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Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Martinelli S, Villanelli F, Amore F, Rapizzi E, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Raddi C, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Danza G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. The regulatory effect of sex steroids on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the rat distal vagina. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1-13. [PMID: 36897236 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac009] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex steroids have been demonstrated as important modulators of vaginal function. The RhoA/ROCK calcium-sensitizing pathway plays a role in genital smooth muscle contractile mechanism, but its regulation has never been elucidated. AIM This study investigated the sex steroid regulation of the vaginal smooth muscle RhoA/ROCK pathway using a validated animal model. METHODS Ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and T with letrozole (T + L) and compared with intact animals. Contractility studies were performed to test the effect of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME. In vaginal tissues, ROCK1 immunolocalization was investigated; mRNA expression was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; and RhoA membrane translocation was evaluated by Western blot. Finally, rat vaginal smooth muscle cells (rvSMCs) were isolated from the distal vagina of intact and OVX animals, and quantification of the RhoA inhibitory protein RhoGDI was performed after stimulation with NO donor sodium nitroprusside, with or without administration of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or PRKG1 inhibitor KT5823. OUTCOMES Androgens are critical in inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway of the smooth muscle compartment in the distal vagina. RESULTS ROCK1 was immunolocalized in the smooth muscle bundles and blood vessel wall of the vagina, with weak positivity detected in the epithelium. Y-27632 induced a dose-dependent relaxation of noradrenaline precontracted vaginal strips, decreased by OVX and restored by E2, while T and T + L decreased it below the OVX level. In Western blot analysis, when compared with control, OVX significantly induced RhoA activation, as revealed by its membrane translocation, with T reverting it at a level significantly lower than in controls. This effect was not exerted by E2. Abolishing NO formation via L-NAME increased Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX + T group; L-NAME had partial effects in controls while not modulating Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX and OVX + E2 groups. Finally, stimulation of rvSMCs from control animals with sodium nitroprusside significantly increased RhoGDI protein expression, counteracted by ODQ and partially by KT5823 incubation; no effect was observed in rvSMCs from OVX rats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Androgens, by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway, could positively contribute to vaginal smooth muscle relaxation, favoring sexual intercourse. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study describes the role of androgens in maintaining vaginal well-being. The absence of a sham-operated animal group and the use of the only intact animal as control represented a limitation to the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Serena Martinelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Fabio Villanelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Chiara Raddi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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Che J, Gao Y, Sun M, Zhou S, Lu P, Zhao T. Uterine Anteroposterior Diameter Measured by Transvaginal Sonography is a Predictor for Dysmenorrhea in Patients With and Without Endometriosis: A Pilot Study. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2022. [PMID: 36585745 DOI: 10.1002/jum.16168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between uterine diameters and menstrual abdominal pain intensity in patients with and without endometriosis (EM), and the independent influence of EM on the pain intensity. METHODS Uterine diameters and the diagnosis of adenomyosis were ascertained by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS). Menstrual abdominal pain intensity was estimated by visual analog scale (VAS). Linear regression was used to figure out the impact of uterine diameters and EM on the VAS scores. Logistic regression was used to calculate the correlation between uterine diameters and the diagnosis of adenomyosis. The cutoff values of uterine anteroposterior diameter (AD) to predict dysmenorrhea (VAS ≥ 4) and the diagnosis of adenomyosis were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS There were 220 patients with and 233 patients without EM included. Uterine AD independently correlated with the VAS scores in patients with (B = .230, P = .000) and without (B = .203, P = .000) EM. A uterine AD of 39.5 mm predicted dysmenorrhea in both groups. The presence of EM increased the VAS scores by 1.151 points when controlling for uterine diameters. Uterine AD also independently correlated with the diagnosis of adenomyosis under TVS in patients with (OR = 1.212, 95% CI = 1.130-1.301; P = .000) and without (OR = 1.192, 95% CI = 1.123-1.263; P = .000) EM. A uterine AD of 38.5 and 39.5 mm predicted the diagnosis of adenomyosis under TVS in patients with and without EM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Increased uterine AD, which is probably ascribed to adenomyosis, plays an important role in augmented menstrual abdominal pain intensity. Meanwhile, the presence of EM reinforces the pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Che
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Ultrasound, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiling Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Huaian, Huaian, China
| | - Shuang Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengrong Lu
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang YY, Duan H, Wang S, Quan YJ, Huang JH, Guo ZC. Upregulated Talin1 synergistically boosts β-estradiol-induced proliferation and pro-angiogenesis of eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells in adenomyosis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:70. [PMID: 33990206 PMCID: PMC8120781 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis (ADS) is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease with unspecified etiopathogenesis. Local hyperestrogenism may serve a key role in contributing to the origin of ADS. Talin1 is mostly identified to be overexpressed and involved in the progression of numerous human carcinomas through mediating cell proliferation, adhesion and motility. Whether Talin1 exerts an oncogenic role in the pathogenesis of ADS and puts an extra impact on the efficacy of estrogen, no relevant data are available yet. Here we demonstrated that the adenomyotic eutopic and ectopic endometrial stromal cells (ADS_Eu_ESC and ADS_Ec_ESC) treated with β-estradiol (β-E2) presented stronger proliferative and pro-angiogenetic capacities, accompanied by increased expression of PCNA, Ki67, VEGFB and ANGPTL4 proteins. Meanwhile, these promoting effects were partially abrogated by Fulvestrant (ICI 182780, an estrogen-receptor antagonist). Aberrantly upregulation of Talin1 mRNA and protein level was observed in ADS endometrial specimens and stromal cells. Through performing functional experiments in vitro, we further determined that merely overexpression of Talin1 (OV-Talin1) also enhanced ADS stromal cell proliferation and pro-angiogenesis, while the most pronounced facilitating effects were found in the co-intervention group of OV-Talin1 plus β-E2 treatment. Results from the xenograft nude mice model showed that the hypodermic endometrial lesions from co-intervention group had the highest mean weight and volume, compared with that of individual OV-Talin1 or β-E2 treatment. The expression levels of PCNA, Ki67, VEGFB and ANGPTL4 in the lesions were correspondingly elevated the most in the co-intervention group. Our findings unveiled that overexpressed Talin1 might cooperate withβ-E2 in stimulating ADS endometrial stromal cell proliferation and neovascularization, synergistically promoting the growth and survival of ectopic lesions. These results may be beneficial to provide a new insight for clarifying the pathogenesis of ADS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Yi Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China.
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Yong-Jun Quan
- Department of Urology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jun-Hua Huang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Zheng-Chen Guo
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.17 Qi Helou Road, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
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Lin SL, Duan H, Wang S, Li JJ. Overexpression of Lin28B Promoted the Proliferation of Adenomyotic Smooth Muscle Cells of the Junctional Zone via Regulating Let-7a. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1156-1163. [PMID: 32046465 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The inner myometrium, also called the junctional zone (JZ), is believed to play a major role in the development of adenomyosis. Recently, we found that the lethal-7a (Let-7a) microRNA (miRNA) was clearly downregulated in the miRNA expression profiles of JZ smooth muscle cells (JZSMCs) of patients with adenomyosis. Lin28, including Lin28A and Lin28B, is responsible for the post-transcriptional downregulation of the Let-7 miRNA family. However, the expression pattern of Lin28 and the function of the Lin28/Let-7 axis in adenomyosis have not yet been identified. In this study, we aim to explore the potential roles of the Lin28/Let-7 axis in the development of adenomyosis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to evaluate the Lin28 expression, respectively. The correlation between Let-7a, Lin28A, and Lin28B expression was further examined using Pearson's correlation analysis. RNA interference was used to inhibit Lin28B gene, and then Cell Counting Kit (CCK-8) assay was performed to detect the cell proliferation capacity. The results revealed that the expression levels of Lin28B were upregulated in the JZ of adenomyosis whatever about proteins or mRNA (P < 0.0001); furthermore, its mRNA expression level was negatively correlated with Let-7a (r = - 0.749, P < 0.0001). After inhibiting Lin28B gene, the proliferation capacity of JZSMCs in adenomyosis group decreased after 48 h (P < 0.05). These results indicated that Lin28B may be involved in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis by promoting the proliferation capacity of JZSMCs via regulating Let-7a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Li Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China.
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
| | - Jin-Jiao Li
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 17 Qi Helou Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing, 100006, China
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Shen X, Duan H, Wang S, Hong W, Wang YY, Lin SL. Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors in Myometrium and its Correlation With Dysmenorrhea in Adenomyosis. Reprod Sci 2019; 26:1618-1625. [PMID: 30832539 DOI: 10.1177/1933719119833483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The myometrium, especially the junctional zone (JZ), is now well documented to have a role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Cannabinoid receptors have been shown to participate in the establishment of endometriosis and its pain perception. However, its relation to adenomyosis has not been identified yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of cannabinoid receptor type I (CB1) and type II (CB2) in myometrium of uteri with and without adenomyosis and determine the correlation between their levels and clinical parameters of adenomyosis. We collected tissue samples of JZ and the outer myometrium from 45 premenopausal women with adenomyosis and 34 women without adenomyosis. CB1 and CB2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels were evaluated by the use of Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction from all samples. Clinical information on the severity of dysmenorrhea and other data were collected. We found both CB1 and CB2 mRNA and protein levels in women with adenomyosis were significantly higher than those of controls, and CB1 expression levels in JZ were positively correlated with the severity of dysmenorrhea. These data suggest that cannabinoid receptor CB1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis and may be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Shen
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yan Wang
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Li Lin
- Department of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Jiang C, Gong W, Chen R, Ke H, Qu X, Yang W, Cheng Z. RhoA/ROCK/ARHGAP26 signaling in the eutopic and ectopic endometrium is involved in clinical characteristics of adenomyosis. J Int Med Res 2018; 46:5019-5029. [PMID: 30387365 PMCID: PMC6300968 DOI: 10.1177/0300060518789038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate RhoA, RhoA-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) 1, ROCK2, and Rho GTPase-activating protein 26 (ARHGAP26) expression in the eutopic endometrium (EU) and ectopic endometrium (EC), and examine their relationships with the clinical characteristics of adenomyosis. METHODS Twenty patients with adenomyosis who underwent laparoscopy were recruited. Protein and mRNA expression of RhoA, ROCK1, ROCK2, and ARHGAP26 in EU and EC of patients with adenomyosis and in control endometrium without adenomyosis (CE) was detected. RESULTS ROCK1, ROCK2, and RhoA mRNA expression in EU was significantly higher than that in CE, and was highest in EC. ARHGAP26 mRNA expression in EC and EU was significantly lower than that in CE. ROCK1, ROCK2, and RhoA protein expression in EC and EU was significantly higher than that in CE. ARHGAP26 protein expression in EC and EU was significantly lower than that in CE. ROCK1, ROCK2, and RhoA gene and protein expression was positively associated and ARHGAP26 was negatively associated with the severity of menorrhagia and menstrual capacity in adenomyosis. CONCLUSIONS RhoA, ROCK1, and ROCK2 expression is upregulated, and ARHGAP26 expression is downregulated in adenomyosis. The RhoA/ROCK-mediated signaling pathway is associated with dysmenorrhea and menstrual capacity in adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Jiang
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gong
- 2 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Chen
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihui Ke
- 2 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Qu
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihong Yang
- 1 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongping Cheng
- 3 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Comeglio P, Cellai I, Filippi S, Corno C, Corcetto F, Morelli A, Maneschi E, Maseroli E, Mannucci E, Fambrini M, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Differential Effects of Testosterone and Estradiol on Clitoral Function: An Experimental Study in Rats. J Sex Med 2017; 13:1858-1871. [PMID: 27914563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Female sexual response is a complex phenomenon in which psychological, neurologic, and vascular mechanisms and hormonal factors interact. During the arousal phase, they cooperate to increase genital blood flow, thus inducing engorgement of the clitoris and lubrication of the vagina. Regulation of vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle tone is the crucial event in the erectile process. Preclinical studies have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) is the main vasodilator neurotransmitter modulating, through the second messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), clitoral flow vessels. AIM To investigate the effects of sexual steroid hormones on pro-erectile and relaxant (mediated by NO and cGMP) and anti-erectile and contractile (mediated by ras homolog gene family member A [RhoA] and Rho-associated protein kinase [ROCK]) mechanisms in the clitoris using a validated animal model of female ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS Subgroups of ovariectomized rats were treated with 17β-estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, or testosterone and letrozole for 6 weeks. The experimental groups were compared with a control group of intact rats. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sex steroids plasma levels were assessed and in vitro contractility studies were carried out in order to investigate the effect of ovariectomy and in vivo treatments on clitoris smooth muscle activity. Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from rat clitoral biopsies were isolated and characterized. RhoA activity was determined in SMCs cell cultures. RNA from tissues and cells was analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS Using real-time polymerase chain reaction, testosterone treatment upregulated the expression of NO-mediated pathway genes (endothelial and neuronal NO synthase, guanylate cyclase soluble subunit-α3, guanylate cyclase soluble subunit-β3, cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1, and phosphodiesterase type 5). Conversely, estrogen replacement upregulated the expression of calcium-sensitizing RhoA-ROCK pathway genes. In vitro contractility studies were performed on phenylephrine pre-contracted clitoris strips. Ovariectomy resulted in a decreased responsiveness to Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor, which was fully restored by 17β-estradiol supplementation. To further examine the effect of 17β-estradiol on the RhoA-ROCK pathway, smooth muscle cells were isolated from rat clitoris and their migration capacity was evaluated. CONCLUSION Collectively, these data demonstrate that testosterone improves the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle cells through the NO-cGMP pathway, and that testosterone and 17β-estradiol are necessary to maintain a functional contractile and relaxant machinery in the clitoris. This new concept might provide support for the concomitant use of estrogen and testosterone during the treatment of sexual arousal disorders related to hormonal imbalance or insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Corcetto
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Edoardo Mannucci
- Diabetology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy.
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Kim YJ, Tamadon A, Park HT, Kim H, Ku SY. The role of sex steroid hormones in the pathophysiology and treatment of sarcopenia. Osteoporos Sarcopenia 2016; 2:140-155. [PMID: 30775480 PMCID: PMC6372754 DOI: 10.1016/j.afos.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids influence the maintenance and growth of muscles. Decline in androgens, estrogens and progesterone by aging leads to the loss of muscular function and mass, sarcopenia. These steroid hormones can interact with different signaling pathways through their receptors. To date, sex steroid hormone receptors and their exact roles are not completely defined in skeletal and smooth muscles. Although numerous studies focused on the effects of sex steroid hormones on different types of cells, still many unexplained molecular mechanisms in both skeletal and smooth muscle cells remain to be investigated. In this paper, many different molecular mechanisms that are activated or inhibited by sex steroids and those that influence the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of skeletal and smooth muscle cells are reviewed. Also, the similarities of cellular and molecular pathways of androgens, estrogens and progesterone in both skeletal and smooth muscle cells are highlighted. The reviewed signaling pathways and participating molecules can be targeted in the future development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jin Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Guro Hospital, South Korea
| | - Amin Tamadon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Tae Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, South Korea
| | - Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Yup Ku
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Baranov VS, Ivaschenko TE, Yarmolinskaya MI. Comparative systems genetics view of endometriosis and uterine leiomyoma: Two sides of the same coin? Syst Biol Reprod Med 2016; 62:93-105. [PMID: 26828864 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2015.1123325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) and uterine leiomyoma (UL) are two most frequent benign tumors of monoclonal origin affecting about 30% of all women in their reproductive age. Modern molecular technologies have made a tremendous impact in understanding both disorders. Here is the first comparative analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying development of EM and UL as it looks from the platform of systems genetics. Similarities and differences of EM and UL at their incipient stages are enlightened with special emphasis on their gene networks, gene expression, and epigenetic regulation, of pathologic development. The analysis substantiates a new hypothesis postulating tumors as outgrowths of the stem cells with mesenchymal commitment lineage (mSC) which migrate from the endometrium/myometrium junctional zone of the uterus. Comparative analysis has revealed basic similarities of molecular pathogenesis of EM and UL suggesting molecular syntropy of both disorders. Peculiarities of the epigenetic landscape determining development of mSC may explain the existence of different clinical forms of EM and UL as well as their unique clinical manifestation. Some perspectives for practical and scientific application in EM and UL studies of this new hypothesis are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S Baranov
- a D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductology , Saint-Petersburg , Russian Federation
| | - Tatyana E Ivaschenko
- a D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductology , Saint-Petersburg , Russian Federation
| | - Maria I Yarmolinskaya
- a D.O. Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductology , Saint-Petersburg , Russian Federation
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Hamimi A. What are the most reliable signs for the radiologic diagnosis of uterine adenomyosis? An ultrasound and MRI prospective. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrnm.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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