Hormonal regulation of suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) messenger ribonucleic acid in the arcuate nucleus during late pregnancy

Combined effects of progesterone and SOCS3 DNA methylation on T2DM: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the independent and combined effects of progesterone and suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 DNA methylation on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among men and postmenopausal women in rural China.

METHODS

A case-control study with 914 participants (329 T2DM, 585 controls) was conducted. Serum progesterone was detected with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. DNA methylation of SOCS3 was determined by MethylTarget™. Linear regression was applied to evaluate the associations of progesterone and SOCS3 methylation with marks of glucose metabolism. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the independent and combined effects of progesterone and SOCS3 methylation with T2DM in men and postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

After multiple adjustment, progesterone was positively associated with T2DM in both men (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.77 (1.79, 4.29)) and postmenopausal women (OR (95% CI): 1.85 (1.26, 2.72)). Methylation level of Chr17:76,356,190 or Chr17:76,356,199 (SOCS3) was negatively associated with T2DM in both men (OR (95% CI): 0.58 (0.39, 0.86) or 0.27 (0.14, 0.51)) and postmenopausal women (OR (95% CI): 0.43 (0.29, 0.65) or 0.53 (0.28, 0.99)). Subjects with high progesterone and low Chr17:76,356,190 or Chr17:76,356,199 methylation were more susceptible to have a higher prevalence of T2DM (men: OR (95% CI): 5.20 (2.49, 10.85) or 5.62 (2.74, 11.54); postmenopausal women: OR (95% CI): 3.66 (1.85, 7.26) or 3.27 (1.66, 6.45)).

CONCLUSIONS

The independent and combined effects of progesterone and SOCS3 methylation on T2DM were found among men and postmenopausal women, suggesting that ensuring low levels of progesterone and high methylation of SOCS3 could reduce the prevalence of T2DM. Trial registration The Chinese Clinical Trial registration: The Henan Rural Cohort Study, ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. Registered 06 July 2015, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

Pregnancy-induced changes in the transcript levels of prolactin receptor and its suppressor in the ovine hypothalamus and adenohypophysis

The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the abundance of prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) and suppressor of cytokine signalling-3 (SOCS-3) mRNA in the ventro-/dorsomedial nucleus (VMH/DMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus as well as in the median eminence (ME) and adenohypophysis (AP) in sheep at 30, 60, 90 and 120 d of pregnancy compared to non-pregnant animals. In the VMH/DMH, PRLR transcripts were detected only in non-pregnant ewes. In the ARC, the abundances of PRLR mRNA were higher in pregnant sheep on days 30 (p < .01), 90 (p < .01) and 120 (p < .05) than in non-pregnant sheep. In contrast, the expression of PRLR mRNA in the ME was lower (p < .01) in pregnant ewes at days 30 and 60 than in non-pregnant ewes and was undetectable at later stages of gestation. In all studied stages of pregnancy except day 60, the abundance of PRLR mRNA was higher (p < .01) in the ARC than in the AP, while in non-pregnant sheep, there were no differences (p ≥ .05) in the transcript levels between these two tissues. In non-pregnant ewes, the abundance of SOCS-3 mRNA in the AP was lower than that in any other studied tissue (p < .05-p < .01). In conclusion, the observed changes in PRLR and SOCS-3 mRNA abundance in the hypothalamus and AP during pregnancy may be important components of the mechanisms regulating the action of PRL in energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine interactions within the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.

Effect of hyperthyroidism on circulating prolactin and hypothalamic expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, prolactin signaling cascade members and estrogen and progesterone receptors during late pregnancy and lactation in the rat

Hyperthyroidism (HyperT) compromises pregnancy and lactation, hindering suckling-induced PRL release. We studied the effect of HyperT on hypothalamic mRNA (RT-qPCR) and protein (Western blot) expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), PRL receptor (PRLR) and signaling pathway members, estrogen-α (ERα) and progesterone (PR) receptors on late pregnancy (days G19, 20 and 21) and early lactation (L2) in rats. HyperT advanced pre-partum PRL release, reduced circulating PRL on L2 and increased TH mRNA (G21 and L2), p-TH, PRLR mRNA, STAT5 protein (G19 and L2), PRLR protein (G21) and CIS protein (G19). PRs mRNAs and protein decreased on G19 but afterwards PRA mRNA (G20), PRB mRNA (G21) and PRA mRNA and protein (L2) increased. ERα protein increased on G19 and decreased on G20. Thus, the altered hypothalamic PRLR, STAT5, PR and ERα expression in hyperthyroid rats may induce elevated TH expression and activation, that consequently, elevate dopaminergic tone during lactation, blunting suckling-induced PRL release and litter growth.

Obesity impairs lactation performance in mice by inducing prolactin resistance

Obesity reduces breastfeeding success and lactation performance in women. However, the mechanisms involved are not entirely understood. In the present study, female C57BL/6 mice were chronically exposed to a high-fat diet to induce obesity and subsequently exhibited impaired offspring viability (only 15% survival rate), milk production (33% reduction), mammopoiesis (one-third of the glandular area compared to control animals) and postpartum maternal behaviors (higher latency to retrieving and grouping the pups). Reproductive experience attenuated these defects. Diet-induced obese mice exhibited high basal pSTAT5 levels in the mammary tissue and hypothalamus, and an acute prolactin stimulus was unable to further increase pSTAT5 levels above basal levels. In contrast, genetically obese leptin-deficient females showed normal prolactin responsiveness. Additionally, we identified the expression of leptin receptors specifically in basal/myoepithelial cells of the mouse mammary gland. Finally, high-fat diet females exhibited altered mRNA levels of ERBB4 and NRG1, suggesting that obesity may involve disturbances to mammary gland paracrine circuits that are critical in the control of luminal progenitor function and lactation. In summary, our findings indicate that high leptin levels are a possible cause of the peripheral and central prolactin resistance observed in obese mice which leads to impaired lactation performance.

Neuroendocrine regulation of lactation and milk production

Prolactin (PRL) released from lactotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland in response to the suckling by the offspring is the major hormonal signal responsible for stimulation of milk synthesis in the mammary glands. PRL secretion is under chronic inhibition exerted by dopamine (DA), which is released from neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus into the hypophyseal portal vasculature. Suckling by the young activates ascending systems that decrease the release of DA from this system, resulting in enhanced responsiveness to one or more PRL-releasing hormones, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), synthesized in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic, paraventricular, and several accessory nuclei, is responsible for contracting the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland to produce milk ejection. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrate that shortly before each milk ejection, the entire neurosecretory OT population fires a synchronized burst of action potentials (the milk ejection burst), resulting in release of OT from nerve terminals in the neurohypophysis. Both of these neuroendocrine systems undergo alterations in late gestation that prepare them for the secretory demands of lactation, and that reduce their responsiveness to stimuli other than suckling, especially physical stressors. The demands of milk synthesis and release produce a condition of negative energy balance in the suckled mother, and, in laboratory rodents, are accompanied by a dramatic hyperphagia. The reduction in secretion of the adipocyte hormone, leptin, a hallmark of negative energy balance, may be an important endocrine signal to hypothalamic systems that integrate lactation-associated food intake with neuroendocrine systems.

60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: The hypothalamo-prolactin axis

The hypothalamic control of prolactin secretion is different from other anterior pituitary hormones, in that it is predominantly inhibitory, by means of dopamine from the tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons. In addition, prolactin does not have an endocrine target tissue, and therefore lacks the classical feedback pathway to regulate its secretion. Instead, it is regulated by short loop feedback, whereby prolactin itself acts in the brain to stimulate production of dopamine and thereby inhibit its own secretion. Finally, despite its relatively simple name, prolactin has a broad range of functions in the body, in addition to its defining role in promoting lactation. As such, the hypothalamo-prolactin axis has many characteristics that are quite distinct from other hypothalamo-pituitary systems. This review will provide a brief overview of our current understanding of the neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion, in particular focusing on the plasticity evident in this system, which keeps prolactin secretion at low levels most of the time, but enables extended periods of hyperprolactinemia when necessary for lactation. Key prolactin functions beyond milk production will be discussed, particularly focusing on the role of prolactin in inducing adaptive responses in multiple different systems to facilitate lactation, and the consequences if prolactin action is impaired. A feature of this pleiotropic activity is that functions that may be adaptive in the lactating state might be maladaptive if prolactin levels are elevated inappropriately. Overall, my goal is to give a flavour of both the history and current state of the field of prolactin neuroendocrinology, and identify some exciting new areas of research development.

Regulation of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS) by ubiquitination and Elongin B/C interaction

Cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS) inhibits prolactin receptor (PRLR) signaling and acts as part of an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex through interactions with Elongin B/C proteins. This study aimed to identify CIS lysine ubiquitination sites and determine roles of ubiquitination and Elongin B/C interactions on CIS protein stability and PRLR signaling inhibition. Site-directed mutations revealed that CIS can be ubiquitinated on all six lysine residues. Elongin B/C interaction box mutation had no influence on CIS ubiquitination. CIS stability was increased by mutation of lysine residues and further enhanced by co-mutation of Elongin B/C interaction domain. CIS inhibition of STAT5B phosphorylation and casein promoter activation was dependent on CIS interactions with Elongin B/C, but not on CIS ubiquitination. These data indicate CIS protein stability is regulated through multiple mechanisms, including ubiquitination and interaction with Elongin B/C proteins, whereas CIS functional inhibition of PRLR signaling is dependent on the Elongin B/C interaction.

SOCS3 deficiency in leptin receptor-expressing cells mitigates the development of pregnancy-induced metabolic changes

Objective

During pregnancy, women normally increase their food intake and body fat mass, and exhibit insulin resistance. However, an increasing number of women are developing metabolic imbalances during pregnancy, including excessive gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes mellitus. Despite the negative health impacts of pregnancy-induced metabolic imbalances, their molecular causes remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for orchestrating the metabolic changes observed during pregnancy.

Methods

Initially, we investigated the hypothalamic expression of key genes that could influence the energy balance and glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Based on these results, we generated a conditional knockout mouse that lacks the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) only in leptin receptor-expressing cells and studied these animals during pregnancy.

Results

Among several genes involved in leptin resistance, only SOCS3 was increased in the hypothalamus of pregnant mice. Remarkably, SOCS3 deletion from leptin receptor-expressing cells prevented pregnancy-induced hyperphagia, body fat accumulation as well as leptin and insulin resistance without affecting the ability of the females to carry their gestation to term. Additionally, we found that SOCS3 conditional deletion protected females against long-term postpartum fat retention and streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetes.

Conclusions

Our study identified the increased hypothalamic expression of SOCS3 as a key mechanism responsible for triggering pregnancy-induced leptin resistance and metabolic adaptations. These findings not only help to explain a common phenomenon of the mammalian physiology, but it may also aid in the development of approaches to prevent and treat gestational metabolic imbalances.

Cytokine signaling-1 suppressor is inducible by IL-1beta and inhibits the catabolic effects of IL-1beta in chondrocytes: its implication in the paradoxical joint-protective role of IL-1beta

INTRODUCTION

Although IL-1β is believed to be crucial in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), the IL-1β blockade brings no therapeutic benefit in human OA and results in OA aggravation in several animal models. We explored the role of a cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) suppressor as a regulatory modulator of IL-1β signaling in chondrocytes.

METHODS

Cartilage samples were obtained from patients with knee OA and those without OA who underwent surgery for femur-neck fracture. SOCS1 expression in cartilage was assessed with immunohistochemistry. IL-1β-induced SOCS1 expression in chondrocytes was analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot. The effect of SOCS1 on IL-1β signaling pathways and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanase-1 was investigated in SOCS1-overexpressing or -knockdown chondrocytes.

RESULTS

SOCS1 expression was significantly increased in OA cartilage, especially in areas of severe damage (P < 0.01). IL-1β stimulated SOCS1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent pattern (P < 0.01). The IL-1β-induced production of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase-1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4) was affected by SOCS1 overexpression or knockdown in both SW1353 cells and primary human articular chondrocytes (all P values < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of SOCS1 were mediated by blocking p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, and by downregulating transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that SOCS1 is induced by IL1-β in OA chondrocytes and suppresses the IL-1β-induced synthesis of matrix-degrading enzymes by inhibiting IL-1β signaling at multiple levels. It suggests that the IL-1β-inducible SOCS1 acts as a negative regulator of the IL-1β response in OA cartilage.

SOCS genes expression during physiological and perturbed implantation in bovine endometrium

In mammals, suppressor of cytokine signalling (CISH, SOCS1 to SOCS7) factors control signalling pathways involved in the regulation of numerous physiological processes including pregnancy. In order to gain new insights into the biological functions of SOCS in the endometrium, a comprehensive analysis of SOCS gene expression was carried out in bovine caruncular (CAR) and intercaruncular (ICAR) tissues collected i) during the oestrous cycle, ii) at the time of maternal recognition of pregnancy and at implantation in inseminated females, iii) following uterine interferon-tau (IFNT) infusion at day 14 post-oestrus, iv) following a period of controlled intravaginal progesterone release and v) following transfer of embryos by somatic-cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The regulatory effects of IFNT on in vitro cultured epithelial and stromal cells were also examined. Altogether, our data showed that CISH, SOCS4, SOCS5 and SOCS7 mRNA levels were poorly affected during luteolysis and pregnancy. In contrast, SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3 and SOCS6 mRNA levels were strongly up-regulated at implantation (day 20 of pregnancy). Experimental in vitro and in vivo models demonstrated that only CISH, SOCS1, SOCS2 and SOCS3 were IFNT-induced genes. Immunohistochemistry showed an intense SOCS3 and SOCS6 staining in the nucleus of luminal and glandular epithelium and of stromal cells of pregnant endometrium. Finally, SOCS3 expression was significantly increased in SCNT pregnancies in keeping with the altered immune function previously reported in this model of compromised implantation. Collectively, our data suggest that spatio-temporal changes in endometrial SOCS gene expression reflect the acquisition of receptivity, maternal recognition of pregnancy and implantation.

Gender differences in autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases are a range of diseases in which the immune response to self-antigens results in damage or dysfunction of tissues. Autoimmune diseases can be systemic or can affect specific organs or body systems. For most autoimmune diseases there is a clear sex difference in prevalence, whereby females are generally more frequently affected than males. In this review, we consider gender differences in systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, and we summarize human data that outlines the prevalence of common autoimmune diseases specific to adult males and females in countries commonly surveyed. We discuss possible mechanisms for sex specific differences including gender differences in immune response and organ vulnerability, reproductive capacity including pregnancy, sex hormones, genetic predisposition, parental inheritance, and epigenetics. Evidence demonstrates that gender has a significant influence on the development of autoimmune disease. Thus, considerations of gender should be at the forefront of all studies that attempt to define mechanisms that underpin autoimmune disease.

Sex hormones and HCV: an unresolved mystery

The biological differences between males and females advocate the ultimate need for gender-specific medicine. The variation in response to viral infection as well as therapy among different genders makes it very intriguing to reveal the responsible factors for causing this discrepancy. HCV is one of the most noxious infectious diseases, however the impact of gender on the response to HCV has received negligible attention in the literature. The controversial studies concerning the effect of gender on the outcome of interferon-based therapy urge a need to judge the gender discrepancy in host factors responsible for both interferon release and action. The main aim of this review is to disentangle the interplay between sex hormones and several viral and host factors responsible for viral clearance in an attempt to clarify the role of gender in modulating the response to HCV as well as interferon-based therapy.

The effect of chronic immobilization stress on leptin signaling in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat

Previous studies have shown that both 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment and chronic stress may attenuate post-OVX weight gain in the female rat. However, the interaction between E2 and stress is unclear. This study examined the effect of E2 treatment and chronic immobilization stress on body weight. Adult OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups in a 2X2 factorial design examining hormone treatment [vehicle (VEH) or E2, sc] and stress (no stress vs stress 60 min/day for 22 days). After 22 days, E2 significantly inhibited weight gain and food intake in OVX rats. In contrast, chronic stress reduced body weight only in control OVX animals but did not affect food intake. E2 reduced circulating leptin levels in non-stressed animals, but not in animals subjected to chronic immobilization. Western blot analysis indicated that E2 treatment increased leptin receptor (Ob-Rb) expression in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH); however, this treatment also increased suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), which is an inhibitor of leptin signaling. Chronic immobilization stress blunted the E2-induced increase in Ob-Rb and SOCS3 levels. These results suggest that chronic stress counteracts E2 effects on leptin signaling in the MBH without altering body weight.

Impairments to the GH-IGF-I axis in hSOD1G93A mice give insight into possible mechanisms of GH dysregulation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

GH deficiency has been found in subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Disrupted endocrine function could contribute to the progressive muscle loss and hypermetabolism seen in ALS. It is not possible to study all the elements of the GH-IGF-I axis in ALS patients. Consequently, it remains unclear whether dysfunctional GH secretion contributes to disease pathogenesis and why GH and IGF-I directed treatment strategies are ineffective in human ALS. The hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mouse model is useful for the detailed investigation of the pathogenesis of ALS. We report that symptomatic male hSOD1(G93A) transgenic mice exhibit a deficiency in GH secretion similar to that seen in human ALS. Further characterization of the GH-IGF-I axis in hSOD1(G93A) mice reveals central and peripheral abnormalities that are not found in wild-type age-matched controls. Specifically, we observe aberrant endogenous pulsatile GH secretion, reduced pituitary GH content, and decreased circulating levels of IGF-I, indicating global GH deficiency in hSOD1(G93A) mice. Furthermore, a reduction in the expression of the IGF-I receptor α-subunit in skeletal muscle and lumbar spinal cords of hSOD1(G93A) mice suggests impaired IGF-I signaling within these tissues. This is the first account of disrupted GH secretion in a transgenic mouse model of ALS. These observations are essential for the development of effective GH and IGF-I targeted therapies in ALS.

GH does not modulate the early fasting-induced release of free fatty acids in mice

Fasting results in the mobilization of adipose stores and the elevation of levels of free fatty acids (FFA). In humans, this process is driven by a release in GH. Little is known regarding the role of GH in modulating this process during early stages of fasting in the mouse. Confirmation of the role of GH in modulating FFA release in the fasting mouse is of particular importance given the frequent use of mouse models to study metabolic mechanisms. Here, we correlate the initial release of FFA throughout fasting in mice with pulsatile GH secretion. Observations illustrate the rapid release of FFA in response to food withdrawal. This does not correlate with a rise in GH secretion. Rather, we observed a striking loss in pulsatile secretion of GH throughout the first 6 h of fasting, suggesting that GH does not modulate the initial release of FFA in the mouse in response to fasting. This was confirmed in GH receptor knockout mice, in which we observed a robust fasting-induced rise in FFA. We further illustrate the dynamic relationship between the orexigenic and anorexigenic hormones ghrelin and leptin during fasting in the mouse. Our findings show an initial suppression of leptin and the eventual rise in circulating levels of acyl-ghrelin with fasting. However, altered acyl-ghrelin and leptin secretion occurs well after the rise in FFA and the suppression of GH secretion. Consequently, we conclude that although acyl-ghrelin and leptin may modulate the physiological response to drive food intake, these changes do not contribute to the initial loss of pulsatile GH secretion. Rather, it appears that the suppression of GH secretion in fasting may occur in response to an elevation in fasting levels of FFA or physiological stress. Observations highlight a divergent role for GH in modulating FFA release between man and mouse.

Effect of progesterone withdrawal on hypothalamic mechanisms related to prolactin release in late pregnant rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Progesterone (P(4)) fall provoked by spontaneous or prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α)-induced luteolysis in late pregnant rats triggers a prolactin (PRL) surge 12-24 h later.

METHODS

To investigate the hypothalamic mechanism mediating this response, we determined expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), PRL receptors (long form, PRLR(long)), estrogen-α (ERα) and ERβ, P(4) (PR) A and B receptors, and STAT5a, STAT5b, suppressors of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), SOCS3 and CIS at mRNA (by semiquantitative and real-time RT-PCR) and protein (by Western blot only for TH, ERα and PRs) levels, and dopamine and DOPAC (by high-performance liquid chromatography) contents in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) 24 h after luteolysis induced by a PGF2α analogue (cloprostenol, 25 μg/rat s.c. at 8 and 12 h on day 19 of pregnancy).

RESULTS

PGF2α treatment decreased circulating P(4) and estradiol and increased PRL and the estradiol/P(4) ratio. MBH DOPAC and DOPAC/dopamine ratio fell, indicating decreased dopaminergic transmission. PRLR(long), PRB and ERα mRNA increased. ERα and PR proteins were not modified. However, TH protein and mRNA did not change. PRA, the small PR isoform, was much more abundant than PRB, the isoform considered to mediate P(4) genomic actions. STAT5a, SOCS1 and SOCS3 mRNA were also increased.

CONCLUSION

The P(4) fall induced by PGF2α treatment induces PRL release through diminution in MBH dopaminergic transmission without change in TH expression. The increased PRLR along with elevated circulating PRL may be responsible for maintaining high TH expression through activation of short-loop feedback mechanisms, counteracting the effect of the fall in circulating P(4). In parallel, SOCS expression contributes to limit PRL signaling.

Mechanism of attenuation of leptin signaling under chronic ligand stimulation

Background

Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that acts via its hypothalamic receptor (LEPRb) to regulate energy balance. A downstream effect essential for the weight-regulatory action of leptin is the phosphorylation and activation of the latent transcription factor STAT3 by LEPRb-associated Janus kinases (JAKs). Obesity is typically associated with chronically elevated leptin levels and a decreased ability of LEPRb to activate intracellular signal transduction pathways (leptin resistance). Here we have studied the roles of the intracellular tyrosine residues in the negative feedback regulation of LEPRb-signaling under chronic leptin stimulation.

Results

Mutational analysis showed that the presence of either Tyr985 and Tyr1077 in the intracellular domain of LEPRb was sufficient for the attenuation of STAT3 phosphorylation, whereas mutation of both tyrosines rendered LEPRb resistant to feedback regulation. Overexpression and RNA interference-mediated downregulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) revealed that both Tyr985 and Tyr1077 were capable of supporting the negative modulatory effect of SOCS3 in reporter gene assays. In contrast, the inhibitory effect of SOCS1 was enhanced by the presence of Tyr985 but not Tyr1077. Finally, the reduction of the STAT-phosphorylating activity of the LEPRb complex after 2 h of leptin stimulation was not accompanied by the dephosphorylation or degradation of LEPRb or the receptor-associated JAK molecule, but depended on Tyr985 and/or Tyr1077.

Conclusions

Both Tyr985 and Tyr1077 contribute to the negative regulation of LEPRb signaling. The inhibitory effects of SOCS1 and SOCS3 differ in the dependence on the tyrosine residues in the intracellular domain of LEPRb.

Physiological models of leptin resistance

In common forms of obesity, animals and humans become leptin resistant associated with impaired regulation of energy homeostasis. Over the last decade, significant advances in delineating the underlying mechanisms have been achieved. As well as the obvious scientific progress obtained by novel transgenic animals, natural and physiological models of leptin resistance such as the Siberian hamster (Phodoups sungorus), the field vole (Microtus agrestis) or the rat during pregnancy have also provided invaluable insight into the dynamic long-term control of energy homeostasis. Seasonal (in the hamster) and pregnancy-induced leptin resistance are characterised by a modulation of the leptin signalling cascade downstream of its receptor in the hypothalamus. In this state, leptin-induced phosphorylation of the important transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), is impaired in the arcuate nucleus and the ventromedial hypothalamus (only during pregnancy). This is accompanied by elevated levels of leptin signalling inhibitors such as the suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS3) and the protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The janus kinase 2 (JAK2)-STAT3 signalling pathway might be modulated by a dual function of the tyrosine residue Tyr(985) in the intracellular domain of the leptin receptor. In seasonal animals, SOCS3, most importantly seems to act as a 'molecular switch' enabling a photoperiod-induced alteration in leptin signalling and subsequent adjustments in energy homeostasis to allow attainment of a new body weight set-point. These physiological models show that animals can exhibit leptin resistance as an adaptive response to meet new physiological or environmental challenges, promoting the survival of the species during times of increased metabolic demand. The molecular mechanisms mediating physiological and/or pathological leptin resistance, like during diet induced obesity, might be very similar involving hypothalamic SOCS3. Investigation of these models might further provide new insight into the dynamic complexity of energy homeostasis.

Maximal expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling in the rat ovary occurs in late pregnancy

Maintenance of the rodent corpus luteum (CL) during pregnancy requires prolactin receptor (PRLR) signal transduction via STAT5. At the end of pregnancy, prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) induces luteal regression through many mechanisms, including downregulation of PRLR signaling. We have previously shown that a PGF2α analog upregulates suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins in the CL of day 19 pregnant rats leading to reduced STAT5 signaling. Here, we examined endogenous SOCS expression and STAT5 signaling in the rat ovary during normal pregnancy and luteolysis. The mRNA expression of Socs1, Socs2, and Socs3 and related cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (Cish) was low in early pregnancy (day 7), but significantly increased at mid-pregnancy (days 10 and 13) associated with increased endogenous tyrosine phosphorylation (TyrP) of STAT5. In support of the notion that these changes are due to increasing placental lactogen levels at this time, we found that treatment with exogenous PRL on day 7 increased TyrP of STAT5 and induced SOCS mRNA expression, except Socs3. After mid-pregnancy, further significant increases in Socs3 and Cish mRNA expression were observed. Such changes in mRNA expression correlated with protein levels, with protein levels of both SOCS3 and CISH being maximal in late pregnancy (days 19–21). In addition, a significant reduction in TyrP of STAT5 was first observed on day 20, with a further substantial decrease on day 21. Therefore, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased SOCS expression in the rat ovary during late pregnancy reduces STAT5 signaling, which may be important in PGF2α-induced luteolysis.

Hypothalamic suppressor-of-cytokine-signalling 3 mRNA is elevated and pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA is reduced during pregnancy in Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii )

Leptin acts within the hypothalamus to diminish food intake. In Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii), both circulating leptin levels and food intake are elevated during pregnancy, suggesting an ineffectiveness of leptin to reduce food intake. Diminished hypothalamic leptin receptors and impaired leptin signal transduction are characteristic of central leptin resistance. The present study aimed to determine whether these characteristic modulations of leptin sensitivity occurred in pregnant Brandt's voles. The mRNA expression of the long form of the leptin receptor (Ob-Rb), suppressor-of-cytokine-signalling 3 (SOCS3), neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related protein (AgRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus were examined on dioestrous, day 5, day 10 and day 18 of pregnancy. Compared to controls, there was no significant change in hypothalamic Ob-Rb mRNA during the pregnancy. SOCS3 mRNA was increased significantly by 68% on day 10% and 93% on day 18 of pregnancy compared to controls. Despite elevated leptin levels, POMC mRNA was decreased significantly by 60% on day 18 of pregnancy, whereas no differences were found in the mRNA expression of NPY, AgRP and CART in pregnant voles compared to controls. The elevation of SOCS3 mRNA together with disrupted leptin regulation of neuropeptides in the hypothalamus suggests that leptin resistance may develop in pregnant Brandt's voles.

Prolactin: a pleiotropic neuroendocrine hormone

The neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion is unlike that of any other pituitary hormone. It is predominantly inhibited by the hypothalamus and, in the absence of a regulatory feedback hormone, it acts directly in the brain to suppress its own secretion. In addition to this short-loop feedback action in the brain, prolactin has been reported to influence a wide range of other brain functions. There have been few attempts to rationalise why a single hormone might exert such a range of distinct and seemingly unrelated neuroendocrine functions. In this review, we highlight some of the original studies that first characterised the unusual features of prolactin neuroendocrinology, and then attempt to identify areas of new progress and/or controversy. Finally, we discuss a hypothesis that provides a unifying explanation for the pleiotrophic actions of prolactin in the brain.