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Pierzynowska K, Gaffke L, Żabińska M, Cyske Z, Rintz E, Wiśniewska K, Podlacha M, Węgrzyn G. Roles of the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) in Human Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043887. [PMID: 36835321 PMCID: PMC9966686 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), encoded by the OXTR gene, is responsible for the signal transduction after binding its ligand, oxytocin. Although this signaling is primarily involved in controlling maternal behavior, it was demonstrated that OXTR also plays a role in the development of the nervous system. Therefore, it is not a surprise that both the ligand and the receptor are involved in the modulation of behaviors, especially those related to sexual, social, and stress-induced activities. As in the case of every regulatory system, any disturbances in the structures or functions of oxytocin and OXTR may lead to the development or modulation of various diseases related to the regulated functions, which in this case include either mental problems (autism, depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorders) or those related to the functioning of reproductive organs (endometriosis, uterine adenomyosis, premature birth). Nevertheless, OXTR abnormalities are also connected to other diseases, including cancer, cardiac disorders, osteoporosis, and obesity. Recent reports indicated that the changes in the levels of OXTR and the formation of its aggregates may influence the course of some inherited metabolic diseases, such as mucopolysaccharidoses. In this review, the involvement of OXTR dysfunctions and OXTR polymorphisms in the development of different diseases is summarized and discussed. The analysis of published results led us to suggest that changes in OXTR expression and OXTR abundance and activity are not specific to individual diseases, but rather they influence processes (mostly related to behavioral changes) that might modulate the course of various disorders. Moreover, a possible explanation of the discrepancies in the published results of effects of the OXTR gene polymorphisms and methylation on different diseases is proposed.
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Tsingotjidou AS. Oxytocin: A Multi-Functional Biomolecule with Potential Actions in Dysfunctional Conditions; From Animal Studies and Beyond. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1603. [PMID: 36358953 PMCID: PMC9687803 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted from definite neuroendocrine neurons located in specific nuclei in the hypothalamus (mainly from paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei), and its main known function is the contraction of uterine and/or mammary gland cells responsible for parturition and breastfeeding. Among the actions of the peripherally secreted oxytocin is the prevention of different degenerative disorders. These actions have been proven in cell culture and in animal models or have been tested in humans based on hypotheses from previous studies. This review presents the knowledge gained from the previous studies, displays the results from oxytocin intervention and/or treatment and proposes that the well described actions of oxytocin might be connected to other numerous, diverse actions of the biomolecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia S Tsingotjidou
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54 124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Diep PT, Chaudry M, Dixon A, Chaudry F, Kasabri V. Oxytocin, the panacea for long-COVID? a review. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2022; 43:363-371. [DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2021-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
In this hypothesis paper we explore the underlying mechanisms for long-COVID and how the oxytocinergic neurones could be infected by SARS-CoV-2 leading to a reduction in plasma oxytocin (OXT). Furthermore, we aim to review the relevance of OXT and hypothalamic function in recovery from long-COVID symptoms and pathology, through exploring the pro-health effects of the OXT neuropeptide.
Methods
A review of published literature was surveyed using Google Scholar and PubMed.
Results
Numerous experimental data can be shown to correlate with OXT and long-COVID symptoms and conditions, thus providing strong circumstantial evidence to support our hypothesis. It is postulated that the reduction in plasma OXT due to acute and post-viral damage to the hypothalamus and oxytocinergic neurones contributes to the variable multi-system, remitting and relapsing nature of long-COVID. The intranasal route of OXT application was determined to be most appropriate and clinically relevant for the restoration of oxytocinergic function post COVID-19 infection.
Conclusions
We believe it is imperative to further investigate whether OXT alleviates the prolonged suffering of patients with long-COVID. Succinctly, OXT may be the much-needed post-pandemic panacea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Pathology , NHS Foundation Trust - University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay , Kendal , UK
| | - Mohammed Chaudry
- Department of Pathology , NHS Foundation Trust - University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay , Kendal , UK
| | - Adam Dixon
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London , London , UK
| | | | - Violet Kasabri
- School of Pharmacy , University of Jordan , Amman , Jordan
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Diep PT. TRPV1, Nrf2, and COVID-19: Could Oxytocin Have a Beneficial Role to Play? Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2022; 183:246-247. [PMID: 34979508 PMCID: PMC8805070 DOI: 10.1159/000521246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Phuoc-Tan Diep
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Kendal, United Kingdom
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Diep PT, de Kok V. Could oxytocin reduce autoimmune disease in COVID-19? Autoimmun Rev 2021; 21:102994. [PMID: 34798315 PMCID: PMC8592845 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of immune and neuroendocrine system function has been shown to play a key role in COVID-19. Oxytocin is vitally important for the immune and neuroendocrine systems. However, oxytocin dysfunction might occur in COVID-19 leading to autoimmune disease. Intranasal oxytocin may be effective in turning off an overactive immune system. This could be a powerful approach to avoid possible autoimmune diseases after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuoc-Tan Diep
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Kendal, Cumbria, GB, United Kingdom.
| | - Véronique de Kok
- Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'innovation, Paris, France
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Ferrero S, Amri EZ, Roux CH. Relationship between Oxytocin and Osteoarthritis: Hope or Despair? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111784. [PMID: 34769215 PMCID: PMC8584067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is involved in breastfeeding and childbirth and appears to play a role in regulating the bone matrix. OT is synthesized in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and is released in response to numerous stimuli. It also appears to be produced by osteoblasts in the bone marrow, acting as a paracrine–autocrine regulator of bone formation. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the whole joint. Different tissues involved in OA express OT receptors (OTRs), such as chondrocytes and osteoblasts. This hormone, which levels are reduced in patients with OA, appears to have a stimulatory effect on chondrogenesis. OT involvement in bone biology could occur at both the osteoblast and chondrocyte levels. The relationships between metabolic syndrome, body weight, and OA are well documented, and the possible effects of OT on different parameters of metabolic syndrome, such as diabetes and body weight, are important. In addition, the effects of OT on adipokines and inflammation are also discussed, especially since recent data have shown that low-grade inflammation is also associated with OA. Furthermore, OT also appears to mediate endogenous analgesia in animal and human studies. These observations provide support for the possible interest of OT in OA and its potential therapeutic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ferrero
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Pasteur 2 CHU, 06000 Nice, France;
| | - Ez-Zoubir Amri
- Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France;
| | - Christian Hubert Roux
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Pasteur 2 CHU, 06000 Nice, France;
- Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Université Côte d’Azur, 06000 Nice, France;
- Correspondence:
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Mehdipour M, Skinner C, Wong N, Lieb M, Liu C, Etienne J, Kato C, Kiprov D, Conboy MJ, Conboy IM. Rejuvenation of three germ layers tissues by exchanging old blood plasma with saline-albumin. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:8790-8819. [PMID: 32474458 PMCID: PMC7288913 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Heterochronic blood sharing rejuvenates old tissues, and most of the studies on how this works focus on young plasma, its fractions, and a few youthful systemic candidates. However, it was not formally established that young blood is necessary for this multi-tissue rejuvenation. Here, using our recently developed small animal blood exchange process, we replaced half of the plasma in mice with saline containing 5% albumin (terming it a "neutral" age blood exchange, NBE) thus diluting the plasma factors and replenishing the albumin that would be diminished if only saline was used. Our data demonstrate that a single NBE suffices to meet or exceed the rejuvenative effects of enhancing muscle repair, reducing liver adiposity and fibrosis, and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis in old mice, all the key outcomes seen after blood heterochronicity. Comparative proteomic analysis on serum from NBE, and from a similar human clinical procedure of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), revealed a molecular re-setting of the systemic signaling milieu, interestingly, elevating the levels of some proteins, which broadly coordinate tissue maintenance and repair and promote immune responses. Moreover, a single TPE yielded functional blood rejuvenation, abrogating the typical old serum inhibition of progenitor cell proliferation. Ectopically added albumin does not seem to be the sole determinant of such rejuvenation, and levels of albumin do not decrease with age nor are increased by NBE/TPE. A model of action (supported by a large body of published data) is that significant dilution of autoregulatory proteins that crosstalk to multiple signaling pathways (with their own feedback loops) would, through changes in gene expression, have long-lasting molecular and functional effects that are consistent with our observations. This work improves our understanding of the systemic paradigms of multi-tissue rejuvenation and suggest a novel and immediate use of the FDA approved TPE for improving the health and resilience of older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melod Mehdipour
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Colin Skinner
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Nathan Wong
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael Lieb
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jessy Etienne
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Cameron Kato
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Dobri Kiprov
- California Pacific Medical Center, Apheresis Care Group, San-Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Michael J. Conboy
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Irina M. Conboy
- Department of Bioengineering and QB3, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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Soumier A, Sirigu A. Oxytocin as a potential defence against Covid-19? Med Hypotheses 2020; 140:109785. [PMID: 32344303 PMCID: PMC7177061 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Harel T, Peshes-Yaloz N, Bacharach E, Gat-Viks I. Predicting Phenotypic Diversity from Molecular and Genetic Data. Genetics 2019; 213:297-311. [PMID: 31352366 PMCID: PMC6727812 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.119.302463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of complex phenotypes, an in-depth understanding of the combined molecular and genetic effects on a phenotype has yet to be achieved. Here, we introduce InPhenotype, a novel computational approach for complex phenotype prediction, where gene-expression data and genotyping data are integrated to yield quantitative predictions of complex physiological traits. Unlike existing computational methods, InPhenotype makes it possible to model potential regulatory interactions between gene expression and genomic loci without compromising the continuous nature of the molecular data. We applied InPhenotype to synthetic data, exemplifying its utility for different data parameters, as well as its superiority compared to current methods in both prediction quality and the ability to detect regulatory interactions of genes and genomic loci. Finally, we show that InPhenotype can provide biological insights into both mouse and yeast datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Harel
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Israe
| | - Naama Peshes-Yaloz
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Israe
| | - Eran Bacharach
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Israe
| | - Irit Gat-Viks
- School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Israe
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The neurohypophysial endocrine system is identified here as a potential target for therapeutic interventions toward improving obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, given its coinciding pleiotropic effects on psychological, neurological and metabolic systems that are disrupted in obesity. RECENT FINDINGS Copeptin, the C-terminal portion of the precursor of arginine-vasopressin, is positively associated with body mass index and risk of type 2 diabetes. Plasma oxytocin is decreased in obesity and several other conditions of abnormal glucose homeostasis. Recent data also show non-classical tissues, such as myocytes, hepatocytes and β-cells, exhibit responses to oxytocin and vasopressin receptor binding that may contribute to alterations in metabolic function. The modulation of anorexigenic and orexigenic pathways appears to be the dominant mechanism underlying the effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on body weight regulation; however, there are apparent limitations associated with their use in direct pharmacological applications. A clearer picture of their wider physiological effects is needed before either system can be considered for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports-Section of Obesity Research, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958 Frederiksberg C; Building 2-85, Room H134, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Ding C, Leow MKS, Magkos F. Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obes Rev 2019; 20:22-40. [PMID: 30253045 PMCID: PMC7888317 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi-pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ding
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - M K-S Leow
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - F Magkos
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
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