gene to factors related to reproduction, metabolism, stress, and inflammation is required. Analysis of the Pnx promoter and epigenetic regulation must be considered to understand how this level of control contributes to its pleiotropic effects. PNX is now linked to a broad range of functions, but more research on its gene regulation is required to understand its place in overall physiology and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ningtong Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Denise D Belsham
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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13
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Rodríguez Gabilondo A, Hernández Pérez L, Martínez Rodríguez R. Hormonal and neuroendocrine control of reproductive function in teleost fish. BIONATURA 2021. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2021.06.02.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproduction is one of the important physiological events for the maintenance of the species. Hormonal and neuroendocrine regulation of teleost requires multiple and complex interactions along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis. Within this axis, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulates the synthesis and release of gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Steroidogenesis drives reproduction function in which the development and differentiation of gonads. In recent years, new neuropeptides have become the focus of reproductive physiology research as they are involved in the different regulatory mechanisms of these species' growth, metabolism, and reproduction. However, especially in fish, the role of these neuropeptides in the control of reproductive function is not well studied. The study of hormonal and neuroendocrine events that regulate reproduction is crucial for the development and success of aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Rodríguez Gabilondo
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Liz Hernández Pérez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Rebeca Martínez Rodríguez
- Metabolic Modifiers for Aquaculture, Agricultural Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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14
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Mukherjee K, Unniappan S. Mouse gastric mucosal endocrine cells are sources and sites of action of Phoenixin-20. Peptides 2021; 141:170551. [PMID: 33862165 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Energy homeostasis is is determined by food intake and energy expenditure, which are partly regulated by the cross-talk between central and peripheral hormonal signals. Phoenixin (PNX) is a recently discovered pleiotropic neuropeptide with isoforms of 14 (PNX-14) and 20 (PNX-20) amino acids. It is a potent reproductive peptide in vertebrates, regulating the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). It has been identified as a regulator of food intake during light phase when injected intracerebroventricularly in rats. In addition, plasma levels of PNX also increased after food intake in rats, suggesting that it might have possible roles in energy homeostasis. We hypothesized that gut is a source and site of action of PNX in mice. Immunoreactivity for PNX and its putative receptor, super-conserved receptor expressed in brain (SREB3; also known as the G-protein coupled receptor 173/GPR 173) was found in the stomach and intestine of male C57/BL6 J mice, and in MGN3-1 (mouse stomach endocrine) cells and STC-1 (mouse enteroendocrine) cells. In MGN3-1 cells, PNX-20 significantly upregulated ghrelin (10 nM) and ghrelin-O-acyl transferase (GOAT) mRNAs (1000 nM) at 6 h. In STC-1 cells, it significantly suppressed CCK (100 nM) at 2 h. No effects were found on other intestinal hormones tested (glucagon like peptide-1, glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and peptide YY). Together, these results indicate that PNX-20 is produced in the gut, and it could act directly on gut cells to regulate metabolic hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kundanika Mukherjee
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
| | - Suraj Unniappan
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
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15
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Breton TS, Sampson WGB, Clifford B, Phaneuf AM, Smidt I, True T, Wilcox AR, Lipscomb T, Murray C, DiMaggio MA. Characterization of the G protein-coupled receptor family SREB across fish evolution. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12066. [PMID: 34103644 PMCID: PMC8187511 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91590-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The SREB (Super-conserved Receptors Expressed in Brain) family of G protein-coupled receptors is highly conserved across vertebrates and consists of three members: SREB1 (orphan receptor GPR27), SREB2 (GPR85), and SREB3 (GPR173). Ligands for these receptors are largely unknown or only recently identified, and functions for all three are still beginning to be understood, including roles in glucose homeostasis, neurogenesis, and hypothalamic control of reproduction. In addition to the brain, all three are expressed in gonads, but relatively few studies have focused on this, especially in non-mammalian models or in an integrated approach across the entire receptor family. The purpose of this study was to more fully characterize sreb genes in fish, using comparative genomics and gonadal expression analyses in five diverse ray-finned (Actinopterygii) species across evolution. Several unique characteristics were identified in fish, including: (1) a novel, fourth euteleost-specific gene (sreb3b or gpr173b) that likely emerged from a copy of sreb3 in a separate event after the teleost whole genome duplication, (2) sreb3a gene loss in Order Cyprinodontiformes, and (3) expression differences between a gar species and teleosts. Overall, gonadal patterns suggested an important role for all sreb genes in teleost testicular development, while gar were characterized by greater ovarian expression that may reflect similar roles to mammals. The novel sreb3b gene was also characterized by several unique features, including divergent but highly conserved amino acid positions, and elevated brain expression in puffer (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis) that more closely matched sreb2, not sreb3a. These results demonstrate that SREBs may differ among vertebrates in genomic structure and function, and more research is needed to better understand these roles in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Breton
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA.
| | - William G B Sampson
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA
| | - Benjamin Clifford
- Science Department, Southern Maine Community College, South Portland, ME, USA
| | - Anyssa M Phaneuf
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA
| | - Ilze Smidt
- Department of Biology, Bates College, Lewiston, ME, USA
| | - Tamera True
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA
| | - Andrew R Wilcox
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME, USA
| | - Taylor Lipscomb
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL, USA.,Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Shasta Lake, CA, USA
| | - Casey Murray
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL, USA
| | - Matthew A DiMaggio
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL, USA
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16
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Ceriani R, Calfún C, Whitlock KE. phoenixin(smim20), a gene coding for a novel reproductive ligand, is expressed in the brain of adult zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2020; 39:119164. [PMID: 33385537 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2020.119164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a highly conserved neuroendocrine decapeptide that is essential for the onset of puberty and the maintenance of the reproductive state. In addition to its role as hypothalamic releasing hormone, GnRH has multiple functions including modulator of neural activity within the nervous system and of resulting behaviors. These multiple functions are reflected by the existence of multiple isoforms. Despite its importance as a critical hypothalamic releasing hormone, the gnrh1 gene has been lost in zebrafish, and its reproductive function is not compensated for by other GnRH isoforms (GnRH2 and GnRH3), suggesting that, surprisingly, zebrafish do not use any of the GnRH peptides to control reproduction and fertility. Previously we proposed that Phoenixin/SMIM20, a novel peptide identified in mammals and the ligand for the orphan GPR173, is a potential candidate to control the initiation of sexual development and fertility in the zebrafish. Here we confirm the sequence of the zebrafish phoenixin/smim20 gene and by RT-PCR show that it is expressed early in development through adulthood. Subsequently we show that phoenixin/smim20 is expressed in the adult brain including the regions of the hypothalamus important in the control of fertility and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ceriani
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaiso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - C Calfún
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaiso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - K E Whitlock
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaiso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaiso, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Valparaiso, Chile.
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17
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Billert M, Rak A, Nowak KW, Skrzypski M. Phoenixin: More than Reproductive Peptide. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218378. [PMID: 33171667 PMCID: PMC7664650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) neuropeptide is a cleaved product of the Smim20 protein. Its most common isoforms are the 14- and 20-amino acid peptides. The biological functions of PNX are mediated via the activation of the GPR173 receptor. PNX plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the female reproductive system where it potentiates LH secretion and controls the estrus cycle. Moreover, it stimulates oocyte maturation and increases the number of ovulated oocytes. Nevertheless, PNX not only regulates the reproduction system but also exerts anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and cell-protective effects. Furthermore, it is involved in behavior, food intake, sensory perception, memory, and energy metabolism. Outside the CNS, PNX exerts its effects on the heart, ovaries, adipose tissue, and pancreatic islets. This review presents all the currently available studies demonstrating the pleiotropic effects of PNX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Billert
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, 30-387 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof W. Nowak
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
| | - Marek Skrzypski
- Department of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Biostructure, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 60-637 Poznań, Poland; (M.B.); (K.W.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-6184-637-24
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