1
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Bharati J, Kumar S, Kumar S, Mohan NH, Islam R, Pegu SR, Banik S, Das BC, Borah S, Sarkar M. Androgen receptor gene deficiency results in the reduction of steroidogenic potential in porcine luteal cells. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2183-2196. [PMID: 35678291 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2079517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Luteal steroidogenesis is critical to implantation and pregnancy maintenance in mammals. The role of androgen receptors (AR) in the progesterone (P4) producing luteal cells of porcine corpus luteum (CL) remains unexplored. The aim of the present study was to establish AR gene knock out (KO) porcine luteal cell culture system model by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and to study the downstream effects of AR gene deficiency on steroidogenic potential and viability of luteal cells. For this purpose, genomic cleavage detection assay, microscopy, RT-qPCR, ELISA, annexin, MTT, and viability assay complemented by bioinformatics analysis were employed. There was significant downregulation (p < 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of steroidogenic marker genes STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1 in AR KO luteal cells as compared to the control group, which was further validated by the significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the P4 production. Significant decrease (p < 0.05) in relative viability on third passage were also observed. The relative mRNA expression of hypoxia related gene HIF1A was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in AR KO luteal cells. Protein-protein interaction analysis mapped AR to signaling pathways associated with luteal cell functionality. These findings suggests that AR gene functionality is critical to luteal cell steroidogenesis in porcine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bharati
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - N H Mohan
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Rafiqul Islam
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Santanu Banik
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Das
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sanjib Borah
- Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, India
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2
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Lissaman AC, Girling JE, Cree LM, Campbell RE, Ponnampalam AP. Androgen signalling in the ovaries and endometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad017. [PMID: 37171897 PMCID: PMC10663053 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of hormonal regulation within the female reproductive system is largely based on our knowledge of estrogen and progesterone signalling. However, while the important functions of androgens in male physiology are well known, it is also recognized that androgens play critical roles in the female reproductive system. Further, androgen signalling is altered in a variety of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, indicative of regulatory roles in endometrial and ovarian function. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between different androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, resulting in a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Evidence from animal knockout studies, in vitro experiments, and human data indicate that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and menstrual cycle stage-dependent, with important regulatory roles in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and follicular development in the ovaries. This review will discuss the expression and co-regulatory interactions of androgen receptors, highlighting the complexity of the androgen signalling pathway in the endometrium and ovaries, and the synthesis of androgens from additional alternative pathways previously disregarded as male-specific. Moreover, it will illustrate the challenges faced when studying androgens in female biology, and the need for a more in-depth, integrative view of androgen metabolism and signalling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna P Ponnampalam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa-Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
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3
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Xue T, Zhao S, Zhang H, Tang T, Zheng L, Jing J, Ge X, Ma R, Ma J, Ren X, Jueraitetibaike K, Guo Z, Chen L, Yao B. PPT1 regulation of HSP90α depalmitoylation participates in the pathogenesis of hyperandrogenism. iScience 2023; 26:106131. [PMID: 36879822 PMCID: PMC9984558 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in the follicle are the important mediator of steroidogenesis and foster oocyte maturation. Evidences suggested that the function of GCs could be regulated by S-palmitoylation. However, the role of S-palmitoylation of GCs in ovarian hyperandrogenism remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that the protein from GCs in ovarian hyperandrogenism phenotype mouse group exhibits lower palmitoylation level compared with that in the control group. Using S-palmitoylation-enriched quantitative proteomics, we identified heat shock protein isoform α (HSP90α) with lower S-palmitoylation levels in ovarian hyperandrogenism phenotype group. Mechanistically, S-palmitoylation of HSP90α modulates the conversion of androgen to estrogens via the androgen receptor (AR) signalling pathway, and its level is regulated by PPT1. Targeting AR signaling by using dipyridamole attenuated ovarian hyperandrogenism symptoms. Our data help elucidate ovarian hyperandrogenism from perspective of protein modification and provide new evidence showing that HSP90α S-palmitoylation modification might be a potential pharmacological target for ovarian hyperandrogenism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongmin Xue
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211116, China.,Reproductive Medical Center, Clinical Medical College (Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital), Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
| | - Shanmeizi Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Ting Tang
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Jun Jing
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211116, China
| | - Xie Ge
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Rujun Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Jinzhao Ma
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Kadiliya Jueraitetibaike
- Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Li Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211116, China
| | - Bing Yao
- Reproductive Medical Center, Jinling Hospital Department, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.,Center of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, China.,State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211116, China
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4
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Alward BA, Hoadley AP, Jackson LR, Lopez MS. Genetic dissection of steroid-hormone modulated social behavior: Novel paralogous genes are a boon for discovery. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105295. [PMID: 36502603 PMCID: PMC9839648 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research across species has led to important discoveries on the functions of steroid hormones in the regulation of behavior. However, like in many fields, advancements in transgenic and mutagenic technology allowed mice to become the premier genetic model for conducting many experiments to understand how steroids control social behavior. Since there has been a general lack of parallel methodological developments in other species, many of the findings cannot be generalized. This is especially the case for teleost fish, in which a whole-genome duplication produced novel paralogs for key steroid hormone signaling genes. In this review, we summarize technical advancements over the history of the field of neuroendocrinology that have led to important insights in our understanding of the control of social behavior by steroids. We demonstrate that early mouse genetic models to understand these mechanisms suffered from several issues that were remedied by more precise transgenic technological advancements. We then highlight the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools that will in time bridge the gap between mice and non-traditional model species for understanding principles of steroid hormone action in the modulation of social behavior. We specifically highlight the role of teleost fish in bridging this gap because they are 1) highly genetically tractable and 2) provide a novel advantage in achieving precise genetic control. The field of neuroendocrinology is entering a new "gene editing revolution" that will lead to novel discoveries about the roles of steroid hormones in the regulation and evolutionary trajectories of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau A Alward
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America; University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, United States of America.
| | - Andrew P Hoadley
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Lillian R Jackson
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Mariana S Lopez
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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5
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Overland MR, Li Y, Derpinghaus A, Aksel S, Cao M, Ladwig N, Cunha GR, Himelreich-Perić M, Baskin LS. Development of the human ovary: Fetal through pubertal ovarian morphology, folliculogenesis and expression of cellular differentiation markers. Differentiation 2023; 129:37-59. [PMID: 36347737 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A definition of normal human fetal and early postnatal ovarian development is critical to the ability to accurately diagnose the presence or absence of functional ovarian tissue in clinical specimens. Through assembling an extensive histologic and immunohistochemical developmental ontogeny of human ovarian specimens from 8 weeks of gestation through 16 years of postnatal, we present a comprehensive immunohistochemical mapping of normal protein expression patterns in the early fetal through post-pubertal human ovary and detail a specific expression-based definition of the early stages of follicular development. Normal fetal and postnatal ovarian tissue is defined by the presence of follicular structures and characteristic immunohistochemical staining patterns, including granulosa cells expressing Forkhead Box Protein L2 (FOXL2). However, the current standard array of immunohistochemical markers poorly defines ovarian stromal tissue, and additional work is needed to identify new markers to advance our ability to accurately identify ovarian stromal components in gonadal specimens from patients with disorders of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R Overland
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Amber Derpinghaus
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sena Aksel
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Nicholas Ladwig
- Department of Pathology, University of California, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Marta Himelreich-Perić
- Scientific Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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6
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Walters KA, Moreno-Asso A, Stepto NK, Pankhurst MW, Rodriguez Paris V, Rodgers RJ. Key signalling pathways underlying the aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome. J Endocrinol 2022; 255:R1-R26. [PMID: 35980384 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0059] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition characterised by a range of reproductive, endocrine, metabolic and psychological abnormalities. Reports estimate that around 10% of women of reproductive age are affected by PCOS, representing a significant prevalence worldwide, which poses a high economic health burden. As the origin of PCOS remains largely unknown, there is neither a cure nor mechanism-based treatments leaving patient management suboptimal and focused solely on symptomatic treatment. However, if the underlying mechanisms underpinning the development of PCOS were uncovered then this would pave the way for the development of new interventions for PCOS. Recently, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the underlying pathways likely involved in PCOS pathogenesis. Key insights include the potential involvement of androgens, insulin, anti-Müllerian hormone and transforming growth factor beta in the development of PCOS. This review will summarise the significant scientific discoveries on these factors that have enhanced our knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the development of PCOS and discuss the impact these insights may have in shaping the future development of effective strategies for women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alba Moreno-Asso
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel K Stepto
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science, Victoria University, St. Albans, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University and Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Medicine at Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael W Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- The Robinson Research Institute, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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7
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Xiong T, Rodriguez Paris V, Edwards MC, Hu Y, Cochran BJ, Rye KA, Ledger WL, Padmanabhan V, Handelsman DJ, Gilchrist RB, Walters KA. Androgen signaling in adipose tissue, but less likely skeletal muscle, mediates development of metabolic traits in a PCOS mouse model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 323:E145-E158. [PMID: 35658542 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00418.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, multifactorial disorder characterized by endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic dysfunction. As the etiology of PCOS is unknown, there is no cure and symptom-oriented treatments are suboptimal. Hyperandrogenism is a key diagnostic trait, and evidence suggests that androgen receptor (AR)-mediated actions are critical to PCOS pathogenesis. However, the key AR target sites involved remain to be fully defined. Adipocyte and muscle dysfunction are proposed as important sites involved in the manifestation of PCOS traits. We investigated the role of AR signaling in white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT), and skeletal muscle in the development of PCOS in a hyperandrogenic PCOS mouse model. As expected, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exposure induced key reproductive and metabolic PCOS traits in wild-type (WT) females. Transplantation of AR-insensitive (AR-/-) WAT or BAT from AR knockout females (ARKO) into DHT-treated WT mice ameliorated some metabolic PCOS features, including increased body weight, adiposity, and adipocyte hypertrophy, but not reproductive PCOS traits. In contrast, DHT-treated ARKO female mice transplanted with AR-responsive (AR+/+) WAT or BAT continued to resist developing PCOS traits. DHT-treated skeletal muscle-specific AR knockout females (SkMARKO) displayed a comparable phenotype with that of DHT-treated WT females, with full development of PCOS traits. Taken together, these findings infer that both WAT and BAT, but less likely skeletal muscle, are key sites of AR-mediated actions involved in the experimental pathogenesis of metabolic PCOS traits. These data further support targeting adipocyte AR-driven pathways in future research aimed at developing novel therapeutic interventions for PCOS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hyperandrogenism is a key feature in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, the tissue sites of androgen receptor (AR) signaling are unclear. In this study, AR signaling in white and brown adipose tissue, but less likely in skeletal muscle, was found to be involved in the development of metabolic PCOS traits, highlighting the importance of androgen actions in adipose tissue and obesity in the manifestation of metabolic disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiong
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ying Hu
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Blake J Cochran
- Lipid Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerry-Anne Rye
- Lipid Research Group, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Molecular Regulation of Androgen Receptors in Major Female Reproductive System Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147556. [PMID: 35886904 PMCID: PMC9322163 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are three main types of cancer in the female reproductive system, specifically ovarian cancer (OVCA), endometrial cancer (EC), and cervical cancer (CC). They are common malignant tumors in women worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, androgen receptors (ARs) have been found to be closely related to the occurrence, progression, prognosis, and drug resistance of these three types of tumors. This paper summarizes current views on the role of AR in female reproductive system cancer, the associations between female reproductive system cancers and AR expression and polymorphisms. AR regulates the downstream target genes transcriptional activity and the expression via interacting with coactivators/corepressors and upstream/downstream regulators and through the gene transcription mechanism of “classical A/AR signaling” or “non-classical AR signaling”, involving a large number of regulatory factors and signaling pathways. ARs take part in the processes of cancer cell proliferation, migration/invasion, cancer cell stemness, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance. These findings suggest that the AR and related regulators could target the treatment of female reproductive system cancer.
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9
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Schafer JM, Xiao T, Kwon H, Collier K, Chang Y, Abdel-Hafiz H, Bolyard C, Chung D, Yang Y, Sundi D, Ma Q, Theodorescu D, Li X, Li Z. Sex-biased adaptive immune regulation in cancer development and therapy. iScience 2022; 25:104717. [PMID: 35880048 PMCID: PMC9307950 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cancer research field is finally starting to unravel the mystery behind why males have a higher incidence and mortality rate than females for nearly all cancer types of the non-reproductive systems. Here, we explain how sex - specifically sex chromosomes and sex hormones - drives differential adaptive immunity across immune-related disease states including cancer, and why males are consequently more predisposed to tumor development. We highlight emerging data on the roles of cell-intrinsic androgen receptors in driving CD8+ T cell dysfunction or exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment and summarize ongoing clinical efforts to determine the impact of androgen blockade on cancer immunotherapy. Finally, we outline a framework for future research in cancer biology and immuno-oncology, underscoring the importance of a holistic research approach to understanding the mechanisms of sex dimorphisms in cancer, so sex will be considered as an imperative factor for guiding treatment decisions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M. Schafer
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Tong Xiao
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hyunwoo Kwon
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Katharine Collier
- Division of Medical Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yuzhou Chang
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA,Department of Biomedical Informatics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hany Abdel-Hafiz
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA,Department of Medicine and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Chelsea Bolyard
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yuanquan Yang
- Division of Medical Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Debasish Sundi
- Department of Urology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Qin Ma
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, the Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA,Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Xue Li
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA,Department of Medicine and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – the James, Columbus, OH 43210, USA,Corresponding author
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10
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Handelsman DJ. History of androgens and androgen action. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101629. [PMID: 35277356 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2022.101629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology and Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of SydneyHead, Andrology Department, Concord RG Hospital, Australia.
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11
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Neves AR, Montoya-Botero P, Polyzos NP. Androgens and diminished ovarian reserve: the long road from basic science to clinical implementation. A comprehensive and systematic review with meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:401-413.e18. [PMID: 35364061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to present a narrative review regarding androgen production, androgens' role in folliculogenesis, and the available therapeutic approaches for androgen supplementation, and to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis regarding the impact of androgens (dehydroepiandrosterone/testosterone) compared with placebo or no treatment on ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve and/or poor ovarian responders. DATA SOURCES An electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the ISRCTN registry, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, was conducted for studies published until September 2021. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials that compared ovarian response and/or pregnancy outcomes between the different in vitro fertilization protocols using androgens (ie, dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone) and conventional in vitro fertilization stimulation in patients with diminished ovarian reserve and/or poor ovarian responders were included. METHODS The quality of each study was evaluated with the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2). The meta-analysis used random-effects models. All results were interpreted on the basis of intention-to-treat analysis (defined as the inclusion of all randomized patients in the denominator). Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used and combined for meta-analysis. RESULTS No significant differences were found regarding the number of oocytes retrieved (mean difference, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, -0.35 to 1.88), mature oocytes retrieved (mean difference, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, -0.27 to 0.76), clinical pregnancy rate (risk ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-1.57), live-birth rate (risk ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-2.01), or miscarriage rate (risk ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.29-2.22) when dehydroepiandrosterone priming was compared with placebo or no treatment. Testosterone pretreatment yielded a higher number of oocytes retrieved (mean difference, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.46-1.42), a higher clinical pregnancy rate (risk ratio, 2.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-3.20), and higher live-birth rate (risk ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.95). CONCLUSION Although dehydroepiandrosterone did not present a clear effect on outcomes of assisted reproductive techniques, we found a potentially beneficial effect of testosterone priming on ovarian response and pregnancy outcomes. However, results should be interpreted with caution, taking into account the low to moderate quality of the available evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Neves
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Pedro Montoya-Botero
- Conceptum - Unidad de Fertilidad del Country, Bogotá, Colombia; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud - FUCS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nikolaos P Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University (UZ Gent), Ghent, Belgium.
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12
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Jin X, Cheng J, Shen J, Lv X, Li Q, Mu Y, Bai H, Liu Y, Xia Y. Moxibustion improves ovarian function based on the regulation of the androgen balance. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1230. [PMID: 34539826 PMCID: PMC8438671 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of androgens on follicular development and female reproduction has become an active research topic. Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that has been reported to be able to prevent and treat numerous ovary-related problems. However, studies on the effect of moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on androgen balance are still lacking. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early stage of disease in a rat model of DOR and explore the mechanisms of its effect on ovarian function. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Blank group, Model group (a drug-induced model of DOR), Moxibustion group 1 and Moxibustion group 2. Moxibustion was performed on the BL23 and RN4 acupoints of female rats daily for a total of 20 days (once a day, five times a week for a total of 4 weeks). The two moxibustion groups were established with different intervention times: One group was subjected to pre-disease intervention and the other group to early-disease intervention. The ovarian function was evaluated by detecting anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in the serum or the ovary samples. To further investigate the downstream regulatory factors for AR after moxibustion treatment for pre-disease or early-disease intervention, FSH receptor (FSHR) and microRNA (miR)-125b expression in ovaries were also analyzed. The results indicated that AMH and DHT levels were reduced in the model group compared with those in the blank group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were increased. AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 1 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. There was no difference in E2 levels between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 1. There was no difference in FSHR mRNA in the ovaries between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. miR-125b levels were significantly increased in Moxibustion group 1 as compared with those in the model group. Furthermore, AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. E2 levels were significantly decreased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group. The relative mRNA expression of AR, FSHR and miR-125b was decreased following establishment of the model. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 2. In comparison with the blank and model groups, the FSHR content in the ovary of Moxibustion group 2 was significantly increased. miR-125b levels were not obviously altered in Moxibustion group 2 as compared with those in the model group. In addition, there was no significant difference in AMH, FSH, T and DHEA levels between the two moxibustion groups. E2 and DHT levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. There was no difference in AR mRNA expression between the two moxibustion groups. FSHR mRNA levels were lower in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2, while miR-125b mRNA levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. In conclusion, the present study suggested that moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early disease stage was able to improve ovarian function via modulation of the AR-mediated stable equilibrium of androgens. However, the effects and mechanisms of moxibustion intervention for pre-disease and early-disease intervention of DOR appear to be different. The appropriate duration of treatment and the time-effect relationship require to be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Jin
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Xing Lv
- Central Research Institute of Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., Shanghai 200020, P.R. China
| | - Qian Li
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yanyun Mu
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Hua Bai
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China
| | - Youbing Xia
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221006, P.R. China
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13
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Bianchi VE, Bresciani E, Meanti R, Rizzi L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Torsello A. The role of androgens in women's health and wellbeing. Pharmacol Res 2021; 171:105758. [PMID: 34242799 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Androgens in women, as well as in men, are intrinsic to maintenance of (i) reproductive competency, (ii) cardiac health, (iii) appropriate bone remodeling and mass retention, (iii) muscle tone and mass, and (iv) brain function, in part, through their mitigation of neurodegenerative disease effects. In recognition of the pluripotency of endogenous androgens, exogenous androgens, and selected congeners, have been prescribed off-label for several decades to treat low libido and sexual dysfunction in menopausal women, as well as, to improve physical performance. However, long-term safety and efficacy of androgen administration has yet to be fully elucidated. Side effects often observed include (i) hirsutism, (ii) acne, (iii) deepening of the voice, and (iv) weight gain but are associated most frequently with supra-physiological doses. By contrast, short-term clinical trials suggest that the use of low-dose testosterone therapy in women appears to be effective, safe and economical. There are, however, few clinical studies, which have focused on effects of androgen therapy on pre- and post-menopausal women; moreover, androgen mechanisms of action have not yet been thoroughly explained in these subjects. This review considers clinical effects of androgens on women's health in order to prevent chronic diseases and reduce cancer risk in gynecological tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio E Bianchi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Center Stella Maris, Strada Rovereta 42, Falciano 47891, San Marino.
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
| | - Robert J Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza 20900, Italy.
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14
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Zhang Y, Hu M, Yang F, Zhang Y, Ma S, Zhang D, Wang X, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Wu X, Brännström M, Shao LR, Billig H. Increased uterine androgen receptor protein abundance results in implantation and mitochondrial defects in pregnant rats with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1427-1446. [PMID: 34180022 PMCID: PMC8455403 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract In this study, we show that during normal rat pregnancy, there is a gestational stage-dependent decrease in androgen receptor (AR) abundance in the gravid uterus and that this is correlated with the differential expression of endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes during early and mid-gestation. In contrast, exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) or DHT alone significantly increased AR protein levels in the uterus in association with the aberrant expression of endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes, as well as disrupted implantation. Next, we assessed the functional relevance of the androgen-AR axis in the uterus for reproductive outcomes by treating normal pregnant rats and pregnant rats exposed to DHT and INS with the anti-androgen flutamide. We found that AR blockage using flutamide largely attenuated the DHT and INS-induced maternal endocrine, metabolic, and fertility impairments in pregnant rats in association with suppressed induction of uterine AR protein abundance and androgen-regulated response protein and normalized expression of several endometrial receptivity and decidualization genes. Further, blockade of AR normalized the expression of the mitochondrial biogenesis marker Nrf1 and the mitochondrial functional proteins Complexes I and II, VDAC, and PHB1. However, flutamide treatment did not rescue the compromised mitochondrial structure resulting from co-exposure to DHT and INS. These results demonstrate that functional AR protein is an important factor for gravid uterine function. Impairments in the uterine androgen-AR axis are accompanied by decreased endometrial receptivity, decidualization, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which might contribute to abnormal implantation in pregnant PCOS patients with compromised pregnancy outcomes and subfertility. Key messages The proper regulation of uterine androgen receptor (AR) contributes to a
normal pregnancy process, whereas the aberrant regulation of uterine AR might
be linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-induced pregnancy-related
complications. In the current study, we found that during normal rat pregnancy there is
a stage-dependent decrease in AR abundance in the gravid uterus and that this
is correlated with the differential expression of the endometrial receptivity
and decidualization genes Spp1, Prl, Igfbp1,
and Hbegf. Pregnant rats exposed to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS)
or to DHT alone show elevated uterine AR protein abundance and implantation
failure related to the aberrant expression of genes involved in endometrial
receptivity and decidualization in early to mid-gestation. Treatment with the anti-androgen flutamide, starting from
pre-implantation, effectively prevents DHT + INS-induced defects in endometrial
receptivity and decidualization gene expression, restores uterine mitochondrial
homeostasis, and increases the pregnancy rate and the numbers of viable
fetuses. This study adds to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying poor
pregnancy outcomes in PCOS patients and the possible therapeutic use of
anti-androgens, including flutamide, after spontaneous conception.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-021-02104-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.,Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.,Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Yizhuo Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Shuting Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Dongqi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Amanda Nancy Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory and Unit of Infertility in Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Mats Brännström
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linus R Shao
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Billig
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P. O. Box 434, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Salinas I, Sinha N, Sen A. Androgen-induced epigenetic modulations in the ovary. J Endocrinol 2021; 249:R53-R64. [PMID: 33764313 PMCID: PMC8080881 DOI: 10.1530/joe-20-0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, androgens have emerged as critical regulators of female reproduction and women's health in general. While high levels of androgens in women are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recent evidence suggests that a certain amount of direct androgen action through androgen receptor is also essential for normal ovarian function. Moreover, prenatal androgen exposure has been reported to cause developmental reprogramming of the fetus that manifests into adult pathologies, supporting the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis. Therefore, it has become imperative to understand the underlying mechanism of androgen actions and its downstream effects under normal and pathophysiological conditions. Over the years, there has been a lot of studies on androgen receptor function as a transcriptional regulator in the nucleus as well as androgen-induced rapid extra-nuclear signaling. Conversely, new evidence suggests that androgen actions may also be mediated through epigenetic modulation involving both the nuclear and extra-nuclear androgen signaling. This review focuses on androgen-induced epigenetic modifications in female reproduction, specifically in the ovary, and discusses emerging concepts, latest perceptions, and highlight the areas that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Salinas
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Corresponding author and person to whom reprint request should be addressed: Aritro Sen Ph.D., Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, 3013 Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building, 766 Service Road, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, Ph:517-432-4585;
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16
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Rodriguez Paris V, Edwards MC, Aflatounian A, Bertoldo MJ, Ledger WL, Handelsman DJ, Gilchrist RB, Walters KA. Pathogenesis of Reproductive and Metabolic PCOS Traits in a Mouse Model. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab060. [PMID: 34056500 PMCID: PMC8152184 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and heterogeneous disorder; however, the etiology and pathogenesis of PCOS are poorly understood and current management is symptom-based. Defining the pathogenesis of PCOS traits is important for developing early PCOS detection markers and new treatment strategies. Hyperandrogenism is a defining characteristic of PCOS, and studies support a role for androgen-driven actions in the development of PCOS. Therefore, we aimed to determine the temporal pattern of development of PCOS features in a well-characterized dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS mouse model after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of DHT exposure. Following 2 weeks of treatment, DHT induced the key PCOS reproductive features of acyclicity, anovulation, and multifollicular ovaries as well as a decrease in large antral follicle health. DHT-treated mice displayed the metabolic PCOS characteristics of increased body weight and exhibited increased visceral adiposity after 8 weeks of DHT treatment. DHT treatment also led to an increase in circulating cholesterol after 2 weeks of exposure and had an overall effect on fasting glucose levels, but not triglycerides, aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, or hepatic steatosis. These data reveal that in this experimental PCOS mouse model, acyclicity, anovulation, and increased body weight are early features of a developing PCOS phenotype whereas adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis are later developing features of PCOS. These findings provide insights into the likely sequence of PCOS trait development and support the addition of body weight criteria to the early diagnosis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Ali Aflatounian
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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17
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Perinatal exposure to known endocrine disrupters alters ovarian development and systemic steroid hormone profile in rats. Toxicology 2021; 458:152821. [PMID: 34051340 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Disrupted ovarian development induced by chemical exposure may impair fertility later in life. Since androgens are essential for early ovarian development, we speculated that perinatal exposure to a binary mixture of the known anti-androgens DEHP and procymidone could alter steroid synthesis, disrupt ovarian follicle recruitment and ultimately maturation in female rat offspring. Wistar rat dams were exposed by oral gavage from gestation day 7 to postnatatal day 22 to two mixture doses known to alter reproductive development in male offspring (low: 10 mg/kg bw/day of procymidone and 30 mg/kg bw/day of DEHP; high: 20 mg/kg bw/day of procymidone and 60 mg/kg bw/day of DEHP). The Effects on plasma steroid hormones, ovarian follicle distribution and expression of markers related to steroid synthesis were examined in female offspring. In prepubertal offspring, we observed an increased number of newly recruited (primary) follicles in exposed animals compared to controls, and the plasma steroid hormone profile was altered by exposure: levels of progesterone, corticosterone and estrone were dose dependently elevated, whereas androgen levels were unaffected. In adulthood, a trend towards a smaller number of early-stage follicles may point to accelerated loss of follicle reserves, which is disconcerting. The changes in follicle distribution in exposed ovaries may reflect the combined influence of androgen receptor antagonism and altered ovarian steroid synthesis. This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing altered ovarian development following exposure to human relevant chemicals with possible severe consequences for female fertility.
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18
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Sucquart IE, Nagarkar R, Edwards MC, Rodriguez Paris V, Aflatounian A, Bertoldo MJ, Campbell RE, Gilchrist RB, Begg DP, Handelsman DJ, Padmanabhan V, Anderson RA, Walters KA. Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonism Ameliorates Key Metabolic Features in a Hyperandrogenic PCOS Mouse Model. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6125280. [PMID: 33522579 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine condition characterized by a range of endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic abnormalities. At present, management of women with PCOS is suboptimal as treatment is only symptomatic. Clinical and experimental advances in our understanding of PCOS etiology support a pivotal role for androgen neuroendocrine actions in PCOS pathogenesis. Hyperandrogenism is a key PCOS trait and androgen actions play a role in regulating the kisspeptin-/neurokinin B-/dynorphin (KNDy) system. This study aimed to investigate if targeted antagonism of neurokinin B signaling through the neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) would reverse PCOS traits in a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced mouse model of PCOS. After 3 months, DHT exposure induced key reproductive PCOS traits of cycle irregularity and ovulatory dysfunction, and PCOS-like metabolic traits including increased body weight; white and brown fat pad weights; fasting serum triglyceride and glucose levels, and blood glucose incremental area under the curve. Treatment with a NK3R antagonist (MLE4901) did not impact the observed reproductive defects. In contrast, following NK3R antagonist treatment, PCOS-like females displayed decreased total body weight, adiposity, and adipocyte hypertrophy, but increased respiratory exchange ratio, suggesting NK3R antagonism altered the metabolic status of the PCOS-like females. NK3R antagonism did not improve circulating serum triglyceride or fasted glucose levels. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NK3R antagonism may be beneficial in the treatment of adverse metabolic features associated with PCOS and support neuroendocrine targeting in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene E Sucquart
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ruchi Nagarkar
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ali Aflatounian
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre of Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denovan P Begg
- Department of Behavioural Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW 2139, Australia
| | | | - Richard A Anderson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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19
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Shi H, Cheer K, Simanainen U, Lesmana B, Ma D, Hew JJ, Parungao RJ, Li Z, Cooper MS, Handelsman DJ, Maitz PK, Wang Y. The contradictory role of androgens in cutaneous and major burn wound healing. BURNS & TRAUMA 2021; 9:tkaa046. [PMID: 33928173 PMCID: PMC8058007 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkaa046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing is a complex process involving four overlapping phases: haemostasis, inflammation, cell recruitment and matrix remodeling. In mouse models, surgical, pharmacological and genetic approaches targeting androgen actions in skin have shown that androgens increase interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α production and reduce wound re-epithelization and matrix deposition, retarding cutaneous wound healing. Similarly, clinical studies have shown that cutaneous wound healing is slower in men compared to women. However, in major burn injury, which triggers not only local wound-healing processes but also systemic hypermetabolism, the role of androgens is poorly understood. Recent studies have claimed that a synthetic androgen, oxandrolone, increases protein synthesis, improves lean body mass and shortens length of hospital stay. However, the possible mechanisms by which oxandrolone regulates major burn injury have not been reported. In this review, we summarize the current findings on the roles of androgens in cutaneous and major burn wound healing, as well as androgens as a potential therapeutic treatment option for patients with major burn injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaikai Shi
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Kenny Cheer
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Ulla Simanainen
- Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Brian Lesmana
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Duncan Ma
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Jonathan J Hew
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Roxanne J Parungao
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Zhe Li
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia.,Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Mark S Cooper
- Adrenal Steroid Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Peter K Maitz
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia.,Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
| | - Yiwei Wang
- Burns Research Group, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Gate, 3 Hospital road, Concord, NSW 2139, Australia
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20
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Roy S, Huang B, Sinha N, Wang J, Sen A. Androgens regulate ovarian gene expression by balancing Ezh2-Jmjd3 mediated H3K27me3 dynamics. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009483. [PMID: 33784295 PMCID: PMC8034747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventionally viewed as male hormone, androgens play a critical role in female fertility. Although androgen receptors (AR) are transcription factors, to date very few direct transcriptional targets of ARs have been identified in the ovary. Using mouse models, this study provides three critical insights about androgen-induced gene regulation in the ovary and its impact on female fertility. First, RNA-sequencing reveals a number of genes and biological processes that were previously not known to be directly regulated by androgens in the ovary. Second, androgens can also influence gene expression by decreasing the tri-methyl mark on lysine 27 of histone3 (H3K27me3), a gene silencing epigenetic mark. ChIP-seq analyses highlight that androgen-induced modulation of H3K27me3 mark within gene bodies, promoters or distal enhancers have a much broader impact on ovarian function than the direct genomic effects of androgens. Third, androgen-induced decrease of H3K27me3 is mediated through (a) inhibiting the expression and activity of Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase that promotes tri-methylation of K27 and (b) by inducing the expression of a histone demethylase called Jumonji domain containing protein-3 (JMJD3/KDM6B), responsible for removing the H3K27me3 mark. Androgens through the PI3K/Akt pathway, in a transcription-independent fashion, increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) protein levels, which in turn induce JMJD3 expression. Furthermore, proof of concept studies involving in vivo knockdown of Ar in the ovary and ovarian (granulosa) cell-specific Ar knockout mouse model show that ARs regulate the expression of key ovarian genes through modulation of H3K27me3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit Roy
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Binbin Huang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Neves AR, Montoya-Botero P, Polyzos NP. The Role of Androgen Supplementation in Women With Diminished Ovarian Reserve: Time to Randomize, Not Meta-Analyze. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:653857. [PMID: 34079524 PMCID: PMC8165260 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.653857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The management of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) remains one of the most challenging tasks in IVF clinical practice. Despite the promising results obtained from animal studies regarding the importance of androgens on folliculogenesis, the evidence obtained from clinical studies remains inconclusive. This is mainly due to the lack of an evidence-based methodology applied in the available trials and to the heterogeneity in the inclusion criteria and IVF treatment protocols. In this review, we analyze the available evidence obtained from animal studies and highlight the pitfalls from the clinical studies that prevent us from closing the chapter of this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Raquel Neves
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Pedro Montoya-Botero
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Conceptum – Unidad de Fertilidad del Country, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nikolaos P. Polyzos
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University (UZ Gent), Gent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Nikolaos P. Polyzos,
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22
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Hughes CHK, Murphy BD. Nuclear receptors: Key regulators of somatic cell functions in the ovulatory process. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 78:100937. [PMID: 33288229 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the ovarian follicle to its culmination by ovulation is an essential element of fertility. The final stages of ovarian follicular growth are characterized by granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, and steroid synthesis under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a population of granulosa cells poised to respond to the ovulatory surge of luteinizing hormone (LH). Members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors play indispensable roles in the regulation of these events. The key regulators of the final stages of follicular growth that precede ovulation from this family include the estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) and the androgen receptor (AR), with additional roles for others, including steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). Following the LH surge, the mural and cumulus granulosa cells undergo rapid changes that result in expansion of the cumulus layer, and a shift in ovarian steroid hormone biosynthesis from estradiol to progesterone production. The nuclear receptor best associated with these events is LRH-1. Inadequate cumulus expansion is also observed in the absence of AR and ESR2, but not the progesterone receptor (PGR). The terminal stages of ovulation are regulated by PGR, which increases the abundance of the proteases that are directly responsible for rupture. It further regulates the prostaglandins and cytokines associated with the inflammatory-like characteristics of ovulation. LRH-1 regulates PGR, and is also a key regulator of steroidogenesis, cellular proliferation, and cellular migration, and cytoskeletal remodeling. In summary, nuclear receptors are among the panoply of transcriptional regulators with roles in ovulation, and several are necessary for normal ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla H K Hughes
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Qc, J2S 2M2, Canada.
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23
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Converse A, Thomas P. Androgens regulate follicle stage-dependent pro- and anti-apoptosis in teleost ovaries through ZIP9 activation of different G proteins†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:377-391. [PMID: 31074766 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz086] [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: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens mediate a number of processes in mammalian and teleost ovaries in a follicle-stage dependent manner, including follicle growth, survival, and apoptosis. We recently reported that the membrane androgen receptor ZIP9 mediates apoptosis in Atlantic croaker granulosa/theca (G/T) cells from mature ovarian follicles, but the effects of androgens on early stage G/T cells in this model remains unknown. Here we show that testosterone mediates pro- and anti-apoptotic responses in a follicle stage-dependent manner in croaker ovarian follicle cells. Testosterone treatment decreased the incidence of apoptosis in G/T cells from early stage follicles (diameter <300 μm) but increased apoptosis in G/T cells from late stage follicles (diameter >400 μm). Small interfering RNA targeting ZIP9, but not the nuclear androgen receptor, blocked the anti-apoptotic response, indicating ZIP9 mediates anti-apoptotic in addition to pro-apoptotic responses. Testosterone treatment of early stage G/T cells resulted in opposite signaling outcomes from those previously characterized for the ZIP9-mediated apoptotic response including decreased cAMP and intracellular free zinc levels, and downregulation of pro-apoptotic member mRNA expression. While ZIP9-mediated apoptosis involves activation of a stimulatory G protein (Gs), activators of Gs signaling antagonized the anti-apoptotic response. Proximity ligation and G protein activation assays indicated that in G/T cells from early stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates an inhibitory G protein, while in G/T cells from late stage follicles ZIP9 is in close proximity and activates Gs. This study demonstrates that ZIP9 mediates opposite survival responses of croaker G/T cells by activating different G proteins in a follicle stage-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Converse
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas, USA
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24
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Handelsman DJ, Walters KA, Ly LP. Simplified Method to Measure Mouse Fertility. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5869508. [PMID: 32645712 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Estimating breeding performance from mouse mating trials has focused on lifetime mating trials, which are too slow and costly for characterizing the many novel genetic mouse lines produced in fertility research, an underpinning of reproductive pathophysiology research. This study introduces the fertility index, defined as the slope of the regression of cumulative number of pups produced by a female over elapsed time in a monogamous mating trial. By using a robust resampling technique, the Theil-Sen estimator (widely available in free or niche statistical software), to estimate the fertility index, the present study of 410 mating trials of mice from 7 genotypes lasting a median of 10 litters shows that it is possible to estimate the fertility index reliably over as few as 4 litters.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lam P Ly
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, NSW, Australia
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25
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Cox MJ, Edwards MC, Rodriguez Paris V, Aflatounian A, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Padmanabhan V, Handelsman DJ, Walters KA. Androgen Action in Adipose Tissue and the Brain are Key Mediators in the Development of PCOS Traits in a Mouse Model. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5821244. [PMID: 32301482 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic abnormalities. Despite PCOS being the most common endocrinopathy affecting women of reproductive age, the etiology of PCOS is poorly understood, so there is no cure and symptomatic treatment is suboptimal. Hyperandrogenism is the most consistent feature observed in PCOS patients, and recently aberrant neuroendocrine signaling and adipose tissue function have been proposed as playing a role in the development of PCOS. To investigate the role of adipose tissue and the brain as key sites for androgen receptor (AR)-mediated development of PCOS, we combined a white and brown adipose and brain-specific AR knockout (AdBARKO) mouse model with a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced mouse model of PCOS. As expected, in wildtype (WT) control females, DHT exposure induced the reproductive PCOS traits of cycle irregularity, ovulatory dysfunction, and reduced follicle health, whereas in AdBARKO females, DHT did not produce the reproductive features of PCOS. The metabolic PCOS characteristics of increased adiposity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and hepatic steatosis induced by DHT in WT females were not evident in DHT-treated AdBARKO females, which displayed normal white adipose tissue weight and no adipocyte hypertrophy or liver steatosis. Dihydrotestosterone treatment induced increased fasting glucose levels in both WT and AdBARKO females. These findings demonstrate that adipose tissue and the brain are key loci of androgen-mediated actions involved in the developmental origins of PCOS. These data support targeting adipocyte and neuroendocrine AR-driven pathways in the future development of novel therapeutic strategies for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine J Cox
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valentina Rodriguez Paris
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ali Aflatounian
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility and Research Centre, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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26
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Dulohery K, Trottmann M, Bour S, Liedl B, Alba-Alejandre I, Reese S, Hughes B, Stief CG, Kölle S. How do elevated levels of testosterone affect the function of the human fallopian tube and fertility?-New insights. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:30-44. [PMID: 31705839 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Excess testosterone levels affect up to 20% of the female population worldwide and are a key component in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. However, little is known about how excess testosterone affects the function of the human fallopian tube-the site of gamete transport, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize alterations caused by long-term exposure to male testosterone levels. For this purpose, the Fallopian tubes of nine female-to-male transsexuals, who had been undergoing testosterone treatment for 1-3 years, were compared with the tubes of 19 cycling patients. In the ampulla, testosterone treatment resulted in extensive luminal accumulations of secretions and cell debris which caused ciliary clumping and luminal blockage. Additionally, the percentage of ciliated cells in the ampulla was significantly increased. Transsexual patients, who had had sexual intercourse before surgery, showed spermatozoa trapped in mucus. Finally, in the isthmus complete luminal collapse occurred. Our results imply that fertility in women with elevated levels of testosterone is altered by tubal luminal obstruction resulting in impaired gamete transport and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Dulohery
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Susanne Bour
- Department of Urology, Klinikum Grosshadern, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Liedl
- Department of Urogenital Surgery, Clinic for Surgery Munich-Bogenhausen, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sven Reese
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Hughes
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Sabine Kölle
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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27
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Dević Pavlić S, Tramišak Milaković T, Panić Horvat L, Čavlović K, Vlašić H, Manestar M, Smiljan Severinski N, Radojčić Badovinac A. Genes for anti-Müllerian hormone and androgen receptor are underexpressed in human cumulus cells surrounding morphologically highly graded oocytes. SAGE Open Med 2019; 7:2050312119865137. [PMID: 31360520 PMCID: PMC6637837 DOI: 10.1177/2050312119865137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of genes crucial for the quality of the oocyte and whether expression levels of these genes in cumulus cells can be biological markers for the quality of the oocyte, zygote or embryo, or even for achievement of pregnancy after the assisted reproductive technology procedure. We examined the expression profile of the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene and its respective receptors: anti-Müllerian hormone receptor type 2 (AMHR2), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and androgen receptor (AR) in cumulus cells (CCs) surrounding the oocyte, as well as AMH concentrations in follicular fluid of the associated follicle. The obtained gene expression levels were correlated with the morphological quality of the associated oocyte, zygote and embryo as well as with assisted reproductive technology outcome following the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Methods: This study involved 129 cumulus cells and 35 follicular fluid samples, taken from 58 patients undergoing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure. Oocytes, zygotes and embryos were assessed for morphological quality. The relative gene expression of AMH, AMHR2, FSHR and AR was calculated using the delta–delta Ct method. Anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations in follicular fluids were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results yielded suggest a relationship between AMH, AR and oocyte morphology: AMH and AR gene expression levels in CCs surrounding morphologically optimal oocytes were significantly lower than in CCs surrounding oocytes with suboptimal morphology (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008, respectively). Statistically significant positive correlation was found between mRNA expression levels of AMH and FSHR (p < 0.001), AMH and AR (p = 0.001), AMHR2 and FSHR (p < 0.001), AMHR2 and AR (p < 0.001), as well as between FSHR and AR (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Assessed results point to AMH and AR relation with oocyte maturity, but not with its fertilization potential, or with embryo quality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Linda Panić Horvat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Kristina Čavlović
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Vlašić
- Šparac Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic, Split, Croatia
| | - Miljenko Manestar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | | | - Anđelka Radojčić Badovinac
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Hospital Centre Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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28
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Candelaria NR, Padmanabhan A, Stossi F, Ljungberg MC, Shelly KE, Pew BK, Solis M, Rossano AM, McAllister JM, Wu S, Richards JS. VCAM1 Is Induced in Ovarian Theca and Stromal Cells in a Mouse Model of Androgen Excess. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1377-1393. [PMID: 30951142 PMCID: PMC6507908 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian theca androgen production is regulated by the pituitary LH and intrafollicular factors. Enhanced androgen biosynthesis by theca cells contributes to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, but the ovarian consequences of elevated androgens are not completely understood. Our study documents the molecular events that are altered in the theca and stromal cells of mice exposed to high androgen levels, using the nonaromatizable androgen DHT. Changes in ovarian morphology and function were observed not only in follicles, but also in the stromal compartment. Genome-wide microarray analyses revealed marked changes in the ovarian transcriptome of DHT-treated females within 1 week. Particularly striking was the increased expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam1) specifically in the NR2F2/COUPTF-II lineage theca cells, not granulosa cells, of growing follicles and throughout the stroma of the androgen-treated mice. This response was mediated by androgen receptors (ARs) present in theca and stromal cells. Human theca-derived cultures expressed both ARs and NR2F2 that were nuclear. VCAM1 mRNA and protein were higher in PCOS-derived theca cells compared with control theca and reduced markedly by the AR antagonist flutamide. In the DHT-treated mice, VCAM1 was transiently induced by equine chorionic gonadotropin, when androgen and estrogen biosynthesis peak in preovulatory follicles, and was potently suppressed by a superovulatory dose of human chorionic gonadotropin. High levels of VCAM1 in the theca and interstitial cells of DHT-treated mice and in adult Leydig cells indicate that there may be novel functions for VCAM1 in reproductive tissues, including the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholes R Candelaria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence: Nicholes R. Candelaria, PhD, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030. E-mail:
| | - Achuth Padmanabhan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Integrated Microscopy Core, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - M Cecilia Ljungberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
| | - Katharine E Shelly
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Braden K Pew
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Minerva Solis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayane M Rossano
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jan M McAllister
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Sheng Wu
- Department of Pediatrics and Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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29
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Burchall GF, Pouniotis DS, Teede HJ, Ranasinha S, Walters KA, Piva TJ. Expression of the plasminogen system in the physiological mouse ovary and in the pathological polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) state. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2019; 17:33. [PMID: 30878040 PMCID: PMC6420749 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-019-0472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fibrinolytic system and its inhibitors play a number of roles, apart from their function in blood haemostasis and thrombosis, namely in ovarian folliculogenesis and in ovulation. Plasminogen is converted to active plasmin at the time of follicular rupture through a decrease in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and an increase in plasminogen activators. Oligo-/anovulation and follicle arrest are key characteristics of PCOS, but studies evaluating fibrinolytic/proteolytic markers within human or animal PCOS ovaries are lacking. We aimed to investigate and compare the expression and distribution of the plasminogen system markers in PCOS and control ovaries. METHODS A hyperandrogenised PCOS mouse model was used that mimics the ovarian, endocrine and metabolic features of the human condition. Immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis were used to investigate and compare fibrinolytic/proteolytic markers plasminogen, plasminogen/plasmin, tissue plasminogen activator, urokinase plasminogen activator and inhibitor PAI-1 in PCOS and control ovaries. Student's t-test was used to compare data sets for normally distributed data and Wilcoxon-Mann Whitney test for non-normally distributed data. RESULTS We noted differences in the ovarian distribution of PAI-1 that was expressed throughout the PCOS ovary, unlike the peripheral distribution observed in control ovaries. Plasminogen was present in small follicles only in PCOS ovaries but not in small follicles of control ovaries. When we assessed and compared PAI-1 expression within follicles of different developmental stages we also noted significant differences for both the PCOS and control ovaries. While we noted differences in distribution and expression within specific ovarian structures, no differences were noted in the overall ovarian expression of markers assessed between acyclical PCOS mice and control mice at the diestrus stage of the estrous cycle. CONCLUSIONS Our novel study, that comprehensively assessed the fibrinolytic/proteolytic system in the mouse ovary, showed the expression, differential localisation and a potential role for the plasminogen system in the physiological mouse ovary and in PCOS. Androgens may be involved in regulating expression of the ovarian plasminogen system. Further studies evaluating these markers at different time-points of ovulation may help to further clarify both physiological and potential pathological actions these markers play in ovulatory processes distorted in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genia F. Burchall
- 0000 0001 2163 3550grid.1017.7School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - Dodie S. Pouniotis
- 0000 0001 2163 3550grid.1017.7School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083 Australia
| | - Helena J. Teede
- 0000 0004 1936 7857grid.1002.3School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Sanjeeva Ranasinha
- 0000 0004 1936 7857grid.1002.3School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Kirsty A. Walters
- 0000 0004 4902 0432grid.1005.4School of Women’s & Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Terrence J. Piva
- 0000 0001 2163 3550grid.1017.7School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083 Australia
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Bertoldo MJ, Caldwell ASL, Riepsamen AH, Lin D, Gonzalez MB, Robker RL, Ledger WL, Gilchrist RB, Handelsman DJ, Walters KA. A Hyperandrogenic Environment Causes Intrinsic Defects That Are Detrimental to Follicular Dynamics in a PCOS Mouse Model. Endocrinology 2019; 160:699-715. [PMID: 30657917 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of female infertility. Hyperandrogenism is both a major symptom and key diagnostic trait of PCOS; however, the direct impact of this androgen excess on ovarian dynamics is unclear. By combining a DHT-induced PCOS mouse model with an ex vivo follicle culture system, we investigated the impact of hyperandrogenism on ovarian function. Ovaries from PCOS mice exhibited the characteristic polycystic ovary morphology with numerous large cystic follicles and no corpora lutea present. Isolation and individual culture of preantral and antral follicles from PCOS mice resulted in slower growth rates during 5 days compared with the follicles isolated from control mice (P < 0.01). In contrast, preovulatory follicles from PCOS mice exhibited a significant increase in growth rate compared with controls (P < 0.01). Preantral follicles from PCOS ovaries maintained comparable follicular health as control follicles, but antral and preovulatory PCOS follicles exhibited reduced follicle health (P < 0.01) and survival rates (P < 0.01). Compared with controls, PCOS females also exhibited a poorer response to hyperstimulation (P < 0.01), impaired oocyte function evident by increased levels of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01), and a reduction in on-time embryo development (P < 0.01). These results demonstrate that prolonged exposure to androgen excess leads to aberrant follicle development, which persists even after removal from the hyperandrogenic environment, causing perturbed follicular developmental trajectories. These findings indicate that an in vivo hyperandrogenic environment in patients with PCOS may intrinsically induce detrimental effects on follicles and oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Bertoldo
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aimee S L Caldwell
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angelique H Riepsamen
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianliang Lin
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Fujian Provincial Reproductive Medicine Center, Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Macarena B Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Robker
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - William L Ledger
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert B Gilchrist
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Fertility & Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Pandolfi EC, Hoffmann HM, Schoeller EL, Gorman MR, Mellon PL. Haploinsufficiency of SIX3 Abolishes Male Reproductive Behavior Through Disrupted Olfactory Development, and Impairs Female Fertility Through Disrupted GnRH Neuron Migration. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:8709-8727. [PMID: 29589282 PMCID: PMC6156938 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1013-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mating behavior in males and females is dependent on olfactory cues processed through both the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Signaling through the MOE is critical for the initiation of male mating behavior, and the loss of MOE signaling severely compromises this comportment. Here, we demonstrate that dosage of the homeodomain gene Six3 affects the degree of development of MOE but not the VNO. Anomalous MOE development in Six3 heterozygote mice leads to hyposmia, specifically disrupting male mounting behavior by impairing detection of volatile female estrus pheromones. Six3 is highly expressed in the MOE, main olfactory bulb (MOB), and hypothalamus; all regions essential in the proper migration of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, a key reproductive neuronal population that migrates along olfactory axons from the developing nose into the brain. Interestingly, we find that the reduction in Six3 expression in Six3 heterozygote mice compromises development of the MOE and MOB, resulting in mis-migration of GnRH neurons due to improper olfactory axon targeting. This reduction in the hypothalamic GnRH neuron population, by 45% in adulthood, leads to female subfertility, but does not impact male hormone levels, suggesting that male infertility is not related to GnRH neuron numbers, but exclusively linked to abnormal olfaction. We here determine that Six3 is haploinsufficient for MOE development, GnRH neuron migration, and fertility, and represents a novel candidate gene for Kallmann syndrome, a form of inherited infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Pandolfi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0674, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0674, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erica L Schoeller
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0674, USA
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael R Gorman
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0674, USA.
- Center for Circadian Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Hoffmann HM, Pandolfi EC, Larder R, Mellon PL. Haploinsufficiency of Homeodomain Proteins Six3, Vax1, and Otx2 Causes Subfertility in Mice via Distinct Mechanisms. Neuroendocrinology 2018; 109:200-207. [PMID: 30261489 PMCID: PMC6437011 DOI: 10.1159/000494086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency occurs when loss of one copy of a diploid gene (hemizygosity) causes a phenotype. It is relatively rare, in that most genes can produce sufficient mRNA and protein from a single copy to prevent any loss of normal activity and function. Reproduction is a complex process relying on migration of GnRH neurons from the olfactory placode to the hypothalamus during development. We have studied 3 different homeodomain genes Otx2, Vax1, and Six3 and found that the deletion of one allele for any of these genes in mice produces subfertility or infertility in one or both sexes, despite the presence of one intact allele. All 3 heterozygous mice have reduced numbers of GnRH neurons, but the mechanisms of subfertility differ significantly. This review compares the subfertility phenotypes and their mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne M Hoffmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Erica C Pandolfi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rachel Larder
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Pamela L Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA,
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Simitsidellis I, Saunders PTK, Gibson DA. Androgens and endometrium: New insights and new targets. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:48-60. [PMID: 28919297 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are synthesised in both the ovary and adrenals in women and play an important role in the regulation of female fertility, as well as in the aetiology of disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The endometrium is an androgen target tissue and the impact of AR-mediated effects has been studied using human endometrial tissue samples and rodent models. In this review we highlight recent evidence that endometrial androgen biosynthesis and intracrine action is important in preparation of a tissue microenvironment that can support implantation and establishment of pregnancy. The impact of androgens on endometrial cell proliferation, in repair of the endometrial wound at the time of menstruation and in endometrial disorders is discussed. Future directions for research focused on AR function as a therapeutic target are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Douglas A Gibson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation Research, The University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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34
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Walters KA, Handelsman DJ. Role of androgens in the ovary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:36-47. [PMID: 28687450 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
It has been well established for decades that androgens, namely testosterone (T) plays an important role in female reproductive physiology as the precursor for oestradiol (E2). However, in the last decade a direct role for androgens, acting via the androgen receptor (AR), in female reproductive function has been confirmed. Deciphering the specific roles of androgens in ovarian function has been hindered as complete androgen resistant females cannot be generated by natural breeding. In addition, androgens can be converted into estrogens which has caused confusion when interpreting findings from pharmacological studies, as observed effects could have been mediated via the AR or estrogen receptor. The creation and analysis of genetic mouse models with global and cell-specific disruption of the Ar gene, the sole mediator of pure androgenic action, has now allowed the elucidation of a role for AR-mediated androgen actions in the regulation of normal and pathological ovarian function. This review aims to summarize findings from clinical, animal, pharmacological and novel genetic AR mouse models to provide an understanding of the important roles androgens play in the ovary, as well as providing insights into the human implications of these roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Walters
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
| | - D J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia
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35
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Zebrafish androgen receptor is required for spermatogenesis and maintenance of ovarian function. Oncotarget 2018; 9:24320-24334. [PMID: 29849943 PMCID: PMC5966271 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor protein family member and inducible transcription factor that modulates androgen target gene expression. Studies using a mouse model confirmed the need for ar in reproductive development, particularly spermatogenesis. Here, we investigated the role of ar in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting technology. Targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish increases the number of female offspring and increases offspring weight. In addition, ar-null male zebrafish have female secondary sex characteristics. More importantly, targeted disruption of ar in zebrafish causes male infertility via defective spermatogenesis and female premature ovarian failure during growth. Mechanistic assays suggest that these effects are caused by fewer proliferated cells and more apoptotic cells in ar-null testes. Moreover, genes involved in reproductive development, estradiol induction and hormone synthesis were dys-regulated in testes and ovaries and the reproductive-endocrine axis was disordered. Our data thus suggest that the zebrafish ar is required for spermatogenesis and maintenance of ovarian function, which confirms evolutionarily conserved functions of ar in vertebrates, as well as indicates that ar-null zebrafish are a suitable model for studying pathologic mechanisms related to androgen disorders.
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36
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Thomas P, Converse A, Berg HA. ZIP9, a novel membrane androgen receptor and zinc transporter protein. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:130-136. [PMID: 28479083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Rapid, androgen actions initiated at the cell surface have been reported in a variety of vertebrate cells, including several macrophage and prostate cancer cell lines that lack the nuclear androgen receptor. However, until recently the identity of the novel membrane androgen receptor (mAR) mediating these nonclassical androgen actions remained unknown. In 2014, a novel mAR unrelated to nuclear androgen receptors was identified in Atlantic croaker ovaries as the zinc transporter protein, ZIP9. ZIP9 is one of the 14 members of the ZIP (ZRT-and Irt-like Protein, SLC39A) family that regulates zinc homeostasis by transporting zinc across cell and organelle membranes into the cytoplasm. Zinc is a micronutrient critical for the maintenance of physiological and cellular processes, such as development, growth, protein assembly and activity, signaling, and apoptosis. Both croaker ZIP9 and human ZIP9 proteins have the binding characteristics of high affinity, specific mARs, and are coupled to G proteins. Testosterone induces apoptosis through ZIP9 in croaker granulosa cells and in human breast and prostate cancer cells by a unique mechanism involving increases in both second messengers and intracellular free zinc concentrations. ZIP9 also mediates testosterone regulation of tight junction formation in Sertoli cells and nonclassical testosterone signaling in spermatogenic cells. ZIP9 acts through several signal transduction pathways, a stimulatory G protein (Gs) in granulosa cells, an inhibitory one (Gi) in cancer cells, and a Gq11 one (Gnα11) in spermatogenic cells. ZIP9 has a very broad tissue distribution and is predicted to mediate numerous and diverse nonclassical androgen actions in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States.
| | - Aubrey Converse
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, 750 Channel View Drive, Port Aransas, TX 78373, United States
| | - Håkan A Berg
- Department of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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"Positive Regulation of RNA Metabolic Process" Ontology Group Highly Regulated in Porcine Oocytes Matured In Vitro: A Microarray Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2863068. [PMID: 29546053 PMCID: PMC5818922 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2863068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) growth and development during folliculogenesis and oogenesis are accompanied by changes involving synthesis and accumulation of large amount of RNA and proteins. In this study, the transcriptomic profile of genes involved in “oocytes RNA synthesis” in relation to in vitro maturation in pigs was investigated for the first time. The RNA was isolated from oocytes before and after in vitro maturation (IVM). Interactions between differentially expressed genes/proteins belonging to “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” ontology group were investigated by STRING10 software. Using microarray assays, we found expression of 12258 porcine transcripts. Genes with fold change higher than |2| and with corrected p value lower than 0.05 were considered as differentially expressed. The ontology group “positive regulation of RNA metabolic process” involved differential expression of AR, INHBA, WWTR1, FOS, MEF2C, VEGFA, IKZF2, IHH, RORA, MAP3K1, NFAT5, SMARCA1, EGR1, EGR2, MITF, SMAD4, APP, and NR5A1 transcripts. Since all of the presented genes were downregulated after IVM, we suggested that they might be significantly involved in regulation of RNA synthesis before reaching oocyte MII stage. Higher expression of “RNA metabolic process” related genes before IVM indicated that they might be recognized as important markers and specific “transcriptomic fingerprint” of RNA template accumulation and storage for further porcine embryos growth and development.
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Walters KA, Edwards MC, Tesic D, Caldwell ASL, Jimenez M, Smith JT, Handelsman DJ. The Role of Central Androgen Receptor Actions in Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis. Neuroendocrinology 2018; 106:389-400. [PMID: 29635226 DOI: 10.1159/000487762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed throughout the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, and findings from female global AR knockout mice confirm that AR-mediated androgen actions play important roles in regulating female reproductive function. We generated neuron-specific AR knockout mice (NeurARKO) to investigate the functional role of neuronal AR-mediated androgen action in regulating the female HPG axis and fertility. Relative to control females, NeurARKO females exhibited elevated luteinizing hormone (LH) levels at diestrus (p < 0.05) and a compromised serum LH response to ovariectomy and E2 priming (p < 0.01). Furthermore, NeurARKO females displayed reduced Kiss1 mRNA expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus at diestrus (p < 0.05) and proestrus (p < 0.05), but elevated Kiss1 (p < 0.05) and neurokinin B (Tac2, p < 0.05) mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus at proestrus compared to WT controls. Ovarian follicle dynamics were also altered in NeurARKO ovaries at 3 months of age, with a significant reduction in large antral follicle numbers at the proestrus stage compared to control WT ovaries (p < 0.05). Increased follicular atresia was evident in NeurARKO ovaries with a 4-fold increase in unhealthy large preantral follicles (p < 0.01). Despite the findings of aberrant neuroendocrine and ovarian characteristics in the NeurARKO females, estrous cyclicity and overall fertility were comparable between NeurARKO and WT females. In conclusion, our findings revealed that selective loss of neuronal AR actions impacts the kisspeptin/GnRH/LH cascade leading to compromised ovarian follicle dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa C Edwards
- School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dijana Tesic
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - Aimee S L Caldwell
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Jimenez
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy T Smith
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Washington, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Converse A, Zhang C, Thomas P. Membrane Androgen Receptor ZIP9 Induces Croaker Ovarian Cell Apoptosis via Stimulatory G Protein Alpha Subunit and MAP Kinase Signaling. Endocrinology 2017. [PMID: 28633436 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies show that androgen-induced apoptosis in Atlantic croaker primary granulosa and theca (G/T) cells and in human breast and prostate cancer cell lines is mediated by the membrane androgen receptor ZIP9, which belongs to the SLC39A zinc transporter family. However, the apoptotic signaling pathways remain unclear because ZIP9 activates an inhibitory G protein in human cancer cells, whereas recombinant croaker ZIP9 activates a stimulatory G protein (Gs) in transfected cancer cells. We investigated androgen-dependent apoptotic pathways to identify the signaling pathways regulated through wild-type croaker ZIP9 in ovarian follicle cells. We show that the ZIP9-mediated apoptotic signaling pathway in croaker G/T cells shares several proapoptotic members with those in human cancer cells, but is activated through a Gsα subunit-dependent pathway. Testosterone treatment of croaker G/T cells increased intracellular zinc levels, mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity, caspase 3 activity, messenger RNA levels of proapoptotic members Bax, p53, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and the incidence of apoptosis, similar to findings in mammalian cancer cells, but also increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentrations. Transfection with small interfering RNA targeting croaker ZIP9 blocked testosterone-induced increase in bax, p53, and jnk expression. Testosterone-induced apoptosis and caspase 3 activation depended on the presence of extracellular zinc and were effectively blocked with cotreatment of inhibitors of the Gsα subunit, adenylyl cyclase, protein kinase A, and MAP kinase (Erk1/2) activation. These results indicate that ZIP9-mediated testosterone signaling in croaker G/T cells involves multiple pathways, some of which differ from those activated through ZIP9 in human cancer cells even though a similar apoptotic response is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey Converse
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
| | - Chenan Zhang
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
| | - Peter Thomas
- Marine Science Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Port Aransas, Texas 78373
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Ma X, Hayes E, Biswas A, Seger C, Prizant H, Hammes SR, Sen A. Androgens Regulate Ovarian Gene Expression Through Modulation of Ezh2 Expression and Activity. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2944-2954. [PMID: 28666321 PMCID: PMC5659665 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A substantial amount of evidence suggests that androgen signaling through classical androgen receptors is critical for both normal and pathologic ovarian physiology. Specifically, we and others have shown that, in mouse granulosa cells, androgen actions through both extranuclear and nuclear androgen receptor signaling are critical for normal follicle development and ovulation. Here, we show that androgens through the PI3K/Akt pathway rapidly (within minutes) phosphorylate and inhibit activity of the Polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2). Over the course of 24 to 48 hours, androgens then induce expression of the microRNA miR-101, which targets Ezh2 messenger RNA (mRNA), leading to a nearly complete loss of Ezh2 protein expression. This long-term androgen-induced loss of Ezh2 actions ultimately results in sustained reduction of the H3K27me3-repressive mark in the promoter region of the Runt-related transcription factor-1 (Runx1) gene, a luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced transcription factor essential for ovulation, leading to increased Runx1 mRNA expression. Accordingly, blocking androgen-induced inhibition of Ezh2 in vivo adversely affects LH-induced Runx1 mRNA expression and subsequent ovulation. Importantly, although estrogen treatment of granulosa cells similarly causes rapid activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and short-term phosphorylation of Ezh2, it does not induce miR-101 expression and thereby does not reduce overall Ezh2 expression, demonstrating the androgen specificity of long-term Ezh2 suppression. Thus, this study provides insight regarding how androgen-induced extranuclear kinase signaling and intranuclear transcription through Ezh2 modifications may influence the expression pattern of genes, ultimately affecting various downstream physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Emily Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Anindita Biswas
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Stephen R. Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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Sullivan DA, Rocha EM, Aragona P, Clayton JA, Ding J, Golebiowski B, Hampel U, McDermott AM, Schaumberg DA, Srinivasan S, Versura P, Willcox MDP. TFOS DEWS II Sex, Gender, and Hormones Report. Ocul Surf 2017; 15:284-333. [PMID: 28736336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2017.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One of the most compelling features of dry eye disease (DED) is that it occurs more frequently in women than men. In fact, the female sex is a significant risk factor for the development of DED. This sex-related difference in DED prevalence is attributed in large part to the effects of sex steroids (e.g. androgens, estrogens), hypothalamic-pituitary hormones, glucocorticoids, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 and thyroid hormones, as well as to the sex chromosome complement, sex-specific autosomal factors and epigenetics (e.g. microRNAs). In addition to sex, gender also appears to be a risk factor for DED. "Gender" and "sex" are words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. "Gender" refers to a person's self-representation as a man or woman, whereas "sex" distinguishes males and females based on their biological characteristics. Both gender and sex affect DED risk, presentation of the disease, immune responses, pain, care-seeking behaviors, service utilization, and myriad other facets of eye health. Overall, sex, gender and hormones play a major role in the regulation of ocular surface and adnexal tissues, and in the difference in DED prevalence between women and men. The purpose of this Subcommittee report is to review and critique the nature of this role, as well as to recommend areas for future research to advance our understanding of the interrelationships between sex, gender, hormones and DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Sullivan
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eduardo M Rocha
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pasquale Aragona
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ocular Surface Diseases Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy
| | - Janine A Clayton
- National Institutes of Health Office of Research on Women's Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Juan Ding
- Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye & Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Blanka Golebiowski
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ulrike Hampel
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alison M McDermott
- The Ocular Surface Institute, College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Debra A Schaumberg
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sruthi Srinivasan
- Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Piera Versura
- Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Lebbe M, Taylor AE, Visser JA, Kirkman-Brown JC, Woodruff TK, Arlt W. The Steroid Metabolome in the Isolated Ovarian Follicle and Its Response to Androgen Exposure and Antagonism. Endocrinology 2017; 158:1474-1485. [PMID: 28323936 PMCID: PMC5460835 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ovarian follicle is a major site of steroidogenesis, crucially required for normal ovarian function and female reproduction. Our understanding of androgen synthesis and metabolism in the developing follicle has been limited by the sensitivity and specificity issues of previously used assays. Here we used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to map the stage-dependent endogenous steroid metabolome in an encapsulated in vitro follicle growth system, from murine secondary through antral follicles. Furthermore, follicles were cultured in the presence of androgen precursors, nonaromatizable active androgen, and androgen receptor (AR) antagonists to assess effects on steroidogenesis and follicle development. Cultured follicles showed a stage-dependent increase in endogenous androgen, estrogen, and progesterone production, and incubations with the sex steroid precursor dehydroepiandrosterone revealed the follicle as capable of active androgen synthesis at early developmental stages. Androgen exposure and antagonism demonstrated AR-mediated effects on follicle growth and antrum formation that followed a biphasic pattern, with low levels of androgens inducing more rapid follicle maturation and high doses inhibiting oocyte maturation and follicle growth. Crucially, our study provides evidence for an intrafollicular feedback circuit regulating steroidogenesis, with decreased follicle androgen synthesis after exogenous androgen exposure and increased androgen output after additional AR antagonist treatment. We propose that this feedback circuit helps maintain an equilibrium of androgen exposure in the developing follicle. The observed biphasic response of follicle growth and function in increasing androgen supplementations has implications for our understanding of polycystic ovary syndrome pathophysiology and the dose-dependent utility of androgens in in vitro fertilization settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Lebbe
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Angela E. Taylor
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny A. Visser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3015 CN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jackson C. Kirkman-Brown
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Tommy’s National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Birmingham Women’s Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa K. Woodruff
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, United Kingdom
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Lim JJ, Han CY, Lee DR, Tsang BK. Ring Finger Protein 6 Mediates Androgen-Induced Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Follicle Growth via Modulation of Androgen Receptor Signaling. Endocrinology 2017; 158:993-1004. [PMID: 28324045 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The destiny of the ovarian follicle (growth or atresia) is tightly regulated by the actions and interactions of endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors. Although androgens are known to be important in the regulation of folliculogenesis, whether they facilitate or suppress follicular growth has been controversial, and the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Moreover, the role and regulation of androgen receptor (AR) in mediating androgen signaling during follicular development is not clear. Here, we report that the active androgen dihydrotestosterone upregulates the expression of AR and its E3 ligase ring finger protein 6 (RNF6), increasing site-specific AR polyubiquitination and AR transcriptional activity for soluble Kit ligand (sKit-L) expression in preantral follicle growth. RNF6 silencing suppressed dihydrotestosterone-induced AR ubiquitination (lysine residue 63) and proliferation and suppressed apoptosis in preantral granulosa cells, with these responses being overcome by the presence of exogenous sKit-L. Taken together, our findings support the notion that RNF6 plays an important role in androgen-induced, follicle-stage-dependent follicle growth and that it acts by facilitating AR-mediated granulosa cell sKit-L expression and proliferation. Our findings offer insights into the regulatory mechanism of androgen action in ovarian follicular growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Jin Lim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chae Young Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dong Ryul Lee
- Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center, College of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Benjamin K Tsang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macao, China
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Neuroendocrine androgen action is a key extraovarian mediator in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3334-E3343. [PMID: 28320971 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616467114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder characterized by reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic abnormalities. As the origins of PCOS remain unknown, mechanism-based treatments are not feasible and current management relies on treatment of symptoms. Hyperandrogenism is the most consistent PCOS characteristic; however, it is unclear whether androgen excess, which is treatable, is a cause or a consequence of PCOS. As androgens mediate their actions via the androgen receptor (AR), we combined a mouse model of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS with global and cell-specific AR-resistant (ARKO) mice to investigate the locus of androgen actions that mediate the development of the PCOS phenotype. Global loss of the AR reveals that AR signaling is required for all DHT-induced features of PCOS. Neuron-specific AR signaling was required for the development of dysfunctional ovulation, classic polycystic ovaries, reduced large antral follicle health, and several metabolic traits including obesity and dyslipidemia. In addition, ovariectomized ARKO hosts with wild-type ovary transplants displayed normal estrous cycles and corpora lutea, despite DHT treatment, implying extraovarian and not intraovarian AR actions are key loci of androgen action in generating the PCOS phenotype. These findings provide strong evidence that neuroendocrine genomic AR signaling is an important extraovarian mediator in the development of PCOS traits. Thus, targeting AR-driven mechanisms that initiate PCOS is a promising strategy for the development of novel treatments for PCOS.
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Walters KA, Edwards MC, Jimenez M, Handelsman DJ, Allan CM. Subfertility in androgen-insensitive female mice is rescued by transgenic FSH. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:1426-1434. [DOI: 10.1071/rd16022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens synergise with FSH in female reproduction but the nature of their interaction in ovarian function and fertility is not clear. In the present study, we investigated this interaction, notably whether higher endogenous FSH can overcome defective androgen actions in androgen receptor (AR)-knockout (ARKO) mice. We generated and investigated the reproductive function of mutant mice exhibiting AR resistance with or without expression of human transgenic FSH (Tg-FSH). On the background of inactivated AR signalling, which alone resulted in irregular oestrous cycles and reduced pups per litter, ovulation rates and antral follicle health, Tg-FSH expression restored follicle health, ovulation rates and litter size to wild-type levels. However, Tg-FSH was only able to partially rectify the abnormal oestrous cycles observed in ARKO females. Hence, elevated endogenous FSH rescued the intraovarian defects, and partially rescued the extraovarian defects due to androgen insensitivity. In addition, the observed increase in litter size in Tg-FSH females was not observed in the presence of AR signalling inactivation. In summary, the findings of the present study reveal that FSH can rescue impaired female fertility and ovarian function due to androgen insensitivity in female ARKO mice by maintaining follicle health and ovulation rates, and thereby optimal female fertility.
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46
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Lam YT, Lecce L, Tan JTM, Bursill CA, Handelsman DJ, Ng MKC. Androgen Receptor-Mediated Genomic Androgen Action Augments Ischemia-Induced Neovascularization. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4853-4864. [PMID: 27754785 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that androgens regulate ischemia-induced neovascularization. However, the role of genomic androgen action mediated by androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-activated nuclear transcription factor, remains poorly understood. Using an AR knockout (KO) mouse strain that contains a transcriptionally inactive AR (ARΔex3KO), we examined the role of AR genomic function in modulating androgen-mediated augmentation of ischemia-induced neovascularization. Castrated wild-type (ARWT) and ARΔex3KO mice were implanted with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or placebo pellets after hindlimb ischemia (HLI). DHT modulation of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, key processes for vascular repair and regeneration, was examined. Laser Doppler perfusion imaging revealed that DHT enhanced blood flow recovery in ARWT mice post-HLI. In ARWT mice, DHT enhanced angiogenesis by down-regulating prolyl hydroxylase 2 and augmenting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) levels in the ischemic tissues post-HLI. DHT also enhanced the production and mobilization of Sca1+/CXCR4+ progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM) and circulating blood, respectively, in ARWT mice. By contrast, DHT-mediated enhancement of blood flow recovery was abrogated in ARΔex3KO mice. DHT modulation of HIF-1α expression was attenuated in ARΔex3KO mice. DHT-induced HIF-1α transcriptional activity and DHT-augmented paracrine-mediated endothelial cell tubule formation were attenuated in fibroblasts isolated from ARΔex3KO mice in vitro. Furthermore, DHT-induced augmentation of Sca1+/CXCR4+ progenitor cell production and mobilization was absent in ARΔex3KO mice post-HLI. BM transplantation revealed that ischemia-induced mobilization of circulating progenitor cells was abolished in recipients of ARΔex3KO BM. Together, these results indicate that androgen-mediated augmentation of ischemia-induced neovascularization is dependent on genomic AR transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuen Ting Lam
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Laura Lecce
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Joanne T M Tan
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Christina A Bursill
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Martin K C Ng
- The Heart Research Institute (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales 2042, Australia; Sydney Medical School (Y.T.L., L.L., J.T.M.T., C.A.B., M.K.C.N.), The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia; ANZAC Research Institute (D.J.H.), The University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, Australia; and Department of Cardiology (M.K.C.N.), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
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Rosenfield RL, Ehrmann DA. The Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): The Hypothesis of PCOS as Functional Ovarian Hyperandrogenism Revisited. Endocr Rev 2016; 37:467-520. [PMID: 27459230 PMCID: PMC5045492 DOI: 10.1210/er.2015-1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 705] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was hypothesized to result from functional ovarian hyperandrogenism (FOH) due to dysregulation of androgen secretion in 1989-1995. Subsequent studies have supported and amplified this hypothesis. When defined as otherwise unexplained hyperandrogenic oligoanovulation, two-thirds of PCOS cases have functionally typical FOH, characterized by 17-hydroxyprogesterone hyperresponsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation. Two-thirds of the remaining PCOS have FOH detectable by testosterone elevation after suppression of adrenal androgen production. About 3% of PCOS have a related isolated functional adrenal hyperandrogenism. The remaining PCOS cases are mild and lack evidence of steroid secretory abnormalities; most of these are obese, which we postulate to account for their atypical PCOS. Approximately half of normal women with polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) have subclinical FOH-related steroidogenic defects. Theca cells from polycystic ovaries of classic PCOS patients in long-term culture have an intrinsic steroidogenic dysregulation that can account for the steroidogenic abnormalities typical of FOH. These cells overexpress most steroidogenic enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450c17. Overexpression of a protein identified by genome-wide association screening, differentially expressed in normal and neoplastic development 1A.V2, in normal theca cells has reproduced this PCOS phenotype in vitro. A metabolic syndrome of obesity-related and/or intrinsic insulin resistance occurs in about half of PCOS patients, and the compensatory hyperinsulinism has tissue-selective effects, which include aggravation of hyperandrogenism. PCOS seems to arise as a complex trait that results from the interaction of diverse genetic and environmental factors. Heritable factors include PCOM, hyperandrogenemia, insulin resistance, and insulin secretory defects. Environmental factors include prenatal androgen exposure and poor fetal growth, whereas acquired obesity is a major postnatal factor. The variety of pathways involved and lack of a common thread attests to the multifactorial nature and heterogeneity of the syndrome. Further research into the fundamental basis of the disorder will be necessary to optimally correct androgen levels, ovulation, and metabolic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Rosenfield
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60637
| | - David A Ehrmann
- Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60637
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Gibson DA, Simitsidellis I, Saunders PTK. Regulation of androgen action during establishment of pregnancy. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 57:R35-47. [PMID: 27067639 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
During the establishment of pregnancy, the ovarian-derived hormones progesterone and oestradiol regulate remodelling of the endometrium to promote an environment that is able to support and maintain a successful pregnancy. Decidualisation is characterised by differentiation of endometrial stromal cells that secrete growth factors and cytokines that regulate vascular remodelling and immune cell influx. This differentiation process is critical for reproduction, and inadequate decidualisation is implicated in the aetiology of pregnancy disorders such as foetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. In contrast to progesterone and oestradiol, the role of androgens in regulating endometrial function is poorly understood. Androgen receptors are expressed in the endometrium, and androgens are reported to regulate both the transcriptome and the secretome of endometrial stromal cells. In androgen-target tissues, circulating precursors are activated to mediate local effects, and recent studies report that steroid concentrations detected in endometrial tissue are distinct to those detected in the peripheral circulation. New evidence suggests that decidualisation results in dynamic changes in the expression of androgen biosynthetic enzymes, highlighting a role for pre-receptor regulation of androgen action during the establishment of pregnancy. These results suggest that such enzymes could be future therapeutic targets for the treatment of infertility associated with endometrial dysfunction. In conclusion, these data support the hypothesis that androgens play a beneficial role in regulating the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Future studies should be focussed on investigating the safety and efficacy of androgen supplementation with the potential for utilisation of novel therapeutics, such as selective androgen receptor modulators, to improve reproductive outcomes in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation ResearchQueen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation ResearchQueen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- Medical Research Council Centre for Inflammation ResearchQueen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Identification of polycystic ovary syndrome potential drug targets based on pathobiological similarity in the protein-protein interaction network. Oncotarget 2016; 7:37906-37919. [PMID: 27191267 PMCID: PMC5122359 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders in reproductive aged women. PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are closely linked in multiple levels and possess high pathobiological similarity. Here, we put forward a new computational approach based on the pathobiological similarity to identify PCOS potential drug target modules (PPDT-Modules) and PCOS potential drug targets in the protein-protein interaction network (PPIN). From the systems level and biological background, 1 PPDT-Module and 22 PCOS potential drug targets were identified, 21 of which were verified by literatures to be associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS. 42 drugs targeting to 13 PCOS potential drug targets were investigated experimentally or clinically for PCOS. Evaluated by independent datasets, the whole PPDT-Module and 22 PCOS potential drug targets could not only reveal the drug response, but also distinguish the statuses between normal and disease. Our identified PPDT-Module and PCOS potential drug targets would shed light on the treatment of PCOS. And our approach would provide valuable insights to research on the pathogenesis and drug response of other diseases.
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50
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the last decade, it has been proven that androgens acting via the androgen receptor (AR) play an important role in the regulation of female reproductive function. However, the specific site of action and the precise pathways involved remain to be fully elucidated. This review aims to combine findings from emerging basic research to provide new insights into the roles of AR-mediated actions, and the mechanisms involved, in normal ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland function. RECENT FINDINGS Our understanding of the specific roles of androgens in females has been hindered as females with complete androgen insensitivity cannot be generated by natural breeding, and interpretation of results from pharmacological studies has led to confusion as some androgens can be converted into estrogens, which can mediate actions via estrogen receptors. However, with the creation of global and cell-specific female AR knockout mouse models by Cre-LoxP technology, and the use of aromatizable and nonaromatizable androgens, novel roles for androgens in the regulation of female reproductive physiology have been revealed. SUMMARY AR-mediated mechanisms play important roles in mediating normal ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland function and there is hope that further elucidation of the role of androgens in female reproductive physiology may translate into the development of novel, evidence-based, and targeted treatment for androgen-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- aAndrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia bMRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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