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Zhang Z, Zhang X, Zhang T, Li J, Renqing C, Baijiu Z, Baima S, Zhaxi W, Nima Y, Zhao W, Song T. Differential gene expression and gut microbiota composition in low-altitude and high-altitude goats. Genomics 2024; 116:110890. [PMID: 38909906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110890] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have presented evidence suggesting that altitude exerts detrimental effects on reproductive processes, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Our study employed two distinct goat breeds inhabiting low and high altitudes, and conducted a comparative analysis of mRNA profiles in testis tissues and the composition of gut microbiota. The results revealed a reduced testis size in high-altitude goats. RNA-seq analysis identified the presence of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the testis. These DEGs resulted in a weakened immunosuppressive effect, ultimately impairing spermatogenesis in high-altitude goats. Additionally, 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing recognized statistically significant variations in the abundance of the genera Treponema, unidentified_Oscillospiraceae, Desulfovibrio, Butyricicoccus, Dorea, Parabacteroides between the two groups. The collective evidence demonstrated the gut and testis played a synergistic role in causing decreased fertility at high altitudes. Our research provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the reproductive fitness of male goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Key Discipline Laboratory of National Defense for Nuclear Waste and Environmental Security, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China
| | - Cuomu Renqing
- Institute of Animal Science, Xizang Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Xizang Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, China
| | - Zhaxi Baijiu
- Cultural Service Center of Maqian Township, Baingoin County, Nagqu, Xizang 852599, China
| | - Sangzhu Baima
- The Service Station of Agricultural and Animal, Husbandry Technical of Baingoin County, Nagqu, Xizang 852599, China
| | - Wangjie Zhaxi
- The Service Station of Agricultural and Animal, Husbandry Technical of Baingoin County, Nagqu, Xizang 852599, China
| | - Yuzhen Nima
- The Service Station of Agricultural and Animal, Husbandry Technical of Baingoin County, Nagqu, Xizang 852599, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- College of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan 621000, China.
| | - Tianzeng Song
- Institute of Animal Science, Xizang Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Science, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Xizang Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lhasa, Xizang 850009, China.
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Haddad NM, De Jesus LP, Serpa M, Van De Bilt M, Talib L, Costa A, Gattaz W, Loch AA. Endocannabinoid system alterations in schizophrenia: association with cannabis use and antipsychotic medication. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01788-x. [PMID: 38502208 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01788-x] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Determining peripheral modulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) may be important for differentiating individuals with schizophrenia. Such differentiation can also be extended to subgroups of individuals, those who use cannabis and antipsychotic medications, particularly those who are treatment resistant. Patients and controls were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Psychosis Group of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. A final sample of 93 individuals was divided into 3 groups: patients with schizophrenia using clozapine (treatment-resistant) (n = 29), patients with schizophrenia using another antipsychotic (n = 31), and controls (n = 33). By measuring the proteins and metabolites involved in the ECS pathways in the peripheral blood, AEA (anandamide), 2-AG (2-arachidonoyl ethanolamine), and CB2 receptor (peripheral) were quantified. Individuals reporting lifetime cannabis use had lower 2-AG plasma levels (p = 0.011). Regarding the CB2 receptor, the values of patients with schizophrenia and controls were similar, but those of patients using antipsychotics other than clozapine differed (p = 0.022). In generalized linear models to control for confounders, the use of cannabis remained the only factor that significantly influenced 2-AG levels. The relationship for non-clozapine antipsychotics as the only factor related to CB2 changes was marginally significant. We found for the first time that cannabis use and non-clozapine antipsychotic medication are potentially involved in the modulation of the ECS, specifically influencing 2-AG endocannabinoid and CB2 receptor levels. More studies regarding the ECS are needed since it has been increasingly related to the physiopathology of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Mansur Haddad
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil.
| | - Leonardo Peroni De Jesus
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Serpa
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Martinus Van De Bilt
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Leda Talib
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alana Costa
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Wagner Gattaz
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Andrade Loch
- Laboratório de Neurociências (LIM 27), Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos 785, 4 Andar Ala Norte Sala 4N60, Sao Paulo, SP, CEP 05403-010, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Brasília, Brazil
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Marino M, D’Auria R, Mele E, Pastorino GMG, Di Pietro P, D’Angelo S, Della Rocca N, Operto FF, Vecchione C, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Viggiano A, Meccariello R, Santoro A. The interplay between kisspeptin and endocannabinoid systems modulates male hypothalamic and gonadic control of reproduction in vivo. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1269334. [PMID: 37900144 PMCID: PMC10602894 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1269334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Male reproduction is under the control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the kisspeptin system (KS) are two major signaling systems in the central and peripheral control of reproduction, but their possible interaction has been poorly investigated in mammals. This manuscript analyzes their possible reciprocal modulation in the control of the HPG axis. Materials and methods Adolescent male rats were treated with kisspeptin-10 (Kp10) and endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), the latter alone or in combination with the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist rimonabant (SR141716A). The hypothalamic KS system and GnRH expression, circulating sex steroids and kisspeptin (Kiss1) levels, and intratesticular KS and ECS were evaluated by immunohistochemical and molecular methods. Non-coding RNAs (i.e., miR145-5p, miR-132-3p, let7a-5p, let7b-5p) were also considered. Results Circulating hormonal values were not significantly affected by Kp10 or AEA; in the hypothalamus, Kp10 significantly increased GnRH mRNA and aromatase Cyp19, Kiss1, and Kiss1 receptor (Kiss1R) proteins. By contrast, AEA treatment affected the hypothalamic KS at the protein levels, with opposite effects on the ligand and receptor, and SR141716A was capable of attenuating the AEA effects. Among the considered non-coding RNA, only the expression of miR145-5p was positively affected by AEA but not by Kp10 treatment. Localization of Kiss1+/Kiss1R+ neurons in the arcuate nucleus revealed an increase of Kiss1R-expressing neurons in Kp10- and AEA-treated animals associated with enlargement of the lateral ventricles in Kp10-treated animals. In the brain and testis, the selected non-coding RNA was differently modulated by Kp10 or AEA. Lastly, in the testis, AEA treatment affected the KS at the protein levels, whereas Kp10 affected the intragonadal levels of CB1 and FAAH, the main modulator of the AEA tone. Changes in pubertal transition-related miRNAs and the intratesticular distribution of Kiss1, Kiss1R, CB1, and CB2 following KP and AEA treatment corroborate the KS-ECS crosstalk also showing that the CB1 receptor is involved in this interplay. Conclusion For the first time in mammals, we report the modulation of the KS in both the hypothalamus and testis by AEA and revealed the KP-dependent modulation of CB1 and FAAH in the testis. KP involvement in the progression of spermatogenesis is also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Elena Mele
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
- Unità Operativa Complessa (U.O.C.) Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria San Giovanni di Dio Ruggi d’Aragona, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Salerno, Italy
| | - Paola Di Pietro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Natalia Della Rocca
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vecchione
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana” Università di Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
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Meccariello R. Molecular Advances on Cannabinoid and Endocannabinoid Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12760. [PMID: 37628940 PMCID: PMC10454180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, cannabis has been used for recreational and medical purposes [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Kaur N, Brraich OS. Detrimental influence of industrial effluents, especially heavy metals, on limnological parameters of water and nutritional profile in addition to enzymatic activities of fish, Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) from diverse Ramsar sites, India (Punjab). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1012. [PMID: 37526774 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The present research was designed to determine the nutritive value of the liver and intestine of fish, Sperata seenghala, the impact of effluence load on limnological parameters of water and proximate composition of fish organs, especially on fatty acids, liver enzymatic activities, seasonal variations in the nutritional profile of fish, and to check and compare the pollution status of Ramsar sites in Punjab by calculating the water quality index, heavy metal pollution index, and metal index from June 2018 to August 2020. WQI of Harike wetland was found to be 53.95, which depicts that water quality in this region is "poor". At Nangal wetland, water quality index was reported to be "excellent" quality water and fit for the whole ecological unit. Overall heavy metal pollution index for Harike wetland was reported 174.569, whereas for Nangal wetland it was 5.994, depicting massive contaminant loads in a polluted region. MI value was also recorded as being higher (6.9336) in polluted habitat than in control habitat (0.8175). In fish liver, significant (p < 0.05) higher mean total lipids (6.73%), total proteins (3.98%), moisture (77.69%), ash (3.56%), and carbohydrates (3.79%) were observed in the samples from Nangal wetland than Harike wetland. A similar trend was reported in all biochemical contents of the fish intestine. Enzyme activities such as aspartate-aminotransferase and alanine-aminotransferase were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the specimens collected from the polluted region. The mean total n-3 (except in spring), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (except in winter), and average monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids diminished significantly (p < 0.05) in the liver of fish from contaminated habitat than control site. In the intestine of fish collected from the polluted region, significant reductions in the mean total n-3 (except in autumn as well as summer), total n-6 PUFAs (in autumn and winter), and total SFAs were reported than control site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navpreet Kaur
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
| | - Onkar Singh Brraich
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
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Mazzeo F, Meccariello R. Cannabis and Paternal Epigenetic Inheritance. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20095663. [PMID: 37174181 PMCID: PMC10177768 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20095663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Western counties and its abuse is particularly high in male adolescents and young adults. Its main psychotropic component, the cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), interferes in the endogenous endocannabinoid system. This signaling system is involved in the control of many biological activities, including the formation of high-quality male gametes. Direct adverse effects of Δ9-THC in male reproduction are well known in both animal models and humans. Nevertheless, the possibility of long-term effects due to epigenetic mechanisms has recently been reported. In this review, we summarize the main advances in the field suggesting the need to pay attention to the possible long-term epigenetic risks for the reproductive health of cannabis users and the health of their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filomena Mazzeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche, Giuridiche, Informatiche e Motorie, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Nola, 80035 Naples, Italy
- Department of Economics, Law, Cybersecurity and Sports Sciences, University of Naples "Parthenope", Nola, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, 80133 Napoli, Italy
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University "Parthenope", 80133 Naples, Italy
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Truong VB, Davis OS, Gracey J, Neal MS, Khokhar JY, Favetta LA. Sperm capacitation and transcripts levels are altered by in vitro THC exposure. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:6. [PMID: 36823609 PMCID: PMC9951432 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-023-00468-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary phytocannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive properties of cannabis and is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is functionally present in the male reproductive system. Since cannabis consumption is the highest among reproductive aged males, the current study aimed to further investigate the effects of THC exposure to phenotypical, physiological, and molecular parameters in sperm. Bull sperm of known fertility were used as a translational model for human sperm and subjected to in vitro treatment with physiologically relevant experimental doses of THC. Sperm parameters, capacitation, apoptosis, and transcript levels were evaluated following treatment. RESULTS Motility, morphology, and viability of bovine sperm was unaltered from THC exposure. However, 0.32µM of THC caused an increased proportion of capacitating sperm (p < 0.05) compared to control and vehicle group sperm. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 39 genes were found to be differentially expressed by 0.032µM THC exposure, 196 genes were differentially expressed by 0.32µM THC exposure, and 33 genes were differentially expressed by 3.2µM THC. Secondary analysis reveals pathways involving development, nucleosomes, ribosomes and translation, and cellular metabolism to be significantly enriched. CONCLUSION Phytocannabinoid exposure to sperm may adversely affect sperm function by stimulating premature capacitation. These findings also show for the first time that spermatozoal transcripts may be altered by THC exposure. These results add to previous research demonstrating the molecular effects of cannabinoids on sperm and warrant further research into the effects of cannabis on male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien B. Truong
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Ola S. Davis
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Jade Gracey
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
| | | | - Jibran Y. Khokhar
- grid.39381.300000 0004 1936 8884Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Laura A. Favetta
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Reproductive Health and Biotechnology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd. East, N1G 2W1 Guelph, ON Canada
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Chung AKK, Tse CY, Law JKC. Attitudes and beliefs of medical students on cannabis in Hong Kong. Complement Ther Med 2022; 70:102870. [PMID: 35952958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess Hong Kong medical students' knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on cannabis and its future legal reform. METHODS A cross-sectional anonymous online survey were sent from 1st December 2018 to 31st August 2020 to all medical students from the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKU). RESULTS 187 students (13.6 %) responded the survey. Overall, students perceived cannabis possessed significant physical and mental health risks, but they were more neutral to its physical and mental benefits. They also supported legalizing cannabis more so for medical use than recreational use. Females perceived higher risks than males. Those who used cannabis before were more acceptable to recommend cannabis as medical treatments, perceived cannabis use with greater benefits and less risks, and were more likely to support legal reform for cannabis in Hong Kong than their counterparts. Students were also more likely to recommend medical cannabis than non-licensed cannabis to patients if they were legally available. CONCLUSION Medical students in Hong Kong supported legalization of cannabis for medical use despite perceiving significant risks from cannabis use. Future research should investigate public acceptance on medical cannabis in Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Kar-Kin Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
| | - Cheuk-Yin Tse
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Johnson Kai-Chun Law
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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Kozakiewicz ML, Zhang J, Leone-Kabler S, Yamaleyeva LM, McDonald AG, Brost BC, Howlett AC. Differential Expression of CB 1 Cannabinoid Receptor and Cannabinoid Receptor Interacting Protein 1a in Labor. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:279-288. [PMID: 33998898 PMCID: PMC9225407 DOI: 10.1089/can.2020.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The endocannabinoid system is present in multiple organ systems and is involved in smooth muscle regulation, immune function, neuroendocrine modulation, and metabolism of tissues. Limited data are available regarding the presence and role of this system in reproductive tissues. Components of the endocannabinoid system have been identified in myometrial and placental tissues. However, no study has investigated differential expression of the endocannabinoid system in labor. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify two components of the endocannabinoid system, the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1a (CRIP1a) in uterine and placental tissues, and to determine if there is differential expression in tissues exposed to labor. We hypothesized that CB1 cannabinoid receptor concentration would be altered in uterine and placental tissue exposed to labor compared with tissues not exposed to labor. Study Design: Uterine and placental tissue samples were collected in nine laboring and 11 nonlaboring women undergoing cesarean delivery. CB1 cannabinoid receptor and CRIP1a presence and quantification were evaluated using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Statistical comparisons of laboring and nonlaboring subjects were made for uterine and placental tissue using a Mann-Whitney test. Results: Immunohistochemistry demonstrated positive staining for CB1 cannabinoid receptors and CRIP1a in uterine tissue. The protein abundance of CB1 cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue was significantly lower in tissues exposed to labor (p=0.01). The protein abundance of CRIP1a was lower in uterine tissue exposed to labor but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.06). mRNA expression of CB1 cannabinoid receptor (p=0.20) and CRIP1a (p=0.63) did not differ in labored compared with nonlabored uterine tissues. Conclusions: Our findings of diminished protein density of CB1 cannabinoid receptor in uterine tissue exposed to labor support the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system plays a role in parturition. Our data add to the growing body of evidence indicating the endocannabinoid system is of importance for successful reproduction and support the need for additional research investigating this complex system as it pertains to labor. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03752021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Kozakiewicz
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sandra Leone-Kabler
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Liliya M. Yamaleyeva
- Department of Surgery, Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine BioTech Place, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anna G. McDonald
- Department of Pathology, Perinatal/Autopsy Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian C. Brost
- Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Allyn C. Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
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Meccariello R. Central and Local Modulators of Reproduction and Fertility: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095285. [PMID: 35563677 PMCID: PMC9102892 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
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11
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Mahajan A, Sharma P, Mishra AK, Gupta S, Yadav S, Anand M, Yadav B, Madan AK, Swain DK. Interplay mechanisms between progesterone and endocannabinoid receptors in regulating bull sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:2888-2912. [PMID: 35476800 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
After ejaculation, sperm show a limited capacity for transcription and translation. In the oviduct, most of the signalling in sperm is nongenomic and is mediated through membrane receptors. Studies have shown that the cation channel of sperm (CatSper), cAMP, cGMP, protein kinases, and tyrosine phosphorylation are involved in the nongenomic signalling of progesterone (P4) in sperm. However, it is not known whether there is an interplay between P4 and cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), CatSper channels, cAMP, inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); these potential regulators are involved in the regulation of capacitation and the acrosome reaction. In the present study, selective blockers of CB1, CB2, TRPV1, CatSper channels, cAMP, protein kinase A (PKA), IP3R, and MAPK were used to identify their involvement in P4-mediated bull sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Selective blocking of any one of the molecules caused a significant reduction in P4 signalling (p < 0.05). Interestingly, blocking these molecules in combination followed by treatment with P4 resulted in the complete absence of capacitation and the acrosome reaction. Blocking a single receptor was not able to eliminate the P4-induced capacitation and the acrosome reaction. In addition to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, there may be other signalling pathways that mediate P4 signalling. In conclusion, P4 signalling exhibited interplay with the cannabinoid receptors. The regulation of sperm capacitation and the acrosome reaction also involved cAMP, PKA, l-type and T-type calcium channels, TRPV1, inositol trisphosphate, and MAPK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mahajan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pratishtha Sharma
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abhishek K Mishra
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Shashikant Gupta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sarvajeet Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mukul Anand
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Brijesh Yadav
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun K Madan
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Dilip K Swain
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.,Sperm Signaling Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, U.P. Pandit Deendayal Upadhayaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
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12
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Costa L, Moreia-Pinto B, Felgueira E, Ribeiro A, Rebelo I, Fonseca BM. The major endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) induces apoptosis of human granulosa cells. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2021; 171:102311. [PMID: 34126378 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in human reproduction. Changes in anandamide (AEA) levels affect reproductive events and has already been suggested as biomarker of reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Although cannabinoid-receptor 1 (CB1) was already identified in human granulosa cells (hGCs) the ECS was not characterized on granulosa cells line COV434 nor the effects of AEA on GCs viability and function depicted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the ECS elements and explore the effects of AEA on both COV434 and hGCs. Our results revealed that hGCs express the full enzymatic machinery responsible for AEA metabolism as well as cannabinoid receptors. In addition, AEA induced a reduction in both COV434 and hGCs viability in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the effects of AEA in cell viability was independent of either CB1 or CB2 receptors. There was no ROS release in both cell models; however, AEA induced morphological changes, presenting chromatin condensation at 72 h, and variation on mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, AEA induced an increase in caspase -3/-7 activities in both cell models, but in hGCs there was also an increase in caspase 8 activity. This study supports the idea that ECS balance is crucial for folliculogenesis and oocyte quality as dysregulated AEA levels may compromise female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal; Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - B Moreia-Pinto
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - E Felgueira
- Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - A Ribeiro
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - I Rebelo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
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13
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Kozakiewicz ML, Grotegut CA, Howlett AC. Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy Maintenance and Labor: A Mini-Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:699951. [PMID: 34220722 PMCID: PMC8242576 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.699951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system present in multiple organ systems and is an integral part of sustaining the microenvironment necessary for early pregnancy success and maintenance. It plays a significant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as placentation. The current theory behind the initiation of term labor is that it is a complex, multifactorial process involving sex steroid hormones, prostaglandin production and interplay at the maternal-fetal interface resulting in increased expression of receptors and gap junctions that promote uterine activation. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to early pregnancy events, the ECS plays a regulatory role in pregnancy maintenance and the timing of labor. This review presents an overview of the ECS in pregnancy that focuses on late gestation and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L. Kozakiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chad A. Grotegut
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section on Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Allyn C. Howlett
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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14
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Microplastics: A Threat for Male Fertility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052392. [PMID: 33804513 PMCID: PMC7967748 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Much of the planet is swimming in discarded plastic, which is harming animal and possibly human health. Once at sea, sunlight, wind, and wave action break down plastic waste into small particles: the microplastics (MPs). Currently, particular attention has been drawn to their effects on aquatic environments but the health risks, especially in mammals, are poorly known. These non-biodegradable materials can act as a vector for environmental pollutants, can be ingested by humans in food and water, and can enter and accumulate in human tissues with a possible risk for heath. Recent studies revealed the deleterious effects of MPs exposure in male reproduction and sperm quality, making them a potential hazard to reproductive success. This manuscript summarizes the main changes in sperm quality along the lifespan and the upcoming studies on the effects of MPs in male fertility in mammals.
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15
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Manca C, Carta G, Murru E, Abolghasemi A, Ansar H, Errigo A, Cani PD, Banni S, Pes GM. Circulating fatty acids and endocannabinoidome-related mediator profiles associated to human longevity. GeroScience 2021; 43:1783-1798. [PMID: 33650014 PMCID: PMC8492808 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-021-00342-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate whether a peculiar plasma profile of fatty acids and endocannabinoidome (eCBome)-related mediators may be associated to longevity, we assessed them in octogenarians (Old; n=42) living in the east-central mountain area of Sardinia, a High-Longevity Zone (HLZ), compared to sexagenarian (Young; n=21) subjects from the same area, and to Olds (n=22) from the Northern Sardinia indicated as Lower-Longevity Zone (LLZ). We found significant increases in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and heptadecanoic acid (17:0) levels in Old-HLZ with respect to younger subjects and Old-LLZ subjects. Young-HLZ subjects exhibited higher circulating levels of pentadecanoic acid (15:0) and retinol. Palmitoleic acid (POA) was elevated in both Young and Old subjects from the HLZ. eCBome profile showed a significantly increased plasma level of the two endocannabinoids, N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) in Old-HLZ subjects compared to Young-HLZ and Old-LLZ respectively. In addition, we found increased N-oleoyl-ethanolamine (OEA), 2-linoleoyl-glycerol (2-LG) and 2-oleoyl-glycerol (2-OG) levels in Old-HLZ group with respect to Young-HLZ (as for OEA an d 2-LG) and both the Old-LLZ and Young-HLZ for 2-OG. The endogenous metabolite of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), N-docosahexaenoyl-ethanolamine (DHEA) was significantly increased in Old-HLZ subjects. In conclusion, our results suggest that in the HLZ area, Young and Old subjects exhibited a favourable, albeit distinctive, fatty acids and eCBome profile that may be indicative of a metabolic pattern potentially protective from adverse chronic conditions. These factors could point to a suitable physiological metabolic pattern that may counteract the adverse stimuli leading to age-related disorders such as neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Gianfranca Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Murru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Armita Abolghasemi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Hastimansooreh Ansar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy
| | - Alessandra Errigo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Patrice D Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,WELBIO-Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastiano Banni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Mario Pes
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.,Sardinia Longevity Blue Zone Observatory, Ogliastra, Italy
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16
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Sirt1 Activity in the Brain: Simultaneous Effects on Energy Homeostasis and Reproduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031243. [PMID: 33573212 PMCID: PMC7908627 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diet deeply impacts brain functions like synaptic plasticity and cognitive processes, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction and behaviour, with detrimental or protective effects on neuronal physiology and therefore consequences for health. In this respect, the activity of metabolic sensors within the brain is critical for the maintenance of health status and represents a possible therapeutic target for some diseases. This review summarizes the main activity of Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a metabolic sensor within the brain with a focus on the link between the central control of energy homeostasis and reproduction. The possible modulation of Sirt1 by natural phytochemical compounds like polyphenols is also discussed.
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17
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The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
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18
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Salmanzadeh H, Ahmadi-Soleimani SM, Azadi M, Halliwell RF, Azizi H. Adolescent Substance Abuse, Transgenerational Consequences and Epigenetics. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:1560-1569. [PMID: 33655865 PMCID: PMC8762180 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210303121519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood and a critical period in brain development. Adolescence in humans is also associated with increased expression of risk-taking behaviors. Epidemiological and clinical studies, for example, show a surge of drug abuse and raise the hypothesis that the adolescent brain undergoes critical changes resulting in diminished control. Determining how substance abuse during this critical period might cause longterm neurobiological changes in cognition and behavior is therefore critically important. The present work aims to provide an evaluation of the transgenerational and multi-generational phenotypes derived from parent animals exposed to drugs of abuse only during their adolescence. Specifically, we will consider changes found following the administration of cannabinoids, nicotine, alcohol and opiates. In addition, epigenetic modifications of the genome following drug exposure will be discussed as emerging evidence of the underlying adverse transgenerational effects. Notwithstanding, much of the new data discussed here is from animal models, indicating that future clinical studies are much needed to better understand the neurobiological consequences and mechanisms of drug actions on the human brains' development and maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert F. Halliwell
- Address correspondence to this author at the TJ Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA; Tel: +1 (209) 946 2074; E-mail: and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Tel: +98-21-82884587; Fax: +98-21-82884528; E-mail:
| | - Hossein Azizi
- Address correspondence to this author at the TJ Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA; Tel: +1 (209) 946 2074; E-mail: and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran; Tel: +98-21-82884587; Fax: +98-21-82884528; E-mail:
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19
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Haspula D, Clark MA. Cannabinoid Receptors: An Update on Cell Signaling, Pathophysiological Roles and Therapeutic Opportunities in Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7693. [PMID: 33080916 PMCID: PMC7590033 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of the human cannabinoid receptors and their roles in health and disease, has been one of the most significant biochemical and pharmacological advancements to have occurred in the past few decades. In spite of the major strides made in furthering endocannabinoid research, therapeutic exploitation of the endocannabinoid system has often been a challenging task. An impaired endocannabinoid tone often manifests as changes in expression and/or functions of type 1 and/or type 2 cannabinoid receptors. It becomes important to understand how alterations in cannabinoid receptor cellular signaling can lead to disruptions in major physiological and biological functions, as they are often associated with the pathogenesis of several neurological, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. This review focusses mostly on the pathophysiological roles of type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors, and it attempts to integrate both cellular and physiological functions of the cannabinoid receptors. Apart from an updated review of pre-clinical and clinical studies, the adequacy/inadequacy of cannabinoid-based therapeutics in various pathological conditions is also highlighted. Finally, alternative strategies to modulate endocannabinoid tone, and future directions are also emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanush Haspula
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Michelle A. Clark
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
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20
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D’Angelo S, Motti ML, Meccariello R. ω-3 and ω-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Obesity and Cancer. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092751. [PMID: 32927614 PMCID: PMC7551151 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, nutraceutical bioactive compounds in foods have been discovered for their potential health benefits regarding the prevention of chronic disorders, such as cancer, and inflammatory, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3PUFAs), including alpha-linolenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, are mostly attractive. They are available for the customers worldwide from commonly used foods and/or as components of commercial food supplements. The anti-inflammatory and hypotriglyceridemic effects of these fatty acids are well known, whereas pro-inflammatory properties have been recognized in their dietary counterparts, the ω-6PUFAs. Both ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs contribute to the production of lipid mediators such as endocannabinoids that are notably involved in control of food intake, energy sensing, and food-related disorders. In this review, we present ω-3 and ω-6PUFAs and their derivatives, endocannabinoids; discuss the anti-obesity effects of ω-3PUFAs; their roles in inflammation and colorectal cancer development; and how their action can be co-preventative and co-therapeutic.
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21
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Ladha KS, Ajrawat P, Yang Y, Clarke H. Understanding the Medical Chemistry of the Cannabis Plant is Critical to Guiding Real World Clinical Evidence. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184042. [PMID: 32899678 PMCID: PMC7570835 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While cannabis has been consumed for thousands of years, the medical-legal landscape surrounding its use has dramatically evolved over the past decades. Patients are turning to cannabis as a therapeutic option for several medical conditions. Given the surge in interest over the past decades there exists a major gap in the literature with respect to understanding the products that are currently being consumed by patients. The current perspective highlights the lack of relevance within the current literature towards understanding the medical chemistry of the products being consumed. The cannabis industry must rigorously invest into understanding what people are consuming from a chemical composition standpoint. This will inform what compounds in addition to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol may be producing physiologic/therapeutic effects from plant based extracts. Only through real-world evidence and a formalized, granular data collection process within which we know the chemical inputs for patients already using or beginning to use medical cannabis, we can come closer to the ability to provide targeted clinical decision making and design future appropriate randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim S. Ladha
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1E2, Canada;
- Department of Anesthesia, St, Michael′s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
- Centre For Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
| | - Prabjit Ajrawat
- Centre For Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Department of Anesthesia, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Yi Yang
- Centre for Molecular Design and Preformulations and Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Hance Clarke
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1E2, Canada;
- Centre For Cannabinoid Therapeutics, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Department of Anesthesia, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Transitional Pain Service, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-416-340-4800-5679; Fax: +1-416-340-3698
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22
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Zamberletti E, Rubino T. Impact of Endocannabinoid System Manipulation on Neurodevelopmental Processes Relevant to Schizophrenia. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 6:616-626. [PMID: 32855107 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia has received much support from epidemiological and neuropathological studies and provides a framework to explain how early developmental abnormalities might manifest as psychosis in early adulthood. According to this theory, the onset of schizophrenia is likely the result of a complex interplay between a genetic predisposition and environmental factors whose respective influence might contribute to the etiology and progression of the disorder. The two most sensitive windows for neurodevelopment are the prenatal/perinatal and the adolescent windows, both of which are characterized by specific processes impinging upon brain structure and functionality, whose alterations may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia. An increasing number of articles suggest the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the modulation of at least some of these processes, especially in the prenatal/perinatal window. Thus, it is not surprising that disturbing the physiological role of endocannabinoid signaling in these sensitive windows might alter the correct formation of neuronal networks, eventually predisposing to neuropsychiatric diseases later in life. We review the most recent preclinical studies that evaluated the impact of endocannabinoid system modulation in the two sensitive developmental windows on neurodevelopmental processes that possess a specific relevance to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Zamberletti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Neuroscience Center, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio, Varese, Italy.
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23
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Meccariello R. Endocannabinoid System in Health and Disease: Current Situation and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103549. [PMID: 32443408 PMCID: PMC7278997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Santoro A, Chianese R, Troisi J, Richards S, Nori SL, Fasano S, Guida M, Plunk E, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Neuro-toxic and Reproductive Effects of BPA. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:1109-1132. [PMID: 31362658 PMCID: PMC7057208 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666190726112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide. It has recognized activity as an endocrine-disrupting chemical and has suspected roles as a neurological and reproductive toxicant. It interferes in steroid signaling, induces oxidative stress, and affects gene expression epigenetically. Gestational, perinatal and neonatal exposures to BPA affect developmental processes, including brain development and gametogenesis, with consequences on brain functions, behavior, and fertility. Methods: This review critically analyzes recent findings on the neuro-toxic and reproductive effects of BPA (and its ana-logues), with focus on neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, glia and microglia activity, cognitive functions, and the central and local control of reproduction. Results: BPA has potential human health hazard associated with gestational, peri- and neonatal exposure. Beginning with BPA’s disposition, this review summarizes recent findings on the neurotoxicity of BPA and its analogues, on neuronal dif-ferentiation, synaptic plasticity, neuro-inflammation, neuro-degeneration, and impairment of cognitive abilities. Furthermore, it reports the recent findings on the activity of BPA along the HPG axis, effects on the hypothalamic Gonadotropin Releas-ing Hormone (GnRH), and the associated effects on reproduction in both sexes and successful pregnancy. Conclusion: BPA and its analogues impair neuronal activity, HPG axis function, reproduction, and fertility. Contrasting re-sults have emerged in animal models and human. Thus, further studies are needed to better define their safety levels. This re-view offers new insights on these issues with the aim to find the “fil rouge”, if any, that characterize BPA’s mechanism of action with outcomes on neuronal function and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Santoro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Sean Richards
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States.,Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Stefania Lucia Nori
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Maurizio Guida
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,Theoreo srl - Spin-off company of the University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | - Elizabeth Plunk
- University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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25
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The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031113. [PMID: 32046164 PMCID: PMC7037698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is a cell-signalling system widely distributed in biological tissues that includes endogenous ligands, receptors, and biosynthetic and hydrolysing machineries. The impairment of the ES has been associated to several pathological conditions like behavioural, neurological, or metabolic disorders and infertility, suggesting that the modulation of this system may be critical for the maintenance of health status and disease treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exert long-term effects on gene expression without any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, affecting health maintenance and influencing both disease load and resistance. This potentially reversible "epigenetic" modulation of gene expression occurs through the chemical modification of DNA and histone protein tails or the specific production of regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Recent findings demonstrate the epigenetic modulation of the ES in biological tissues; in the same way, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists induce widespread or gene-specific epigenetic changes with the possibility of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the offspring explained by the transmission of deregulated epigenetic marks in the gametes. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epigenetics of the ES, with particular attention on the emerging role in reproduction and fertility.
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Barchi M, Innocenzi E, Giannattasio T, Dolci S, Rossi P, Grimaldi P. Cannabinoid Receptors Signaling in the Development, Epigenetics, and Tumours of Male Germ Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010025. [PMID: 31861494 PMCID: PMC6981618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids are natural lipid molecules whose levels are regulated by specific biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. They bind to and activate two main cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2), and together with their metabolizing enzymes form the “endocannabinoid system” (ECS). In the last years, the relevance of endocannabinoids (eCBs) as critical modulators in various aspects of male reproduction has been pointed out. Mammalian male germ cells, from mitotic to haploid stage, have a complete ECS which is modulated during spermatogenesis. Compelling evidence indicate that in the testis an appropriate “eCBs tone”, associated to a balanced CB receptors signaling, is critical for spermatogenesis and for the formation of mature and fertilizing spermatozoa. Any alteration of this system negatively affects male reproduction, from germ cell differentiation to sperm functions, and might have also an impact on testicular tumours. Indeed, most of testicular tumours develop during early germ-cell development in which a maturation arrest is thought to be the first key event leading to malignant transformation. Considering the ever-growing number and complexity of the data on ECS, this review focuses on the role of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 signaling in male germ cells development from gonocyte up to mature spermatozoa and in the induction of epigenetic alterations in these cells which might be transmitted to the progeny. Furthermore, we present new evidence on their relevance in testicular cancer.
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Farley D, Piszczek Ł, Bąbel P. Why is running a marathon like giving birth? The possible role of oxytocin in the underestimation of the memory of pain induced by labor and intense exercise. Med Hypotheses 2019; 128:86-90. [PMID: 31203917 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pain can be overestimated, underestimated or reported accurately at recall. The way pain is remembered seems to depend on certain factors, including the type of pain or, in other words, its cause, the context, and the meaning it has for the person suffering from it. For instance, episodes of chronic pain, as well as pain related to surgery, are often overestimated at recall. Interestingly, research shows that pain induced by parturition or marathon running is often underestimated at recall despite the fact that both are not only physically grueling but also emotionally intense experiences. However, both processes can likewise be considered positive events, as opposed to most that involve pain. On the neurophysiological level, one of the similarities between giving birth and running a marathon is the particular involvement of the oxytocin system. Oxytocin is involved both in parturition and intense exercise, for various reasons. During labor, oxytocin mediates uterine contractions, while in the case of extensive running it might be involved in the maintenance of fluid balance. It also has well-documented analgesic properties and plays an important role in memory formation and recall. It has been suggested that oxytocin modulates the output of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) during the fear recall. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that oxytocin can impair fear learning and influence the memory of both positive and negative emotionally salient stimuli. We propose that the reason for pain to be remembered in a more favorable light is the central action of oxytocin in the central nucleus of the amygdala, first and foremost during the encoding phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Farley
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland.
| | | | - Przemysław Bąbel
- Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Pain Research Group, Poland
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28
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Forner-Piquer I, Mylonas CC, Fakriadis I, Papadaki M, Piscitelli F, Di Marzo V, Calduch-Giner J, Pérez-Sánchez J, Carnevali O. Effects of diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) on the endocannabinoid and reproductive systems of male gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) during the spawning season. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:727-741. [PMID: 30600365 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) is a plasticizer used to improve plastic performance in a large variety of items which has been reported as an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) in several organisms. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cellular signaling system, whose functionality is tightly involved with reproductive function. The aim of the present study was the assessment of the effects of DiNP on the gonadal ECS and on the reproductive function of male gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, an important marine aquacultured species in Europe, during the reproductive season. Fish were fed for 21 days with two diets contaminated with different nominal concentrations of DiNP (DiNP LOW at 15 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1 and DiNP HIGH at 1500 µg DiNP kg-1 bw day-1), based on the tolerable daily intake (TDI) ruled by the European Food Safety Authority for humans. The transcription of several genes related to the ECS was affected by the DiNP. Specifically, DiNP reduced the levels of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like mediators, concomitant with the increase of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. At the histological level, DiNP LOW induced the highest occurrence of individuals with regressed testes. Steroidogenesis was affected significantly, since plasma 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), the main active androgen in fish, was significantly decreased by the DiNP HIGH treatment, while plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) levels were raised, associated with an increase of the gonadosomatic index (GSI). Additionally, the level of testosterone (T) was significantly increased in the DiNP LOW group, however, the same DiNP concentration reduced the levels of 17,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20β-P). The production of sperm was in general not affected, since spermiation index, sperm density, survival and the duration of forward motility did not exhibit any changes compared to controls. However, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) showed that DiNP reduced the percentage of motile cells. The results clearly suggest a negative effect of DiNP via the diet on the male endocrine system of gilthead sea bream during the reproductive season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Forner-Piquer
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy
| | - Constantinos C Mylonas
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Fakriadis
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Maria Papadaki
- Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture, Hellenic Center for Marine Research, P.O. Box 2214, 71003, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei, 80078, Pozzuoli, Italy.,Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Josep Calduch-Giner
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Jaume Pérez-Sánchez
- Nutrigenomics and Fish Endocrinology Group, Institute of Aquaculture Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595, Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Dipartimento Scienze Della Vita e dell'Ambiente, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131, Ancona, Italy.
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29
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Verma R, Samanta R, Krishna A. Comparative Effects of Estrogen and Phytoestrogen, Genistein on Testicular Activities of Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice. Reprod Sci 2018; 26:1294-1306. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719118815576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of synthetic estrogen (E2) with a phytoestrogen and genistein in ameliorating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D)-mediated testicular dysfunction in mice. The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetic mice were treated exogenously with either E2 or genistein for 2 durations and compared their effects on testicular activities, serum glucose, and insulin level. Type 2 diabetic mice treated with E2 for only short term (14 days) improved regressive changes in the testicular histology by increasing testosterone synthesis and improving insulin sensitivity, whereas those treated for longer duration (28 days) failed to improve testicular dysfunctions. On the other hand, genistein treated for both short- and long term was useful in improving T2D-induced adverse effects on testicular functions. This study further suggests that treatment with genistein improves spermatogenesis in type 2 diabetic mice by increasing insulin-induced formation of lactate and antioxidative enzymes, which contributes to prevent germ cell apoptosis. Thus, genistein can be used to ameliorate T2D-induced testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachna Verma
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rusa Samanta
- Department of Home Science, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Amitabh Krishna
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
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30
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Pal S, Verma R, Kumar J, Haldar C. Photoperiod modulates oestrogen status, insulin interposed glucose uptake and connexin-43 in testes of golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1548874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sriparna Pal
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Rakesh Verma
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Chandana Haldar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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31
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Perruzza D, Bernabò N, Rapino C, Valbonetti L, Falanga I, Russo V, Mauro A, Berardinelli P, Stuppia L, Maccarrone M, Barboni B. Artificial Neural Network to Predict Varicocele Impact on Male Fertility through Testicular Endocannabinoid Gene Expression Profiles. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3591086. [PMID: 30539009 PMCID: PMC6258097 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3591086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The relationship between varicocele and fertility has always been a matter of debate because of the absence of predictive clinical indicators or molecular markers able to define the severity of this disease. Even though accumulated evidence demonstrated that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a central role in male reproductive biology, particularly in the testicular compartment, to date no data point to a role for ECS in the etiopathogenesis of varicocele. Therefore, the present research has been designed to investigate the relationship between testicular ECS gene expression and fertility, using a validated animal model of experimental varicocele (VAR), taking advantage of traditional statistical approaches and artificial neural network (ANN). Experimental induction of VAR led to a clear reduction of spermatogenesis in left testes ranging from a mild (Johnsen score 7: 21%) to a severe (Johnsen score 4: 58%) damage of the germinal epithelium. However, the mean number of new-borns recorded after two sequential matings was quite variable and independent of the Johnsen score. While the gene expression of biosynthetic and degrading enzymes of AEA (NAPE-PLD and FAAH, respectively) and of 2-AG (DAGLα and MAGL, respectively), as well as their binding cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), did not change between testes and among groups, a significant downregulation of vanilloid (TRPV1) expression was recorded in left testes of VAR rats and positively correlated with animal fertility. Interestingly, an ANN trained by inserting the left and right testicular ECS gene expression profiles (inputs) was able to predict varicocele impact on male fertility in terms of mean number of new-borns delivered (outputs), with a very high accuracy (average prediction error of 1%). The present study provides unprecedented information on testicular ECS gene expression patterns during varicocele, by developing a freely available predictive ANN model that may open new perspectives in the diagnosis of varicocele-associated infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Perruzza
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola Bernabò
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Cinzia Rapino
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Luca Valbonetti
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Falanga
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Paolo Berardinelli
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti and Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00164 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy
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32
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Chianese R, Coccurello R, Viggiano A, Scafuro M, Fiore M, Coppola G, Operto FF, Fasano S, Laye S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Impact of Dietary Fats on Brain Functions. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1059-1085. [PMID: 29046155 PMCID: PMC6120115 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171017102547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adequate dietary intake and nutritional status have important effects on brain functions and on brain health. Energy intake and specific nutrients excess or deficiency from diet differently affect cognitive processes, emotions, behaviour, neuroendocrine functions and synaptic plasticity with possible protective or detrimental effects on neuronal physiology. Lipids, in particular, play structural and functional roles in neurons. Here the importance of dietary fats and the need to understand the brain mechanisms activated by peripheral and central metabolic sensors. Thus, the manipulation of lifestyle factors such as dietary interventions may represent a successful therapeutic approach to maintain and preserve brain health along lifespan. METHODS This review aims at summarizing the impact of dietary fats on brain functions. RESULTS Starting from fat consumption, nutrient sensing and food-related reward, the impact of gut-brain communications will be discussed in brain health and disease. A specific focus will be on the impact of fats on the molecular pathways within the hypothalamus involved in the control of reproduction via the expression and the release of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone. Lastly, the effects of specific lipid classes such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and of the "fattest" of all diets, commonly known as "ketogenic diets", on brain functions will also be discussed. CONCLUSION Despite the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms is still a work in progress, the clinical relevance of the manipulation of dietary fats is well acknowledged and such manipulations are in fact currently in use for the treatment of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Coccurello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Marika Scafuro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council (C.N.R.), Rome, Italy.,Fondazione S. Lucia (FSL) IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, SA, Italy.,UO Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Medical School, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Fasano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Sophie Laye
- INRA, Bordeaux University, Nutrition and Integrative Neurobiology, UMR, Bordeaux, France
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Department of Movement and Wellness Sciences, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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33
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Anca F. MOLECULAR PATHWAYS IN THE ENDOCRINOLOGY OF PARTURITION. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2017; 13:254-256. [PMID: 31149184 PMCID: PMC6516458 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2017.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The entire complex process of labor is the central concern of obstetrics and premature labor poses a threat to the mother and fetus and represents a core medical and social issue. In this respect, understanding the mechanism of uterine contractions at a molecular level helps shed some light on possible future prevention and treatment. New research has emphasized the role of endocannabinoids by two metabolic pathways with final products that act as antagonists: prostaglandins and prostamides (prostaglandin-ethanolamides), but with competition on substrates and enzymes. Thus, the dominant pathway will be selected on account of cellular and tissue environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.A. Anca
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Obstetrics and Gynecology Dept., University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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34
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Cui N, Wang C, Zhao Z, Zhang J, Xu Y, Yang Y, Hao G. The Roles of Anandamide, Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor on the Endometrium during the Implantation Window. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:268. [PMID: 29085337 PMCID: PMC5650704 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We investigated the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the endometrium of unexplained infertility (UI) patients, and effect of anandamide (AEA) on leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). METHODS Patients were divided into UI and control groups. Endometrium samples were collected at the midluteal phase. Levels of cannabinoid type 1 (CB1), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), and LIF were examined. LIF productions were measured after AEA, CB1 antagonist AM251, and CB2 antagonist AM630 stimulation. RESULTS Rates of available embryo, successful implantation and pregnancy, and the endometrial thickness of UI group were significantly lower than control, suggesting uterine receptivity was decreased in UI group. FAAH and LIF levels were significantly decreased, whereas endometrial CB1 was slightly increased in UI group. LIF production was promoted by low amount of AEA administration (1-10 μM), while the promotion was reduced by higher concentration of AEA (50 μM). LIF levels were decreased by AM251 or AM630, compared with AEA alone. Expressions of FAAH and LIF were closely associated with uterus receptivity and implantation rate of UI patients. Different concentrations of AEA could stimulate dynamic changes in LIF production. CONCLUSION Our data indicated the important role of the ECS in human fertility, which may promote new strategies for successful implantation and treatments for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Cui
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Na Cui, ; Guimin Hao,
| | - Changyan Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Handan Center Hospital of Hebei Province, Handan, China
| | - Zhiming Zhao
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yueming Xu
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guimin Hao
- Department of Reproduction, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Na Cui, ; Guimin Hao,
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Turcotte C, Blanchet MR, Laviolette M, Flamand N. The CB 2 receptor and its role as a regulator of inflammation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:4449-4470. [PMID: 27402121 PMCID: PMC5075023 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2300-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The CB2 receptor is the peripheral receptor for cannabinoids. It is mainly expressed in immune tissues, highlighting the possibility that the endocannabinoid system has an immunomodulatory role. In this respect, the CB2 receptor was shown to modulate immune cell functions, both in cellulo and in animal models of inflammatory diseases. In this regard, numerous studies have reported that mice lacking the CB2 receptor have an exacerbated inflammatory phenotype. This suggests that therapeutic strategies aiming at modulating CB2 signaling could be promising for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions. Herein, we review the pharmacology of the CB2 receptor, its expression pattern, and the signaling pathways induced by its activation. We next examine the regulation of immune cell functions by the CB2 receptor and the evidence obtained from primary human cells, immortalized cell lines, and animal models of inflammation. Finally, we discuss the possible therapies targeting the CB2 receptor and the questions that remain to be addressed to determine whether this receptor could be a potential target to treat inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Turcotte
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Marie-Renée Blanchet
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Michel Laviolette
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada
| | - Nicolas Flamand
- Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada.
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Gervasi MG, Osycka-Salut C, Sanchez T, Alonso CAI, Llados C, Castellano L, Franchi AM, Villalón M, Perez-Martinez S. Sperm Release From the Oviductal Epithelium Depends on Ca(2+) Influx Upon Activation of CB1 and TRPV1 by Anandamide. J Cell Biochem 2016; 117:320-33. [PMID: 26129689 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25273] [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: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The oviduct acts as a functional sperm reservoir in many mammalian species. Both binding and release of spermatozoa from the oviductal epithelium are mainly modulated by sperm capacitation. Several molecules from oviductal fluid are involved in the regulation of sperm function. Anandamide is a lipid mediator involved in reproductive physiology. Previously, we demonstrated that anandamide, through activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), promotes sperm release from bovine oviductal epithelial cells, and through CB1 and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), induces sperm capacitation. Herein we investigate co-activation between CB1 and TRPV1, and Ca(2+) influx as part of the mechanism of action of anandamide during sperm release from oviductal cells. Our results indicate that in the absence of Ca(2+) anandamide failed to release spermatozoa from oviductal epithelial cells. Additionally, sperm release promoted by cannabinoid and vanilloid agonists was abolished when the spermatozoa were preloaded with BAPTA-AM, a Ca(2+) chelator. We also determined Ca(2+) levels in spermatozoa preloaded with FURA2-AM co-cultured with oviductal cells and incubated with different cannabinoid and vanilloid agonists. The incubation with different agonists induced Ca(2+) influx, which was abolished by CB1 or TRPV1 antagonists. Our results also suggest that a phospholypase C (PLC) might mediate the activation of CB1 and TRPV1 in sperm release from the bovine oviduct. Therefore, our findings indicate that anandamide, through CB1 and TRPV1 activation, is involved in sperm release from the oviductal reservoir. An increase of sperm Ca(2+) levels and the PLC activation might be involved in anandamide signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M G Gervasi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.,Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - C Osycka-Salut
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - T Sanchez
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - C A I Alonso
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - C Llados
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - L Castellano
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - A M Franchi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Preñez y el Parto, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
| | - M Villalón
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - S Perez-Martinez
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción en Mamíferos, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, (CONICET-UBA), Buenos Aires-Argentina
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Ligresti A, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V. From Phytocannabinoids to Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoids: Pleiotropic Physiological and Pathological Roles Through Complex Pharmacology. Physiol Rev 2016; 96:1593-659. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apart from having been used and misused for at least four millennia for, among others, recreational and medicinal purposes, the cannabis plant and its most peculiar chemical components, the plant cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids), have the merit to have led humanity to discover one of the most intriguing and pleiotropic endogenous signaling systems, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This review article aims to describe and critically discuss, in the most comprehensive possible manner, the multifaceted aspects of 1) the pharmacology and potential impact on mammalian physiology of all major phytocannabinoids, and not only of the most famous one Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and 2) the adaptive pro-homeostatic physiological, or maladaptive pathological, roles of the ECS in mammalian cells, tissues, and organs. In doing so, we have respected the chronological order of the milestones of the millennial route from medicinal/recreational cannabis to the ECS and beyond, as it is now clear that some of the early steps in this long path, which were originally neglected, are becoming important again. The emerging picture is rather complex, but still supports the belief that more important discoveries on human physiology, and new therapies, might come in the future from new knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Luciano De Petrocellis
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Comprensorio Olivetti, Pozzuoli, Italy
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Cobellis G, Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Fasano S, Pierantoni R. Effects of Neuroendocrine CB1 Activity on Adult Leydig Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:47. [PMID: 27375550 PMCID: PMC4891325 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids control male reproduction acting at central and local level via cannabinoid receptors. The cannabinoid receptor CB1 has been characterized in the testis, in somatic and germ cells of mammalian and non-mammalian animal models, and its activity related to Leydig cell differentiation, steroidogenesis, spermiogenesis, sperm quality, and maturation. In this short review, we provide a summary of the insights concerning neuroendocrine CB1 activity in male reproduction focusing on adult Leydig cell ontogenesis and steroid biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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Marijuana, phytocannabinoids, the endocannabinoid system, and male fertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:1575-88. [PMID: 26277482 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana has the highest consumption rate among all of the illicit drugs used in the USA, and its popularity as both a recreational and medicinal drug is increasing especially among men of reproductive age. Male factor infertility is on the increase, and the exposure to the cannabinoid compounds released by marijuana could be a contributing cause. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is deeply involved in the complex regulation of male reproduction through the endogenous release of endocannabinoids and binding to cannabinoid receptors. Disturbing the delicate balance of the ECS due to marijuana use can negatively impact reproductive potential. Various in vivo and in vitro studies have reported on the empirical role that marijuana plays in disrupting the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, spermatogenesis, and sperm function such as motility, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. In this review, we highlight the latest evidence regarding the effect of marijuana use on male fertility and also provide a detailed insight into the ECS and its significance in the male reproductive system.
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40
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Lunetta KL, Day FR, Sulem P, Ruth KS, Tung JY, Hinds DA, Esko T, Elks CE, Altmaier E, He C, Huffman JE, Mihailov E, Porcu E, Robino A, Rose LM, Schick UM, Stolk L, Teumer A, Thompson DJ, Traglia M, Wang CA, Yerges-Armstrong LM, Antoniou AC, Barbieri C, Coviello AD, Cucca F, Demerath EW, Dunning AM, Gandin I, Grove ML, Gudbjartsson DF, Hocking LJ, Hofman A, Huang J, Jackson RD, Karasik D, Kriebel J, Lange EM, Lange LA, Langenberg C, Li X, Luan J, Mägi R, Morrison AC, Padmanabhan S, Pirie A, Polasek O, Porteous D, Reiner AP, Rivadeneira F, Rudan I, Sala CF, Schlessinger D, Scott RA, Stöckl D, Visser JA, Völker U, Vozzi D, Wilson JG, Zygmunt M, Boerwinkle E, Buring JE, Crisponi L, Easton DF, Hayward C, Hu FB, Liu S, Metspalu A, Pennell CE, Ridker PM, Strauch K, Streeten EA, Toniolo D, Uitterlinden AG, Ulivi S, Völzke H, Wareham NJ, Wellons M, Franceschini N, Chasman DI, Thorsteinsdottir U, Murray A, Stefansson K, Murabito JM, Ong KK, Perry JRB. Rare coding variants and X-linked loci associated with age at menarche. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7756. [PMID: 26239645 PMCID: PMC4538850 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 100 loci have been identified for age at menarche by genome-wide association studies; however, collectively these explain only ∼3% of the trait variance. Here we test two overlooked sources of variation in 192,974 European ancestry women: low-frequency protein-coding variants and X-chromosome variants. Five missense/nonsense variants (in ALMS1/LAMB2/TNRC6A/TACR3/PRKAG1) are associated with age at menarche (minor allele frequencies 0.08-4.6%; effect sizes 0.08-1.25 years per allele; P<5 × 10(-8)). In addition, we identify common X-chromosome loci at IGSF1 (rs762080, P=9.4 × 10(-13)) and FAAH2 (rs5914101, P=4.9 × 10(-10)). Highlighted genes implicate cellular energy homeostasis, post-transcriptional gene silencing and fatty-acid amide signalling. A frequently reported mutation in TACR3 for idiopathic hypogonatrophic hypogonadism (p.W275X) is associated with 1.25-year-later menarche (P=2.8 × 10(-11)), illustrating the utility of population studies to estimate the penetrance of reportedly pathogenic mutations. Collectively, these novel variants explain ∼0.5% variance, indicating that these overlooked sources of variation do not substantially explain the 'missing heritability' of this complex trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L. Lunetta
- Boston University School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
- NHLBI's and Boston University's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts 01702-5827, USA
| | - Felix R. Day
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Patrick Sulem
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
| | - Katherine S. Ruth
- Genetics of Complex Traits, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Joyce Y. Tung
- 23andMe Inc., 1390 Shorebird Way, Mountain View, California 94043, USA
| | - David A. Hinds
- 23andMe Inc., 1390 Shorebird Way, Mountain View, California 94043, USA
| | - Tõnu Esko
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, 140, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Cathy E. Elks
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elisabeth Altmaier
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Chunyan He
- Department of Epidemiology, Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Huffman
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Evelin Mihailov
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Eleonora Porcu
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, National Research Council, Cagliari, Sardinia 09042, Italy
- University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
- Center for Statistical Genetics, Ann Arbor, University of Michigan, Michigan 48109-2029, USA
| | - Antonietta Robino
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste 34137, Italy
| | - Lynda M. Rose
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Ursula M. Schick
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
| | - Lisette Stolk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Alexander Teumer
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald 17475, Germany
| | - Deborah J. Thompson
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Michela Traglia
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Carol A. Wang
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, The University of Western Australia, WA-6009, Australia
| | - Laura M. Yerges-Armstrong
- Program in Personalized Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition—University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Antonis C. Antoniou
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Caterina Barbieri
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - Andrea D. Coviello
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sections of Preventive Medicine and Endocrinology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Cucca
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, National Research Council, Cagliari, Sardinia 09042, Italy
- University of Sassari, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Ellen W. Demerath
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesotta, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Alison M. Dunning
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Ilaria Gandin
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste 34137, Italy
- Department of Clinical Medical Sciences, Surgical and Health, University of Trieste, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Megan L. Grove
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel F. Gudbjartsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
- School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
| | - Lynne J. Hocking
- Musculoskeletal Research Programme, Division of Applied Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Albert Hofman
- Genetic Epidemiology Unit Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Jinyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Rebecca D. Jackson
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA
| | - David Karasik
- Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research, Boston, MA 02131, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer Kriebel
- Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Ethan M. Lange
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Leslie A. Lange
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Claudia Langenberg
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jian'an Luan
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Reedik Mägi
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Alanna C. Morrison
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sandosh Padmanabhan
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Ailith Pirie
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Ozren Polasek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - David Porteous
- Medical Genetics Section, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Alex P. Reiner
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA
| | - Fernando Rivadeneira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Genetic Epidemiology Unit Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Igor Rudan
- Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, Scotland
| | - Cinzia F. Sala
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - David Schlessinger
- National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 20892, USA
| | - Robert A. Scott
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Doris Stöckl
- Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Jenny A. Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald 17475, Germany
| | - Diego Vozzi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste 34137, Italy
| | - James G. Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Marek Zygmunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald 17475, Germany
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Julie E. Buring
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura Crisponi
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, National Research Council, Cagliari, Sardinia 09042, Italy
| | - Douglas F. Easton
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB1 8RN, UK
| | - Caroline Hayward
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Simin Liu
- Departments of Epidemiology and Medicine Brown University, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andres Metspalu
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia
| | - Craig E. Pennell
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, The University of Western Australia, WA-6009, Australia
| | - Paul M. Ridker
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Konstantin Strauch
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München–German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Chair of Genetic Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A. Streeten
- Program in Personalized Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition—University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Daniela Toniolo
- Division of Genetics and Cell Biology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano 20132, Italy
| | - André G. Uitterlinden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015GE, the Netherlands
- Genetic Epidemiology Unit Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Sheila Ulivi
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health—IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste 34137, Italy
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald 17475, Germany
| | - Nicholas J. Wareham
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Melissa Wellons
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA
| | - Nora Franceschini
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Daniel I. Chasman
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Unnur Thorsteinsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
| | - Anna Murray
- Genetics of Complex Traits, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik IS-101, Iceland
| | - Joanne M. Murabito
- NHLBI's and Boston University's Framingham Heart Study, Framingham, Massachusetts 01702-5827, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ken K. Ong
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - John R. B. Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Box 285 Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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Almada M, Domingues MR, Dória ML, Fonseca BM, Teixeira NA, Correia-da-Silva G. Lipidomic approach towards deciphering anandamide effects in rat decidual cell. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:1549-57. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Almada
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE; Laboratory of Biochemistry; Biological Sciences Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - M. Rosário Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Center; QOPNA; Department of Chemistry; University of Aveiro; Aveiro Portugal
| | - M. Luísa Dória
- Mass Spectrometry Center; QOPNA; Department of Chemistry; University of Aveiro; Aveiro Portugal
| | - Bruno M. Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE; Laboratory of Biochemistry; Biological Sciences Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Natércia A. Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE; Laboratory of Biochemistry; Biological Sciences Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
| | - Georgina Correia-da-Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE; Laboratory of Biochemistry; Biological Sciences Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Porto; Porto Portugal
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Maccarrone M, Bab I, Bíró T, Cabral GA, Dey SK, Di Marzo V, Konje JC, Kunos G, Mechoulam R, Pacher P, Sharkey KA, Zimmer A. Endocannabinoid signaling at the periphery: 50 years after THC. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:277-96. [PMID: 25796370 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 434] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In 1964, the psychoactive ingredient of Cannabis sativa, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was isolated. Nearly 30 years later the endogenous counterparts of THC, collectively termed endocannabinoids (eCBs), were discovered: N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) (AEA) in 1992 and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in 1995. Since then, considerable research has shed light on the impact of eCBs on human health and disease, identifying an ensemble of proteins that bind, synthesize, and degrade them and that together form the eCB system (ECS). eCBs control basic biological processes including cell choice between survival and death and progenitor/stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Unsurprisingly, in the past two decades eCBs have been recognized as key mediators of several aspects of human pathophysiology and thus have emerged to be among the most widespread and versatile signaling molecules ever discovered. Here some of the pioneers of this research field review the state of the art of critical eCB functions in peripheral organs. Our community effort is aimed at establishing consensus views on the relevance of the peripheral ECS for human health and disease pathogenesis, as well as highlighting emerging challenges and therapeutic hopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maccarrone
- Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy; Center for Brain Research, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Itai Bab
- Bone Laboratory, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel; Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamás Bíró
- DE-MTA 'Lendület' Cellular Physiology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Guy A Cabral
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Sudhansu K Dey
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group, Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, National Council of Research, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Justin C Konje
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - George Kunos
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Raphael Mechoulam
- Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University Medical Faculty, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Pal Pacher
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andreas Zimmer
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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43
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Decreased circulating anandamide levels in preeclampsia. Hypertens Res 2015; 38:413-8. [PMID: 25716652 DOI: 10.1038/hr.2015.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has a key role in female reproduction, including implantation, decidualization and placentation. A growing number of studies indicate that placental and peripheral blood anandamide levels correlate closely with both spontaneous miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Anandamide has also been implicated in blood pressure regulation. In this study, we aimed to determine circulating anandamide levels in preeclampsia for the first time in the literature. Forty-three preeclamptic patients and 71 healthy pregnant women were involved in this case-control study. Serum anandamide concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Serum total soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and biologically active placental growth factor (PlGF) levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For statistical analyses, nonparametric methods were applied. Serum levels of anandamide were significantly lower in preeclamptic patients than in healthy pregnant women (0.75 (0.44-1.03) ng ml(-1) vs. 1.30 (0.76-2.0) ng ml(-1), P<0.001). Preeclamptic patients had significantly higher sFlt-1 levels (12,121 (7963-18,316) pg ml(-1) vs. 2299 (1393-3179) pg ml(-1), P<0.001) and significantly lower PlGF concentrations (71.2 (39.2-86.4) pg ml(-1) vs. 256.8 (181.1-421.0) pg ml(-1), P<0.001) as compared with healthy pregnant women. Serum anandamide concentrations did not correlate with serum levels of sFlt-1 and PlGF in our healthy pregnant and preeclamptic groups. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time in the literature that serum anandamide concentrations are decreased in women with preeclampsia. However, the cause and consequence of this observation remain to be determined.
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Chianese R, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Meccariello R. Hypothalamus-pituitary axis: an obligatory target for endocannabinoids to inhibit steroidogenesis in frog testis. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 205:88-93. [PMID: 24566122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids - primarily anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) - are lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). They affect neuroendocrine activity inhibiting gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and testosterone production in rodents, through a molecular mechanism supposed to be hypothalamus dependent. In order to investigate such a role, we choose the seasonal breeder, the anuran amphibian Rana esculenta, an experimental model in which components of the endocannabinoid system have been characterized. In February, at the onset of a new spermatogenetic wave, we carried out in vitro incubations of frog testis with AEA, at 10(-9)M dose. Such a treatment had no effect on the expression of cytochrome P450 17alpha hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (cyp17) nor 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ-5-4 isomerase (3β-HSD), key enzymes of steroidogenesis. To understand whether or not the functionality of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis could be essential to support the role of endocannabinoids in steroidogenesis, frogs were injected with AEA, at 10(-8)M dose. Differently from in vitro experiment, the in vivo administration of AEA reduced the expression of cyp17 and 3β-HSD. Whereas the effect on 3β-HSD was counteracted by SR141716A (Rimonabant) - a selective antagonist of CB1, thus indicating a CB1 dependent modulation - the effect on cyp17 was not, suggesting a possible involvement of receptors other than CB1, probably the type-1 vanilloid receptor (TRPV1), since AEA works as an endocannabinoid and an endovanilloid as well. In conclusion our results indicate that endocannabinoids, via CB1, inhibit the expression of 3β-HSD in frog testis travelling along the hypothalamus-pituitary axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Italy.
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Italy
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Bovolin P, Cottone E, Pomatto V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G, Meccariello R. Endocannabinoids are Involved in Male Vertebrate Reproduction: Regulatory Mechanisms at Central and Gonadal Level. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:54. [PMID: 24782832 PMCID: PMC3995072 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are natural lipids regulating a large array of physiological functions and behaviors in vertebrates. The eCB system is highly conserved in evolution and comprises several specific receptors (type-1 and type-2 cannabinoid receptors), their endogenous ligands (e.g., anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol), and a number of biosynthetic and degradative enzymes. In the last few years, eCBs have been described as critical signals in the control of male and female reproduction at multiple levels: centrally, by targeting hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neurons and pituitary, and locally, with direct effects on the gonads. These functions are supported by the extensive localization of cannabinoid receptors and eCB metabolic enzymes at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals, as well as bonyfish and amphibians. In vivo and in vitro studies indicate that eCBs centrally regulate gonadal functions by modulating the gonadotropin-releasing hormone-gonadotropin-steroid network through direct and indirect mechanisms. Several proofs of local eCB regulation have been found in the testis and male genital tracts, since eCBs control Sertoli and Leydig cells activity, germ cell progression, as well as the acquisition of sperm functions. A comparative approach usually is a key step in the study of physiological events leading to the building of a general model. Thus, in this review, we summarize the action of eCBs at different levels of the male reproductive axis, with special emphasis, where appropriate, on data from non-mammalian vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Bovolin
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Patrizia Bovolin, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy e-mail:
| | - Erika Cottone
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Pomatto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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Meccariello R, Chianese R, Chioccarelli T, Ciaramella V, Fasano S, Pierantoni R, Cobellis G. Intra-testicular signals regulate germ cell progression and production of qualitatively mature spermatozoa in vertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:69. [PMID: 24847312 PMCID: PMC4021137 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis, a highly conserved process in vertebrates, is mainly under the hypothalamic-pituitary control, being regulated by the secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, in response to stimulation exerted by gonadotropin releasing hormone from hypothalamic neurons. At testicular level, gonadotropins bind specific receptors located on the somatic cells regulating the production of steroids and factors necessary to ensure a correct spermatogenesis. Indeed, besides the endocrine route, a complex network of cell-to-cell communications regulates germ cell progression, and a combination of endocrine and intra-gonadal signals sustains the production of high quality mature spermatozoa. In this review, we focus on the recent advances in the area of the intra-gonadal signals supporting sperm development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosanna Chianese
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Chioccarelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Ciaramella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Fasano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pierantoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Pierantoni, Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via Costantinopoli 16, Naples 80138, Italy e-mail:
| | - Gilda Cobellis
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale sez “F. Bottazzi”, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Naples, Italy
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