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Henríquez S, Valdivia MJ, Mainigi M, Villarroel C, Velasquez L, Strauss Iii JF, Devoto L. The role of estrogen metabolites in human ovarian function. Steroids 2024; 203:109368. [PMID: 38278282 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens produced by the ovary play diverse roles in controlling physiological changes in the function of the female reproductive system. Although estradiol acts through classical nuclear receptors, its metabolites (EMs) act by alternative pathways. It has been postulated that EMs act through paracrine-autocrine pathways to regulate key processes involved in normal follicular growth, corpus luteum (CL) development, function, and regression. The present review describes recent advances in understanding the role of EMs in human ovarian physiology during the menstrual cycle, including their role in anovulatory disorders and their action in other target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Henríquez
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Biomedical Sciences (I3CBSEK), Faculty of Health Sciences, SEK University, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Maria Jose Valdivia
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claudio Villarroel
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Velasquez
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Biomedical Sciences (I3CBSEK), Faculty of Health Sciences, SEK University, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jerome F Strauss Iii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Luigi Devoto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Masjedi F, Keshtgar S, Zal F, Talaei-Khozani T, Sameti S, Fallahi S, Kazeroni M. Effects of vitamin D on steroidogenesis, reactive oxygen species production, and enzymatic antioxidant defense in human granulosa cells of normal and polycystic ovaries. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 197:105521. [PMID: 31705961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is accompanied with many disturbances in hormone synthesis and antioxidant defense. Previous reports have indicated that Vitamin D (vit.D) affects gene expression and have roles in normal follicular development. Therefore, we investigated the effects of vit.D on steroidogenesis, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and antioxidant defenses of human normal granulosa cells (N-GCs) and granulosa cells from polycystic ovaries (PCO-GCs). Ovarian GCs were obtained during oocyte retrieval procedure from 120 women with PCOS and from 100 healthy women who referred to Shiraz Fertility Center. The isolated GCs were cultured in the presence or absence of vit.D (100 nM), for 48 h. Concentration of sex steroids was measured by ELISA. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and activities were assessed by q-PCR and photometric methods, respectively. The amount of ROS production was estimated using chemiluminescence and fluorescence methods. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by Annexin-V/propidium iodide detection kit. Basal estrone and progesterone secretion by N-GCs was significantly higher than that of PCO-GCs. Vit.D significantly increased aromatase and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in N-GCs and PCO-GCs. Basal expression and activity of GPx, in PCO-GCs were significantly lower than those of N-GCs. Treatment with vit.D significantly increased genes expression and enzyme activities in both groups. Basal ROS in PCO-GCs was markedly greater than that of N-GCs, which was attenuated by vit.D treatment. Cell apoptosis was directly correlated with ROS levels. We conclude that vit.D improved N-GCs and PCO-GCs functions through affecting steroidogenesis and enzymatic antioxidant defense. Under vit.D treatment, PCO-GCs could act more similar to N-GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Masjedi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Keshtgar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Zal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Talaei-Khozani
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Poch A, Villanelo F, Henriquez S, Kohen P, Muñoz A, Strauss JF, Devoto L. Molecular modelling predicts that 2-methoxyestradiol disrupts HIF function by binding to the PAS-B domain. Steroids 2019; 144:21-29. [PMID: 30738071 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
An estradiol metabolite, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME), has emerged as an important regulator of ovarian physiology. 2ME is recognized as a potent anti-angiogenic agent in clinical trials and laboratory studies. However, little is known about its molecular actions and its endogenous targets. 2ME is produced by human ovarian cells during the normal menstrual cycle, being higher during regression of the corpus luteum, and is postulated to be involved in the anti-angiogenic process that plays out during luteolysis. We utilized cell biology techniques to understand the molecular mechanism of 2ME anti-angiogenic effects on human granulosa luteal cells. The principal effect of 2ME was to alter Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1A (HIF1A) sub-cellular localization. Molecular modelling and multiple bioinformatics tools indicated that 2ME impairs Hypoxia Inducible Factor complex (HIF) nuclear translocation by binding to a buried pocket in the HIF1A Per Arnt Sim (PAS)-B domain. Binding of 2ME to HIF1A protein is predicted to perturb HIF1A-Hypoxia Inducible Factor B (HIFB) interaction, a key step in HIF nuclear translocation, preventing the transcriptional actions of HIF, including Vascular Endotelial Growth Factor (VEGF) gene activation. To our knowledge, 2ME is the first putative HIF endogenous ligand characterized with anti-angiogenic activity. This postulate has important implications for reproduction, because angiogenic processes are critical for ovarian follicular development, ovulation and corpus luteum regression. The present research could contribute to the development of novel pharmacological approaches for controlling HIF activity in human reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Poch
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Villanelo
- Computational Biology Lab (DLab), Fundación Ciencia & Vida. Avenida Zañartu 1482, 7780272 Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile; Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Harrington 287, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Soledad Henriquez
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina Kohen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alex Muñoz
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Sanger Hall, 1101 E Marshall St., 980565 Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Luigi Devoto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, San Borja-Arriaran Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, Avenida Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160 Santiago-Centro, Santiago, Chile.
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Devoto L, Henríquez S, Kohen P, Strauss JF. The significance of estradiol metabolites in human corpus luteum physiology. Steroids 2017; 123:50-54. [PMID: 28502859 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The human corpus luteum (CL) is a temporary endocrine gland derived from the ovulated follicle. Its formation and limited lifespan is critical for steroid hormone production required to support menstrual cyclicity, endometrial receptivity for successful implantation, and the maintenance of early pregnancy. Endocrine and paracrine-autocrine molecular mechanisms associated with progesterone production throughout the luteal phase are critical for the development, maintenance, regression, and rescue by hCG which sustains CL function into early pregnancy. However, the signaling systems driving the regression of the primate corpus luteum in non-conception cycles are not well understood. Recently, there has been interest in the functional roles of estradiol metabolites (EMs), mostly in estrogen-producing tissues. The human CL produces a number of EMs, and it has been postulated that the EMs acting via paracrine-autocrine pathways affect angiogenesis or LH-mediated events. The present review describes advances in understanding the role of EMs in the functional lifespan and regression of the human CL in non-conception cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Devoto
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Chile; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, San Borja-Arriaran Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Paulina Kohen
- Institute for Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), Chile
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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Wang L, Zheng Q, Yuan Y, Li Y, Gong X. Effects of 17β-estradiol and 2-methoxyestradiol on the oxidative stress-hypoxia inducible factor-1 pathway in hypoxic pulmonary hypertensive rats. Exp Ther Med 2017; 13:2537-2543. [PMID: 28565876 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) on the oxidative stress-hypoxia inducible factor-1 (OS-HIF-1) pathway in hypoxic pulmonary hypertensive rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 groups, as follows: i) Control (Group A); ii) ovariectomy (OVX) + hypoxia (Group B); iii) OVX + hypoxia + E2 injection (Group C); and iv) 2ME injection (Group D). The rats were maintained under hypoxic conditions for 8 weeks, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary arteriole morphology were measured. The reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase (SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD) levels in serum were also measured. MnSOD and HIF-1α expression levels in lung tissue were determined by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The mPAP and arterial remodeling index were significantly elevated following chronic hypoxia exposure; however, experimental data revealed a reduced response in E2 and 2ME intervention rats. Compared with Group A, Group B had significantly elevated oxidative stress levels, as illustrated by increased serum ROS levels, decreased serum SOD and MnSOD levels and decreased MnSOD mRNA and protein expression levels in lung tissue. Furthermore, HIF-1α mRNA and protein expression in Group B was significantly elevated compared with Group A. E2 and 2ME intervention significantly attenuated the aforementioned parameter changes, suggesting that E2 and 2ME partially ameliorate hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. The underlying mechanism of this may be associated with the increase in MnSOD activity and expression and reduction in ROS level, which reduces the levels of transcription and translation of HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zheng
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Yadong Yuan
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Yanpeng Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Gong
- Department of Respiratory Disease and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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Pinto MP, Medina RA, Owen GI. 2-methoxyestradiol and disorders of female reproductive tissues. Discov Oncol 2014; 5:274-83. [PMID: 24764201 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-014-0181-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is an endogenous metabolite of 17β-estradiol. Once thought of as a mere degradation product, 2ME has gained attention as an important component of reproductive physiology and as a therapeutic agent in reproductive pathologies such as preeclampsia, endometriosis, infertility, and cancer. In this review, we discuss the involvement of 2ME in reproductive pathophysiology and summarize its known mechanisms of action: microtubule disruption, inhibition of angiogenesis and stimulation of apoptosis. Currently, the clinical uses of 2ME as a single agent are limited due to its poor water solubility and thus low bioavailability; however, 2ME analogs and derivatives have been recently developed and tested as cancer treatments. Despite some isolated success stories and ongoing research, 2ME derivatives have not yet provided the expected results. The adjuvant use of 2ME derivatives with chemotherapeutic agents is hindered by their intrinsic toxicity confounding the unwanted secondary effects of chemotherapy. However, due to the well-tested tolerance of the body to high doses of native 2ME, it may the combination of native 2ME with conventional treatments that will offer novel clinically relevant regimens for cancer and other reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Kohen P, Henríquez S, Rojas C, Gerk PM, Palomino WA, Strauss JF, Devoto L. 2-Methoxyestradiol in the human corpus luteum throughout the luteal phase and its influence on lutein cell steroidogenesis and angiogenic activity. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:1397-404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.07.1980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Hill LD, Ewens KG, Maher BS, York TP, Legro RS, Dunaif A, Strauss JF. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes are not major risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 350:72-7. [PMID: 22178088 PMCID: PMC3264817 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that affects 5-8% of reproductive age women. The primary features of PCOS are hyperandrogenemia, chronic anovulation and infertility. It has been suggested that defects in ovarian steroid metabolism contribute to the follicular growth arrest and abnormal production of ovarian steroid hormones that are characteristic of PCOS. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME) is formed by the action of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) on 2-hydroxyestradiol. COMT expression is increased in the follicles and ovarian stroma of women with PCOS. Moreover, 2-ME decreases granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis, raising the possibility that ovarian dysfunction associated with PCOS is due, in part, to increased synthesis of 2-ME resulting from increased COMT activity. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs6269, rs4633, rs4818, rs4680) in the COMT gene characterize haplotypes, which are associated with large variations in COMT enzymatic activity. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual COMT SNPs and the COMT haplotypes are associated with PCOS using a family-based test of association and linkage. Additionally, we examined the relationships between COMT SNPs and haplotypes with quantitative variables usually assessed in the evaluation of women with PCOS. There were no significant correlations between genotype and total testosterone, non-SHBG bound testosterone and BMI. However, we found that the prolactin level in women with PCOS varied significantly with COMT haplotype, and suggest that this association reflects a genetic factor influencing the stress response. Our findings suggest that common variants and haplotypes of the COMT gene are not major contributors to risk for PCOS, but that COMT genotype may influence prolactin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori D Hill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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An SPME–GC–MS method using an octadecyl silica fibre for the determination of the potential angiogenesis modulators 17β-estradiol and 2-methoxyestradiol in culture media. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 396:2639-45. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-3508-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Revised: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Chang YF, Hsu YC, Hung HF, Lee HJ, Lui WY, Chi CW, Wang JJ. Quercetin induces oxidative stress and potentiates the apoptotic action of 2-methoxyestradiol in human hepatoma cells. Nutr Cancer 2010; 61:735-45. [PMID: 19838948 DOI: 10.1080/01635580902825571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Asia. This study evaluated the growth inhibition effect of quercetin and 2-methoxyestradiol in vitro in human HCC cell lines. Combination treatment enhanced the cytotoxic effect in HA22T/VGH and HepG2 cell lines as compared with quercetin or 2-methoxyestradiol alone. The cell population of sub-G0/G1 phase and the level of annexin V binding were increased synergistically after combination treatment with quercetin and 2-methoxyestradiol in both cell lines. Moreover, quercetin combined with 2-methoxyestradiol increased superoxide levels, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in mRNA, protein levels, and SOD activity. Finally, we also found the mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased after combination treatment. The changes of reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial disruption were likely to be involved in the mechanism for the synergistic cytotoxicity effects of combination treatment in human hepatoma cells. These results provided a basis for further study of the potential usage of quercetin combination with hormonal agents for the treatment of human hepatoma.
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Lee YM, Ting CM, Cheng YK, Fan TP, Wong RNS, Lung ML, Mak NK. Mechanisms of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced apoptosis and G2/M cell-cycle arrest of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Cancer Lett 2008; 268:295-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2008] [Revised: 04/03/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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