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Siviero-Miachon AA, de Sousa AL, Simião BM, Araújo EO, Alvarenga R, Spinola-Castro AM, Longui CA. Glucocorticoid Sensitivity Among Young Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: What Does It Matter? Horm Metab Res 2024. [PMID: 39102841 DOI: 10.1055/a-2363-4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess glucocorticoid sensitivity in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia using in vivo and in vitro tests. Thirty leukemia survivors of both sexes aged ≥18 years participated in the study and at least two years after therapy withdrawal. In vivo tests comprised: a) a very low dose intravenous dexamethasone suppression test for measurement of serum cortisol before, after, and % suppression, compared with 32 age-matched controls; and b) 0.25 mg overnight oral dexamethasone suppression test for assessment of salivary cortisol before, after, and % suppression. In vitro methods comprised: c) glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms: BcI1-NR3C1 and A3669G; and d) splicing variant of glucocorticoid receptor GR-α mRNA by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, compared with 32 controls. There was a reduction in salivary cortisol, and 73.3% of leukemia survivors showed high sensitivity according to % suppression after oral dexamethasone (p<0.05). Serum cortisol at baseline, after the test, % suppression after intravenous dexamethasone, and the percentage of high sensitivity were reduced in the leukemia group (%F=36.7; p<0.05). The BcI1-NR3C1 and A3669G polymorphisms were present in 11/30 (36.7%) and 5/30 (16.7%) patients, respectively. GR-α mRNA levels were lower in the leukemia group than in the controls (p<0.05). Survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia presented with reduced glucocorticoid sensitivity. Glucocorticoid sensitivity allows individualized treatment to avoid adverse effects and may be involved in cardiovascular disease risk among this particular group of cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Aparecida Siviero-Miachon
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP/EPM, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital of the Support Group for Adolescent and Children with Cancer - GRAACC, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - AnaVirgínia Lopes de Sousa
- Pediatric Oncology, Hospital of the Support Group for Adolescent and Children with Cancer - GRAACC, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Moreira Simião
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP/EPM, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elisangela Oliveira Araújo
- Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo - FCM SCSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Alvarenga
- Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo - FCM SCSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela Maria Spinola-Castro
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Federal University of Sao Paulo - UNIFESP/EPM, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Hospital of the Support Group for Adolescent and Children with Cancer - GRAACC, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Longui
- Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de Sao Paulo - FCM SCSP, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Lengton R, Iyer AM, van der Valk ES, Hoogeveen EK, Meijer OC, van der Voorn B, van Rossum EFC. Variation in glucocorticoid sensitivity and the relation with obesity. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13401. [PMID: 34837448 PMCID: PMC9285588 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a relation between increased glucocorticoid (GC) exposure and weight gain. In support, long-term cortisol measurements using hair analysis revealed that many individuals with obesity appear to have cortisol values in the high physiological range. The mechanisms behind this relationship need to be determined in order to develop targeted therapy to reach sustainable weight loss in these subgroups. The effect of GCs is not only determined by the plasma concentration of GCs but also by individual differences in GC sensitivity and the target tissue, which can be analyzed by functional GC assays. GC sensitivity is influenced by multiple genetic and acquired (e.g., disease-related) factors, including intracellular GC availability, hormone binding affinity, and expression levels of the GC receptors and their isoforms, as well as factors involved in the modulation of gene transcription. Interindividual differences in GC sensitivity also play a role in the response to exogenous GCs, with respect to both therapeutic and adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on mechanisms that influence GC sensitivity and their relationships with obesity and discuss personalized treatment options targeting the GC receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lengton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen K Hoogeveen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Okuno H, Ogino H, Ihara E, Nishioka K, Iboshi Y, Chinen T, Ochiai T, Akiho H, Nakamura K, Gotoda T, Ogawa Y. Interleukin-1β as a Predictor of Glucocorticoid Response in Ulcerative Colitis. Digestion 2021; 102:357-367. [PMID: 32434191 DOI: 10.1159/000507435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Currently, there are no established biomarkers to differentiate between glucocorticoid (GC)-resistant and GC-sensitive ulcerative colitis (UC); however, interleukin (IL)-1β could be one such candidate biomarker. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mucosally expressed IL-1β could predict the response to GC in patients with UC. METHODS A total of 27 mucosal tissue samples from 10 patients with GC-resistant UC (GC-resistant group), 9 patients with GC-sensitive UC (GC-sensitive group), and 8 control patients (control group) were analyzed by qRT-PCR for the expression of IL-1β, GC receptor α (GRα), GRβ, and other inflammatory mediators. Rachmilewitz endoscopic index (REI) between the GC-resistant and GC-sensitive groups was matched to avoid any potential influence of inflammation. RESULTS The REI did not significantly differ between the GC-resistant and GC-sensitive groups. Mucosally expressed IL-1β levels in the GC-resistant group were significantly higher than those in the GC-sensitive group. However, there were no significant differences in the expression levels of GRα, GRβ, and other inflammatory mediators between the 2 groups. We could distinguish between the GC-resistant and GC-sensitive groups with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 77.8% based on mucosally expressed IL-1β. CONCLUSIONS Mucosally expressed IL-1β can be used as a predictor of GC response in patients with UC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Okuno
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruei Ogino
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan,
| | - Eikichi Ihara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kei Nishioka
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Iboshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Research Institute, National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Chinen
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Ochiai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotada Akiho
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harasanshin Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takuji Gotoda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Jönsson S, Lundberg AK, Chung RWS, Jonasson L. Glucocorticoid sensitivity and inflammatory status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with coronary artery disease. Ann Med 2018; 50:260-268. [PMID: 29473427 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2018.1445278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mechanisms behind sustained inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clarified but hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction may have a role. Here, we investigated whether inflammatory status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was associated with altered glucocorticoid sensitivity in CAD patients. METHODS In 55 CAD patients and 30 controls, mRNA levels of GR-α, GR-β, NF-κB, IκBα, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in PBMCs. Suppressive effects of dexamethasone on GR-α, GR-β, NF-κB, IκBα, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA levels were assessed in PBMCs ex vivo. Salivary cortisol was repeatedly measured over 3 days. RESULTS GR-α mRNA levels were higher in CAD patients than in controls, 0.50 (0.38-0.59) versus 0.26 (0.18-0.37), p < .001, while GR-β mRNA levels were equally low in both groups. GR-α mRNA expression was associated with inflammatory gene expression and, also, with flatter diurnal cortisol rhythm. In both patients and controls, dexamethasone suppressed gene expression of NF-κB, IκBα, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 (p < .001). Dexamethasone also reduced GR-α mRNA levels (p < .001), while LPS increased it (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS PBMCs from CAD patients displayed an inflammatory gene expression profile. This was not explained by reduced glucocorticoid sensitivity. Instead, inflammation was associated with increased expression of GR-α mRNA, suggesting a hypocortisolemic state. Key messages • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) display an inflammatory gene expression profile. • This inflammatory state cannot be explained by reduced glucocorticoid sensitivity in CAD patients. • Instead, the inflammatory gene expression profile is associated with upregulated levels of glucocorticoid receptor-α mRNA, suggesting a hypocortisolemic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jönsson
- a Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Anna K Lundberg
- a Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Rosanna W S Chung
- a Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Lena Jonasson
- a Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
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Adult glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression volatility in response to an acute stressor and juvenile CSF corticotropin-releasing factor: A pilot neurodevelopmental study. Neurosci Lett 2017; 647:20-25. [PMID: 28330718 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early life stress (ELS) has been shown to play a role in establishing persistent maladaptive HPA axis modifications that may contribute to the pathogenesis of mood and anxiety disorders. Central glucocorticoid receptor (GR) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression may facilitate (mal)adaptive responsivity to ELS. The role of adult monocytic GR mRNA expression, a putative CNS proxy, during acute stress exposure was explored as well as the ELS marker, juvenile cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) corticotropin-releasing factor. METHODS Six adult macaques (three of which were exposed to variable foraging demand, a form of ELS) underwent acute restraint. Baseline GR expression and plasma cortisol concentrations were separately measured followed by subsequent measurements following stress completion (t=0min, 4h, 5 days and 7 days). Juvenile CSF CRF concentrations were available in five subjects to determine their developmental association with GR expression in response to stress. RESULTS As expected acute restraint stress produced a significant increase in plasma cortisol concentrations most robustly observed at 4h post-stress time point. There was a significant juvenile CSF CRF concentration x time interaction in predicting adult GR mRNA expression in response to stress (partial η2=0.80). During acute stress juvenile CRF concentrations negatively predicted GR expression and during recovery, "flipped" to positively predict expression. Juvenile CSF CRF concentrations positively correlated with the volatility of adult GR mRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS During acute stress, relatively high CSF CRF concentrations are associated with relatively rapid reductions in GR expression. Return to an ambient post-stress state was characterized by a direct relationship, consistent with increased HPA axis restraint in high CRF subjects. An ELS-associated allostatic adaptation suggests relative elevations of juvenile CSF CRF concentration set the stage for a relative hyper-volatility of adult GR mRNA expression in response to acute stress with potential long-term implications for HPA axis regulation.
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Castro R, Longui C, Faria C, Silva T, Richeti F, Rocha M, Melo M, Pereira W, Chamlian E, Rivetti L. Tissue-specific adaptive levels of glucocorticoid receptor alpha mRNA and their relationship with insulin resistance. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2012; 11:3975-87. [DOI: 10.4238/2012.november.21.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Filipović D, Pirkmajer S, Mis K, Mars T, Grubic Z. Expression of glucocorticoid receptors in the regenerating human skeletal muscle. Physiol Res 2011; 60:S147-54. [PMID: 21777031 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.932171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Many stress conditions are accompanied by skeletal muscle dysfunction and regeneration, which is essentially a recapitulation of the embryonic development. However, regeneration usually occurs under conditions of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland axis activation and therefore increased glucocorticoid (GC) levels. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the main determinant of cellular responsiveness to GCs, exists in two isoforms (GRalpha and GRbeta) in humans. While the role of GRalpha is well characterized, GRbeta remains an elusive player in GC signalling. To elucidate basic characteristics of GC signalling in the regenerating human skeletal muscle we assessed GRalpha and GRbeta expression pattern in cultured human myoblasts and myotubes and their response to 24-hour dexamethasone (DEX) treatment. There was no difference in GRalpha mRNA and protein expression or DEX-mediated GRalpha down-regulation in myoblasts and myotubes. GRbeta mRNA level was very low in myoblasts and remained unaffected by differentiation and/or DEX. GRbeta protein could not be detected. These results indicate that response to GCs is established very early during human skeletal muscle regeneration and that it remains practically unchanged before innervation is established. Very low GRbeta mRNA expression and inability to detect GRbeta protein suggests that GRbeta is not a major player in the early stages of human skeletal muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Filipović
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Institute of Nuclear Sciences Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia
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Pirkmajer S, Filipovic D, Mars T, Mis K, Grubic Z. HIF-1alpha response to hypoxia is functionally separated from the glucocorticoid stress response in the in vitro regenerating human skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010; 299:R1693-700. [PMID: 20943857 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00133.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Injury of skeletal muscle is followed by muscle regeneration in which new muscle tissue is formed from the proliferating mononuclear myoblasts, and by systemic response to stress that exposes proliferating myoblasts to increased glucocorticoid (GC) concentration. Because of its various causes, hypoxia is a frequent condition affecting skeletal muscle, and therefore both processes, which importantly determine the outcome of the injury, often proceed under hypoxic conditions. It is therefore important to identify and characterize in proliferating human myoblasts: 1) response to hypoxia which is generally organized by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α); 2) response to GCs which is mediated through the isoforms of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSDs), and 3) the response to GCs under the hypoxic conditions and the influence of this combination on the factors controlling myoblast proliferation. Using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and HIF-1α small-interfering RNA silencing, we demonstrated that cultured human myoblasts possess both, the HIF-1α-based response to hypoxia, and the GC response system composed of GRα and types 1 and 2 11β-HSDs. However, using combined dexamethasone and hypoxia treatments, we demonstrated that these two systems operate practically without mutual interactions. A seemingly surprising separation of the two systems that both organize response to hypoxic stress can be explained on the evolutionary basis: the phylogenetically older HIF-1α response is a protection at the cellular level, whereas the GC stress response protects the organism as a whole. This necessitates actions, like downregulation of IL-6 secretion and vascular endothelial growth factor, that might not be of direct benefit for the affected myoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Pirkmajer
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Univ. of Ljubljana, Zaloska 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Cobra JF, Melo MR, Faria CDC, Longui CA, Monte O. Simultaneous evaluation of in vivo glucocorticoid sensitivity and expression of glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform in rheumatoid arthritis patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 53:24-30. [DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302009000100005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2008] [Accepted: 11/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To analyze glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity using intravenous very low dose dexamethasone suppression test (IV-VLD-DST) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with glucocorticoid receptor alpha-isoform (GRα) gene expression. METHODS: We evaluated 20 healthy controls and 32 RA patients with Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS) scores and IV-VLD-DST and GRα expression in mononuclear cells. RESULTS: Basal cortisol and the percentage of cortisol reduction after IV-VLD-DST were lower in RA patients than in controls, whereas GRα expression was similar among groups. In the RA group there was an inverse correlation between GRα expression and the percentage of cortisol suppression that was not observed in controls. There was a direct relationship between DAS and GRα expression. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms involved in GC resistance observed in patients with RA are possibly not at the level of GRα gene expression, since it was similar among groups and GRα increased with disease activity.
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Macedo JA, Hesse J, Turner JD, Meyer J, Hellhammer DH, Muller CP. Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: decreased expression of corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:799-809. [PMID: 18468809 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2007] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In fibromyalgia (FM) patients, differences in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) affinity and disturbances associated with loss of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resiliency have been observed. Based on these studies, we investigated whether FM would be associated with abnormalities in glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity. Salivary and blood samples were collected from 27 FM patients and 29 healthy controls. Total plasma cortisol and salivary free cortisol were quantified by ELISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. GR sensitivity to dexamethasone was evaluated through IL-6 inhibition in stimulated whole blood. The corticosteroid receptors, GR alpha and mineralocorticoid receptor, as well as the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and the FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, the corticosteroid receptors were analysed for polymorphism. We observed lower basal plasma cortisol levels (borderline statistical significance) and a lower expression of corticosteroid receptors and GILZ in FM patients when compared to healthy controls. The MR rs5522 (I180V) minor allele was found more often in FM patients than in controls and this variant was recently associated with a mild loss of receptor function. The lower GR and MR expression and possibly the reduced MR function may be associated with an impaired function of the HPA axis in these patients which, compounded by lower anti-inflammatory mediators, may sustain some of symptoms that contribute to the clinical picture of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana A Macedo
- Institute of Immunology, Laboratoire National de Santé, 20A rue Auguste Lumière, L-1011, Luxembourg
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Faria CDC, Longui CA. [Molecular aspects of glucocorticoid sensitivity]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 50:983-95. [PMID: 17221103 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-27302006000600003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 05/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids play an essential role in maintaining basal and stress-related homeostasis. Most known effects of glucocorticoids are mediated by the intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. The glucocorticoid sensitivity seems to depend on the amount of receptors expressed and the efficiency of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated signal transduction. Glucocorticoid resistance or hypersensitivity, seen in autoimmune-inflammatory diseases and in metabolic syndrome respectively, can represent the variability of several steps that influence the signaling cascade of glucocorticoid action. The recognition of these steps could provide the understanding of the clinical phenotype and course of such diseases as well as their responsiveness to glucocorticoid therapy. The comprehension of these pathophysiological mechanisms can also improve the possible therapeutic interventions. In this review, we have summarized the multiple factors that have been shown to be involved in this signaling cascade and, thus, to influence glucocorticoid sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia D C Faria
- Laboratório de Medicina Molecular, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, SP.
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Szilagyi A, Blasko B, Szilassy D, Fust G, Sasvari-Szekely M, Ronai Z. Real-time PCR quantification of human complement C4A and C4B genes. BMC Genet 2006; 7:1. [PMID: 16403222 PMCID: PMC1360677 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-7-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 01/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The fourth component of human complement (C4), an essential factor of the innate immunity, is represented as two isoforms (C4A and C4B) in the genome. Although these genes differ only in 5 nucleotides, the encoded C4A and C4B proteins are functionally different. Based on phenotypic determination, unbalanced production of C4A and C4B is associated with several diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, type 1 diabetes, several autoimmune diseases, moreover with higher morbidity and mortality of myocardial infarction and increased susceptibility for bacterial infections. Despite of this major clinical relevance, only low throughput, time and labor intensive methods have been used so far for the quantification of C4A and C4B genes. Results A novel quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) technique was developed for rapid and accurate quantification of the C4A and C4B genes applying a duplex, TaqMan based methodology. The reliable, single-step analysis provides the determination of the copy number of the C4A and C4B genes applying a wide range of DNA template concentration (0.3–300 ng genomic DNA). The developed qPCR was applied to determine C4A and C4B gene dosages in a healthy Hungarian population (N = 118). The obtained data were compared to the results of an earlier study of the same population. Moreover a set of 33 samples were analyzed by two independent methods. No significant difference was observed between the gene dosages determined by the employed techniques demonstrating the reliability of the novel qPCR methodology. A Microsoft Excel worksheet and a DOS executable are also provided for simple and automated evaluation of the measured data. Conclusion This report describes a novel real-time PCR method for single-step quantification of C4A and C4B genes. The developed technique could facilitate studies investigating disease association of different C4 isotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Szilagyi
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Blasko
- 3rd Department of Medicine, Research Lab, Szentágothai János Knowledge Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - George Fust
- 3rd Department of Medicine, Research Lab, Szentágothai János Knowledge Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Sasvari-Szekely
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ronai
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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