1
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Edwards MM, Nguyen HK, Dodson AD, Herbertson AJ, Wolden-Hanson T, Wietecha TA, Honeycutt MK, Slattery JD, O’Brien KD, Graham JL, Havel PJ, Mundinger TO, Sikkema CL, Peskind ER, Ryu V, Taborsky GJ, Blevins JE. Sympathetic innervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue is not a predominant mediator of oxytocin-elicited reductions of body weight and adiposity in male diet-induced obese mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1440070. [PMID: 39145314 PMCID: PMC11321955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1440070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that CNS administration of oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). We recently demonstrated that hindbrain (fourth ventricular [4V]) administration of OT elicits weight loss and elevates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (TIBAT, a surrogate measure of increased EE) in DIO mice. What remains unclear is whether OT-elicited weight loss requires increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow to IBAT. We hypothesized that OT-induced stimulation of SNS outflow to IBAT contributes to its ability to activate BAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of disrupting SNS activation of IBAT on the ability of 4V OT administration to increase TIBAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. We first determined whether bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT was successful as noted by ≥ 60% reduction in IBAT norepinephrine (NE) content in DIO mice. NE content was selectively reduced in IBAT at 1-, 6- and 7-weeks post-denervation by 95.9 ± 2.0, 77.4 ± 12.7 and 93.6 ± 4.6% (P<0.05), respectively and was unchanged in inguinal white adipose tissue, pancreas or liver. We subsequently measured the effects of acute 4V OT (1, 5 µg ≈ 0.99, 4.96 nmol) on TIBAT in DIO mice following sham or bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT. We found that the high dose of 4V OT (5 µg ≈ 4.96 nmol) elevated TIBAT similarly in sham mice as in denervated mice. We subsequently measured the effects of chronic 4V OT (16 nmol/day over 29 days) or vehicle infusions on body weight, adiposity and food intake in DIO mice following sham or bilateral surgical denervation of IBAT. Chronic 4V OT reduced body weight by 5.7 ± 2.23% and 6.6 ± 1.4% in sham and denervated mice (P<0.05), respectively, and this effect was similar between groups (P=NS). OT produced corresponding reductions in whole body fat mass (P<0.05). Together, these findings support the hypothesis that sympathetic innervation of IBAT is not necessary for OT-elicited increases in BAT thermogenesis and reductions of body weight and adiposity in male DIO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melise M. Edwards
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ha K. Nguyen
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andrew D. Dodson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adam J. Herbertson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tami Wolden-Hanson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tomasz A. Wietecha
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mackenzie K. Honeycutt
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jared D. Slattery
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin D. O’Brien
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James L. Graham
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Peter J. Havel
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Thomas O. Mundinger
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carl L. Sikkema
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elaine R. Peskind
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Vitaly Ryu
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gerald J. Taborsky
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James E. Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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2
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Edwards MM, Nguyen HK, Dodson AD, Herbertson AJ, Wolden-Hanson T, Wietecha T, Honeycutt MK, Slattery JD, O'Brien KD, Graham JL, Havel PJ, Mundinger TO, Sikkema C, Peskind ER, Ryu V, Taborsky GJ, Blevins JE. Sympathetic innervation of interscapular brown adipose tissue is not a predominant mediator of oxytocin-elicited reductions of body weight and adiposity in male diet-induced obese mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596425. [PMID: 38854021 PMCID: PMC11160755 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that CNS administration of oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight in high fat diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). We recently demonstrated that hindbrain (fourth ventricular [4V]) administration of OT elicits weight loss and elevates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (T IBAT , a surrogate measure of increased EE) in DIO mice. What remains unclear is whether OT-elicited weight loss requires increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow to IBAT. We hypothesized that OT-induced stimulation of SNS outflow to IBAT contributes to its ability to activate BAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. To test this hypothesis, we determined the effect of disrupting SNS activation of IBAT on the ability of 4V OT administration to increase T IBAT and elicit weight loss in DIO mice. We first determined whether bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT was successful as noted by ≥ 60% reduction in IBAT norepinephrine (NE) content in DIO mice. NE content was selectively reduced in IBAT at 1-, 6- and 7-weeks post-denervation by 95.9±2.0, 77.4±12.7 and 93.6±4.6% ( P <0.05), respectively and was unchanged in inguinal white adipose tissue, pancreas or liver. We subsequently measured the effects of acute 4V OT (1, 5 µg ≈ 0.99, 4.96 nmol) on T IBAT in DIO mice following sham or bilateral surgical SNS denervation to IBAT. We found that the high dose of 4V OT (5 µg ≈ 4.96 nmol) elevated T IBAT similarly in sham mice as in denervated mice. We subsequently measured the effects of chronic 4V OT (16 nmol/day over 29 days) or vehicle infusions on body weight, adiposity and food intake in DIO mice following sham or bilateral surgical denervation of IBAT. Chronic 4V OT reduced body weight by 5.7±2.23% and 6.6±1.4% in sham and denervated mice ( P <0.05), respectively, and this effect was similar between groups ( P =NS). OT produced corresponding reductions in whole body fat mass ( P <0.05). Together, these findings support the hypothesis that sympathetic innervation of IBAT is not necessary for OT-elicited increases in BAT thermogenesis and reductions of body weight and adiposity in male DIO mice.
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3
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Rogers JF, Vandendoren M, Prather JF, Landen JG, Bedford NL, Nelson AC. Neural cell-types and circuits linking thermoregulation and social behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105667. [PMID: 38599356 PMCID: PMC11163828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105667] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Understanding how social and affective behavioral states are controlled by neural circuits is a fundamental challenge in neurobiology. Despite increasing understanding of central circuits governing prosocial and agonistic interactions, how bodily autonomic processes regulate these behaviors is less resolved. Thermoregulation is vital for maintaining homeostasis, but also associated with cognitive, physical, affective, and behavioral states. Here, we posit that adjusting body temperature may be integral to the appropriate expression of social behavior and argue that understanding neural links between behavior and thermoregulation is timely. First, changes in behavioral states-including social interaction-often accompany changes in body temperature. Second, recent work has uncovered neural populations controlling both thermoregulatory and social behavioral pathways. We identify additional neural populations that, in separate studies, control social behavior and thermoregulation, and highlight their relevance to human and animal studies. Third, dysregulation of body temperature is linked to human neuropsychiatric disorders. Although body temperature is a "hidden state" in many neurobiological studies, it likely plays an underappreciated role in regulating social and affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Rogers
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Morgane Vandendoren
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Jonathan F Prather
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Jason G Landen
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA
| | - Nicole L Bedford
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - Adam C Nelson
- Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA; University of Wyoming Sensory Biology Center, USA.
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Gan HW, Cerbone M, Dattani MT. Appetite- and Weight-Regulating Neuroendocrine Circuitry in Hypothalamic Obesity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:309-342. [PMID: 38019584 PMCID: PMC11074800 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Since hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first described over 120 years ago by Joseph Babinski and Alfred Fröhlich, advances in molecular genetic laboratory techniques have allowed us to elucidate various components of the intricate neurocircuitry governing appetite and weight regulation connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, brainstem, adipose tissue, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. On a background of an increasing prevalence of population-level common obesity, the number of survivors of congenital (eg, septo-optic dysplasia, Prader-Willi syndrome) and acquired (eg, central nervous system tumors) hypothalamic disorders is increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and management as well as better oncological therapies. Although to date the discovery of several appetite-regulating peptides has led to the development of a range of targeted molecular therapies for monogenic obesity syndromes, outside of these disorders these discoveries have not translated into the development of efficacious treatments for other forms of HyOb. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the neuroendocrine physiology of appetite and weight regulation, and explore our current understanding of the pathophysiology of HyOb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Manuela Cerbone
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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5
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Torday JS. The synchronic, diachronic cell as the holism of consciousness. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 188:19-23. [PMID: 38408617 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The cell is both synchronic and diachronic, based on ontogeny and phylogeny, respectively. As experimental evidence for this holism, absent gravitational force, differentiated lung and bone cells devolve, losing their phenotypes, losing their evolutionary status, reverting to their nonlocal status. Thus, when evolution is seen as serial homeostasis, it is homologous with Quantum Entanglement as the nonlocal means of maintaining homeostatic balance between particles. This monadic perspective on consciousness is one-hundred and eighty degrees out of synch with the conventional way of thinking about consciousness as a diad, or mind and brain. There have been many attempts to explain consciousness, virtually all of them based on the brain as mind. The working hypothesis is that consciousness is a holism constituted by the unicell, the lipid cell membrane forming a barrier between inside and outside of the cell's environment as a topology. Conceptually, both the unicell and 'two hands clapping' are holisms, but because the cell is constituted by the ambiguity of negative entropy, and 'one hand clapping' requires two hands, they are both pseudo-holisms, constantly striving to be whole again. In the case of the cell, it is incomplete in the sense that there are factors in the ever-changing environment that can homeostatically complete it. That process results in biochemical modification of specific DNA codes in the egg or sperm so that the offspring is able to adapt in subsequent generations epigenetically. The opportunity to trace the evolution of the breath from humans to fish opens up to the further revelation of the interplay between evolution and geological change, tracing it back to invertebrates, sponges, and ultimately to unicellular organisms. And therein is evidence that the Cosmos itself 'breathes', providing the ultimate celestial fundament for this trail of holisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Torday
- University of California- Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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6
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Maejima Y, Yokota S, Yamachi M, Misaka S, Ono T, Oizumi H, Mizuno K, Hidema S, Nishimori K, Aoyama M, de Wet H, Shimomura K. Traditional Japanese medicine Kamikihito ameliorates sucrose preference, chronic inflammation and obesity induced by a high fat diet in middle-aged mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1387964. [PMID: 38742193 PMCID: PMC11089234 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of obesity has become a pressing global public health problem and there exists a strong association between increased BMI and mortality at a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher. The prevalence of obesity is higher among middle-aged adults than among younger groups and the combination of aging and obesity exacerbate systemic inflammation. Increased inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are hallmarks of obesity, and promote the secretion of hepatic C-reactive protein (CRP) which further induces systematic inflammation. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to have anti-obesity and anti-inflammation effects, and also suppress sweet-tasting carbohydrate consumption in mammals. Previously, we have shown that the Japanese herbal medicine Kamikihito (KKT), which is used to treat neuropsychological stress disorders in Japan, functions as an oxytocin receptors agonist. In the present study, we further investigated the effect of KKT on body weight (BW), food intake, inflammation, and sweet preferences in middle-aged obese mice. KKT oral administration for 12 days decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver, and the plasma CRP and TNFα levels in obese mice. The effect of KKT administration was found to be different between male and female mice. In the absence of sucrose, KKT administration decreased food intake only in male mice. However, while having access to a 30% sucrose solution, both BW and food intake was decreased by KKT administration in male and female mice; but sucrose intake was decreased in female mice alone. In addition, KKT administration decreased sucrose intake in oxytocin deficient lean mice, but not in the WT lean mice. The present study demonstrates that KKT ameliorates chronic inflammation, which is strongly associated with aging and obesity, and decreases food intake in male mice as well as sucrose intake in female mice; in an oxytocin receptor dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shoko Yokota
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamachi
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shingen Misaka
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Ono
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Oizumi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research and Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keita Mizuno
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research and Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masato Aoyama
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Heidi de Wet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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7
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Li J, Lyu L, Wen H, Li Y, Wang X, Yao Y, Qi X. Estrogen regulates the transcription of guppy isotocin receptors. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 269:110895. [PMID: 37611819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2023.110895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen can regulate oxytocin receptor expression, which is mediated through estrogen receptors (ESRs) in mammals, initiating parturition. To further study the reproductive physiological process of ovoviviparous teleosts, guppies (Poecilia reticulata) were employed as the research model in the present study to identify the transcriptional regulation of ESRs on isotocin receptors (itrs). Since guppy embryos develop inside the ovary, in the present study, the levels of itrs in the ovarian stroma of pregnant female guppies treated with estradiol (E2) in vitro were tested. E2 increased only itr2 mRNA levels 3 h post-treatment, with no variation in itr1 mRNA expression levels. In vivo, pregnant guppies were immersed in different concentrations of E2, significantly increasing the relative expression levels of itr1 and itr2 in the ovary. Moreover, based on dual-fluorescence in situ hybridization (ISH), both esrs and itrs mRNAs were localized in the same cells around the embryos in the ovary. To further investigate the regulation of itr transcription by estrogen, a luciferase reporter assay was performed, and the results demonstrated that E2 treatment could induce E2-dependent repression of luciferase activity in cells transfected with ESR1. However, overexpression of ESR2a or ESR2b caused a robust ligand-independent increase in itr2 promoter activity. Deletion analysis of the itr2 promoter indicated that there were novel potential ESR transcription factor-binding sites at -360 bp upstream of the 5' end of the itr2 promoter. Overall, our study provided novel results regarding the ESRs mediating the onset of parturition in ovoviviparous teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianshuang Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Likang Lyu
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Haishen Wen
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Xiaojie Wang
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Yijia Yao
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China
| | - Xin Qi
- College of Fishery, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266000, PR China.
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8
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Abstract
Traditional textbook physiology has ascribed unitary functions to hormones from the anterior and posterior pituitary gland, mainly in the regulation of effector hormone secretion from endocrine organs. However, the evolutionary biology of pituitary hormones and their receptors provides evidence for a broad range of functions in vertebrate physiology. Over the past decade, we and others have discovered that thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, prolactin, oxytocin and arginine vasopressin act directly on somatic organs, including bone, adipose tissue and liver. New evidence also indicates that pituitary hormone receptors are expressed in brain regions, nuclei and subnuclei. These studies have prompted us to attribute the pathophysiology of certain human diseases, including osteoporosis, obesity and neurodegeneration, at least in part, to changes in pituitary hormone levels. This new information has identified actionable therapeutic targets for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mone Zaidi
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tony Yuen
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Se-Min Kim
- Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Camerino C. Oxytocin's Regulation of Thermogenesis May Be the Link to Prader-Willi Syndrome. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4923-4935. [PMID: 37367062 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by either the deletion of the paternal allele of 15q11-q13, maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15 or defects in the chromosome 15 imprinting centre and is characterized by cognitive impairment, hyperphagia and low metabolic rate with significant risk of obesity, as well as a variety of other maladaptive behaviours and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Many of the features seen in PWS are thought to be due to hypothalamic dysfunction resulting in hormonal abnormalities and impaired social functioning. The preponderance of evidence indicates that the Oxytocin system is dysregulated in PWS individuals and that this neuropeptide pathways may provide promising targets for therapeutic intervention although the process by which this dysregulation occurs in PWS awaits mechanistic investigation. PWS individuals present abnormalities in thermoregulation an impaired detection for temperature change and altered perception of pain indicating an altered autonomic nervous system. Recent studies indicate that Oxytocin is involved in thermoregulation and pain perception. This review will describe the update on PWS and the recent discoveries on Oxytocin regulation of thermogenesis together with the potential link between Oxytocin regulation of thermogenesis and PWS to create a new groundwork for the treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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10
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Yamamoto S, Arakaki R, Noguchi H, Takeda A, Uchishiba M, Kamada S, Mineda A, Kon M, Kawakita T, Kinouchi R, Yamamoto Y, Yoshida K, Shinohara N, Iwasa T. New discoveries on the interaction between testosterone and oxytocin in male rats - Testosterone-mediated effects of oxytocin in the prevention of obesity. Physiol Behav 2023; 266:114199. [PMID: 37062515 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are important for the maintenance of metabolism in both sexes. Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide that is synthesized in hypothalamic regions, secreted from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and is involved in the control of appetite, body weight, and metabolism. Estrogen and OT both play a role in the metabolism of nutrients, and OT has potential in the prevention of obesity. However, the relationship between testosterone and OT remains unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between testosterone and OT in hypogonadal male rats and male rats receiving testosterone replacement therapy. The results obtained showed that testosterone increased serum OT levels and promoted the secretion of adiponectin from visceral fat, and reduced body fat directly and/or indirectly through OT and adiponectin. Testosterone also increased the expression of OT receptors in the hypothalamus to increase sensitivity to OT, and perhaps because of this, OT administration had the effect of reducing food intake and body weight gain in both normal and castrated rats, and this effect was stronger in normal rats. In other words, the preventative effects of OT on obesity may be synergistic with testosterone. Collectively, the present results indicate that testosterone exerts indirect effects to prevent obesity and atherosclerosis through OT and adiponectin. In conclusion, testosterone replacement therapy is useful for preventing obesity caused by hypogonadism, and OT has potential in supportive medicine to prevent obesity and adult diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan; Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Arakaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Maimi Uchishiba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Ayuka Mineda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kon
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Takako Kawakita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Tokushima University, Tokushima 770-8501, Japan.
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11
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Kenkel WM, Kingsbury MA, Reinhart JM, Cetinbas M, Sadreyev RI, Carter CS, Perkeybile AM. Lasting consequences on physiology and social behavior following cesarean delivery in prairie voles. Horm Behav 2023; 150:105314. [PMID: 36731301 PMCID: PMC10023354 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cesarean delivery is associated with diminished plasma levels of several 'birth-signaling' hormones, such as oxytocin and vasopressin. These same hormones have been previously shown to exert organizational effects when acting in early life. For example, our previous work found a broadly gregarious phenotype in prairie voles exposed to oxytocin at birth. Meanwhile, cesarean delivery has been previously associated with changes in social behavior and metabolic processes related to oxytocin and vasopressin. In the present study, we investigated the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of cesarean delivery in prairie voles. After cross-fostering, vole pups delivered either via cesarean or vaginal delivery were studied throughout development. Cesarean-delivered pups responded to isolation differently in terms of their vocalizations (albeit in opposite directions in the two experiments), huddled in less cohesive groups under warmed conditions, and shed less heat. As young adults, we observed no differences in anxiety-like or alloparental behavior. However, in adulthood, cesarean-delivered voles of both sexes failed to form partner preferences with opposite sex conspecifics. In a follow-up study, we replicated this deficit in partner-preference formation among cesarean-delivered voles and were able to normalize pair-bonding behavior by treating cesarean-delivered vole pups with oxytocin (0.25 mg/kg) at delivery. Finally, we detected minor differences in regional oxytocin receptor expression within the brains of cesarean-delivered voles, as well as microbial composition of the gut. Gene expression changes in the gut epithelium indicated that cesarean-delivered male voles have altered gut development. These results speak to the possibility of unintended developmental consequences of cesarean delivery, which currently accounts for 32.9 % of deliveries in the U.S. and suggest that further research should be directed at whether hormone replacement at delivery influences behavioral outcomes in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Kenkel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States of America.
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - John M Reinhart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Murat Cetinbas
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Department of Genetics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ruslan I Sadreyev
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - C Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States of America
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12
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Osada K, Kujirai R, Hosono A, Tsuda M, Ohata M, Ohta T, Nishimori K. Repeated exposure to kairomone-containing coffee odor improves abnormal olfactory behaviors in heterozygous oxytocin receptor knock-in mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:983421. [PMID: 36817409 PMCID: PMC9930907 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.983421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) knockout mouse is a model of autism spectrum disorder, characterized by abnormalities in social and olfactory behaviors and learning. Previously, we demonstrated that OXTR plays a crucial role in regulating aversive olfactory behavior to butyric acid odor. In this study, we attempted to determine whether coffee aroma affects the abnormal olfactory behavior of OXTR-Venus knock-in heterozygous mice [heterozygous OXTR (±) mice] using a set of behavioral and molecular experiments. Four-week repeated exposures of heterozygous OXTR (±) mice to coffee odor, containing three kairomone alkylpyrazines, rescued the abnormal olfactory behaviors compared with non-exposed wild-type or heterozygous OXTR (±) mice. Increased Oxtr mRNA expression in the olfactory bulb and amygdala coincided with the rescue of abnormal olfactory behaviors. In addition, despite containing the kairomone compounds, both the wild-type and heterozygous OXTR (±) mice exhibited a preference for the coffee odor and exhibited no stress-like increase in the corticotropin-releasing hormone, instead of a kairomone-associated avoidance response. The repeated exposures to the coffee odor did not change oxytocin and estrogen synthetase/receptors as a regulator of the gonadotropic hormone. These data suggest that the rescue of abnormal olfactory behaviors in heterozygous OXTR (±) mice is due to the coffee odor exposure-induced OXTR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Osada
- Department of Food Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan,*Correspondence: Kazumi Osada,
| | - Riyuki Kujirai
- Department of Food Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Akira Hosono
- Department of Food Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Masato Tsuda
- Department of Food Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Motoko Ohata
- Department of Food Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Tohru Ohta
- The Research Institute of Health Science, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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13
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Camerino C. The Long Way of Oxytocin from the Uterus to the Heart in 70 Years from Its Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032556. [PMID: 36768879 PMCID: PMC9916674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The research program on oxytocin started in 1895, when Oliver and Schafer reported that a substance extracted from the pituitary gland elevates blood pressure when injected intravenously into dogs. Dale later reported that a neurohypophysial substance triggers uterine contraction, lactation, and antidiuresis. Purification of this pituitary gland extracts revealed that the vasopressor and antidiuretic activity could be attributed to vasopressin, while uterotonic and lactation activity could be attributed to oxytocin. In 1950, the amino-acid sequences of vasopressin and oxytocin were determined and chemically synthesized. Vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG-NH2) and oxytocin (CYIQNCPLG-NH2) differ by two amino acids and have a disulfide bridge between the cysteine residues at position one and six conserved in all vasopressin/oxytocin-type peptides. This characterization of oxytocin led to the Nobel Prize awarded in 1955 to Vincent du Vigneaud. Nevertheless, it was only 50 years later when the evidence that mice depleted of oxytocin or its receptor develop late-onset obesity and metabolic syndrome established that oxytocin regulates energy and metabolism. Oxytocin is anorexigenic and regulates the lean/fat mass composition in skeletal muscle. Oxytocin's effect on muscle is mediated by thermogenesis via a pathway initiated in the myocardium. Oxytocin involvement in thermogenesis and muscle contraction is linked to Prader-Willi syndrome in humans, opening exciting therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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14
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Zayan U, Caccialupi Da Prato L, Muscatelli F, Matarazzo V. Modulation of the thermosensory system by oxytocin. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1075305. [PMID: 36698777 PMCID: PMC9868264 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1075305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved early in neurodevelopment and is implicated in multiple functions, including sensory modulation. Evidence of such modulation has been observed for different sensory modalities in both healthy and pathological conditions. This review summarizes the pleiotropic modulation that OT can exercise on an often overlooked sensory system: thermosensation. This system allows us to sense temperature variations and compensate for the variation to maintain a stable core body temperature. Oxytocin modulates autonomic and behavioral mechanisms underlying thermoregulation at both central and peripheral levels. Hyposensitivity or hypersensitivity for different sensory modalities, including thermosensitivity, is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recapitulated in several ASD mouse models. These sensory dysregulations occur early in post-natal development and are correlated with dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system. In this study, we discussed the potential link between thermosensory atypia and the dysregulation of the oxytocinergic system in ASD.
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15
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Novel Long-Acting Oxytocin Analog with Increased Efficacy in Reducing Food Intake and Body Weight. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911249. [PMID: 36232550 PMCID: PMC9569447 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) analogues have been designed to overcome the limitation of the short half-life of the native OXT peptide. Here, we tested ASK2131 on obesity related outcomes in diet-induced obese (DIO) Sprague Dawley rats. In vitro function assays were conducted. The effects of daily subcutaneous injections of ASK2131 vs. OXT and pair-feeding were assessed on food intake and body weight in vivo. ASK2131 is a longer-lasting OXT analog with improved pharmacokinetics compared to OXT (T1/2: 2.3 vs. 0.12 h). In chronic 22-day administration, ASK2131 was administered at 50 nmol/kg, while OXT doses were titrated up to 600 nmol/kg because OXT appeared to be less effective at reducing energy intake relative to ASK2131 at equimolar doses. After 22 days, vehicle-treated animals gained 4.5% body weight, OXT rats maintained their body weight, while those treated with ASK2131 declined in weight continuously over the 22-day period, leading to a 6.6 ± 1.3% reduction (mean ± standard error) compared to baseline. Compared to their pair-fed counterparts, ASK2131-treated rats showed a more pronounced reduction in body weight through most of the study. In summary, ASK2131 is a promising OXT-based therapeutic, with extended in vivo stability and improved potency leading to a profound reduction in body weight partly explained by reduced food intake.
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16
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Anhê GF, Bordin S. The adaptation of maternal energy metabolism to lactation and its underlying mechanisms. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 553:111697. [PMID: 35690287 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111697] [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: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maternal energy metabolism undergoes a singular adaptation during lactation that allows for the caloric enrichment of milk. Changes in the mammary gland, changes in the white adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscles and endocrine pancreas are pivotal for this adaptation. The present review details the landmark studies describing the enzymatic modulation and the endocrine signals behind these metabolic changes. We will also update this perspective with data from recent studies showing transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that mediate the adaptation of the maternal metabolism to lactation. The present text will also bring experimental and observational data that describe the long-term consequences that short periods of lactation impose to maternal metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Forato Anhê
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
| | - Silvana Bordin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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18
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Taylor JH, Walton JC, McCann KE, Norvelle A, Liu Q, Vander Velden JW, Borland JM, Hart M, Jin C, Huhman KL, Cox DN, Albers HE. CRISPR-Cas9 editing of the arginine-vasopressin V1a receptor produces paradoxical changes in social behavior in Syrian hamsters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2121037119. [PMID: 35512092 PMCID: PMC9171636 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121037119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies from a variety of species indicate that arginine–vasopressin (AVP) and its V1a receptor (Avpr1a) play a critical role in the regulation of a range of social behaviors by their actions in the social behavior neural network. To further investigate the role of AVPRs in social behavior, we performed CRISPR-Cas9–mediated editing at the Avpr1a gene via pronuclear microinjections in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), a species used extensively in behavioral neuroendocrinology because they produce a rich suite of social behaviors. Using this germ-line gene-editing approach, we generated a stable line of hamsters with a frame-shift mutation in the Avpr1a gene resulting in the null expression of functional Avpr1as. Avpr1a knockout (KO) hamsters exhibited a complete lack of Avpr1a-specific autoradiographic binding throughout the brain, behavioral insensitivity to centrally administered AVP, and no pressor response to a peripherally injected Avpr1a-specific agonist, thus confirming the absence of functional Avpr1as in the brain and periphery. Contradictory to expectations, Avpr1a KO hamsters exhibited substantially higher levels of conspecific social communication (i.e., odor-stimulated flank marking) than their wild-type (WT) littermates. Furthermore, sex differences in aggression were absent, as both male and female KOs exhibited more aggression toward same-sex conspecifics than did their WT littermates. Taken together, these data emphasize the importance of comparative studies employing gene-editing approaches and suggest the startling possibility that Avpr1a-specific modulation of the social behavior neural network may be more inhibitory than permissive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H. Taylor
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - James C. Walton
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Katharine E. McCann
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Alisa Norvelle
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Qian Liu
- Transgenic and Gene Targeting Core, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Jacob W. Vander Velden
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Johnathan M. Borland
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Michael Hart
- Institute for Biomedical Science, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Chengliu Jin
- Transgenic and Gene Targeting Core, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Kim L. Huhman
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - Daniel N. Cox
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
| | - H. Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303
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19
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Tran LT, Park S, Kim SK, Lee JS, Kim KW, Kwon O. Hypothalamic control of energy expenditure and thermogenesis. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:358-369. [PMID: 35301430 PMCID: PMC9076616 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00741-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Energy expenditure and energy intake need to be balanced to maintain proper energy homeostasis. Energy homeostasis is tightly regulated by the central nervous system, and the hypothalamus is the primary center for the regulation of energy balance. The hypothalamus exerts its effect through both humoral and neuronal mechanisms, and each hypothalamic area has a distinct role in the regulation of energy expenditure. Recent studies have advanced the understanding of the molecular regulation of energy expenditure and thermogenesis in the hypothalamus with targeted manipulation techniques of the mouse genome and neuronal function. In this review, we elucidate recent progress in understanding the mechanism of how the hypothalamus affects basal metabolism, modulates physical activity, and adapts to environmental temperature and food intake changes. The hypothalamus is a key regulator of metabolism, controlling resting metabolism, activity levels, and responses to external temperature and food intake. The balance between energy intake and expenditure must be tightly controlled, with imbalances resulting in metabolic disorders such as obesity or diabetes. Obin Kwon at Seoul National University College of Medicine and Ki Woo Kim at Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, both in South Korea, and coworkers reviewed how metabolism is regulated by the hypothalamus, a small hormone-producing brain region. They report that hormonal and neuronal signals from the hypothalamus influence the ratio of lean to fatty tissue, gender-based differences in metabolism, activity levels, and weight gain in response to food intake. They note that further studies to untangle cause-and-effect relationships and other genetic factors will improve our understanding of metabolic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Trung Tran
- Departments of Oral Biology and Applied Biological Science, BK21 Four, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Sohee Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.,Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Departments of Oral Biology and Applied Biological Science, BK21 Four, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jin Sun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.,Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Ki Woo Kim
- Departments of Oral Biology and Applied Biological Science, BK21 Four, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
| | - Obin Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea. .,Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
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20
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Fear, love, and the origins of canid domestication: An oxytocin hypothesis. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100100. [PMID: 35755921 PMCID: PMC9216449 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of dog domestication likely involved at least two functional stages. The initial stage occurred when subpopulations of wolves became synanthropes, benefiting from life nearby or in human environments. The second phase was characterized by the evolution of novel forms of interspecific cooperation and social relationships between humans and dogs. Here, we discuss possible roles of the oxytocin system across these functional stages of domestication. We hypothesize that in early domestication, oxytocin played important roles in attenuating fear and stress associated with human contact. In later domestication, we hypothesize that oxytocin's most critical functions were those associated with affiliative social behavior, social engagement, and cooperation with humans. We outline possible neurobiological changes associated with these processes and present a Siberian fox model of canid domestication in which these predictions can be tested. Lastly, we identify limitations of current studies on the neuroendocrinology of domestication and discuss challenges and opportunities for future research. We propose various roles for oxytocin across canid domestication. In early domestication, oxytocin primarily regulated fear and anxiety toward humans. In late domestication, oxytocin facilitated interspecific social bonds and cooperation. Comparative neurobiology is critical for understanding oxytocin's roles in domestication. Experimentally domesticated Siberian foxes provide a powerful model for these studies.
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21
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Li HY, Peng ZG. Targeting lipophagy as a potential therapeutic strategy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 197:114933. [PMID: 35093393 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an increasingly serious disease worldwide. Unfortunately, no specific drug has been approved to treat NAFLD. Accumulating evidence suggests that lipotoxicity, which is induced by an excess of intracellular triacylglycerols (TAGs), is a potential mechanism underlying the ill-defined progression of NAFLD. Under physiological conditions, a balance is maintained between TAGs and free fatty acids (FFAs) in the liver. TAGs are catabolized to FFAs through neutral lipolysis and/or lipophagy, while FFAs can be anabolized to TAGs through an esterification reaction. However, in the livers of patients with NAFLD, lipophagy appears to fail. Reversing this abnormal state through several lipophagic molecules (mTORC1, AMPK, PLIN, etc.) facilitates NAFLD amelioration; therefore, restoring failed lipophagy may be a highly efficient therapeutic strategy for NAFLD. Here, we outline the lipophagy phases with the relevant important proteins and discuss the roles of lipophagy in the progression of NAFLD. Additionally, the potential candidate drugs with therapeutic value targeting these proteins are discussed to show novel strategies for future treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Ying Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zong-Gen Peng
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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22
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Suarez-Trujillo A, Hoang N, Robinson L, McCabe CJ, Conklin D, Minor RC, Townsend J, Plaut K, George UZ, Boerman J, Casey TM. Effect of circadian system disruption on the concentration and daily oscillations of cortisol, progesterone, melatonin, serotonin, growth hormone, and core body temperature in periparturient dairy cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:2651-2668. [PMID: 35033342 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2021-20691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic, circadian, sleep, and reproductive systems are integrated and reciprocally regulated, but the understanding of the mechanism is limited. To study this integrated regulation, the circadian timing system was disrupted by exposing late pregnant nonlactating (dry) cows to chronic shifts in the light-dark phase, and rhythms of body temperature and circulating cortisol (CORT), progesterone (P4), serotonin (5HT), melatonin (MEL), and growth hormone (GH) concentrations were measured. Specifically, across 2 identical studies (1 and 2), at 35 d before expected calving (BEC) multiparous cows were assigned to control (CON; n = 24) and exposed to 16 h light and 8 h dark or phase shift (PS; n = 24) treatments and exposed to 6-h light-dark phase shifts every 3 d until parturition. All cows were exposed to control lighting after calving. Blood samples were collected in the first study at 0600 h on d 35 BEC, d 21 BEC, and 2 d before calving, and d 0, 2, 9, 15, and 22 postpartum (PP). A subset of cows (n = 6/group) in study 1 was blood sampled every 4 h over 48 h beginning on d 23 BEC, 9 BEC, and 5 PP. Body temperature was measured every 30 min (n = 8-16/treatment) for 48 h at 23 BEC and 9 BEC in both studies; and at 14 PP and 60 PP only in study 2. Treatment did not affect levels of CORT, GH, or P4 at 0600 h, but overall level of 5HT was lower and MEL higher in PS cows across days sampled. A 2-component versus single-component cosinor model better described [>coefficient of determination (R2); <Akaike information criterion and <Bayesian information criterion] daily oscillations of all hormones and temperature for both treatments. Circadian rhythm fit (R2) of body temperature and MEL increased from 23 BEC to 9 BEC in CON and was marked by loss of feeding time influence on oscillations in both treatments. Both treatments exhibited circadian rhythms of CORT at 9 BEC, CON cows also exhibited circadian rhythms in P4 at 23 BEC, and 5HT at 9 BEC. Daily oscillations in temperature and hormones, except CORT, were affected by PS treatment in the prepartum and were associated with longer gestation. In the PP, circadian rhythmicity was lost or diminished for all hormones and body temperature in both treatments. Stronger rhythms of body temperature and multiple hormones at 1 wk prepartum may indicate a synchronizing cue to time parturition. Therefore, dairy systems may need to consider management factors that affect circadian clocks in late-gestation cows.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nguyen Hoang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Leela Robinson
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Conor J McCabe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Dawn Conklin
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro 27401
| | - Radiah C Minor
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro 27401
| | - Jonathan Townsend
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Karen Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Uduak Z George
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182
| | - Jacquelyn Boerman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Theresa M Casey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
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23
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Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Roles of Oxytocin in Stress Responses, Allostasis and Resilience. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010150. [PMID: 35008574 PMCID: PMC8745417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin has been revealed to work for anxiety suppression and anti-stress as well as for psychosocial behavior and reproductive functions. Oxytocin neurons are activated by various stressful stimuli. The oxytocin receptor is widely distributed within the brain, and oxytocin that is released or diffused affects behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses. On the other hand, there has been an increasing number of reports on the role of oxytocin in allostasis and resilience. It has been shown that oxytocin maintains homeostasis, shifts the set point for adaptation to a changing environment (allostasis) and contributes to recovery from the shifted set point by inducing active coping responses to stressful stimuli (resilience). Recent studies have suggested that oxytocin is also involved in stress-related disorders, and it has been shown in clinical trials that oxytocin provides therapeutic benefits for patients diagnosed with stress-related disorders. This review includes the latest information on the role of oxytocin in stress responses and adaptation.
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24
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Niu J, Tong J, Blevins JE. Oxytocin as an Anti-obesity Treatment. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:743546. [PMID: 34720864 PMCID: PMC8549820 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.743546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a growing health concern, as it increases risk for heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, COVID-19 related hospitalizations and mortality. However, current weight loss therapies are often associated with psychiatric or cardiovascular side effects or poor tolerability that limit their long-term use. The hypothalamic neuropeptide, oxytocin (OT), mediates a wide range of physiologic actions, which include reproductive behavior, formation of prosocial behaviors and control of body weight. We and others have shown that OT circumvents leptin resistance and elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese rodents and non-human primates by reducing both food intake and increasing energy expenditure (EE). Chronic intranasal OT also elicits promising effects on weight loss in obese humans. This review evaluates the potential use of OT as a therapeutic strategy to treat obesity in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, and identifies potential mechanisms that mediate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingJing Niu
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jenny Tong
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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25
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Onaka T, Takayanagi Y. The oxytocin system and early-life experience-dependent plastic changes. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13049. [PMID: 34713517 PMCID: PMC9286573 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Early-life experience influences social and emotional behaviour in adulthood. Affiliative tactile stimuli in early life facilitate the development of social and emotional behaviour, whereas early-life adverse stimuli have been shown to increase the risk of various diseases in later life. On the other hand, oxytocin has been shown to have organizational actions during early-life stages. However, the detailed mechanisms of the effects of early-life experience and oxytocin remain unclear. Here, we review the effects of affiliative tactile stimuli during the neonatal period and neonatal oxytocin treatment on the activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system and social or emotional behaviour in adulthood. Both affiliative tactile stimuli and early-life adverse stimuli in the neonatal period acutely activate the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system in the brain but modulate social behaviour and anxiety-related behaviour apparently in an opposite direction in adulthood. Accumulating evidence suggests that affiliative tactile stimuli and exogenous application of oxytocin in early-life stages induce higher activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system in adulthood, although the effects are dependent on experimental procedures, sex, dosages and brain regions examined. On the other hand, early-life stressful stimuli appear to induce reduced activity of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system, possibly leading to adverse actions in adulthood. It is possible that activation of a specific oxytocin system can induce beneficial actions against early-life maltreatments and thus could be used for the treatment of developmental psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityTochigiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityTochigiJapan
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26
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Horn AJ, Carter CS. Love and longevity: A Social Dependency Hypothesis. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 8:100088. [PMID: 35757670 PMCID: PMC9216627 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammals, including humans, are reliant for survival and reproduction on adaptations associated with sociality and physiological investment, which can be linked to interactions with their parents or other bonded adult conspecifics. A wide range of evidence in human and non-human mammal species links social behaviors and relationships - including those characterized by what humans call "love" - to positive health and longevity. In light of this evidence, we propose a Social Dependency Hypothesis of Longevity, suggesting that natural selection has favored longer and healthier adult lives in species or in individuals exhibiting enhanced caregiver responsibilities contributing to the success of the next generation. In highlighting cellular, physiological, and behavioral effects of mammalian reproductive hormones, we examine the specific hypothesis that the neuropeptide oxytocin links longevity to the benefits of parental investment and associated relationships. Oxytocin is a pleiotropic molecule with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, capable of regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the parasympathetic nervous system and other systems associated with the management of various challenges, including chronic diseases and therefore may be crucial to establishing the maximum longevity potential of a species or an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C. Sue Carter
- University of Virginia and Indiana University, United States
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27
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Elfers CT, Blevins JE, Lawson EA, Pittner R, Silva D, Kiselyov A, Roth CL. Robust Reductions of Body Weight and Food Intake by an Oxytocin Analog in Rats. Front Physiol 2021; 12:726411. [PMID: 34646154 PMCID: PMC8502973 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.726411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Oxytocin is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that participates in the network of appetite regulation. Recently the oxytocin signaling pathway has emerged as an attractive target for treating obesity. However, the short half-life limits its development as a clinical therapeutic. Here we provide results from testing a long-lasting, potent and selective oxytocin analog ASK1476 on its efficacy to reduce food intake and body weight in comparison to the native oxytocin peptide. Methods: ASK1476 features two specific amino acid substitutions in positions 7 and 8 combined with a short polyethylene glycol spacer. Short time dose escalation experiments testing increasing doses of 3 days each were performed in diet-induced overweight (DIO) male rats assessing effects on body weight as well as changes in food intake. Furthermore, DIO rats were tested for changes in body weight, food intake, temperature, and locomotor activity over 28 days of treatment (oxytocin, ASK1476, or vehicle). Results: In dose escalation experiments, significant reductions in food intake relative to baseline were detected beginning with doses of 15 nmol/kg ASK1476 (−15.2 ± 2.3 kcal/d, p = 0.0017) and 20 nmol/kg oxytocin (−11.2.9 ± 2.4 kcal/d, p = 0.0106) with corresponding significant changes in body weight (ASK1476: −5.2 ± 0.8 g, p = 0.0016; oxytocin: −2.6 ± 0.7 g, p = 0.0326). In long-term experiments, there was no difference on body weight change between 120 nmol/kg/d ASK1476 (−71.4 ± 34.2 g, p = 0.039) and 600 nmol/kg/d oxytocin (−91.8 ± 32.2 g, p = 0.035) relative to vehicle (706.9 ± 28.3 g), indicating a stronger dose response for ASK1476. Likewise, both ASK1476 and oxytocin at these doses resulted in similar reductions in 28-day cumulative food intake (ASK1476: −562.7 ± 115.0 kcal, p = 0.0001; oxytocin: −557.1 ± 101.3 kcal, p = 0.0001) relative to vehicle treatment (2716 ± 75.4 kcal), while no effects were detected on locomotor activity or body temperature. Conclusion: This study provides proof-of-concept data demonstrating an oxytocin analog with extended in vivo stability and improved potency to reduce food intake and body weight in DIO animals which could mark a new avenue in anti-obesity drug interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton T Elfers
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - David Silva
- OXT Therapeutics, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | | | - Christian L Roth
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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28
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Edwards MM, Nguyen HK, Dodson AD, Herbertson AJ, Wietecha TA, Wolden-Hanson T, Graham JL, Honeycutt MK, Slattery JD, O’Brien KD, Havel PJ, Blevins JE. Effects of Combined Oxytocin and Beta-3 Receptor Agonist (CL 316243) Treatment on Body Weight and Adiposity in Male Diet-Induced Obese Rats. Front Physiol 2021; 12:725912. [PMID: 34566687 PMCID: PMC8457402 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.725912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that oxytocin (OT) reduces body weight in diet-induced obese (DIO) rodents through reductions in energy intake and increases in energy expenditure. We recently demonstrated that hindbrain [fourth ventricular (4V)] administration of OT evokes weight loss and elevates interscapular brown adipose tissue temperature (T IBAT ) in DIO rats. What remains unclear is whether OT can be used as an adjunct with other drugs that directly target beta-3 receptors in IBAT to promote BAT thermogenesis and reduce body weight in DIO rats. We hypothesized that the combined treatment of OT and the beta-3 agonist, CL 316243, would produce an additive effect to decrease body weight and adiposity in DIO rats by reducing energy intake and increasing BAT thermogenesis. We assessed the effects of 4V infusions of OT (16 nmol/day) or vehicle (VEH) in combination with daily intraperitoneal injections of CL 316243 (0.5 mg/kg) or VEH on food intake, T IBAT , body weight and body composition. OT and CL 316243 alone reduced body weight by 7.8 ± 1.3% (P < 0.05) and 9.1 ± 2.1% (P < 0.05), respectively, but the combined treatment produced more pronounced weight loss (15.5 ± 1.2%; P < 0.05) than either treatment alone. These effects were associated with decreased adiposity, adipocyte size, energy intake and increased uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) content in epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) (P < 0.05). In addition, CL 316243 alone (P < 0.05) and in combination with OT (P < 0.05) elevated T IBAT and IBAT UCP-1 content and IBAT thermogenic gene expression. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the combined treatment of OT and the beta-3 agonist, CL 316243, produces an additive effect to decrease body weight. The findings from the current study suggest that the effects of the combined treatment on energy intake, fat mass, adipocyte size and browning of EWAT were not additive and appear to be driven, in part, by transient changes in energy intake in response to OT or CL 316243 alone as well as CL 316243-elicited reduction of fat mass and adipocyte size and induction of browning of EWAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melise M. Edwards
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ha K. Nguyen
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andrew D. Dodson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Adam J. Herbertson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tomasz A. Wietecha
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tami Wolden-Hanson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - James L. Graham
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mackenzie K. Honeycutt
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jared D. Slattery
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin D. O’Brien
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Peter J. Havel
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - James E. Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
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29
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Li Y, Wang X, Lu L, Wang M, Zhai Y, Tai X, Dilimulati D, Lei X, Xu J, Zhang C, Fu Y, Qu S, Li Q, Zhang C. Identification of novel GPCR partners of the central melanocortin signaling. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101317. [PMID: 34400348 PMCID: PMC8458986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Homo- or heterodimerization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) generally affects the normal functioning of these receptors and mediates the responses to a variety of physiological stimuli in vivo. It is well known that melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) are key regulators of appetite and energy homeostasis in the central nervous system. However, the GPCR partners of MC3R and MC4R are not well understood. Our objective is to analyze single cell RNA-seq datasets of the hypothalamus to explore and identify novel GPCR partners of MC3R and MC4R and examine the pharmacological effect on the downstream signal transduction and membrane translocation of melanocortin receptors. METHODS We conducted an integrative analysis of multiple single cell RNA-seq datasets to reveal the expression pattern and correlation of GPCR families in the mouse hypothalamus. The emerging GPCRs with important metabolic functions were selected for cloning and co-immunoprecipitation validation. The positive GPCR partners were then tested for the pharmacological activation, competitive binding assay and surface translocation ELISA experiments. RESULTS Based on the expression pattern of GPCRs and their function enrichment results, we narrowed down the range of potential GPCR interaction with MC3R and MC4R for further confirmation. Co-immunoprecipitation assay verified 23 and 32 novel GPCR partners that interacted with MC3R and MC4R in vitro. The presence of these GPCR partners exhibited different effects in the physiological regulation and signal transduction of MC3R and MC4R. CONCLUSIONS This work represented the first large-scale screen for the functional GPCR complex of central melanocortin receptors and defined a composite metabolic regulatory GPCR network of the hypothalamic nucleuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaozhu Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liumei Lu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolu Tai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Diliqingna Dilimulati
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaowei Lei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanbin Fu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Metabolic Management Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Jeong JK, Dow SA, Young CN. Sensory Circumventricular Organs, Neuroendocrine Control, and Metabolic Regulation. Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11080494. [PMID: 34436435 PMCID: PMC8402088 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11080494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is critical in metabolic regulation, and accumulating evidence points to a distributed network of brain regions involved in energy homeostasis. This is accomplished, in part, by integrating peripheral and central metabolic information and subsequently modulating neuroendocrine outputs through the paraventricular and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. However, these hypothalamic nuclei are generally protected by a blood-brain-barrier limiting their ability to directly sense circulating metabolic signals—pointing to possible involvement of upstream brain nuclei. In this regard, sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs), brain sites traditionally recognized in thirst/fluid and cardiovascular regulation, are emerging as potential sites through which circulating metabolic substances influence neuroendocrine control. The sensory CVOs, including the subfornical organ, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, and area postrema, are located outside the blood-brain-barrier, possess cellular machinery to sense the metabolic interior milieu, and establish complex neural networks to hypothalamic neuroendocrine nuclei. Here, evidence for a potential role of sensory CVO-hypothalamic neuroendocrine networks in energy homeostasis is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Colin N. Young
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-202-994-9575; Fax: +1-202-994-287
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31
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Kerem L, Lawson EA. The Effects of Oxytocin on Appetite Regulation, Food Intake and Metabolism in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7737. [PMID: 34299356 PMCID: PMC8306733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin and its receptor are involved in a range of physiological processes, including parturition, lactation, cell growth, wound healing, and social behavior. More recently, increasing evidence has established the effects of oxytocin on food intake, energy expenditure, and peripheral metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the central oxytocinergic system in which oxytocin acts to shape eating behavior and metabolism. Next, we discuss the peripheral beneficial effects oxytocin exerts on key metabolic organs, including suppression of visceral adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle regeneration, and bone tissue mineralization. A brief summary of oxytocin actions learned from animal models is presented, showing that weight loss induced by chronic oxytocin treatment is related not only to its anorexigenic effects, but also to the resulting increase in energy expenditure and lipolysis. Following an in-depth discussion on the technical challenges related to endogenous oxytocin measurements in humans, we synthesize data related to the association between endogenous oxytocin levels, weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. We then review clinical trials showing that in humans, acute oxytocin administration reduces food intake, attenuates fMRI activation of food motivation brain areas, and increases activation of self-control brain regions. Further strengthening the role of oxytocin in appetite regulation, we review conditions of hypothalamic insult and certain genetic pathologies associated with oxytocin depletion that present with hyperphagia, extreme weight gain, and poor metabolic profile. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials to learn whether oxytocin-based therapeutics can be used to treat obesity and its associated sequela. At the end of this review, we address the fundamental challenges that remain in translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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Camerino C. Oxytocin Involvement in Body Composition Unveils the True Identity of Oxytocin. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126383. [PMID: 34203705 PMCID: PMC8232088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin of the Oxytocin/Vasopressin system dates back about 600 million years. Oxytocin (Oxt) together with Vasopressin (VP) regulate a diversity of physiological functions that are important for osmoregulation, reproduction, metabolism, and social behavior. Oxt/VP-like peptides have been identified in several invertebrate species and they are functionally related across the entire animal kingdom. Functional conservation enables future exploitation of invertebrate models to study Oxt’s functions not related to pregnancy and the basic mechanisms of central Oxt/VP signaling. Specifically, Oxt is well known for its effects on uteri contractility and milk ejection as well as on metabolism and energy homeostasis. Moreover, the striking evidence that Oxt is linked to energy regulation is that Oxt- and Oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-deficient mice show late onset obesity. Interestingly Oxt−/− or Oxtr−/− mice develop weight gain without increasing food intake, suggesting that a lack of Oxt reduce metabolic rate. Oxt is expressed in a diversity of skeletal muscle phenotypes and regulates thermogenesis and bone mass. Oxt may increases skeletal muscle tonicity and/or increases body temperature. In this review, the author compared the three most recent theories on the effects of Oxt on body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (Section of Pharmacology), School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Lefevre A, Benusiglio D, Tang Y, Krabichler Q, Charlet A, Grinevich V. Oxytocinergic Feedback Circuitries: An Anatomical Basis for Neuromodulation of Social Behaviors. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:688234. [PMID: 34194303 PMCID: PMC8236528 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.688234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide produced by hypothalamic neurons and is known to modulate social behavior among other functions. Several experiments have shown that OT modulates neuronal activity in many brain areas, including sensory cortices. OT neurons thus project axons to various cortical and subcortical structures and activate neuronal subpopulations to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, and in turn, increases the saliency of social stimuli. Less is known about the origin of inputs to OT neurons, but recent studies show that cells projecting to OT neurons are often located in regions where the OT receptor (OTR) is expressed. Thus, we propose the existence of reciprocal connectivity between OT neurons and extrahypothalamic OTR neurons to tune OT neuron activity depending on the behavioral context. Furthermore, the latest studies have shown that OTR-expressing neurons located in social brain regions also project to other social brain regions containing OTR-expressing neurons. We hypothesize that OTR-expressing neurons across the brain constitute a common network coordinated by OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Lefevre
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Diego Benusiglio
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, Monterotondo, Italy
- Neuroscience and Behaviour Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Quirin Krabichler
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Harshaw C, Lanzkowsky J, Tran AQD, Bradley AR, Jaime M. Oxytocin and 'social hyperthermia': Interaction with β 3-adrenergic receptor-mediated thermogenesis and significance for the expression of social behavior in male and female mice. Horm Behav 2021; 131:104981. [PMID: 33878523 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a critical regulator of multiple facets of energy homeostasis, including brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. Nevertheless, it is unclear what, if any, consequence the thermoregulatory and metabolic effects of OT have for the display of social behavior in adult rodents. Here, we examine the contribution of the OT receptor (OTR) and β3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) to the increase in body temperature that typically accompanies social interaction (i.e., social hyperthermia; SH) and whether SH relates to the expression of social behavior in adult mice. Specifically, we examined how OTR antagonism via peripheral injection of L-368,899 (10 mg/kg) affects the expression of social behavior in C57BL/6J mice, in the presence of active/agonized versus antagonized β3AR, the receptor known to mediate stress-induced BAT thermogenesis. After drug treatment and a 30 min delay, mice were provided a 10 min social interaction test with an unfamiliar, same-sex conspecific. We hypothesized that OTR and β3AR/BAT interact to influence behavior during social interaction, with at least some effects of OT on social behavior dependent upon OT's thermal effects via β3AR/BAT. We found that OTR-mediated temperature elevation is largely responsible for SH during social interaction in mice-albeit not substantially via β3AR-dependent BAT thermogenesis. Further, our results reveal a complex relationship between OTR, β3AR, social hyperthermia and the display of specific social behaviors, with SH most closely associated with anxiety and/or vigilance-related behaviors-that is, behaviors that antagonize or interfere with the initiation of close, non-agonistic social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Harshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States of America.
| | - Jessica Lanzkowsky
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | | | - Alana Rose Bradley
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Mark Jaime
- Division of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University, Columbus, Columbus, IN, United States of America
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35
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Rosin JM, Sinha S, Biernaskie J, Kurrasch DM. A subpopulation of embryonic microglia respond to maternal stress and influence nearby neural progenitors. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1326-1345.e6. [PMID: 33887203 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The interplay between hypothalamic neurons and microglia as they integrate stressors to regulate homeostasis is of growing interest. We asked if microglia in the embryonic hypothalamus were likewise stress responsive and, if so, whether their precocious activation perturbs nearby neural stem cell (NSC) programs. We performed single-cell transcriptomics to define embryonic hypothalamic microglia heterogeneity and identified four microglial subsets, including a subpopulation adjacent to NSCs that was responsive to gestational cold stress. Stress exposure elevated CCL3 and CCL4 secretion, but only in male brains, and ex vivo CCL4 treatment of hypothalamic NSCs altered proliferation and differentiation. Concomitantly, gestational stress decreased PVN oxytocin neurons only in male embryos, which was reversed by microglia depletion. Adult offspring exposed to gestational stress displayed altered social behaviors, which was likewise microglia dependent, but only in males. Collectively, immature hypothalamic microglia play an unappreciated role in translating maternal stressors to sexually dimorphic perturbation of neurodevelopmental programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Rosin
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sarthak Sinha
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Jeff Biernaskie
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada.
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36
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Edwards MM, Nguyen HK, Herbertson AJ, Dodson AD, Wietecha T, Wolden-Hanson T, Graham JL, O'Brien KD, Havel PJ, Blevins JE. Chronic hindbrain administration of oxytocin elicits weight loss in male diet-induced obese mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 320:R471-R487. [PMID: 33470901 PMCID: PMC8238148 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00294.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that oxytocin (OT) administration reduces body weight in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese (DIO) rodents through both reductions in food intake and increases in energy expenditure. We recently demonstrated that chronic hindbrain [fourth ventricular (4V)] infusions of OT evoke weight loss in DIO rats. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that chronic 4V OT would elicit weight loss in DIO mice. We assessed the effects of 4V infusions of OT (16 nmol/day) or vehicle over 28 days on body weight, food intake, and body composition. OT reduced body weight by approximately 4.5% ± 1.4% in DIO mice relative to OT pretreatment body weight (P < 0.05). These effects were associated with reduced adiposity and adipocyte size [inguinal white adipose tissue (IWAT)] (P < 0.05) and attributed, in part, to reduced energy intake (P < 0.05) at a dose that did not increase kaolin intake (P = NS). OT tended to increase uncoupling protein-1 expression in IWAT (0.05 < P < 0.1) suggesting that OT stimulates browning of WAT. To assess OT-elicited changes in brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, we examined the effects of 4V OT on interscapular BAT temperature (TIBAT). 4V OT (1 µg) elevated TIBAT at 0.75 (P = 0.08), 1, and 1.25 h (P < 0.05) postinjection; a higher dose (5 µg) elevated TIBAT at 0.75-, 1-, 1.25-, 1.5-, 1.75- (P < 0.05), and 2-h (0.05 < P < 0.1) postinjection. Together, these findings support the hypothesis that chronic hindbrain OT treatment evokes sustained weight loss in DIO mice by reducing energy intake and increasing BAT thermogenesis at a dose that is not associated with evidence of visceral illness.
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MESH Headings
- Adipocytes, Brown/drug effects
- Adipocytes, Brown/metabolism
- Adipocytes, Brown/pathology
- Adipocytes, White/drug effects
- Adipocytes, White/metabolism
- Adipocytes, White/pathology
- Adiposity/drug effects
- Animals
- Anti-Obesity Agents/administration & dosage
- Diet, High-Fat
- Disease Models, Animal
- Eating/drug effects
- Energy Intake/drug effects
- Infusions, Intraventricular
- Leptin/blood
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Obesity/drug therapy
- Obesity/metabolism
- Obesity/pathology
- Obesity/physiopathology
- Oxytocin/administration & dosage
- Rhombencephalon/drug effects
- Rhombencephalon/physiopathology
- Thermogenesis/drug effects
- Uncoupling Protein 1/metabolism
- Weight Loss/drug effects
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Melise M Edwards
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ha K Nguyen
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Adam J Herbertson
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrew D Dodson
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tomasz Wietecha
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tami Wolden-Hanson
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - James L Graham
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Kevin D O'Brien
- UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Peter J Havel
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - James E Blevins
- Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Veteran Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
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37
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The New Frontier in Oxytocin Physiology: The Oxytonic Contraction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145144. [PMID: 32708109 PMCID: PMC7404128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) is a nine amino acid peptide important in energy regulation and is essential to stress-related disorders. Specifically, low Oxt levels are associated with obesity in human subjects and diet-induced or genetically modified animal models. The striking evidence that Oxt is linked to energy regulation is that Oxt- and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-deficient mice show a phenotype characterized by late onset obesity. Oxt-/- or Oxtr-/- develop weight gain without increasing food intake, suggesting that a lack of Oxt reduce metabolic rate. Oxt is differentially expressed in skeletal muscle exerting a protective effect toward the slow-twitch muscle after cold stress challenge in mice. We hypothesized that Oxt potentiates the slow-twitch muscle as it does with the uterus, triggering "the oxytonic contractions". Physiologically, this is important to augment muscle strength in fight/flight response and is consistent with the augmented energetic need at time of labor and for the protection of the offspring when Oxt secretion spikes. The normophagic obesity of Oxt-/- or Oxtr-/- mice could have been caused by decreased skeletal muscle tonicity which drove the metabolic phenotype. In this review, we summarized our findings together with the recent literature on this fascinating subjects in a "new oxytonic perspective" over the physicology of Oxt.
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38
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Lawson EA, Olszewski PK, Weller A, Blevins JE. The role of oxytocin in regulation of appetitive behaviour, body weight and glucose homeostasis. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12805. [PMID: 31657509 PMCID: PMC7186135 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and its associated complications have reached epidemic proportions in the USA and also worldwide, highlighting the need for new and more effective treatments. Although the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well recognised for its peripheral effects on reproductive behaviour, the release of OXT from somatodendrites and axonal terminals within the central nervous system (CNS) is also implicated in the control of energy balance. In this review, we summarise historical data highlighting the effects of exogenous OXT as a short-term regulator of food intake in a context-specific manner and the receptor populations that may mediate these effects. We also describe what is known about the physiological role of endogenous OXT in the control of energy balance and whether serum and brain levels of OXT relate to obesity on a consistent basis across animal models and humans with obesity. We describe recent data on the effectiveness of chronic CNS administration of OXT to decrease food intake and weight gain or to elicit weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) and genetically obese mice and rats. Of clinical importance is the finding that chronic central and peripheral OXT treatments both evoke weight loss in obese animal models with impaired leptin signalling at doses that are not associated with visceral illness, tachyphylaxis or adverse cardiovascular effects. Moreover, these results have been largely recapitulated following chronic s.c. or intranasal treatment in DIO non-human primates (rhesus monkeys) and obese humans, respectively. We also identify plausible mechanisms that contribute to the effects of OXT on body weight and glucose homeostasis in rodents, non-human primates and humans. We conclude by describing the ongoing challenges that remain before OXT-based therapeutics can be used as a long-term strategy to treat obesity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pawel K Olszewski
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Aron Weller
- Psychology Department and Gonda Brain Research Center, Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - James E Blevins
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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39
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Torday JS. Consciousness, Redux. Med Hypotheses 2020; 140:109674. [PMID: 32193045 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2020.109674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There have been many attempts to explain consciousness, ranging from Plato's archetypes, to Descartes' 'Mind-Body Dualism', and more recently to Chalmers' Qualia, and Andy Clarke's extended mind. Yet none of these conceptualizations of consciousness provide empiric evidence for what consciousness actually constitutes. The present hypothesis is that Consciousness is a product of the Singularity/Big Bang resulting from the endogenization of factors in the environment that have formed our physiology. Understanding the origin of consciousness as the Consciousness of the Singularity/Big Bang requires that it diachronically cuts across space-time. Consciousness functions based on the same data operating system as Cosmology. We can transcend consciousness and approach Consciousness by authoring our own software once we recognize this fundamental, mechanistic interrelationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Torday
- Evolutionary Medicine Program, UCLA, Westwood, CA, United States.
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40
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Snider B, Geiser A, Yu XP, Beebe EC, Willency JA, Qing K, Guo L, Lu J, Wang X, Yang Q, Efanov A, Adams AC, Coskun T, Emmerson PJ, Alsina-Fernandez J, Ai M. Long-Acting and Selective Oxytocin Peptide Analogs Show Antidiabetic and Antiobesity Effects in Male Mice. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1423-1444. [PMID: 31286109 PMCID: PMC6608564 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) has been shown to suppress appetite, induce weight loss, and improve glycemic control and lipid metabolism in several species, including humans, monkeys, and rodents. However, OXT's short half-life in circulation and lack of receptor selectivity limit its application and efficacy. In this study, we report an OXT peptide analog (OXTGly) that is potent and selective for the OXT receptor (OXTR). OXT, but not OXTGly, activated vasopressin receptors in vitro and acutely increased blood pressure in vivo when administered IP. OXT suppressed food intake in mice, whereas OXTGly had a moderate effect on food intake when administered IP or intracerebroventricularly. Both OXT (IP) and OXTGly (IP) improved glycemic control in glucose tolerance tests. Additionally, both OXT (IP) and OXTGly (IP) stimulated insulin, glucagon-like peptide 1, and glucagon secretion in mice. We generated lipid-conjugated OXT (acylated-OXT) and OXTGly (acylated-OXTGly) and demonstrated that these molecules have significantly extended half-lives in vivo. Compared with OXT, 2-week treatment of diet-induced obese mice with acylated-OXT [subcutaneous(ly) (SC)] resulted in enhanced body weight reduction, an improved lipid profile, and gene expression changes consistent with increased lipolysis and decreased gluconeogenesis. Treatment with acylated-OXTGly (SC) also resulted in a statistically significant weight loss, albeit to a lesser degree compared with acylated-OXT treatment. In conclusion, we demonstrate that selective activation of the OXTR pathway results in both acute and chronic metabolic benefits, whereas potential activation of vasopressin receptors by nonselective OXT analogs causes physiological stress that contributes to additional weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandy Snider
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrea Geiser
- Biotechnology Peptide Group, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiao-peng Yu
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Emily Cathleen Beebe
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jill Amanda Willency
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Keyun Qing
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lili Guo
- Biotechnology Peptide Group, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jianliang Lu
- Medicinal Chemistry, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaojun Wang
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Qian Yang
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Alexander Efanov
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrew Charles Adams
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tamer Coskun
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Paul Joseph Emmerson
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jorge Alsina-Fernandez
- Biotechnology Peptide Group, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Minrong Ai
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
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41
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Iwasa T, Matsuzaki T, Mayila Y, Yanagihara R, Yamamoto Y, Kawakita T, Kuwahara A, Irahara M. Oxytocin treatment reduced food intake and body fat and ameliorated obesity in ovariectomized female rats. Neuropeptides 2019; 75:49-57. [PMID: 30885500 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that oxytocin reduces food intake and body weight gain and promotes lipolysis in some species, including humans. Interestingly, these effects of oxytocin are more marked in obese individuals. Although the menopausal loss of ovarian function induces increased visceral adiposity and some metabolic disorders, no safe medical interventions for these conditions have been established. In this study, we evaluated the effects of oxytocin on appetite, body weight, and fat mass in ovariectomized rats. Six-day oxytocin treatment attenuated cumulative food intake and body weight gain, and reduced visceral and subcutaneous fat weight and adipocyte cell area in ovariectomized rats. Blood examinations indicated that 6-day oxytocin treatment did not alter renal or hepatic functions. Instead, it might prevent ovariectomy-induced liver damage. In addition, acute oxytocin treatment did not affect body temperature or locomotor activity. These results indicate that oxytocin might be useful for treating or preventing menopause-induced metabolic disorders, without causing any adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Matsuzaki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yiliyasi Mayila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Rie Yanagihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Takako Kawakita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Akira Kuwahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Minoru Irahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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42
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Swann HE, Brumley MR. Locomotion and posture development in immature male and female rats (Rattus norvegicus): Comparison of sensory-enriched versus sensory-deprived testing environments. J Comp Psychol 2019; 133:183-196. [PMID: 30382711 PMCID: PMC6494732 DOI: 10.1037/com0000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to provide normative data on spontaneous locomotion and posture behavior in developing rats (Rattus norvegicus), during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Male and female rat pups were tested daily from P1 (postnatal day 1; ∼24 hr after birth) to P15 in a sensory-enriched or sensory-deprived testing environment, which was enclosed in a temperature-controlled incubator. Pups in the sensory-deprived condition were tested individually and placed in a square, Plexiglas box (open-field) for a 20-min test period. Pups in the sensory-enriched condition were placed in the same box with the siblings and bedding from the home cage to provide sensory stimulation that mimicked the home nest. Subjects in this condition were tested two at a time, with an additional two siblings (2 males and 2 females total in box). It was hypothesized that pups in the sensory-enriched testing condition would demonstrate more mature patterns of behavior, given the presence of behavior-activating sensory stimuli in the box. It was found that rat pups exhibited spontaneous pivoting and crawling as early as P1, regardless of sensory stimulation present in the testing environment. These behaviors were shown at least 1 to 3 days earlier than reported in prior studies. Quadrupedal walking occurred as early as P4 but was not reliably expressed until P10/11. These findings suggest that controlling temperature during testing influences the typical age of first occurrence of these behaviors. Finally, there were no sex differences in the duration of locomotion and posture behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Onaka T, Takayanagi Y. Role of oxytocin in the control of stress and food intake. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12700. [PMID: 30786104 PMCID: PMC7217012 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin neurones in the hypothalamus are activated by stressful stimuli and food intake. The oxytocin receptor is located in various brain regions, including the sensory information-processing cerebral cortex; the cognitive information-processing prefrontal cortex; reward-related regions such as the ventral tegmental areas, nucleus accumbens and raphe nucleus; stress-related areas such as the amygdala, hippocampus, ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamus and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray; homeostasis-controlling hypothalamus; and the dorsal motor complex controlling intestinal functions. Oxytocin affects behavioural and neuroendocrine stress responses and terminates food intake by acting on the metabolic or nutritional homeostasis system, modulating emotional processing, reducing reward values of food intake, and facilitating sensory and cognitive processing via multiple brain regions. Oxytocin also plays a role in interactive actions between stress and food intake and contributes to adaptive active coping behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Onaka
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Division of Brain and NeurophysiologyDepartment of PhysiologyJichi Medical UniversityShimotsuke‐shiJapan
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Chang HH, Chang WH, Chi MH, Peng YC, Huang CC, Yang YK, Chen PS. The OXTR Polymorphism Stratified the Correlation of Oxytocin and Glucose Homeostasis in Non-Diabetic Subjects. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2019; 12:2707-2713. [PMID: 31908511 PMCID: PMC6927562 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s226245] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous animal studies have shown that the oxytocin system might affect glucose homeostasis through the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and peripheral organs. Moreover, whether the effect is stratified by the polymorphism of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we recruited 89 non-diabetic participants. Their plasma oxytocin and serum insulin profiles were obtained, and the polymorphism of OXTR rs53576 was genotyped. RESULTS There were significant correlations between the oxytocin level and fasting glucose level (r = -0.29, P <0.01), insulin level (r = -0.26, P = 0.01), and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = -0.25, P = 0.01), when adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). When further considering the stratification effects of OXTR variation, we found that the oxytocin level was significantly correlated with the fasting glucose level (r = -0.25, P = 0.04), insulin level (r = -0.35, P = 0.03), and HOMA-IR (r = -0.35, P < 0.01) in subjects with the OXTR A allele (n = 75) after adjustment for age, gender, and BMI. In addition, the oxytocin level in those with the GG genotype of OXTR was significantly negatively correlated with the leptin level (n = 14, r = -0.66, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that the polymorphism of OXTR plays an important role in individual differences in the correlation of oxytocin and glucose homeostasis in non-diabetic subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua Chang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Wei Hung Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mei Hung Chi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi Chin Peng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chun Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen Kuang Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Dou-Liou Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Po See Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Correspondence: Po See Chen Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, 138 Sheng Li Road, North District, Tainan70403, TaiwanTel +886-6-2353535 ext. 5189Fax +886-6-2759259 Email
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Rad SK, Arya A, Karimian H, Madhavan P, Rizwan F, Koshy S, Prabhu G. Mechanism involved in insulin resistance via accumulation of β-amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles: link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018; 12:3999-4021. [PMID: 30538427 PMCID: PMC6255119 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s173970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suggested in several reports. Few findings suggest that T2DM has strong link in the development process of AD, and the complete mechanism is yet to be revealed. Formation of amyloid plaques (APs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are two central hallmarks in the AD. APs are the dense composites of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) which accumulates around the nerve cells. Moreover, NFTs are the twisted fibers containing hyperphosphorylated tau proteins present in certain residues of Aβ that build up inside the brain cells. Certain factors contribute to the aetiogenesis of AD by regulating insulin signaling pathway in the brain and accelerating the formation of neurotoxic Aβ and NFTs via various mechanisms, including GSK3β, JNK, CamKII, CDK5, CK1, MARK4, PLK2, Syk, DYRK1A, PPP, and P70S6K. Progression to AD could be influenced by insulin signaling pathway that is affected due to T2DM. Interestingly, NFTs and APs lead to the impairment of several crucial cascades, such as synaptogenesis, neurotrophy, and apoptosis, which are regulated by insulin, cholesterol, and glucose metabolism. The investigation of the molecular cascades through insulin functions in brain contributes to probe and perceive progressions of diabetes to AD. This review elaborates the molecular insights that would help to further understand the potential mechanisms linking T2DM and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Kianpour Rad
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Aditya Arya
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia,
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,
- Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm), Bukit Gambir, Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia,
| | - Hamed Karimian
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia,
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Farzana Rizwan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Shajan Koshy
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Girish Prabhu
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
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Aydoğan A, Bingöl SA. Examination of the immunohistochemical localization and gene expression by RT-PCR of the oxytocin receptor in diabetic and non-diabetic mouse testis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 21:695-700. [PMID: 30140408 PMCID: PMC6098958 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2018.28069.6820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective(s): The aim of this study was to determine Oxytocin receptor (OTR) gene expression and localization in diabetic and non-diabetic mouse testes by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Materials and Methods: In this study, 18 male BALB/c mice (8–12 weeks old) were used and divided into three groups: diabetic, sham, and control. Streptozotocin (STZ) was applied to the diabetic group and sodium citrate was administered to the sham group in the same way, however, the control group was left untouched. The testicular tissues were removed on the thirtieth day of testing; the right testis tissues were passed through a routine histologic process and sections were stained with H&E and PAS staining techniques. The avidin-biotin-peroxidase method was applied to determine OTR immunoreactivity, while the left testis tissues were used for RT-PCR. Results: It was found that the body weight had decreased in the diabetic group and the diameter of the seminiferous tubules in the said group was shorter than those of the other groups. There were no obvious differences with regard to the histologic appearance between the groups. The immunohistochemical examination showed that the OTR immunoreactivity was strong in the control and sham groups but weak in the diabetic group, and the immunoreactivity was only seen in the Leydig cells. In addition, the OTR gene expression was lower in the diabetic group than in the other groups. Conclusion: We concluded that diabetes reduces the OTR expression in the testis. It is suggested that OTR protection should be researched in diabetes for healthy reproduction and sexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Aydoğan
- Veterinary Faculty, Histology and Embryology Department, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
| | - Seyit Ali Bingöl
- Medicine Faculty, Histology and Embryology Department, Kafkas University, 36100, Kars, Turkey
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Zhang B, Nakata M, Nakae J, Ogawa W, Yada T. Central insulin action induces activation of paraventricular oxytocin neurons to release oxytocin into circulation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10415. [PMID: 29991705 PMCID: PMC6039480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28816-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus regulate energy metabolism and reproduction. Plasma oxytocin concentration is reduced in obese subjects with insulin resistance. These findings prompted us to hypothesize that insulin serves to promote oxytocin release. This study examined whether insulin activates oxytocin neurons in the PVN, and explored the underlying signaling. We generated the mice deficient of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1), a major signaling molecule particularly for insulin, specifically in oxytocin neurons (Oxy Pdk1 KO). Insulin increased cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in oxytocin neurons with larger (≧25 μm) and smaller (<25 μm) diameters isolated from PVN in C57BL/6 mice. In PDK1 Oxy Pdk1 KO mice, in contrast, this effect of insulin to increase [Ca2+]i was markedly diminished in the larger-sized oxytocin neurons, while it was intact in the smaller-sized oxytocin neurons. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular insulin administration induced oxytocin release into plasma in Oxy Cre but not Oxy Pdk1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that insulin PDK1-dependently preferentially activates PVN magnocellular oxytocin neurons to release oxytocin into circulation, possibly serving as a mechanism for the interaction between metabolism and perinatal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Division of Integrative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masanori Nakata
- Department of Physiology, Division of Integrative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. .,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, 641-8509, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama, Wakayama, Japan.
| | - Jun Nakae
- Frontier Medicine on Metabolic Syndrome, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Ogawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yada
- Department of Physiology, Division of Integrative Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. .,Kansai Electric Power Medical Research Institute, 1-5-6 Minatojimaminamimachi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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Harshaw C, Leffel JK, Alberts JR. Oxytocin and the warm outer glow: Thermoregulatory deficits cause huddling abnormalities in oxytocin-deficient mouse pups. Horm Behav 2018; 98:145-158. [PMID: 29277701 PMCID: PMC5828998 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 11/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a social and reproductive hormone that also plays critical roles in a range of homeostatic processes, including thermoregulation. Here, we examine the role of oxytocin (OT) as a mediator of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, cold-induced huddling, and thermotaxis in eight-day-old (PD8) OT 'knock out' (OTKO) mouse pups. We tested OTKO and wildtype (WT) pups in single- and mixed-genotype groups of six, exposing these to a period of ambient warmth (~35°C) followed by a period of cold (~21.5°C). Whether huddling exclusively with other OTKO or alongside WT pups, OTKO pups showed reduced BAT thermogenesis and were significantly cooler when cold-challenged. Huddles of OTKO pups were also significantly less cohesive than WT huddles during cooling, suggesting that thermoregulatory deficits contribute to contact abnormalities in OTKO pups. To further explore this issue, we examined thermotaxis in individuals and groups of four OTKO or WT pups placed on the cool end of a thermocline and permitted to freely locomote for 2h. When tested individually, male OTKO pups displayed abnormal thermotaxis, taking significantly longer to move up the thermocline and settling upon significantly lower temperatures than WT pups during the 2h test. OTKO mouse pups thus appear to have deficits in both thermogenesis and thermotaxis-the latter deficit being specific to males. Our results add to a growing body of work indicating that OT plays critical roles in thermoregulation and also highlight the entanglement of social and thermoregulatory processes in small mammals such as mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Harshaw
- Department of Psychology, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, United States; Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
| | - Joseph K Leffel
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Alberts
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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Lefevre A, Mottolese R, Dirheimer M, Mottolese C, Duhamel JR, Sirigu A. A comparison of methods to measure central and peripheral oxytocin concentrations in human and non-human primates. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17222. [PMID: 29222505 PMCID: PMC5722864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17674-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) concentration in the blood is considered to be a marker of its action in the brain. However, two problems have emerged when measuring OT level in the blood. First, it is unclear whether different methods of assessment lead to similar OT values. Second, it is unclear if plasma OT concentrations is informative on what OT does in the brain. To clarify these issues, we collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain ventricle of 25 patients during surgery to compare with plasma OT after simultaneous blood withdrawal. Additionally, we collected 12 CSF and blood samples from non-human primates while awake or under anaesthesia. We used four methods to assay OT concentrations: Commercial EIA with/without extraction, laboratory developed EIA with filtration and RIA with extraction. Three of these methods showed a positive correlation between plasma and CSF OT, suggesting a link between plasma and central OT, at least under specific testing conditions. However, none of the methods correlated to each other. Our results show major disagreements among methods used here to measure peripheral and brain OT and therefore they call for more caution when plasma OT is taken as a marker of central OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Lefevre
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
| | - Raphaëlle Mottolese
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France
| | - Carmine Mottolese
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France
- Neurosurgery Unit 500, Hôpital Pierre Wertheimer, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-René Duhamel
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Angela Sirigu
- Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5229, Bron, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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Pease LI, Clegg PD, Proctor CJ, Shanley DJ, Cockell SJ, Peffers MJ. Cross platform analysis of transcriptomic data identifies ageing has distinct and opposite effects on tendon in males and females. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14443. [PMID: 29089527 PMCID: PMC5663855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-14650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of tendinopathy is influenced by a variety of factors including age, gender, sex hormones and diabetes status. Cross platform comparative analysis of transcriptomic data elucidated the connections between these entities in the context of ageing. Tissue-engineered tendons differentiated from bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells from young (20-24 years) and old (54-70 years) donors were assayed using ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq). Extension of the experiment to microarray and RNA-seq data from tendon identified gender specific gene expression changes highlighting disparity with existing literature and published pathways. Separation of RNA-seq data by sex revealed underlying negative binomial distributions which increased statistical power. Sex specific de novo transcriptome assemblies generated fewer larger transcripts that contained miRNAs, lincRNAs and snoRNAs. The results identify that in old males decreased expression of CRABP2 leads to cell proliferation, whereas in old females it leads to cellular senescence. In conjunction with existing literature the results explain gender disparity in the development and types of degenerative diseases as well as highlighting a wide range of considerations for the analysis of transcriptomic data. Wider implications are that degenerative diseases may need to be treated differently in males and females because alternative mechanisms may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise I Pease
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter D Clegg
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Carole J Proctor
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daryl J Shanley
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Simon J Cockell
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bioinformatics Support Unit, Framlington Place, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Mandy J Peffers
- MRC - Arthritis Research UK Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, The University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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