1
|
Alarcón R, Rivera OE, Ingaramo PI, Tschopp MV, Dioguardi GH, Milesi MM, Muñoz-de-Toro M, Luque EH. Neonatal exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide alters the uterine differentiation of prepubertal ewe lambs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 265:114874. [PMID: 32599332 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), such as glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs), during early life might alter female fertility. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of neonatal exposure to a GBH on sheep uterine development. To achieve this, Friesian ewe lambs were exposed to GBH (2 mg/kg of body weight/day; n = 12) or vehicle (controls; n = 10) through s.c. injections, from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND14; on PND45, the uteri were obtained to evaluate histomorphological and molecular parameters. Morphological parameters were determined by picrosirius-hematoxylin staining. Protein expression of Ki67 (as a cell proliferation marker), p27, and molecules involved in uterine organogenetic differentiation was measured by immunohistochemistry. We also determined the mRNA expression of the IGF molecular pathway by RT-PCR. Although histomorphology was not modified, the uteri of GBH-exposed ewe lambs showed lower cell proliferation, together with higher p27 protein expression. In addition, the uteri of GBH-exposed ewe lambs showed increased gene expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), decreased expression of ERα in the luminal (LE) and glandular (GE) epithelia and in the subepithelial stroma (SS), and lower PR expression in the LE but higher in the GE and SS. In addition, GBH treatment decreased the uterine expression of Wnt5a in the GE, of Wnt7a in the SS, of β-catenin in the LE and GE, of Hoxa10 in the SS, and of Foxa2 in the GE as compared with controls. In conclusion, neonatal exposure to GBH decreased cell proliferation and altered the expression of molecules that control proliferation and development in the uterus. All these changes might have adverse consequences on uterine differentiation and functionality, affecting the female reproductive health of sheep. GBH may be responsible for uterine subfertility, acting as an EDC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alarcón
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Oscar E Rivera
- Instituto de Investigación sobre Producción Agropecuaria, Ambiente y Salud (IIPAAS), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paola I Ingaramo
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María V Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gisela H Dioguardi
- Instituto de Investigación sobre Producción Agropecuaria, Ambiente y Salud (IIPAAS), Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional de Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes M Milesi
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Mónica Muñoz-de-Toro
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nanjappa MK, Medrano TI, Mesa AM, Ortega MT, Caldo PD, Mao J, Kinkade JA, Levin ER, Rosenfeld CS, Cooke PS. Mice lacking membrane estrogen receptor 1 are protected from reproductive pathologies resulting from developmental estrogen exposure†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:392-404. [PMID: 31141131 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both membrane and nuclear fractions of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mediate 17β-estradiol (E2) actions. Mice expressing nuclear (n)ESR1 but lacking membrane (m)ESR1 (nuclear-only estrogen receptor 1 [NOER] mice) show reduced E2 responsivity and reproductive abnormalities culminating in adult male and female infertility. Using this model, we investigated whether reproductive pathologies caused by the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) are mitigated by mESR1 ablation. Homozygous and heterozygous wild-type (WT and HET, respectively) and NOER male and female mice were subcutaneously injected with DES (1 mg/kg body weight [BW]) or vehicle daily from postnatal day (PND) 1-5. Uterine histology was assessed in select DES-treated females at PND 5, whereas others were ovariectomized at PND 60 and treated with E2 (10 μg/kg BW) or vehicle 2 weeks later. Neonatal DES exposure resulted in ovary-independent epithelial proliferation in the vagina and uterus of WT but not NOER females. Neonatal DES treatment also induced ovary-independent adult expression of classical E2-induced transcripts (e.g., lactoferrin [Ltf] and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 [Ezh2]) in WT but not NOER mice. At PND 90, DES-treated WT and HET males showed smaller testes and a high incidence of bacterial pyogranulomatous inflammation encompassing the testes, epididymis and occasionally the ductus deferens with spread to lumbar lymph nodes; such changes were largely absent in NOER males. Results indicate that male and female NOER mice are protected from deleterious effects of neonatal DES, and thus mESR1 signaling is required for adult manifestation of DES-induced reproductive pathologies in both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Madison T Ortega
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul D Caldo
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jiude Mao
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Jessica A Kinkade
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Ellis R Levin
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Long Beach, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Suen AA, Jefferson WN, Williams CJ, Wood CE. Differentiation Patterns of Uterine Carcinomas and Precursor Lesions Induced by Neonatal Estrogen Exposure in Mice. Toxicol Pathol 2018; 46:574-596. [PMID: 29895210 PMCID: PMC6027618 DOI: 10.1177/0192623318779326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to estrogenic chemicals is an established risk factor for cancer of the female reproductive tract. This increase in risk has been associated with disruption of normal patterns of cellular differentiation during critical stages of morphogenesis. The goal of this study was to document uterine epithelial phenotypes over time following neonatal treatment with the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) or the soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) in female CD-1 mice. Both DES and GEN induced three distinct populations of abnormal endometrial epithelial cells: luminal (SIX1+/P63-/CK14-/CK18+), basal (SIX1+/P63+/CK14+/CK18-), and mixed/bipotential (SIX1+/P63-/CK14+/CK18+), which were all established by early adulthood. In older animals, DES and GEN resulted in uterine carcinomas with mixed glandular, basal, and squamous cell elements. All carcinomas were composed largely of the three abnormal cell types. These findings identify novel epithelial differentiation patterns in the uterus and support the idea that disruption of cellular programming in early development can influence cancer risk later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa A. Suen
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) participant in the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Wendy N. Jefferson
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carmen J. Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Charles E. Wood
- Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yoshida M, Katashima S, Tahahashi M, Ichimura R, Inoue K, Taya K, Watanabe G. Predominant role of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, not the ovary, in different types of abnormal cycle induction by postnatal exposure to high dose p-tert-octylphenol in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 57:21-8. [PMID: 25975844 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.05.001] [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: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether it is the hypothalamic-pituitary axis or the ovary that plays the predominant role in abnormal estrous cycling induction by postnatal exposure to estrogenic compounds, female rats were subcutaneously injected with 100mg/kg p-tert-octylphenol or vehicle for 5 or 15 days after birth (OP-PND5, OP-PND15 or control). Ovaries were exchanged between control and treated groups on PND28. Controls receiving control or OP-PND5 ovaries showed normal cycles within 4 weeks after the exchange, and corpora lutea were detected in transplanted ovaries. Controls receiving OP-PND15 ovaries consistently increased persistent estrus (PE). OP-PND15 rats receiving control or OP-PND15 ovaries immediately descended into PE, and transplanted ovaries were atrophic with cystic follicles, indicating anovulation. OP-PND5 rats receiving control or OP-PND5 ovaries showed early onset of PE after normal cycling. The hypothalamic-pituitary axis is predominant in abnormal cycling induction by postnatal exposure to OP. OP-PND15 ovaries were impaired compared to other groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Midori Yoshida
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.
| | - Sayumi Katashima
- Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwaicho, Fuchu-shi, 183-8509 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miwa Tahahashi
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Ryohei Ichimura
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan; Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwaicho, Fuchu-shi, 183-8509 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inoue
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Taya
- Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwaicho, Fuchu-shi, 183-8509 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Watanabe
- Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8, Saiwaicho, Fuchu-shi, 183-8509 Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yoshida M, Takahashi M, Inoue K, Hayashi S, Maekawa A, Nishikawa A. Delayed Adverse Effects of Neonatal Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol and Their Dose Dependency in Female Rats. Toxicol Pathol 2011; 39:823-34. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623311413785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal exposure to estrogenic chemicals causes irreversible complex damage to the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis and reproductive system in females. Some lesions are noted after maturation as delayed adverse effects. We investigated the characteristics and dose dependence of delayed effects using female rats neonatally exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Female Donryu rats were subcutaneously injected with a single dose of DES of 0 (control), 0.15, 1.5, 15, 150, or 1,500 µg/kg bw after birth. All except the lowest dose had estrogenic activity in a uterotrophic assay. All rats at 1500 µg/kg and some at 150 µg/kg showed abnormal morphologies in the genital tract, indicating they were androgenized before maturation. Although no morphological abnormalities were noted at 15 µg/kg or lower, onset of persistent estrus was significantly accelerated in the 1.5, 15, and 150 µg/kg groups with dose dependency, and the latest onset was from seventeen to twenty-one weeks of age at 1.5 µg/kg. The neonatal exposure to DES increased uterine adenocarcinoma development only at 150 µg/kg, although uterine anomalies were detected at 1,500 µg/kg. These results indicate that neonatal exposure to DES, which exerts estrogenic activity in vivo, induces delayed adverse effects in female rats in a dose-dependent manner. Early onset of persistent estrus appears to be the most sensitive parameter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Midori Yoshida
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miwa Takahashi
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inoue
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seigo Hayashi
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiko Maekawa
- Chemical Management Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, 2-24-10, Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Nishikawa
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ray S, Xu F, Wang H, Das SK. Cooperative control via lymphoid enhancer factor 1/T cell factor 3 and estrogen receptor-alpha for uterine gene regulation by estrogen. Mol Endocrinol 2008; 22:1125-40. [PMID: 18202148 DOI: 10.1210/me.2007-0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that estrogen regulates diverse but interdependent signaling pathways via estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent and -independent mechanisms. However, molecular relationship between these pathways for gene regulation under the direction of estrogen remains unknown. To address this possibility, our uterine analysis of Wnt/beta-catenin downstream effectors revealed that lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (Lef-1) and T cell factor 3 (Tcf-3) are up-regulated temporally by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in an ER-independent manner. Lef-1 is abundantly up-regulated early (within 2 h), whereas Tcf-3 is predominantly induced after 6 h, and both are sustained through 24 h. Interestingly, activated Lef-1/Tcf-3 molecularly interacted with ERalpha in a time-dependent manner, suggesting they possess a cross talk in the uterus by E2. Moreover, dual immunofluorescence studies confirm their colocalization in uterine epithelial cells after E2. Most importantly, using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by PCR analyses, we provide evidence for an interesting possibility that ERalpha and Tcf-3/Lef-1 complex occupies at certain DNA regions of estrogen-responsive endogenous gene promoters in the mouse uterus. By selective perturbation of activated Lef-1/Tcf-3 or ERalpha signaling events, we provide in this study novel evidence that cooperative interactions, by these two different classes of transcription factors at the level of chromatin, direct uterine regulation of estrogen-responsive genes. Collectively, these studies support a mechanism that integration of a nonclassically induced beta-catenin/Lef-1/Tcf-3 signaling with ERalpha is necessary for estrogen-dependent endogenous gene regulation in uterine biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanhita Ray
- Division of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2678, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Newbold RR, Jefferson WN, Grissom SF, Padilla-Banks E, Snyder RJ, Lobenhofer EK. Developmental exposure to diethylstilbestrol alters uterine gene expression that may be associated with uterine neoplasia later in life. Mol Carcinog 2007; 46:783-96. [PMID: 17394237 PMCID: PMC2254327 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we described a mouse model where the well-known reproductive carcinogen with estrogenic activity, diethylstilbestrol (DES), caused uterine adenocarcinoma following neonatal treatment. Tumor incidence was dose-dependent reaching >90% by 18 mo following neonatal treatment with 1000 microg/kg/d of DES. These tumors followed the initiation/promotion model of hormonal carcinogenesis with developmental exposure as initiator, and exposure to ovarian hormones at puberty as the promoter. To identify molecular pathways involved in DES-initiation events, uterine gene expression profiles were examined in prepubertal mice exposed to DES (1, 10, or 1000 microg/kg/d) on days 1-5 and compared to controls. Of more than 20 000 transcripts, approximately 3% were differentially expressed in at least one DES treatment group compared to controls; some transcripts demonstrated dose-responsiveness. Assessment of gene ontology annotation revealed alterations in genes associated with cell growth, differentiation, and adhesion. When expression profiles were compared to published studies of uteri from 5-d-old DES-treated mice, or adult mice treated with 17beta estradiol, similarities were seen suggesting persistent differential expression of estrogen responsive genes following developmental DES exposure. Moreover, several altered genes were identified in human uterine adenocarcinomas. Four altered genes [lactotransferrin (Ltf), transforming growth factor beta inducible (Tgfb1), cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), and secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (Sfrp4)], selected for real-time RT-PCR analysis, correlated well with the directionality of the microarray data. These data suggested altered gene expression profiles observed 2 wk after treatment ceased, were established at the time of developmental exposure and maybe related to the initiation events resulting in carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Retha R Newbold
- Developmental Endocrinology and Endocrine Disruptor Section, Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, NIEHS, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Newbold RR, Jefferson WN, Padilla-Banks E, Haseman J. Developmental exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) alters uterine response to estrogens in prepubescent mice: low versus high dose effects. Reprod Toxicol 2004; 18:399-406. [PMID: 15082075 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2003] [Revised: 01/06/2004] [Accepted: 01/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Outbred CD-1 mice received subcutaneous injections on neonatal days 1-5 with DES (0.0001-1000 microg/kg per day), a model xenoestrogen. At 17 days of age, uterine wet weight increase in response to estrogen was altered in neonatally DES-treated mice compared to controls. The response varied depending on the neonatal DES dose; a low dose (0.01 microg/kg) caused an enhanced uterine response but higher neonatal doses dampened the response. Western blots and immunolocalization of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) showed high ER levels at DES 0.01 microg/kg, but decreased levels at higher doses compared to controls. Genes responding through ER-mediated pathways (c-fos, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and lactoferrin (LF)) mirrored altered wet weight responses, i.e., enhancement at low doses and dampening at higher doses. A similar dose-response curve was seen in 4 months old ovariectomized DES-treated mice suggesting the altered response was long-term. These data suggest xenoestrogen exposure during critical developmental windows alters hormone programming so that the uterus responds abnormally to estrogen later in life, and that the response differs following high versus low doses of neonatal exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Retha R Newbold
- Developmental Endocrinology Section, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sato T, Fukazawa Y, Ohta Y, Iguchi T. Involvement of growth factors in induction of persistent proliferation of vaginal epithelium of mice exposed neonatally to diethylstilbestrol. Reprod Toxicol 2004; 19:43-51. [PMID: 15336711 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2004] [Revised: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 05/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal treatment of female mice with natural and synthetic estrogens including diethylstilbestrol (DES) results in persistent proliferation and cornification of vaginal epithelium. In order to study the mechanism of persistent proliferation of vaginal epithelium, histological and biochemical changes were examined in the vagina of C57BL female mice exposed neonatally to 3 microg DES for 5 days. In intact control adult mice, ovariectomy induced apoptotic cell death in vaginal epithelial cells detected by in situ 3'-DNA nick end labeling method accompanied by low DNA synthesis detected by incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine. In neonatally DES-exposed adult mice, however, ovariectomy did not induce reduction of DNA synthesis and showed only a slight increase in apoptotic cells of vaginal epithelium. In neonatally DES-exposed mouse vagina, semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed a continuous higher expression of mRNAs encoding epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha). These results indicate that neonatal DES exposure causes the increase in expression of EGF and TGF-alpha mRNA, possibly resulting in the induction of persistent proliferation and cornification of vaginal epithelium in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Sato
- Graduate School of Integrated Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0027, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yamashita S. Ontogenic expression of estrogen receptor coactivators in the reproductive tract of female mice neonatally exposed to diethylstilbestrol. Reprod Toxicol 2004; 18:275-84. [PMID: 15019724 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2003.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2003] [Revised: 11/18/2003] [Accepted: 11/24/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ontogenic expression of p300, steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1), GR-interacting protein-1 (GRIP1) and p300/CBP cointegrator associate protein (p/CIP) was examined using an immunohistochemical method in the genital tract of female mice neonatally exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES). Mice were injected with 4 microg of DES for 5 days and killed on days 10, 15 and 21; some mice were killed on day 4 after three injections. The p300 immunoreactive protein in the epithelial cells of the oviducts, uteri, and vaginae was almost constant during development independent of neonatal DES exposure, while the stromal cells exhibited a weaker reaction than that of the vehicle-treated controls on days 4 and 10. Neonatal DES exposure caused no significant changes in the SRC-1 and p/CIP expression patterns but decreased the GRIP1 expression with development in the reproductive tract. The constitutive expression of coactivators in both epithelial and stromal cells may play a role in the estrogen imprints through ER alpha systems during the period of DES treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuji Yamashita
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35-Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Li S, Hansman R, Newbold R, Davis B, McLachlan JA, Barrett JC. Neonatal diethylstilbestrol exposure induces persistent elevation of c-fos expression and hypomethylation in its exon-4 in mouse uterus. Mol Carcinog 2003; 38:78-84. [PMID: 14502647 DOI: 10.1002/mc.10147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces reproductive tract cancers later in life in both humans and animals. Because there is no clear evidence that perinatal DES exposure induces gene mutation, we proposed that perinatal DES exposure causes epigenetic methylation changes that result in persistent alterations in gene expression, leading to tumorigenesis. The proto-oncogene c-fos is one of the immediately induced genes in uterine epithelium after estrogen simulation and a key player in uterine carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated c-fos expression in mice neonatally exposed to DES (2 microg/pup/day on postnatal days 1-5). The mRNA levels of c-fos in uteri of neonatal DES-treated mice were persistently 1.4-1.9-fold higher than that in the control mice from day 5 to day 60. Overall, the uterine c-fos expression level in the neonatal DES-exposed group was significantly higher than that in the control group. After examination of the methylation status of the c-fos gene, we found that the CpGs in promoter and intron-1 regions were completely unmethylated. In exon-4, from day 17 to day 60, the percentage of unmethylated CpGs was higher in neonatal DES-exposed mice uteri than that in control (42%, 51%, 47%, and 42% in DES-exposed mice vs 33%, 34%, 33%, and 21% in control mice at day 17, 21, 30, and 60, respectively). These results suggest that perinatal DES exposure may permanently alter gene expression and methylation, and the methylation modification may occur in either the promoter regions or other regulatory sites in the gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuanfang Li
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Cancer, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tarleton BJ, Braden TD, Wiley AA, Bartol FF. Estrogen-induced disruption of neonatal porcine uterine development alters adult uterine function. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:1387-93. [PMID: 12606348 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.011346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pig, estradiol-17beta valerate (EV) exposure from birth (Postnatal Day [PND] 0) disrupts estrogen receptor-alpha (ER)-dependent uterine development and increases embryo mortality in adults. To determine effects of neonatal EV exposure on adult uterine morphology and function, 36 gilts received corn oil (CO) or EV from PND 0 to PND 13. Cyclic and pregnant (PX) adults from each treatment group were hysterectomized on Day 12 after estrus/mating. Treatment and pregnancy effects were determined for uterine weight and horn volume, uterine luminal fluid (ULF) protein and estradiol content, endometrial incorporation of 3H-leucine (3H-Leu) into nondialyzable product, and endometrial mRNA levels for ER, progesterone receptor (PR), uteroferrin (UF), retinol-binding protein (RBP), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). Adults cycled normally and had similar numbers of corpora lutea. Uteri of PX gilts contained tubular/filamentous conceptuses, and ULF estradiol content was unaffected by treatment. However, pregnancy increased uterine weight and size only in CO gilts (Treatment x Status, P < 0.01). Treatment reduced ULF protein content (P < 0.01), endometrial 3H-Leu incorporation (P < 0.05), and the pregnancy-associated increase in ULF protein (Treatment x Status, P < 0.01). Treatment did not affect endometrial ER or PR mRNA levels but attenuated the pregnancy-associated increase in UF mRNA (Treatment x Status; P < 0.01), increased RBP (P < 0.10), and decreased KGF mRNA levels (P < 0.05). These results establish that transient postnatal estrogen exposure affects porcine uterine responsiveness to potentially embryotrophic signals and that estrogen-sensitive postnatal uterine organizational events are determinants of uterine size and functionality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky J Tarleton
- Departments of Animal Sciences, auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5415, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Teng CT, Beard C, Gladwell W. Differential expression and estrogen response of lactoferrin gene in the female reproductive tract of mouse, rat, and hamster. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:1439-49. [PMID: 12390874 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.101.002089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, kills bacteria and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. Presence of lactoferrin in the female reproductive tract suggests that the protein may be part of the mucosal immune system and act as the first line of defense against pathogenic organisms. We have discovered that lactoferrin is a major estrogen-inducible protein in the uterus of immature mice and is up-regulated by physiological levels of estrogen during proestrous in mature mice. In the present study, we examined lactoferrin gene expression and its response to estrogen stimulation in the female reproductive tract of several strains of immature mouse, rat, and hamster. The lactoferrin expression in the cycling adult female rat was also evaluated. Lactoferrin gene polymorphism exists among the different mouse strains. In the three inbred mouse strains studied, lactoferrin gene expression is stimulated by estrogen in the immature uterus, although it is less robust than in the outbred CD-1 mouse. We found that the lactoferrin gene is constitutively expressed in the epithelium of the vagina and the isthmus oviduct; however, it is estrogen inducible in the uterus of immature mice and rats. Furthermore, lactoferrin is elevated in the uterine epithelium of the mature rat during the proestrous and estrous stages of the estrous cycle. Estrogen stimulation of lactoferrin gene expression in the reproductive tract of an immature hamster is limited to the vaginal epithelium. The present study demonstrates differential expression and estrogen responsiveness of the lactoferrin gene in different regions of the female rodent reproductive tract and variation among the rodent species studied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina T Teng
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yoshida M, Takenaka A, Katsuda SI, Kurokawa Y, Maekawa A. Neonatal exposure to p-tert-octylphenol causes abnormal expression of estrogen receptor alpha and subsequent alteration of cell proliferating activity in the developing Donryu rat uterus. Toxicol Pathol 2002; 30:357-64. [PMID: 12051553 DOI: 10.1080/01926230252929936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated immunohistochemically the time-course alterations in estrogen receptor alpha (ER) expression and cell proliferating activity in the developing uteri of Donryu rats exposed neonatally to a high dose p-tert-octylphenol (OP), an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). OP-treatment (sc injections of 100 mg/kg, every other day from postnatal days 1 to 15) induced an early and enhanced ER expression in the luminal epithelium compared with age-matched controls from postnatal day (PND) 10, and increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive cells up to PND21. At PND28, ER expression in the luminal epithelium of the OP-treated group was decreased, in association with decline in the luminal epithelial areas. PND14, the second week of life, is coincident with the normal time for differentiation when the luminal epithelium invaginates into the stroma to form uterine glands. OP-treatment, however, delayed and inhibited gland-formation, and suppressed ER expression in the invaginated-luminal and glandular epithelium at this time. These results indicate that ER expression in these sites is strongly linked with cell proliferating activity. In stromal cells, ER was expressed from PND6 in both groups without any PCNA positive cells, but significantly lower values were noted in the OP-treated group up to PND10. Our immunohistochemical investigation did not reveal any abnormalities in expression of the proto-oncogene c-fos, mitotic inhibitor p21, or epidermal growth factor antigen, although the apoptotic index in the luminal epithelium was slightly increased in the OP-treated group. These results demonstrate neonatal effects of a high dose of OP, already detectable at PND10, with early and enhanced ER expression, resulting in increase of cell proliferative activity in the luminal epithelium, though expression in the glandular epithelium was suppressed in relation to inhibited gland-genesis. The present study thus suggests that neonatal exposure to high doses of EDCs with estrogenic activity can induce abnormal differentiation in the developing rat uteri via abnormal ER expression and subsequent alteration of cell proliferating activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Midori Yoshida
- Department of Pathology, Sasaki Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
p21Waf1/Cip1 was originally identified as an inhibitor of the cell cycle. Recent evidence suggests that it can act as a positive regulator of the cell cycle under the influence of some growth stimulators. We investigated the effects of ovarian steroids on the expression of p21, DNA synthesis, and mitosis in the uterus. Capsules containing 17beta-estradiol (E2) were subcutaneously implanted in ovariectomized mice that were sacrificed on different days. Their uteri were collected for p21 immunohistochemical staining. To study mitosis and DNA synthesis, colchicine and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were injected into mice 3 or 5 h before sacrifice. The results showed that p21 expression, BrdU incorporation, and the mitotic index in uterine luminal epithelium increased 1 to 2 d after E2 stimulation and then declined to basal levels between d 3 and 6. Furthermore, cotreatment with progesterone (P4) and E2 suppressed both p21 expression and the DNA synthesis stimulated by E2 alone in uterine epithelial cells. Our results show that estrogen stimulates p21 expression and cell proliferation in uterine luminal epithelium and that cotreatment with P4 prevents both effects, suggesting that p21 may act as a positive cell-cycle regulator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Derg Lai
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yamashita S. Ontogeny of Estrogen Receptor (ER) .ALPHA. and .BETA. in the Female Reproductive Tissues of Mice Neonatally Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2002. [DOI: 10.1267/ahc.35.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
17
|
Tarleton BJ, Wiley AA, Bartol FF. Neonatal estradiol exposure alters uterine morphology and endometrial transcriptional activity in prepubertal gilts. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2001; 21:111-25. [PMID: 11585701 DOI: 10.1016/s0739-7240(01)00106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Porcine endometrial development between birth (postnatal day = PND 0) and PND 56 involves differentiation of glandular epithelium (GE) from luminal epithelium (LE) and estrogen receptor-alpha (ER) expression. Juvenile ER architecture evolves after birth, as stroma and nascent GE first express ER. Mature ER architecture is evident after PND 30, when stroma, GE and LE are ER-positive. When administered during discrete periods between PND 0 and 56, effects of estradiol-17beta valerate (EV) on the neonatal porcine uterus relate to endometrial ER architecture. Transient EV exposure from birth reduces embryo survival in pregnant adult gilts. Effects of EV, administered as juvenile endometrial ER architecture develops (P1, PND 0-13), or after mature ER architecture is established (P2, PND 42-55), were evaluated in uteri from gilts treated with corn oil or EV in P1 or P2 and hysterectomized on PND 100 without additional steroids (NSt), on PND 102 after EV on PND100-101 (EV2), or on PND 117 after EV2 followed by progesterone on PND 102-116 (EP). Neonatal EV reduced uterine weight (P < 0.02), size (P < 0.01), luminal protein content (P < 0.07), and percent incorporation of 3H-leucine into nondialyzable endometrial products in vitro (P < 0.01). Group (NSt, EV2, EP) -specific treatment effects detected for endometrial ER, progesterone receptor, uteroferrin, and/or retinol binding protein mRNA levels were frequently related to period (P1,P2). Results support the idea that estrogen-sensitive postnatal organizational events, including those defined, in part, by endometrial ER architecture, are likely components of genetic and epigenetic programs governing uterine morphogenesis and ontogeny of endometrial function in the pig.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B J Tarleton
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Program in Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849-5415, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Albright CD, Kaufman DG. Lactoferrin: a tamoxifen-responsive protein in normal and malignant human endometrial cells in culture. Exp Mol Pathol 2001; 70:71-6. [PMID: 11263949 DOI: 10.1006/exmp.2000.2354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the possible role of the estrogen-regulated protein lactoferrin (Lf) in the response of isolated normal human endometrial epithelial cells (NHEC) and established human endometrial carcinoma (EC) cell lines to tamoxifen (TAM). Using confocal laser scanning microscopy and a monospecific antibody, Lf was localized to the cytoplasm of normal and EC cells. Antibody neutralization of secreted Lf inhibited, whereas exogenous Lf (0--100 microg/ml) enhanced, cell proliferation in both classes of cells. Treatment of NHEC with TAM inhibited cell growth via a protein kinase-C-mediated pathway, concomitant with a reduction in the staining intensity for Lf. Importantly, in EC cells, TAM greatly enhanced the staining intensity for Lf, but did not affect cell growth. We propose that stable expression of Lf protein by EC cells may impart a survival advantage to these cells, which may, in part, account for the resistance of these cells to tamoxifen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C D Albright
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 27599-7400, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|