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Inutsuka A, Hattori A, Yoshida M, Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Cerebellar damage with inflammation upregulates oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann Glia. Mol Brain 2024; 17:41. [PMID: 38943193 PMCID: PMC11214225 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01114-5] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum plays an important role in cognitive and social functioning. Childhood damage in the cerebellum increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Cerebellar inflammation induces social avoidance in mice. Oxytocin regulates social relationship and expression pattern of the oxytocin receptor in the brain is related to social behaviors. However, the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum remain controversial. Here, we report that the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum are highly variable among knock-in transgenic lines. We used Oxtr-Cre knock-in mice combined with a fluorescent reporter line and found that oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann glia was more variable than that in Purkinje cells. We found that physical damage with inflammation induced the selective upregulation of the oxytocin receptor in Bergmann glia. Our findings indicate high variability in oxytocin receptor expression in the cerebellum and suggest that the oxytocin receptor can affect neural processing in pathological conditions, such as inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Inutsuka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
| | - Aisa Hattori
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Masahide Yoshida
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
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2
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Dmytrenko G, Fernández-Solari J, Correa F, De Laurentiis A. Oxytocin alleviates periodontitis in adult rats. J Periodontal Res 2024; 59:280-288. [PMID: 38226427 DOI: 10.1111/jre.13212] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of oxytocin receptors in normal and inflamed gingiva, as well as the effects of systemic administration of oxytocin in bone loss and gum inflammatory mediators in a rat model of experimental periodontitis. BACKGROUND DATA Current evidence supports the hypothesis of a disbalance between the oral microbiota and the host's immune response in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Increased complexity of the microbial biofilm present in the periodontal pocket leads to local production of nitrogen and oxygen-reactive species, cytokines, chemokines, and other proinflammatory mediators which contribute to periodontal tissue destruction and bone loss. Oxytocin has been suggested to participate in the modulation of immune and inflammatory processes. We have previously shown that oxytocin, nitric oxide, and endocannabinoid system interact providing a mechanism of regulation for systemic inflammation. Here, we aimed at investigating not only the presence and levels of expression of oxytocin receptors on healthy and inflamed gingiva, but also the effects of oxytocin treatment on alveolar bone loss, and systemic and gum expression of inflammatory mediators involved in periodontal tissue damage using ligature-induced periodontitis. Therefore, anti-inflammatory strategies oriented at modulating the host's immune response could be valuable adjuvants to the main treatment of periodontal disease. METHODS We used an animal model of ligature-induced periodontitis involving the placement of a linen thread (Barbour flax 100% linen suture, No. 50; size 2/0) ligature around the neck of first lower molars of adult male rats. The ligature was left in place during the entire experiment (7 days) until euthanasia. Animals with periodontitis received daily treatment with oxytocin (OXT, 1000 μg/kg, sc.) or vehicle and/or atosiban (3 mg/kg, sc.), an antagonist of oxytocin receptors. The distance between the cement-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest was measured in stained hemimandibles in the long axis of both buccal and lingual surfaces of both inferior first molars using a caliper. TNF-α levels in plasma were determined using specific rat enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). OXT receptors, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression were determined in gingival tissues by semiquantitative or real-time PCR. RESULTS We show that oxytocin receptors are expressed in normal and inflamed gingival tissues in male rats. We also show that the systemic administration of oxytocin prevents the experimental periodontitis-induced increased gum expression of oxytocin receptors, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (p < .05). Furthermore, we observed a reduction in bone loss in rats treated with oxytocin in our model. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that oxytocin is a novel and potent modulator of the gingival inflammatory process together with bone loss preventing effects in an experimental model of ligature-induced periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganna Dmytrenko
- Facultad de Odontología, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Javier Fernández-Solari
- Facultad de Odontología, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Correa
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, CEFYBO-UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea De Laurentiis
- Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos, CEFYBO-UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Odontología, Cátedra de Fisiología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Gonzalez A, Hammock EAD. Oxytocin and microglia in the development of social behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210059. [PMID: 35858111 PMCID: PMC9272152 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a well-established regulator of social behaviour. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, regulate brain development and maintenance in health and disease. Oxytocin and microglia interact: microglia appear to regulate the oxytocin system and are, in turn, regulated by oxytocin, which appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. Both microglia and oxytocin are regulated in sex-specific ways. Oxytocin and microglia may work together to promote experience-dependent circuit refinement through multiple developmental-sensitive periods contributing to individual differences in social behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. D. Hammock
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Jiang H, Shi H, Chen L, Yang J, Yuan P, Wang W, Pang Y, Wei Y, Zhao Y. Is there a relationship between plasma, cytokine concentrations, and the subsequent risk of postpartum hemorrhage? Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:835.e1-835.e17. [PMID: 34919894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum hemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal mortality. However, there is an insufficient understanding of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Uterine atony is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage. Although an association between myometrium inflammatory cytokines and atonic postpartum hemorrhage has been demonstrated preliminarily, it is not clinically useful in predicting postpartum hemorrhage. Plasma is more readily available, and the assessment of its inflammatory status is more relevant to biological markers of postpartum hemorrhage and might explain the pathophysiology of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine changes in maternal plasma cytokines in women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective longitudinal case-control study of pregnant women with singleton gestations at term undergoing vaginal delivery. Cases were women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage, and 1:1 propensity-score matching was used to match the control group. Maternal plasma was collected in the first trimester, early third trimester, and late third trimester, and multiplex Luminex assay was used to determine the cytokine concentrations. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the association between maternal cytokines at different stages of pregnancy and atonic postpartum hemorrhage. RESULTS A total of 36 pregnant women met the clinical diagnostic criteria for atonic postpartum hemorrhage, and 36 patients without postpartum hemorrhage were matched as the control group. Concentrations were lower for most cytokines in the atonic postpartum hemorrhage group in the first and early third trimester. However, in the late third trimester, higher plasma concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, interleukin-2 receptor alpha, interleukin-16, interleukin-18, macrophage colony stimulating factor, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, beta-nerve growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand, and stem cell factor were significantly associated with increased risk of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Multiple testing correction showed that basic fibroblast growth factor (P<.001; fold change [FC]=1.16), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (P<.001; FC=1.15), and stem cell factor (P=.001; FC=1.25) had the most significant difference (P<.001). The prediction model of atonic postpartum hemorrhage constructed by these significantly changed cytokines had a high predictive efficiency (area under the curve, 0.84; sensitivity, 0.78; specificity, 0.83; +likelihood ratio, 4.66; -likelihood ratio, 0.27). CONCLUSION Higher concentrations of maternal plasma cytokines in the late third trimester are associated with high risk of subsequent atonic postpartum hemorrhage. These indicators may be potential biomarkers for predicting atonic postpartum hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Huifeng Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Lian Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Pengbo Yuan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanli Pang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyu Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China; National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Obstetrics, Beijing, China.
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Garriz A, Morokuma J, Bowman M, Pagni S, Zoukhri D. Effects of proinflammatory cytokines on lacrimal gland myoepithelial cells contraction. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2022; 2:873486. [PMID: 36147586 PMCID: PMC9491489 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2022.873486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the lacrimal gland, myoepithelial cells (MEC) express muscle contractile proteins such as alpha smooth muscle actin (SMA) and calponin and therefore can contract to help expel lacrimal fluid. In a previous study, we demonstrated that lacrimal gland MEC express the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) and they contract under oxytocin (OXT) stimulation. Using NOD and MRL/lpr mice (animal models of Sjogren's syndrome), we reported a decrease in SMA and calponin protein levels plus a decline in acini contraction after stimulation with OXT. It is known that proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or interferon gamma (IFN-γ), can affect OXTR expression and signaling capacity and inhibit MEC contraction. The aim of the current study was to investigate if proinflammatory cytokines are implicated in the loss of MEC contractile ability. Thus, lacrimal gland MEC from a SMA-GFP transgenic mouse were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/ml) for a total of 7 days. At days 0, 2, 4 and 7, GFP intensity, cell size/area, contractile proteins amounts and MEC contraction were assessed. At day 0, control and treated cells showed no differences in GFP intensity and cell size. GFP intensity started to decrease in treated MEC at day 2 (20%; p=0.02), continuing after day 4 (25%; p=0.007) and 7 (30%; p=0.0001). Mean cell area was also reduced at day 2 (34%; p=0.0005), and after 4 (51%; p<0.0001) and 7 days (30%; p=0.0015). The contraction assay at day 2 showed a 70% decrease of contraction in treated MEC (p<0.0001), 73% (p<0.0001) at day 4 and 82% (p=0.0015) at day 7 when compared to control. Levels of contractile proteins were measured on day 7 showing a decrease in SMA and calponin amount in treated MEC compared with the control group (around 30%; p=0.0016 and p=0.0206; respectively). Similar results were observed when TNF-α and IFN-γ were added along with IL-1β. Taken together the present data and those from our previous studies with Sjogren's syndrome mouse models, they strongly suggest that proinflammatory cytokines affect lacrimal gland MEC contractile ability that may account for the reduced tear secretion associated with Sjogren's syndrome dry eye disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Garriz
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School
of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Junji Morokuma
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School
of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maytal Bowman
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School
of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Pagni
- Public Health and Community Service, Tufts University
School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Driss Zoukhri
- Department of Comprehensive Care, Tufts University School
of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of
Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Leimert KB, Xu W, Princ MM, Chemtob S, Olson DM. Inflammatory Amplification: A Central Tenet of Uterine Transition for Labor. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:660983. [PMID: 34490133 PMCID: PMC8417473 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.660983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In preparation for delivery, the uterus transitions from actively maintaining quiescence during pregnancy to an active parturient state. This transition occurs as a result of the accumulation of pro-inflammatory signals which are amplified by positive feedback interactions involving paracrine and autocrine signaling at the level of each intrauterine cell and tissue. The amplification events occur in parallel until they reach a certain threshold, ‘tipping the scale’ and contributing to processes of uterine activation and functional progesterone withdrawal. The described signaling interactions all occur upstream from the presentation of clinical labor symptoms. In this review, we will: 1) describe the different physiological processes involved in uterine transition for each intrauterine tissue; 2) compare and contrast the current models of labor initiation; 3) introduce innovative models for measuring paracrine inflammatory interactions; and 4) discuss the therapeutic value in identifying and targeting key players in this crucial event for preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelycia B Leimert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Wendy Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Magdalena M Princ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David M Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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7
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Kodama Y, Tanaka I, Sato T, Hori K, Gen S, Morise M, Matsubara D, Sato M, Sekido Y, Hashimoto N. Oxytocin receptor is a promising therapeutic target of malignant mesothelioma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3520-3532. [PMID: 34115916 PMCID: PMC8409407 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is one of the most aggressive tumors. We conducted bioinformatics analysis using Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) datasets to identify new molecular markers in MM. Overexpression of oxytocin receptor (OXTR), which is a G‐protein–coupled receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin, mRNA was distinctively identified in MM cell lines. Therefore, we assessed the role of OXTR and its clinical relevance in MM. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to assess the association between overall survival and OXTR mRNA expression using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The function of OXTR and the efficacy of its antagonists were investigated in vitro and in vivo using MM cell lines. Consistent with the findings from CCLE datasets analysis, OXTR mRNA expression was highly increased in MM tissues compared with other cancer types in the TCGA datasets, and MM cases with high OXTR expression showed poor overall survival. Moreover, OXTR knockdown dramatically decreased MM cell proliferation in cells with high OXTR expression via tumor cell cycle disturbance, whereas oxytocin treatment significantly increased MM cell growth. OXTR antagonists, which have high selectivity for OXTR, inhibited the growth of MM cell lines with high OXTR expression, and oral administration of the OXTR antagonist, cligosiban, significantly suppressed MM tumor progression in a xenograft model. Our findings suggest that OXTR plays a crucial role in MM cell proliferation and is a promising therapeutic target that may broaden potential therapeutic options and could be a prognostic biomarker of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kodama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Sato
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazumi Hori
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Soei Gen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morise
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsubara
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Tsukuba University, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Sekido
- Division of Cancer Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Naozumi Hashimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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8
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Bharadwaj VN, Porreca F, Cowan RP, Kori S, Silberstein SD, Yeomans DC. A new hypothesis linking oxytocin to menstrual migraine. Headache 2021; 61:1051-1059. [PMID: 34125955 DOI: 10.1111/head.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To highlight the emerging understanding of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in modulating menstrual-related migraine (MRM). BACKGROUND MRM is highly debilitating and less responsive to therapy, and attacks are of longer duration than nonmenstrually related migraine. A clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying MRM is lacking. METHODS We present a narrative literature review on the developing understanding of the role of OT and the OTR in MRM. Literature on MRM on PubMed/MEDLINE database including clinical trials and basic science publications was reviewed using specific keywords. RESULTS OT is a cyclically released hypothalamic hormone/neurotransmitter that binds to the OTR resulting in inhibition of trigeminal neuronal excitability that can promote migraine pain including that of MRM. Estrogen regulates OT release as well as expression of the OTR. Coincident with menstruation, levels of both estrogen and OT decrease. Additionally, other serum biochemical factors, including magnesium and cholesterol, which positively modulate the affinity of OT for OTRs, both decrease during menstruation. Thus, during menstruation, multiple menstrually associated factors may lead to decreased circulating OT levels, decreased OT affinity for OTR, and decreased expression of the trigeminal OTR. Consistent with the view of migraine as a threshold disorder, these events may collectively result in decreased inhibition promoting lower thresholds for activation of meningeal trigeminal nociceptors and increasing the likelihood of an MRM attack. CONCLUSION Trigeminal OTR may thus be a novel target for the development of MRM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimala N Bharadwaj
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Frank Porreca
- Department of Pharmacology, Arizona Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert P Cowan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - David C Yeomans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Yukselmis O, Oktayoğlu P, Caglayan M, Mete N. Serum Oxytocin Levels in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and their Association with Disease Activity. AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1330-7020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Objectives Spondyloarthritis refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that particularly involve the sacroiliac joints and spine but may also have an influence on extra-articular involvement in some patients. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone released from the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. It is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of oxytocin and their potential association with disease activity and spinal mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA).
Material and Methods Seventy-one patients with nrAxSpA, 38 patients with AS and 67 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Disease activity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and spinal mobility by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrologic Index. Laboratory examinations included complete blood count, ESR, CRP and oxytocin tests.
Results There was no significant difference in serum levels of oxytocin among the 3 groups (p=0.973). However, serum levels of oxytocin correlated negatively with both ESR (r=− 0.359, p=0.027), CRP (r=− 0.316, p=0.056) and BASDAI scores (r=− 0,448, p=0.005) in patients with AS. On the other hand, serum levels of oxytocin had a negative correlation only with ESR in patients with nrAxSpA (r=− 0.321 p=0.009).Conclusion This study lays the foundation for further studies that may aim to investigate how addition of oxytocin to the treatment regimen impacts on disease activity in patients with AS who exhibit particularly low levels of oxytocin during the active disease period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozkan Yukselmis
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, TC Saglik Bakanligi Diyarbakir Devlet Hastanesi, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Pelin Oktayoğlu
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Rheumatology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Caglayan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division of Rheumatology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Nuriye Mete
- Department of Biochemistry, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
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10
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McKay EC, Counts SE. Oxytocin Receptor Signaling in Vascular Function and Stroke. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:574499. [PMID: 33071746 PMCID: PMC7544744 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.574499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is a G protein-coupled receptor with a diverse repertoire of intracellular signaling pathways, which are activated in response to binding oxytocin (OXT) and a similar nonapeptide, vasopressin. This review summarizes the cell and molecular biology of the OXTR and its downstream signaling cascades, particularly focusing on the vasoactive functions of OXTR signaling in humans and animal models, as well as the clinical applications of OXTR targeting cerebrovascular accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin C McKay
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Scott E Counts
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Department of Family Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Hauenstein Neurosciences Center, Mercy Health Saint Mary's Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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11
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Lee JM, Mayall JR, Chevalier A, McCarthy H, Van Helden D, Hansbro PM, Horvat JC, Jobling P. Chlamydia muridarum infection differentially alters smooth muscle function in mouse uterine horn and cervix. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 318:E981-E994. [PMID: 32315215 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00513.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infection is a primary cause of reproductive tract diseases including infertility. Previous studies showed that this infection alters physiological activities in mouse oviducts. Whether this occurs in the uterus and cervix has never been investigated. This study characterized the physiological activities of the uterine horn and the cervix in a Chlamydia muridarum (Cmu)-infected mouse model at three infection time points of 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection (dpi). Cmu infection significantly decreased contractile force of spontaneous contraction in the cervix (7 and 14 dpi; P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), but this effect was not observed in the uterine horn. The responses of the uterine horn and cervix to oxytocin were significantly altered by Cmu infection at 7 dpi (P < 0.0001), but such responses were attenuated at 14 and 21 dpi. Cmu infection increased contractile force to prostaglandin (PGF2α) by 53-83% in the uterine horn. This corresponded with the increased messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of Ptgfr that encodes for its receptor. However, Cmu infection did not affect contractions of the uterine horn and cervix to PGE2 and histamine. The mRNA expression of Otr and Ptger4 was inversely correlated with the mRNA expression of Il1b, Il6 in the uterine horn of Cmu-inoculated mice (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), suggesting that the changes in the Otr and Ptger4 mRNA expression might be linked to the changes in inflammatory cytokines. Lastly, this study also showed a novel physiological finding of the differential response to PGE2 in mouse uterine horn and cervix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ming Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jemma R Mayall
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Chevalier
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Huw McCarthy
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dirk Van Helden
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Centenary Institute and the University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jay C Horvat
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Leimert KB, Messer A, Gray T, Fang X, Chemtob S, Olson DM. Maternal and fetal intrauterine tissue crosstalk promotes proinflammatory amplification and uterine transition†. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:783-797. [PMID: 30379983 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth is a complex biological event requiring genetic, cellular, and physiological changes to the uterus, resulting in a uterus activated for completing the physiological processes of labor. We define the change from the state of pregnancy to the state of parturition as uterine transitioning, which requires the actions of inflammatory mediators and localized paracrine interactions between intrauterine tissues. Few studies have examined the in vitro interactions between fetal and maternal gestational tissues within this proinflammatory environment. Thus, we designed a co-culture model to address this gap, incorporating primary term human myometrium smooth muscle cells (HMSMCs) with human fetal membrane (hFM) explants to study interactions between the tissues. We hypothesized that crosstalk between tissues at term promotes proinflammatory expression and uterine transitioning for parturition. Outputs of 40 cytokines and chemokines encompassing a variety of proinflammatory roles were measured; all but one increased significantly with co-culture. Eighteen of the 39 cytokines increased to a higher abundance than the sum of the effect of each tissue cultured separately. In addition, COX2 and IL6 but not FP and OXTR mRNA abundance significantly increased in both HMSMCs and hFM in response to co-culture. These data suggest that synergistic proinflammatory upregulation within intrauterine tissues is involved with uterine transitioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelycia B Leimert
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Angela Messer
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theora Gray
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sylvain Chemtob
- Department of Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Pharmacology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David M Olson
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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13
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OH KJ, ROMERO R, PARK JY, HONG JS, YOON BH. The earlier the gestational age, the greater the intensity of the intra-amniotic inflammatory response in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes and amniotic fluid infection by Ureaplasma species. J Perinat Med 2019; 47:516-527. [PMID: 31141489 PMCID: PMC6656366 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2019-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the relationship between the intensity of the intra-amniotic inflammatory response and the gestational age at the time of diagnosis in cases with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and intra-amniotic infection caused by Ureaplasma spp. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted which included 71 women with preterm PROM and a positive amniotic fluid culture with Ureaplasma spp. Women with mixed intra-amniotic infections were excluded. The study population was classified into three groups according to gestational age: group 1, <26 weeks (extreme preterm PROM, n = 17); group 2, 26.0-33.9 weeks (moderate preterm PROM, n = 39); group 3, 34.0-36.9 weeks (late preterm PROM, n = 15). The intensity of the intra-amniotic and maternal inflammatory response was compared among the three groups. The intensity of the intra-amniotic inflammatory response was assessed by the concentration of amniotic fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and white blood cell (WBC) count. The maternal inflammatory response was assessed by the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and WBC count in maternal blood at the time of amniocentesis. Results (1) The median values of amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration and WBC count were the highest in the extreme preterm PROM group and the lowest in the late preterm PROM group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively); (2) the intensity of the maternal inflammatory response measured by maternal blood WBC count and CRP concentration was not significantly associated with gestational age at the time of diagnosis. Conclusion The earlier the gestational age at the time of PROM, the higher the intensity of the intra-amniotic inflammatory response in women with preterm PROM and intra-amniotic infection caused by Ureaplasma spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Joon OH
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea;,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Roberto ROMERO
- Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and Detroit, Michigan, USA;,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA;,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jee Yoon PARK
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea;,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Joon-Seok HONG
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea;,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Bo Hyun YOON
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Minakova E, Lang J, Medel-Matus JS, Gould GG, Reynolds A, Shin D, Mazarati A, Sankar R. Melanotan-II reverses autistic features in a maternal immune activation mouse model of autism. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210389. [PMID: 30629642 PMCID: PMC6328175 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, difficulty with communication, and repetitive behavior patterns. In humans affected by ASD, there is a male pre-disposition towards the condition with a male to female ratio of 4:1. In part due to the complex etiology of ASD including genetic and environmental interplay, there are currently no available medical therapies to improve the social deficits of ASD. Studies in rodent models and humans have shown promising therapeutic effects of oxytocin in modulating social adaptation. One pharmacological approach to stimulating oxytocinergic activity is the melanocortin receptor 4 agonist Melanotan-II (MT-II). Notably the effects of oxytocin on environmental rodent autism models has not been investigated to date. We used a maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model of autism to assess the therapeutic potential of MT-II on autism-like features in adult male mice. The male MIA mice exhibited autism-like features including impaired social behavioral metrics, diminished vocal communication, and increased repetitive behaviors. Continuous administration of MT-II to male MIA mice over a seven-day course resulted in rescue of social behavioral metrics. Normal background C57 male mice treated with MT-II showed no significant alteration in social behavioral metrics. Additionally, there was no change in anxiety-like or repetitive behaviors following MT-II treatment of normal C57 mice, though there was significant weight loss following subacute treatment. These data demonstrate MT-II as an effective agent for improving autism-like behavioral deficits in the adult male MIA mouse model of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Minakova
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Jordan Lang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena, California, United States of America
| | - Jesus-Servando Medel-Matus
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Georgianna G. Gould
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ashley Reynolds
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Don Shin
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Andrey Mazarati
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Raman Sankar
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Children's Discovery and Innovation Institute at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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15
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Ding C, Leow MKS, Magkos F. Oxytocin in metabolic homeostasis: implications for obesity and diabetes management. Obes Rev 2019; 20:22-40. [PMID: 30253045 PMCID: PMC7888317 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin was once understood solely as a neuropeptide with a central role in social bonding, reproduction, parturition, lactation and appetite regulation. Recent evidence indicates that oxytocin enhances glucose uptake and lipid utilization in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, suggesting that dysfunction of the oxytocin system could underlie the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia. Murine studies revealed that deficiencies in oxytocin signalling and oxytocin receptor expression lead to obesity despite normal food intake, motor activity and increased leptin levels. In addition, plasma oxytocin concentration is notably lower in obese individuals with diabetes, which may suggest an involvement of the oxytocin system in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disease. More recently, small scale studies demonstrated that intranasal administration of oxytocin was associated with significant weight loss as well as improvements in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell responsivity in human subjects. The multi-pronged effects of oxytocin signalling on improving peripheral insulin sensitivity, pancreatic function and lipid homeostasis strongly suggest a role for this system as a therapeutic target in obesity and diabetes management. The complexity of obesity aetiology and the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic complications underscore the need for a systems approach to better understand the role of oxytocin in metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ding
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore
| | - M K-S Leow
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Endocrinology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.,Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - F Magkos
- Clinical Nutrition Research Centre (CNRC), Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (SICS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
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16
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Transformation of Astrocytes to a Neuroprotective Phenotype by Microglia via P2Y 1 Receptor Downregulation. Cell Rep 2017; 19:1151-1164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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17
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Szeto A, Sun-Suslow N, Mendez AJ, Hernandez RI, Wagner KV, McCabe PM. Regulation of the macrophage oxytocin receptor in response to inflammation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2017; 312:E183-E189. [PMID: 28049625 PMCID: PMC5374296 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00346.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation in macrophages. In the current study, we examined the role of inflammation on the expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). We hypothesized that OXTR expression is increased during the inflammation through a nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated pathway, thus responding as an acute-phase protein. Inflammation was induced by treating macrophages (human primary, THP-1, and murine) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and monitored by expression of IL-6. Expression of OXTR and vasopressin receptors was assessed by qPCR, and OXTR expression was confirmed by immunoblotting. Inflammation upregulated OXTR transcription 10- to 250-fold relative to control in THP-1 and human primary macrophages and increased OXTR protein expression. In contrast, vasopressin receptor-2 mRNA expression was reduced following LPS treatment. Blocking NF-κB activation prevented the increase in OXTR transcription. OT treatment of control cells and LPS-treated cells increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, demonstrating activation of the OXTR/Gαq/11 signaling pathway. OT activation of OXTR reduced secretion of IL-6 in LPS-activated macrophages. Collectively, these findings suggest that OXTR is an acute-phase protein and that its increased expression is regulated by NF-κB and functions to attenuate cellular inflammatory responses in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Szeto
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | - Ni Sun-Suslow
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | - Armando J Mendez
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Rosa I Hernandez
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida
| | - Klaus V Wagner
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
| | - Philip M McCabe
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida; and
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18
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Toepfer P, Heim C, Entringer S, Binder E, Wadhwa P, Buss C. Oxytocin pathways in the intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:293-308. [PMID: 28027955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Severe stress in early life, such as childhood abuse and neglect, constitutes a major risk factor in the etiology of psychiatric disorders and somatic diseases. Importantly, these long-term effects may impact the next generation. The intergenerational transmission of maternal early life stress (ELS) may occur via pre-and postnatal pathways, such as alterations in maternal-fetal-placental stress physiology, maternal depression during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as impaired mother-offspring interactions. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has gained considerable attention for its role in modulating all of these assumed transmission pathways. Moreover, central and peripheral OT signaling pathways are highly sensitive to environmental exposures and may be compromised by ELS with implications for these putative transmission mechanisms. Together, these data suggest that OT pathways play an important role in the intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS in humans. By integrating recent studies on gene-environment interactions and epigenetic modifications in OT pathway genes, the present review aims to develop a conceptual framework of intergenerational transmission of maternal ELS that emphasizes the role of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Toepfer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Heim
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Elisabeth Binder
- Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, School of Medicine Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Pathik Wadhwa
- UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstraße 57, 10117, Berlin, Germany; UC Irvine Development, Health and Disease Research Program, 333 The City Blvd. W, Suite 810, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
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19
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Prapaiwan N, Manee-In S, Olanratmanee E, Srisuwatanasagul S. Expression of oxytocin, progesterone, and estrogen receptors in the reproductive tract of bitches with pyometra. Theriogenology 2016; 89:131-139. [PMID: 28043343 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Canine pyometra is considered a serious and life-threatening condition. Due to the relationship among sex steroid hormones, oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression, and canine pyometra pathogenesis, this study aimed to investigate the expression of oxytocin, progesterone, and estrogen receptors in the reproductive tissues of canines with pyometra by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. A total of 27 pyometra bitches were classified into open- and closed-cervix pyometra groups based on the presence of vaginal discharge. Moreover, 15 normal bitches in the luteal phase served as a control group. The results showed that OTR gene expression in the ovary of pyometra bitches was higher than that of normal bitches, whereas the level of OTR gene expression in the cervix of pyometra bitches was less than that of normal bitches (P < 0.05). Conversely, a lower OTR H-score in ovarian follicles was observed in pyometra bitches compared with normal bitches, whereas a higher percentage of OTR-positive immunostaining in uteri and cervices were found in pyometra bitches compared with normal bitches (P < 0.05). Moreover, the H-scores of estrogen receptor alpha in uteri and cervices of pyometra bitches were less than that of normal bitches (P < 0.05). However, the localization of the OTR and sex steroid receptors between groups of pyometra bitches was not different. Our findings suggest that pyometra pathogenesis is associated with a change in expression of OTR and sex steroid receptors in the canine reproductive tract. However, cervical dilation in bitches with pyometra was not influenced by the expression of OTR and sex steroid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Prapaiwan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - S Manee-In
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - E Olanratmanee
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Chonburi, Thailand
| | - S Srisuwatanasagul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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20
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Helmer H, Tretzmüller U, Brunbauer M, Kaider A, Husslein P, Knöfler M. Production of Oxytocin Receptor and Cytokines in Primary Uterine Smooth Muscle Cells Cultivated Under Inflammatory Conditions. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760200900104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Peter Husslein
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Computersciences, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Medical Computersciences, General Hospital, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- B. F. Mitchell
- Perinatal Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Birgit Schmid
- Perinatal Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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22
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Ulmer-Yaniv A, Avitsur R, Kanat-Maymon Y, Schneiderman I, Zagoory-Sharon O, Feldman R. Affiliation, reward, and immune biomarkers coalesce to support social synchrony during periods of bond formation in humans. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 56:130-9. [PMID: 26902915 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Social bonds are critical for survival and adaptation and periods of bond formation involve reorganization of neurobiological systems as mediated by social behavior. Theoretical accounts and animal studies suggest similarity between parent-infant and pair bonding, a hypothesis not yet directly tested in humans. In this study, we recruited three groups of human adults (N=189); parents who had their firstborn child in the last 4-6months, new lovers who began a romantic relationship within the past 4months, and non-attached singles. We measured plasma oxytocin (OT), beta endorphin (β-End), and interlukin-6 (IL-6), biomarkers of the affiliation, reward, and stress-response systems, and micro-coded gaze and affect synchrony between parents and infants and among new lovers during social interaction. OT significantly increased during periods of parental and romantic bonding and was highest in new lovers. In contrast, IL-6 and β-End were highest in new parents and lowest in singles. Biomarkers became more tightly coupled during periods of bond formation and inter-correlation among hormones was highest during romantic bonding. Structural equation modeling indicated that the effects of IL-6 and β-End on behavioral synchrony were mediated by their impact on OT, highlighting the integrative role of the oxytocinergic system in supporting human social affiliation. Findings suggest that periods of bond formation are accompanied by increased activity, as well as tighter cross-talk among systems underpinning affiliation, reward, and stress management and that research on the multidimensional process of bonding may shed further light on the effects of attachment on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Ulmer-Yaniv
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
| | - Ronit Avitsur
- School of Behavioral Sciences, The Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Feldman
- The Gonda Multidisciplinary Center, Bar-Ilan University, Israel; Department of Psychology, Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
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23
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Tzabazis A, Mechanic J, Miller J, Klukinov M, Pascual C, Manering N, Carson DS, Jacobs A, Qiao Y, Cuellar J, Frey WH, Jacobs D, Angst M, Yeomans DC. Oxytocin receptor: Expression in the trigeminal nociceptive system and potential role in the treatment of headache disorders. Cephalalgia 2016; 36:943-50. [DOI: 10.1177/0333102415618615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aims Our studies investigated the location of oxytocin receptors in the peripheral trigeminal sensory system and determined their role in trigeminal pain. Methods Oxytocin receptor expression and co-localization with calcitonin gene-related peptide was investigated in rat trigeminal ganglion using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the effects of facial electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation of the temporomandibular joint on oxytocin receptor expression in the trigeminal ganglion. Finally, the effects of oxytocin on capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors were investigated using isolated rat dura mater. Results Oxytocin receptor immunoreactivity was present in rat trigeminal neurons. The vast majority of oxytocin receptor immunoreactive neurons co-expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide. Both electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation led to a rapid upregulation of oxytocin receptor protein expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Oxytocin significantly and dose-dependently decreased capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors. Conclusion Oxytocin receptor expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide containing trigeminal ganglion neurons, and the blockade of calcitonin gene-related peptide release from trigeminal dural afferents suggests that activation of these receptors may provide therapeutic benefit in patients with migraine and other primary headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tzabazis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Klukinov
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Neil Manering
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dean S Carson
- Trigemina, Inc., Moraga, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Yanli Qiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jason Cuellar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - William H Frey
- HealthPartners Center for Memory and Aging, Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Daniel Jacobs
- Trigemina, Inc., Moraga, CA, USA
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Martin Angst
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Trigemina, Inc., Moraga, CA, USA
| | - David C Yeomans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Trigemina, Inc., Moraga, CA, USA
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Cierny JT, Unal ER, Flood P, Rhee KY, Praktish A, Olson TH, Goetzl L. Maternal inflammatory markers and term labor performance. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2014; 210:447.e1-6. [PMID: 24295921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2013.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to examine the relationship between maternal markers of inflammation and labor performance. STUDY DESIGN A nested cohort study was performed utilizing an established cohort of term nulliparous patients. Maternal blood was collected at the onset of regular, painful contractions in patients undergoing labor induction or at admission in patients with spontaneous labor. Levels of cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were determined using standard multiplex methodology. Maternal demographic data were collected prospectively. Detailed retrospective chart review was performed to extract data on cervical dilation, effacement, and station during labor. Subjects were excluded if they failed to achieve complete dilation. Mixed effects modeling was used to examine the association between serum cytokine quartiles and labor progress in the latent and active phases. RESULTS In all, 334 women were included in our analysis. The lowest quartile of IL-6 was associated with slower latent labor (P = .001). In contrast, the highest quartiles of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α were associated with slower active labor (P = .03 and .0002, respectively). CONCLUSION Proinflammatory activation is important in labor initiation. However, once active labor is established, excess inflammation can be detrimental to efficient labor progress. These data may explain, in part, the known associations among clinical chorioamnionitis, cesarean delivery, and postpartum hemorrhage.
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You X, Liu J, Xu C, Liu W, Zhu X, Li Y, Sun Q, Gu H, Ni X. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) promotes inflammation in human pregnant myometrium: the evidence of CRH initiating parturition? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E199-208. [PMID: 24248185 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT An increasing body of evidence indicates that human labor, either term or preterm, is an inflammatory event. CRH has been implicated to be a trigger of human parturition. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether CRH induces the cascades of inflammation in human pregnant myometrium, thereby leading to activation of uterus. DESIGN The myometrial tissues were obtained from pregnant women who were in labor or not in labor at term. The output of cytokines and prostaglandins (PGs) was determined by Multiplex and ELISA. Western blot analysis was used to determine the levels of uterine activation proteins (UAPs). RESULTS The levels of chemokines and cytokines as well as activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were increased in the term labor group more than the not term labor group. CRH stimulated production of a number of chemokines and cytokines in cultured uterine smooth muscle cells (USMCs), which induced chemotaxis of monocytes. These effects were mediated by CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) and dependent on adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase (PKA) and NF-κB signaling. Cocultures of CRH-treated USMCs with monocytes greatly enhanced the output of cytokines and chemokines as well as PGs in cultures and increased the expression of uterine activation proteins (UAPs) in USMCs. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α stimulated the expression of UAPs and output of PGs in USMCs. CONCLUSIONS CRH induces the production of chemokines and cytokines in myometrium at term and subsequently results in the cascade of inflammation in uterus. The inflammation induced by CRH can lead to activation of uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingji You
- Department of Physiology (X.Y., J.L., C.X., W.L., X.Z., X.N.), Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.L., Q.S., H.G.), Changhai Hospital, Shanghai 200433, China
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Molecular analysis of parturition via oxytocin receptor expression. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2013; 52:165-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Guo SW, Mao X, Ma Q, Liu X. Dysmenorrhea and its severity are associated with increased uterine contractility and overexpression of oxytocin receptor (OTR) in women with symptomatic adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:231-240. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Karelina K, Stuller KA, Jarrett B, Zhang N, Wells J, Norman GJ, DeVries AC. Oxytocin mediates social neuroprotection after cerebral ischemia. Stroke 2011; 42:3606-11. [PMID: 21960564 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.628008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The reduced incidence, morbidity, and mortality of stroke among humans with strong social support have been well-documented; however, the mechanisms underlying these socially mediated phenomena remain unknown, but may involve oxytocin (OT), a hormone that modulates some aspects of social behavior in humans and other animals. METHODS In the present study, adult male mice were socially isolated (housed individually) or socially paired (housed with an ovariectomized female); social pairing increased hypothalamic OT gene expression. To determine whether a causal relationship exists between increased OT and improved stroke outcome, mice were treated with exogenous OT or OT receptor antagonist beginning 1 week before induction of experimental stroke via middle cerebral artery occlusion. RESULTS Relative to social isolation, social housing attenuated infarct size, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress following experimental stroke; the neuroprotective effect of social housing was eliminated by receptor antagonist treatment. In contrast, administration of OT to socially isolated mice reproduced the neuroprotection conferred by social housing. We further report evidence for a direct suppressive action of OT on cultured microglia, which is a key instigator in the development of neuroinflammation after cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSIONS These findings support the hypothesis that OT mediates the neuroprotective effect of social interaction on stroke outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Karelina
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, 4030 Graves Hall, 333 W 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Soloff MS, Jeng YJ, Izban MG, Sinha M, Luxon BA, Stamnes SJ, England SK. Effects of progesterone treatment on expression of genes involved in uterine quiescence. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:781-97. [PMID: 21795739 PMCID: PMC4051400 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111398150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
An important action of progesterone during pregnancy is to maintain the uterus in a quiescent state and thereby prevent preterm labor. The causes of preterm labor are not well understood, so progesterone action on the myometrium can provide clues about the processes that keep the uterus from contracting prematurely. Accordingly, we have carried out Affymetrix GeneChip analysis of progesterone effects on gene expression in immortalized human myometrial cells cultured from a patient near the end of pregnancy. Progesterone appears to inhibit uterine excitability by a number of mechanisms, including increased expression of calcium and voltage-operated K(+) channels, which dampens the electrical activity of the myometrial cell, downregulation of agents, and receptors involved in myometrial contraction, reduction in cell signal components that lead to increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in response to contractile stimuli, and downregulation of proteins involved in the cross-linking of actin and myosin filaments to produce uterine contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvyn S. Soloff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yow-Jiun Jeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Michael G. Izban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mala Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bruce A. Luxon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Susan J. Stamnes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Golightly E, Jabbour HN, Norman JE. Endocrine immune interactions in human parturition. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 335:52-9. [PMID: 20708653 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human parturition is an inflammatory event, modulated and influenced by a host of other environmental and physiological processes, including the endocrine hormones. Complex bidirectional communication occurs between the two systems to bring about some of the changes that are seen in labour, an event that is not yet fully understood. Preterm birth is a major problem in obstetrics and neonatology, with dysfunctional labour or prolonged pregnancy also making increasingly significant contributions to maternal morbidity. With better understanding of normal and abnormal parturition we may be able to develop novel ways of treating these complications of pregnancy and reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This review discusses the crucial role that endocrine-immune interaction plays in the process of labour and in the processes of abnormal and preterm labour. We propose that amongst these complex interactions it is the immune system that is the driving force behind human parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Golightly
- University of Edinburgh, Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Centre for Reproductive Biology, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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Terzidou V, Blanks AM, Kim SH, Thornton S, Bennett PR. Labor and inflammation increase the expression of oxytocin receptor in human amnion. Biol Reprod 2010; 84:546-52. [PMID: 20926803 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.086785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OXT/OXTR) system plays an important role in the regulation of parturition. The amnion is a major source of prostaglandins and inflammatory cytokine synthesis, which increase both before and during labor. Amnion is a noncontractile tissue; therefore, the role played by OXT/OXTR in this tissue will be fundamentally different from the role played in myometrial contractions. In the present study, we demonstrate increased OXTR mRNA and protein concentrations in human amnion epithelial cells associated with the onset of labor. We show that incubation of primary human amnion epithelial cells with IL1B results in a rapid, transient up-regulation of OXTR mRNA expression, which peaks in prelabor samples after 6 h. Incubation of prelabor amnion epithelial cells with OXT results in a marked increase of prostaglandin E(2) synthesis, and we demonstrate that OXT activates the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase signal transduction pathway to stimulate up-regulation of cyclo-oxygenase 2 in human amnion epithelial cells. The increased ability of human amnion to produce prostaglandins in response to OXT treatment suggests a complementary role for the OXT/OXTR system in the activation of human amnion and the onset of labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasso Terzidou
- Imperial College London, Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, United Kingdom.
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Amrani Y, Syed F, Huang C, Li K, Liu V, Jain D, Keslacy S, Sims MW, Baidouri H, Cooper PR, Zhao H, Siddiqui S, Brightling CE, Griswold D, Li L, Panettieri RA. Expression and activation of the oxytocin receptor in airway smooth muscle cells: Regulation by TNFalpha and IL-13. Respir Res 2010; 11:104. [PMID: 20670427 PMCID: PMC2922094 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-11-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During pregnancy asthma may remain stable, improve or worsen. The factors underlying the deleterious effect of pregnancy on asthma remain unknown. Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal protein that regulates a number of central and peripheral responses such as uterine contractions and milk ejection. Additional evidence suggests that oxytocin regulates inflammatory processes in other tissues given the ubiquitous expression of the oxytocin receptor. The purpose of this study was to define the role of oxytocin in modulating human airway smooth muscle (HASMCs) function in the presence and absence of IL-13 and TNFα, cytokines known to be important in asthma. Method Expression of oxytocin receptor in cultured HASMCs was performed by real time PCR and flow cytomery assays. Responses to oxytocin was assessed by fluorimetry to detect calcium signals while isolated tracheal rings and precision cut lung slices (PCLS) were used to measure contractile responses. Finally, ELISA was used to compare oxytocin levels in the bronchoalveloar lavage (BAL) samples from healthy subjects and those with asthma. Results PCR analysis demonstrates that OXTR is expressed in HASMCs under basal conditions and that both interleukin (IL)-13 and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) stimulate a time-dependent increase in OXTR expression at 6 and 18 hr. Additionally, oxytocin increases cytosolic calcium levels in fura-2-loaded HASMCs that were enhanced in cells treated for 24 hr with IL-13. Interestingly, TNFα had little effect on oxytocin-induced calcium response despite increasing receptor expression. Using isolated murine tracheal rings and PCLS, oxytocin also promoted force generation and airway narrowing. Further, oxytocin levels are detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid derived from healthy subjects as well as from those with asthma. Conclusion Taken together, we show that cytokines modulate the expression of functional oxytocin receptors in HASMCs suggesting a potential role for inflammation-induced changes in oxytocin receptor signaling in the regulation of airway hyper-responsiveness in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine Amrani
- Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Division, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, TRL Suite 1200, 125 South 31st Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Jankowski M, Bissonauth V, Gao L, Gangal M, Wang D, Danalache B, Wang Y, Stoyanova E, Cloutier G, Blaise G, Gutkowska J. Anti-inflammatory effect of oxytocin in rat myocardial infarction. Basic Res Cardiol 2009; 105:205-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-009-0076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Mitchell BF, Taggart MJ. Are animal models relevant to key aspects of human parturition? Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2009; 297:R525-45. [PMID: 19515978 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00153.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth remains the most serious complication of pregnancy and is associated with increased rates of infant death or permanent neurodevelopmental disability. Our understanding of the regulation of parturition remains inadequate. The scientific literature, largely derived from rodent animal models, suggests two major mechanisms regulating the timing of parturition: the withdrawal of the steroid hormone progesterone and a proinflammatory response by the immune system. However, available evidence strongly suggests that parturition in the human has significantly different regulators and mediators from those in most of the animal models. Our objectives are to critically review the data and concepts that have arisen from use of animal models for parturition and to rationalize the use of a new model. Many animal models have contributed to advances in our understanding of the regulation of parturition. However, we suggest that those animals dependent on progesterone withdrawal to initiate parturition clearly have a limitation to their translation to the human. In such models, a linear sequence of events (e.g., luteolysis, progesterone withdrawal, uterine activation, parturition) gives rise to the concept of a "trigger" mechanism. Conversely, we propose that human parturition may arise from the concomitant maturation of several systems in parallel. We have termed this novel concept "modular accumulation of physiological systems" (MAPS). We also emphasize the urgency to determine the precise role of the immune system in the process of parturition in situations other than intrauterine infection. Finally, we accentuate the need to develop a nonprimate animal model whose physiology is more relevant to human parturition. We suggest that the guinea pig displays several key physiological characteristics of gestation that more closely resemble human pregnancy than do currently favored animal models. We conclude that the application of novel concepts and new models are required to advance translational research in parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan F Mitchell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Heritage Medical Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
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Engineer N, Sooranna SR, Liang Z, Bennett PR, Johnson MR. Influence of extracellular matrix on cytokine stimulated pro-labour gene expression in human uterine myocytes. Reprod Sci 2008; 15:950-60. [PMID: 19050328 DOI: 10.1177/1933719108322439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cellular function is modulated by the interaction with the extracellular matrix within the myometrium. We formed the hypothesis that the cytokine-stimulated pro-labour gene expression by human uterine smooth muscle cells would be increased by growing the cells on collagen-coated plates. Primary cultures of human uterine smooth muscle cells grown on uncoated plates and on plates coated with collagen were exposed to the inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6) and assessed the messenger RNA expression of oxytocin receptor, interleukin-8, prostaglandin H synthase type-2 and prostaglandin F(2) alpha receptor. Basal pro-labour gene expression was unaffected by collagen coating and the response to the inflammatory cytokines was similar for oxytocin receptor and prostaglandin H synthase type-2, but appeared to be reduced for interleukin-8 and enhanced for FP. Collagen coating made no significant impact on basal integrin expression and interleukin-1beta induced phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated-kinase1/2 and RelA subunit of nuclear factor-kappa B (p65). We conclude that growing human uterine smooth muscle cells on collagen-coated plates may modulate the pro-labour gene response to the inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Engineer
- Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
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Szeto A, Nation DA, Mendez AJ, Dominguez-Bendala J, Brooks LG, Schneiderman N, McCabe PM. Oxytocin attenuates NADPH-dependent superoxide activity and IL-6 secretion in macrophages and vascular cells. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2008; 295:E1495-501. [PMID: 18940936 PMCID: PMC2603556 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.90718.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin is synthesized and released in the heart and vasculature, tissues that also express oxytocin receptors. Although it has been established this intrinsic cardiovascular oxytocin system is important in normal homeostatic cardiac and vascular regulation, a role for this system in cardiovascular pathophysiology has not been investigated. The current study examined the influence of oxytocin on mechanisms in atherogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in cultured human vascular cells, THP-1 monocytes, and macrophages. Oxytocin receptor protein and mRNA expression, NADPH-dependent superoxide activity, and interleukin-6 secretion were measured. Results demonstrated oxytocin receptor protein and mRNA in THP-1 monocytes and macrophages. Incubation of cells at physiological levels of oxytocin significantly decreased basal and stimulated NADPH-dependent superoxide activity in vascular cells, monocytes, and macrophages by 24-48%. Oxytocin also attenuated interleukin-6 secretion from stimulated THP-1 macrophages and endothelial cells by 56 and 26%, respectively. These findings suggest that oxytocin attenuates vascular oxidative stress and inflammation, two important pathophysiological processes in atherosclerosis. The fact that oxytocin receptors are found in monocytes and macrophages, and oxytocin decreases both superoxide production and release of a proinflammatory cytokine from these cells, suggests a potentially larger role for oxytocin in the attenuation of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Szeto
- Dept. of Psychology, Univ. of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124, USA
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Vitoratos N, Kountouris A, Makrakis E, Papadias K, Creatsas G. No effect of tocolytic therapy with atosiban on maternal serum interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in threatened preterm labor. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2007; 20:725-8. [PMID: 17763273 DOI: 10.1080/14767050701574542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the effect of intravenous administration of tocolytic therapy with an oxytocin antagonist drug (atosiban) on maternal serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels in women with threatened preterm labor. METHODS The study population consisted of 46 women with a singleton pregnancy admitted to our department with a diagnosis of threatened preterm labor at between 26 and 34 weeks of gestation. Atosiban was administered to all women. Nine women (group A) progressed to delivery within 48 hours of admission. The remaining 37 women were divided in two groups: group B consisted of 16 women who remained undelivered at 48 hours but experienced delivery within 7 days and group C consisted of 21 women who did not deliver within the next 7 days. Maternal serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels were assessed in duplicate by a high sensitivity ELISA kit on patient admission and again at the end of treatment with atosiban (36 hours post-admission). RESULTS Serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha concentrations on admission were significantly higher in group A compared to those found in group B (p = 0.01) and group C (p = 0.04). Comparisons of serum IL-6 values on admission and at 36 hours after the initiation of atosiban treatment were comparable in group A (p = 0.95), group B (p = 0.39), and group C (p = 0.79). Similarly serum TNF-alpha levels on admission were not significantly different compared to those at the end of treatment in all groups (p = 0.85 for group A, p = 0.45 for group B, and p = 0.21 for group C). CONCLUSIONS No effect of tocolytic therapy with atosiban was observed on serum IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in women with threatened preterm labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Vitoratos
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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Uchida S, Fuke S, Tsukahara T. Upregulations of Gata4 and oxytocin receptor are important in cardiomyocyte differentiation processes of P19CL6 cells. J Cell Biochem 2007; 100:629-41. [PMID: 16960874 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin induces P19 cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes possibly through the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor system. We added oxytocin to the growth medium of P19CL6, a subline of P19, but they did not differentiate into cardiomyocytes as indicated by RT-PCR and Western blotting results. During the cardiac commitment time of P19CL6 cells, the mRNA expression levels of the oxytocin receptor were upregulated by the addition of oxytocin as well as DMSO, but an upregulation of Gata4 expression levels was only observed for the cells induced by DMSO. The in silico analysis of the upstream sequence of the oxytocin receptor predicted putative binding sites for Gata4 and Nkx2.5. These results suggest that upregulations of the oxytocin receptor and Gata4 are important for cardiomyocyte differentiation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizuka Uchida
- School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Ishikawa, Japan
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Ball A, Wang JW, Wong S, Zielnik B, Mitchell J, Wang N, Stemerman MB, Mitchell BF. Phorbol ester treatment of human myometrial cells suppresses expression of oxytocin receptor through a mechanism that does not involve activator protein-1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2006; 291:E922-8. [PMID: 16757545 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00602.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a potent uterine agonist. Its receptor (OTR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is downregulated by prolonged exposure to OT. We hypothesized that activation of PKC mediated this OT-induced decrease in OTR expression. Diminished PKC activity in late pregnancy could underlie the increased expression of uterine OTR preceding labor onset. Using cell cultures of transformed human uterine myocytes, we determined the effects of PKC agonists and antagonists on the expression of OTR. We also explored the effects of overexpression of activator protein-1 (AP-1, a mediator of many PKC- and phorbol ester-induced effects) using adenoviral expression vectors for the AP-1 subunits c-Jun and c-Fos. Stimulation of PKC using the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate caused a rapid, significant (P < or = 0.05) increase in c-Jun and c-Fos concentrations but a significant decrease in mRNA for OTR within 6 h followed by a significant decrease in OT binding by 24 h. Adenoviral infection of the cells with expression vectors for c-Jun and c-Fos increased the AP-1 subunits but had no effect on OTR expression. Furthermore, there were no changes in c-Fos or c-Jun levels in human intrauterine tissues around the time of labor onset, as measured by Western analyses. We conclude that phorbol ester treatment decreases OTR expression, likely through a mechanism that does not involve AP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Ball
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Bukowski R, Hankins GDV, Saade GR, Anderson GD, Thornton S. Labor-associated gene expression in the human uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix. PLoS Med 2006; 3:e169. [PMID: 16768543 PMCID: PMC1475650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/31/2006] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm labor, failure to progress, and postpartum hemorrhage are the common causes of maternal and neonatal mortality or morbidity. All result from defects in the complex mechanisms controlling labor, which coordinate changes in the uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix. We aimed to assess labor-associated gene expression profiles in these functionally distinct areas of the human uterus by using microarrays. METHODS AND FINDINGS Samples of uterine fundus, lower segment, and cervix were obtained from patients at term (mean +/- SD = 39.1 +/- 0.5 wk) prior to the onset of labor (n = 6), or in active phase of labor with spontaneous onset (n = 7). Expression of 12,626 genes was evaluated using microarrays (Human Genome U95A; Affymetrix) and compared between labor and non-labor samples. Genes with the largest labor-associated change and the lowest variability in expression are likely to be fundamental for parturition, so gene expression was ranked accordingly. From 500 genes with the highest rank we identified genes with similar expression profiles using two independent clustering techniques. Sets of genes with a probability of chance grouping by both techniques less than 0.01 represented 71.2%, 81.8%, and 79.8% of the 500 genes in the fundus, lower segment, and cervix, respectively. We identified 14, 14, and 12 those sets of genes in the fundus, lower segment, and cervix, respectively. This enabled networks of co-regulated and co-expressed genes to be discovered. Many genes within the same cluster shared similar functions or had functions pertinent to the process of labor. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide support for many of the established processes of parturition and also describe novel-to-labor genes not previously associated with this process. The elucidation of these mechanisms likely to be fundamental for controlling labor is an important prerequisite to the development of effective treatments for major obstetric problems--including prematurity, with its long-term consequences to the health of mother and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radek Bukowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA.
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Fleming JGW, Spencer TE, Safe SH, Bazer FW. Estrogen regulates transcription of the ovine oxytocin receptor gene through GC-rich SP1 promoter elements. Endocrinology 2006; 147:899-911. [PMID: 16254027 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-1120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Establishment of pregnancy in ruminants results from paracrine signaling by interferon tau (IFNT) from the conceptus to uterine endometrial luminal epithelia (LE) that prevents release of luteolytic prostaglandin F(2alpha) pulses. In cyclic and pregnant ewes, progesterone down-regulates progesterone receptor (PGR) gene expression in LE. In cyclic ewes, loss of PGR allows for increases in estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) and then oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene expression followed by oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F(2alpha) pulses. In pregnant ewes, IFNT inhibits transcription of the ESR1 gene, which presumably inhibits OXTR gene transcription. Alternatively, IFNT may directly inhibit OXTR gene transcription. The 5' promoter/enhancer region of the ovine OXTR gene was cloned and found to contain predicted binding sites for activator protein 1, SP1, and PGR, but not for ESR1. Deletion analysis showed that the basal promoter activity was dependent on the region from -144 to -4 bp that contained only SP1 sites. IFNT did not affect activity of the OXTR promoter. In cells transfected with ESR1, E2, and ICI 182,780 increased promoter activity due to GC-rich SP1 binding sites at positions -104 and -64. Mutation analyses showed that the proximal SP1 sites mediated ESR1 action as well as basal activity of the promoter. In response to progesterone, progesterone receptor B also increased OXTR promoter activity. SP1 protein was constitutively expressed and abundant in the LE of the ovine uterus. These results support the hypothesis that the antiluteolytic effects of IFNT are mediated by direct inhibition or silencing of ESR1 gene transcription, thereby precluding ESR1/SP1 from stimulating OXTR gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joann G W Fleming
- Center for Animal Biotechnology and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, 77843-2471, USA
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Massrieh W, Derjuga A, Doualla-Bell F, Ku CY, Sanborn BM, Blank V. Regulation of the MAFF transcription factor by proinflammatory cytokines in myometrial cells. Biol Reprod 2005; 74:699-705. [PMID: 16371591 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.105.045450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAF (proto-)oncogene family of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors plays crucial roles in the control of mammalian gene expression and development. Here we analyzed the regulation of the human MAFF gene, coding for a small MAF transcription factor, in uterine smooth muscle cells. We found that MAFF transcript levels are induced by proinflammatory cytokines in PHM1-31 myometrial cells. We observed an important induction by interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) and a weaker upregulation by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), whereas interleukin 6 (IL6) treatment had no effect. Time course experiments revealed a rapid induction of MAFF transcripts within 30 min following IL1B treatment. The presence of actinomycin D inhibited the upregulation, suggesting that regulation of MAFF mRNA levels occurs at the transcriptional level. We generated a MAFF-specific antiserum and determined that MAFF protein was also induced by TNF and IL1B in PHM1-31 cells. In contrast, it was particularly interesting that the transcript and protein levels of the highly homologous MAFG and MAFK genes are not modulated by these cytokines. Our results suggest a possible specific role for MAFF in proinflammatory cytokine-mediated control of myometrial gene expression and provide the first link between a small MAF transcription factor and the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Massrieh
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3T 1E2
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Breuiller-Fouché M, Morinière C, Dallot E, Oger S, Rebourcet R, Cabrol D, Leroy MJ. Regulation of the endothelin/endothelin receptor system by interleukin-1{beta} in human myometrial cells. Endocrinology 2005; 146:4878-86. [PMID: 16109787 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokines produced at the fetomaternal interface, such as IL-1beta, have been implicated in preterm and term labor. The present study was performed to evaluate the influence of IL-1beta on the endothelin (ET)/ET receptor system in human myometrial cells. We report that myometrial cells under basal conditions not only respond to but also secrete ET-1, one of the main regulators of uterine contractions. Prolonged exposure of the cells to IL-1beta led to a decrease in prepro-ET-1 and ET-3 mRNA correlated with a decrease in immunoreactive ET-1 and ET-3 levels in the culture medium. Whereas ETA receptor expression at both protein and mRNA levels was not affected by IL-1beta treatment, we demonstrated an unexpected predominance of the ETB receptor subtype under this inflammatory condition. Whereas the physiological function of ETB remains unclear, we confirmed that only ETA receptors mediate ET-1-induced myometrial cell contractions under basal conditions. By contrast, prolonged exposure of the cells to IL-1beta abolished the contractile effect induced by ET-1. Such a regulation of IL-1beta on the ET release and the balance of ETA to ETB receptors leading to a loss of ET-1-induced myometrial cell contractions suggest that complex regulatory mechanisms take place to constraint the onset of infection-induced premature contractions.
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Mitchell BF, Zielnik B, Wong S, Roberts CD, Mitchell JM. Intraperitoneal infusion of proinflammatory cytokines does not cause activation of the rat uterus during late gestation. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2005; 289:E658-64. [PMID: 15870103 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00058.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increased concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha have been associated with parturition. However, the role of these cytokines is unknown. Before parturition, the uterus undergoes a process of activation, during which there are significant changes in expression of genes associated with increased uterine contractility, including the receptors for oxytocin (OT) and prostaglandin (PG)F(2alpha) (FP), PGH(2) synthase isoform 2 (PGHS2), the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx-43), and the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). To determine whether IL-1beta or TNF-alpha was part of the causal mechanism for increased uterine contractions, we placed osmotic pumps infusing IL-1beta or TNF-alpha into the peritoneal cavity of late pregnant rats (gestation day 19) and measured the effects on uterine contractility and on the uterine concentrations of mRNA for the contraction-associated genes 24 h later. Maternal serum concentrations of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were increased significantly. By day 21, the control animals had significant increases (P < or = 0.05) in mRNA for OT, FP, PGHS2, and Cx-43, a decrease (P < or = 0.05) in iNOS, and an increase (P < or = 0.05) in uterine sensitivity and responsiveness to OT. Infusion of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha had no effect on uterine contractility or on expression of the activation-associated genes. We conclude that intraperitoneal infusion of IL-1beta or TNF-alpha resulting in significantly increased maternal serum cytokine levels does not cause uterine activation. The role of proinflammatory cytokines in the mechanism of parturition remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan F Mitchell
- Perinatal Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2S2.
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Houdeau E, Larauche M, Monnerie R, Bueno L, Fioramonti J. Uterine motor alterations and estrous cycle disturbances associated with colonic inflammation in the rat. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2005; 288:R630-7. [PMID: 15539608 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00482.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The impact of colitis on uterine contractility and estrous cycle was investigated after intracolonic administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. Colitis severity was assessed by macroscopic damage scoring (MDS) 4 days after TNBS, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was measured in both colon and uterus of control and colitic rats. Estrous cycle stages were determined by vaginal smears and histology, and uterine contractility was assessed in vitro on longitudinal and circular strips. In control rats, uterine MPO activity varied markedly during the cycle and peaked around estrus. In rats with moderate colitis [MDS < 5, 3.1 ± 0.2 (mean ± SE)], uterine MPO decreased by 61% compared with estrus control, without disruption of the cycle. Frequency of spontaneous contractions was reduced by 32% in circular muscle. Contractile responses to KCl and carbachol were not affected, whereas maximal response to oxytocin decreased by 47% in the longitudinal muscle. In rats with severe colitis (MDS > 5, 6.0 ± 0.2), uterine MPO was reduced by 96% and estrous cycle was disrupted. Spontaneous contractility was impaired in circular strips, and a 39% decrease in the contraction frequency occurred in the longitudinal strips. Circular strips did not contract to KCl or carbachol; however, longitudinal strips had maximal responses to KCl, carbachol, and oxytocin reduced by 36%, 27%, and 46%, respectively. Estrogen replacement protected the uterine responses to carbachol in colitic rats, whereas oxytocin responses remained depressed. These data indicate that colonic inflammation can influence both spontaneous and evoked uterine contractility, in relation to estrous cycle disturbances, impaired estradiol production, and functional alterations of myometrial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Houdeau
- Neuro-Gastroenterology & Nutrition Unit, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, 180 chemin de Tournefeuille BP3, F-31931 Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
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Terzidou V, Sooranna SR, Kim LU, Thornton S, Bennett PR, Johnson MR. Mechanical stretch up-regulates the human oxytocin receptor in primary human uterine myocytes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005; 90:237-46. [PMID: 15494465 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2004-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression is increased before the onset of labor in all models of parturition. However, the mechanisms responsible for the increase in OTR expression are uncertain. Animal data suggest that uterine stretch increases OTR mRNA expression. In primary cultures of human uterine smooth muscle cells obtained from nonpregnant (NP) women and pregnant women before (NL) and after (L) the onset of labor, we investigated the effect of stretch on the expression of OTR mRNA and DNA binding of activator protein-1 (AP-1), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)beta, and nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factors. OTR expression was least in NL, intermediate in NP, and greatest in L cells. Stretch of NL cells resulted in up-regulation of OTR mRNA expression associated with increased OTR gene promoter activity. Stretch of NP and L cells did not affect OTR mRNA expression. The increased promoter activity was associated with increased DNA binding of C/EBP and AP-1 but not nuclear factor-kappaB transcription factors. Overexpression of C/EBP, but not AP-1, increased OTR promoter activity. We conclude that stretch of NL cells results in increased OTR mRNA expression probably through increased C/EBPbeta DNA binding. These data suggest that stretch contributes to the massive increase in OTR expression before the onset of human labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasso Terzidou
- Imperial College Parturition Research Group, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, London, United Kingdom
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Egawa M, Yasuda K, Nakajima T, Okada H, Yoshimura T, Yuri T, Yasuhara M, Nakamoto T, Nagata F, Kanzaki H. Smoking enhances oxytocin-induced rhythmic myometrial contraction. Biol Reprod 2003; 68:2274-80. [PMID: 12606462 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.102.010785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Although smoking during pregnancy is one of the major risk factors of premature delivery, the underlying mechanism by which smoking causes premature delivery is unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of smoking on uterine contractility induced by oxytocin and prostaglandin F(2alpha). Rats inhaled either cigarette smoke or room air from Day 14 to Day 16 of pregnancy through an inhalation apparatus for experimental animals (type "Hamburg II"). After the rats were killed on Day 17 of pregnancy, the uterine contractile sensitivity and activity on exposure to oxytocin or prostaglandin F2alpha were investigated. The expression levels of oxytocin-receptor mRNA and prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor mRNA in the uterus were investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The contractile activity was assessed as the contractile force and the frequency of rhythmic contractions of myometrial strips that were treated with oxytocin or prostaglandin F(2alpha). The contractile sensitivity to oxytocin was significantly higher in the smoking group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Although the contractile force of oxytocin-induced contractions did not differ between the smoking and control groups, the frequency of contractions was significantly higher in the smoking group than in the control group (P < 0.01). On the other hand, no significant differences were found in the contractile sensitivity and activity in response to prostaglandin F(2alpha) between the smoking and control groups. The expression of oxytocin-receptor mRNA in the myometrium was significantly increased in the smoking group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was found in the level of expression of prostaglandin F(2alpha)-receptor mRNA between the two groups. These results suggest that smoking during pregnancy increases the contractile sensitivity and activity of the myometrium in response to oxytocin by up-regulating the expression of oxytocin-receptor mRNA. The effects of smoking on the contractile sensitivity and activity of the myometrium in response to oxytocin may increase the risk of premature delivery in smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Egawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Moriguchi, Osaka, 570-0074, Japan
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Jeng YJ, Soloff SL, Anderson GD, Soloff MS. Regulation of oxytocin receptor expression in cultured human myometrial cells by fetal bovine serum and lysophospholipids. Endocrinology 2003; 144:61-8. [PMID: 12488330 DOI: 10.1210/en.2002-220636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in human myometrium increases over 150-fold from the beginning of pregnancy to the end. In the present studies, we examined potential mechanisms of OTR up-regulation, using myometrial cells in primary culture from women in late gestation. OTR ligand-binding sites and steady-state mRNA levels were down regulated by serum starvation, and up-regulated by restoration of fetal bovine serum (FBS). Transcriptional activity of the OTR gene was the same with or without FBS treatment, but FBS increased OTR mRNA half-life about 5-fold. Lysophospholipids (lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate), which are present in serum, had similar effects as FBS. Lysophospholipid receptor mRNAs of the endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family (Edgs 1, 3, 4, and 5) were demonstrated in myometrial cells by RT-PCR. These G protein-coupled receptors have been shown to be coupled to G(i/o) and to mediate activation of phosphoinositol 3-phosphate kinase. Indeed, the effects of the lysophospholipids and FBS were completely blocked by pertussis toxin, a G(i/o) inhibitor. Likewise, inhibition of G(i/o) signaling by elevation of intracellular cAMP or inhibition of phosphoinositol 3-phosphate kinase blocked FBS effects on OTR mRNA stability. We do not presently understand the mechanisms of OTR up-regulation in human myometrium in vivo, but the present studies might lead to the description of mRNA-stabilizing factors whose activity can be quantified in tissue samples during pregnancy to elucidate the process of OTR up-regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-J Jeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1062, USA
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Gupta S, Sen S. Myotrophin-kappaB DNA interaction in the initiation process of cardiac hypertrophy. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2002; 1589:247-60. [PMID: 12031792 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4889(02)00178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To investigate how cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure develop, we isolated and characterized a candidate initiator, the soluble 12-kDa protein myotrophin, from rat and human hearts. Myotrophin stimulates protein synthesis and myocardial cell growth associated with increased levels of hypertrophy marker genes. Recombinant myotrophin from the cloned gene showed structural/functional motifs, including ankyrin repeats and putative phosphorylation sites for protein kinase C (PKC) and casein kinase II. One repeat, homologous with I kappaB, interacts with rel/NF-kappaB in vitro. We analyzed the interaction of recombinant myotrophin and nuclear extracts prepared from neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes; gel mobility shift assay showed that myotrophin bound to kappaB DNA. To define PKC's role in myotrophin-induced myocyte growth, we incubated neonatal rat myocytes (normal and stretch) with specific inhibitors and found that myotrophin inhibits [3H]leucine incorporation into myocytes and different hypertrophic gene expression in neonatal myocytes. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that a basal level of myotrophin was present in both cytoplasm and nucleus under normal conditions, but under cyclic stretch, myotrophin levels became elevated in the nucleus. Myotrophin gene levels were upregulated when myocytes underwent cyclic stretch or were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) or interleukin-1beta and also when excised beating hearts were exposed to high pressure. Our data showed that the myotrophin-kappaB interaction was increased with age in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) only. Our data provide evidence that myotrophin-kappaB DNA interaction may be an important step in initiating cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhiranjan Gupta
- Department of Molecular Cardiology (NB 50), Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, OH 44195, USA
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