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Zhang K, Wang S, Qiu Y, Bai B, Zhang Q, Xie X. Retrospective studies and quantitative proteomics reveal that abnormal expression of blood pressure, blood lipids, and coagulation related proteins is associated with hypospadias. Hum Genet 2024:10.1007/s00439-024-02676-z. [PMID: 38850429 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-024-02676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Hypospadias refers to the abnormal position of the male urethral orifice, which not only leads to urination disorder but also causes sexual dysfunction in adulthood. However, the complex and diverse pathogenic factors of hypospadias are still unclear. To study the pathogenesis and prognosis of hypospadias, we counted the serological indexes of children with hypospadias, and found that sSBP, TC and LDL increased in children with mild, moderate and severe hypospadias. Subsequently, we used quantitative proteomics to find differential proteins in mild, moderate and severe hypospadias. After bioinformatics analysis and biochemical experiments on the screened DEPs, we found that the expression of proteins related to immune inflammation, coagulation, blood pressure and inflammation, and blood lipid were differential expressed in the prepuce tissue of children with hypospadias. We further confirmed that the proteins FGB, FGG, SERPINA1, and AGT involved in the angiotensin system, cholesterol metabolism, and coagulation were significantly up-regulated by biochemical experiments. In particular, the AGT protein of the angiotensin system involved in blood pressure regulation, we have shown that it increases with the severity of hypospadias. This study suggests that children with hypospadias are more likely to suffer from hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our findings provide a theoretical basis for early monitoring of blood lipids and blood pressure to prevent CVD in children with hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shengxiong Wang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Ying Qiu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Baoling Bai
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Qin Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and Nutriomics, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Xianghui Xie
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Melchiors M, Tran KM, Svingen T, Rosenmai AK. In vitro assessment of potential endocrine disrupting activities of chlorinated paraffins of various chain lengths. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116843. [PMID: 38331103 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The production of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) has risen in the past two decades due to their versatile industrial applications. Consequently, CPs are now widely detected in human food sources, the environment, and in human matrices such as serum, the placenta and breast milk. This raises concern about prenatal and postnatal exposure. While some studies suggest that certain short-chained CPs (SCCPs) may have endocrine disrupting properties, knowledge about potential endocrine disrupting potential of medium- (MCCP) and long-chained CPs (LCCPs) remains relativity sparse. Here, we used a panel of in vitro assays to investigate seven pure CPs and two technical mixtures of CPs. These varied in chain length and, chlorination degree. The in vitro panel covered androgen, estrogen, and retinoic acid receptor activities, transthyretin displacement, and steroidogenesis. One of the SCCPs inhibited androgen receptor (AR) activity. All SCCPs induced estrogen receptor (ER) activity. Some SCCPs and MCCPs increased 17β-estradiol levels in the steroidogenesis assay, though not consistently across all substances in these groups. SCCPs exhibited the most pronounced effects in multiple in vitro assays, while the tested LCCPs showed no effects. Based on our results, some CPs can have endocrine disrupting potential in vitro. These findings warrant further examinations to ensure that CPs do not cause issues in intact organisms, including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikala Melchiors
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Kieu-Mi Tran
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
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Jain V, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Benotmane MA, Verratti V, Mitchell RT, Stukenborg JB. Human development and reproduction in space-a European perspective. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:24. [PMID: 36973260 PMCID: PMC10042989 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarises key aspects of the first reproductive and developmental systems Science Community White Paper, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Current knowledge regarding human development and reproduction in space is mapped to the roadmap. It acknowledges that sex and gender have implications on all physiological systems, however, gender identity falls outside the scope of the document included in the white paper collection supported by ESA. The ESA SciSpacE white papers on human developmental and reproductive functions in space aim to reflect on the implications of space travel on the male and female reproductive systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis, and considerations for conception, gestation and birth. Finally, parallels are drawn as to how this may impact society as a whole on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden.
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Franssen D, Johansson HKL, Lopez-Rodriguez D, Lavergne A, Terwagne Q, Boberg J, Christiansen S, Svingen T, Parent AS. Perinatal exposure to the fungicide ketoconazole alters hypothalamic control of puberty in female rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1140886. [PMID: 37077353 PMCID: PMC10108553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1140886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) are known to alter the timing of puberty onset and reproductive function in females. Accumulating evidence suggests that steroid synthesis inhibitors such as ketoconazole (KTZ) or phthalates may also affect female reproductive health, however their mode of action is poorly understood. Because hypothalamic activity is very sensitive to sex steroids, we aimed at determining whether and how EDCs with different mode of action can alter the hypothalamic transcriptome and GnRH release in female rats. DESIGN Female rats were exposed to KTZ or DES during perinatal (DES 3-6-12μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-6-12mg/kg.d), pubertal or adult periods (DES 3-12-48μg/kg.d; KTZ 3-12-48mg/kg.d). RESULTS Ex vivo study of GnRH pulsatility revealed that perinatal exposure to the highest doses of KTZ and DES delayed maturation of GnRH secretion before puberty, whereas pubertal or adult exposure had no effect on GnRH pulsatility. Hypothalamic transcriptome, studied by RNAsequencing in the preoptic area and in the mediobasal hypothalamus, was found to be very sensitive to perinatal exposure to all doses of KTZ before puberty with effects persisting until adulthood. Bioinformatic analysis with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted "Creb signaling in Neurons" and "IGF-1 signaling" among the most downregulated pathways by all doses of KTZ and DES before puberty, and "PPARg" as a common upstream regulator driving gene expression changes. Deeper screening ofRNAseq datasets indicated that a high number of genes regulating the activity of the extrinsic GnRH pulse generator were consistently affected by all the doses of DES and KTZ before puberty. Several, including MKRN3, DNMT3 or Cbx7, showed similar alterations in expression at adulthood. CONCLUSION nRH secretion and the hypothalamic transcriptome are highly sensitive to perinatal exposure to both DES and KTZ. The identified pathways should be exploredfurther to identify biomarkers for future testing strategies for EDC identification and when enhancing the current standard information requirements in regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Franssen
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Delphine Franssen,
| | | | | | - Arnaud Lavergne
- GIGA-Bioinformatics, GIGA Institute, Université de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Quentin Terwagne
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Pinkert-Leetsch D, Rost JU, Schmiedeknecht MUH, Stadelmann C, Alves F, Missbach-Guentner J. The murine male reproductive organ at a glance: Three-dimensional insights and virtual histology using label-free light sheet microcopy. Andrology 2022; 10:1660-1672. [PMID: 36082398 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13292] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The unique anatomy of the male reproductive organ reflects its complex function from sperm maturation to their storage for months until emission. Since light microscopy in two dimensions (2d) cannot sufficiently demonstrate its complex morphology, a comprehensive visualization is required to identify pathologic alterations in its entire anatomical context. OBJECTIVES Aim of this study was to use three-dimensional (3d) light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) to visualize entire murine testes in 3d, label-free and at subcellular resolution, and to assign local autofluorescence to testicular and deferent structures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Murine testes were fixed with four different fixatives and subsequently cleared with benzoic acid/benzyl benzoate. Hereafter, complete murine testes were scanned with LSFM with different fluorescence filter sets and subsequently embedded in paraffin for further conventional planar histology. RESULTS Autofluorescence signals of the murine reproductive organ allowed the unambiguous identification of the testicular anatomy from the seminiferous tubules to the vas deferens with their specific stratification independent of the used fixative. Blood vessels were visualized from the pampiniform plexus to the small capillaries of single tubules. Moreover, due to the specific intrinsic fluorescence properties of the efferent ducts and the epididymis, luminal caliber, the epithelial stratification and retronuclear cytoplasmic inclusions gave a unique insight into the interface of both morphological structures. Subsequent 2d histology confirmed the identified morphological structures. DISCUSSION LSFM analysis of the murine reproductive organ allows due to its intrinsic fluorescence a simple, label-free 3d assessment of its entire duct morphology, the epithelial composition and the associated blood supply in its anatomical relation. CONCLUSION LSFM provides the technical basis for comprehensive analyses of pathologically altered murine testes in its entirety by depicting specific autofluorescence. Thereby it facilitates mouse studies of testicular disease or their drug related alterations in more detail potentially for clinical translation assessing human testicular biopsies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pinkert-Leetsch
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany
| | - John Uwe Rost
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | | | - Christine Stadelmann
- Department of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Goettingen, Germany.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jeannine Missbach-Guentner
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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Oleuropein Counteracts Both the Proliferation and Migration of Intra- and Extragonadal Seminoma Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112323. [PMID: 35684123 PMCID: PMC9182631 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent and growing literature has reported that oleuropein (OLE), the main polyphenol in olive leaf extract, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and reduces the invasiveness properties of cancer cells; therefore, OLE may play a significant role in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment. These antineoplastic properties have been reported in many experimental cancer models, but the effect of OLE on seminoma cells is yet to be evaluated. In the present study, we demonstrate, for the first time, that OLE reduces cell viability in both intra- and extragonadal TCAM-2 and SEM-1 seminoma cells, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. As shown by Western-blot analysis, OLE exposure reduced cyclin-D1 expression and upregulated p21Cip/WAF1, concomitantly affecting the upstream pathway of NF-κB, leading to the reduction of its nuclear content, thereby suggesting that OLE could modulate cell-cycle regulators by inhibiting NF-κB. Moreover, Annexin V staining revealed that OLE induced apoptosis in cancer cells and upregulated the pro-apoptotic factor BAX. Through wound-healing scratch and transmigration assays, we also demonstrated that OLE significantly reduced the migration and motility of TCAM-2 and SEM-1 cells, and downregulated the expression of TGFβ-1, which is known to be the main pro-fibrotic factor involved in the acquisition of the migratory and invasive properties of cancer cells. Collectively, our results indicate that OLE reduces seminoma cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and counteracts cell migration and motility. Further studies are needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these observed effects.
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Draskau MK, Svingen T. Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:883254. [PMID: 35573275 PMCID: PMC9097791 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.883254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
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