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Lin YC, Papadopoulos V. Neurosteroidogenic enzymes: CYP11A1 in the central nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100925. [PMID: 34015388 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids, steroid hormones synthesized locally in the nervous system, have important neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. Progress in neurosteroid research has led to the successful translation of allopregnanolone into an approved therapy for postpartum depression. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the assumption that steroidogenesis is exactly the same between the nervous system and the periphery. This review focuses on CYP11A1, the only enzyme currently known to catalyze the first reaction in steroidogenesis to produce pregnenolone, the precursor to all other steroids. Although CYP11A1 mRNA has been found in brain of many mammals, the presence of CYP11A1 protein has been difficult to detect, particularly in humans. Here, we highlight the discrepancies in the current evidence for CYP11A1 in the central nervous system and propose new directions for understanding neurosteroidogenesis, which will be crucial for developing neurosteroid-based therapies for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Christina Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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Wang Z, Wang L, Zhang Y, Yao Y, Zhao W, Xu Q, Chen G. Characterization of ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones in Zhedong white geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus) during the reproductive cycle. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2020; 105:938-945. [PMID: 33381883 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13494] [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: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Zhedong white goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus) is a native Chinese breed with strong broodiness and low egg production, which is related to the physiology of reproduction. However, thus far, the physiology of goose reproduction has not been well elucidated. In the present study, the ovarian morphology and reproductive hormones of Zhedong white geese were investigated during the reproductive cycle (the laying and brooding periods). The results showed that the surface of the ovary was atrophied and follicular atresia appeared to some extent in the brooding period compared with the laying period. The concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher than those in the brooding period (p < 0.05). In contrast, the concentrations of prolactin (PRL) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in the laying period were significantly lower than those in the brooding period (p < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of PRL, AMH, dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) were detected in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovaries by using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that AMH mRNA was expressed specifically in ovary tissue. The expression levels of DβH and PRL in the brooding period was significantly higher than those in the laying period in the three tissues, especially in the early and middle stages of the brooding period. Moreover, AMH mRNA expression in the ovaries presented the same trend. In addition, P450scc mRNA was highly expressed in both the ovary and pituitary in the laying period. These results revealed the remarkable features of ovarian morphology and characterized the hormonal pattern and expression profile during the reproductive cycle, all of which contribute to understanding the differences in reproductive physiology between the laying and brooding periods in Zhedong white geese.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Laidi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Ying Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenming Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qi Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guohong Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Chen R, Dai ZC, Zhu HX, Lei MM, Li Y, Shi ZD. Active immunization against AMH reveals its inhibitory role in the development of pre-ovulatory follicles in Zhedong White geese. Theriogenology 2020; 144:185-193. [PMID: 31978854 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of active immunization against recombinant Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) protein on the ovarian follicular development, egg production, and molecular regulatory mechanisms in broody-prone Zhedong White geese. For this, a recombinant goose AMH protein was expressed using a prokaryotic expression system. Fifty incubating geese from the same genetic background were selected and equally divided into two groups. The immunization group was actively immunized against the recombinant goose AMH protein, whereas the control group was immunized against bovine serum albumin (BSA). Immunization against AMH accelerated ovarian follicular development and increased clutch sizes by one to two eggs in two consecutive laying-incubation cycles. Furthermore, immunization against AMH upregulated the mRNA transcription levels of the FSH-beta gene in the pituitary gland, and FSHR, 3beta-HSD, and Smad4 genes in the granulosa layer of pre-ovulatory follicles; however, immunization downregulated the expression of the OCLN gene in the granulosa layer of pre-ovulatory follicles, and Smad5 and Smad9 genes in the granulosa layer of SYFs. These results suggest that AMH might hinder ovarian follicular development by decreasing both pituitary FSH secretion as well as ovarian follicular sensitivity to FSH. The latter molecular mechanism could be fulfilled by regulating Smad5 or Smad9 signals in SYFs, as well as the FSHR and Smad4 signals that affect progesterone synthesis and yolk deposition in the pre-ovulatory follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Chen
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Z C Dai
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - H X Zhu
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - M M Lei
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Y Li
- Jurong Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Jurong, 212400, China
| | - Z D Shi
- Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety-State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base of Ministry of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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Qin F, Shen T, Cao H, Qian J, Zou D, Ye M, Pei H. CeO 2NPs relieve radiofrequency radiation, improve testosterone synthesis, and clock gene expression in Leydig cells by enhancing antioxidation. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:4601-4611. [PMID: 31296989 PMCID: PMC6598754 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s206561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The ratio of Ce3+/Ce4+ in their structure confers unique functions on cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) containing rare earth elements in scavenging free radicals and protecting against oxidative damage. The potential of CeO2NPs to protect testosterone synthesis in primary mouse Leydig cells during exposure to 1,800 MHz radiofrequency (RF) radiation was examined in vitro. Methods: Leydig cells were treated with different concentrations of CeO2NPs to identify the optimum concentration for cell proliferation. The cells were pretreated with the optimum dose of CeO2NPs for 24 hrs and then exposed to 1,800 MHz RF at a power density of 200.27 µW/cm2 (specific absorption rate (SAR), 0.116 W/kg) for 1 hr, 2 hrs, or 4 hrs. The medium was used to measure the testosterone concentration. The cells were collected to determine the antioxidant indices (catalase [CAT], malondialdehyde [MDA], and total antioxidant capacity [T-AOC]), and the mRNA expression of the testosterone synthase genes (Star, Cyp11a1, and Hsd-3β) and clock genes (Clock, Bmal1, and Rorα). Results: Our preliminary result showed that 128 μg/mL CeO2NPs was the optimum dose for cell proliferation. Cells exposed to RF alone showed reduced levels of testosterone, T-AOC, and CAT activities, increased MDA content, and the downregulated genes expression of Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd-3β, Clock, Bmal1, and Rorα. Pretreatment of the cells with 128 μg/mL CeO2NPs for 24 hrs followed by RF exposure significantly increased testosterone synthesis, upregulated the expression of the testosterone synthase and clock genes, and increased the resistance to oxidative damage in Leydig cells compared with those in cells exposed to RF alone. Conclusion: Exposure to 1,800 MHz RF had adverse effects on testosterone synthesis, antioxidant levels, and clock gene expression in primary Leydig cells. Pretreatment with CeO2NPs prevented the adverse effects on testosterone synthesis induced by RF exposure by regulating their antioxidant capacity and clock gene expression in vitro. Further studies of the mechanism underlying the protective function of CeO2NPs against RF in the male reproductive system are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenju Qin
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China.,School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglong Cao
- School of Electronic & Information Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, People's Republic of China
| | - Junchao Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Environment Functional Materials, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Zou
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingkang Ye
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailong Pei
- School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
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Huang Z, Yuan X, Wang M, Wu N, Song Y, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Chen G, Zhao W. Molecular cloning of the SMAD4 gene and its mRNA expression analysis in ovarian follicles of the Yangzhou goose (Anser cygnoides). Br Poult Sci 2016; 57:515-21. [PMID: 27108648 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2016.1180670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (SMAD4) is an important protein in animal reproduction. It plays pivotal roles in cellular pathways, including apoptosis. The expression profile of the SMAD4 gene in goose ovarian follicles has not been reported. In this study, the SMAD4 coding sequence was cloned from the Yangzhou goose. A phylogenetic analysis was performed and mRNA expression was examined in various tissues using quantitative real-time PCR. An alternative splice form of SMAD4, SMAD4-b having 1656 bp, was identified. SMAD4-a mRNA was widely expressed in various healthy tissues, whereas SMAD4-b was very weakly expressed. SMAD4 mRNA in the ovary and oviduct was significantly higher than that in the pituitary and hypothalamus. SMAD4 mRNA expression analysis in hierarchical follicles showed that the level of SMAD4 mRNA was higher in large white follicles and post-ovulatory follicles than in the other follicles. The results indicate that SMAD4 might be involved in the recruitment of hierarchical follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Huang
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - X Yuan
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - M Wang
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - N Wu
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Y Song
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Y Chen
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Y Zhang
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - Q Xu
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - G Chen
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
| | - W Zhao
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding and Molecular Design , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , People's Republic of China
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