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Quan H, Wang Y, Li H, Zhu Q, Chen X, Ge RS, Li X. Ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulates stem/progenitor Leydig cell proliferation but inhibits differentiation into its lineage in rats. Andrology 2023; 11:1495-1513. [PMID: 37029531 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ciliary neurotrophic factor is a member of the interleukin-6 family of cytokines. Ciliary neurotrophic factor drives many cells for their development. However, its effects on Leydig cell development remain unclear. METHODS In the current study, we used three-dimensional seminiferous tubule culture system to induce the proliferation and differentiation of tubule-associated stem Leydig cells and primary progenitor Leydig cells culture to address the effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor. RESULTS We found that ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulated the proliferation of stem Leydig cells but inhibited their development into the Leydig cell lineage. The ciliary neurotrophic factor-mediated effects can be reversed by signal transducer and activator 3 inhibitor S3I-201 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, indicating that ciliary neurotrophic factor acts via signal transducer and activator 3-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways to increase stem/progenitor Leydig cell proliferation. Ciliary neurotrophic factor at 1 and 10 ng/mL significantly decreased androgen production by progenitor Leydig cells. Microarray analysis of ciliary neurotrophic factor-treated progenitor Leydig cells showed that ciliary neurotrophic factor blocked steroidogenic pathways by downregulating Scarb1, Star, and Hsd3b1, possibly by downregulating the transcription factor Nr5a1 expression. CONCLUSION Ciliary neurotrophic factor stimulates proliferation but blocks the differentiation of stem/progenitor Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehua Quan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huitao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiqi Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology of Zhejiang Province, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Malformations in Children of Zhejiang Province and Key Laboratory of Environment and Male Reproductive Medicine of Wenzhou, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. A review on immunological aspects in male reproduction: An immune cells and cytokines. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 158:103984. [PMID: 37390629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The male reproductive system, particularly the male gamete, offers a unique barrier to the immune system. The growing germ cells in the testis need to be shielded from autoimmune damage. Hence the testis has to establish and sustain an immune-privileged milieu. Sertoli cells create this safe space, protected by the blood-testis barrier. Cytokines are a type of immune reaction that can positively and negatively affect male reproductive health. Inflammation, disease, and obesity are just a few physiological conditions for which cytokines mediate signals. They interact with steroidogenesis, shaping the adrenals and testes to produce the hormones needed for survival. In particular pathological condition, including autoimmune disorders, contains high levels of the same cytokines in semen that play an essential role in the immunomodulation of the male gonad. This review focuses on understanding the immunological role of cytokines in the control and development of male reproduction. Also, in maintaining male reproductive health and diseases linked with their aberrant function in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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Curley M, Darbey A, O'Donnell L, Kilcoyne KR, Wilson K, Mungall W, Rebourcet D, Guo J, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Leukemia inhibitory factor-receptor signalling negatively regulates gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone production in mouse Leydig Cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 544:111556. [PMID: 35031431 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the principal source of circulating testosterone in males. LC steroidogenesis maintains sexual function, fertility and general health, and is influenced by various paracrine factors. The leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in the testis and activated by different ligands, including leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), produced by peritubular myoid cells. LIF can modulate LC testosterone production in vitro under certain circumstances, but the role of consolidated signalling through LIFR in adult LC function in vivo has not been established. We used a conditional Lifr allele in combination with adenoviral vectors expressing Cre-recombinase to generate an acute model of LC Lifr-KO in the adult mouse testis, and showed that LC Lifr is not required for short term LC survival or basal steroidogenesis. However, LIFR-signalling negatively regulates steroidogenic enzyme expression and maximal gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone biosynthesis, expanding our understanding of the intricate regulation of LC steroidogenic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Liza O'Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia; Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten Wilson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Will Mungall
- Bioresearch and Veterinary Services, University of Edinburgh, the Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, Edinburgh, EH91LF, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom; College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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4
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Jorgensen MM, de la Puente P. Leukemia Inhibitory Factor: An Important Cytokine in Pathologies and Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020217. [PMID: 35204717 PMCID: PMC8961628 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is a member of the IL-6 cytokine family and is expressed in almost every tissue type within the body. Although LIF was named for its ability to induce differentiation of myeloid leukemia cells, studies of LIF in additional diseases and solid tumor types have shown that it has the potential to contribute to many other pathologies. Exploring the roles of LIF in normal physiology and non-cancer pathologies can give important insights into how it may be dysregulated within cancers, and the possible effects of this dysregulation. Within various cancer types, LIF expression has been linked to hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance, as well as overall patient survival. The mechanisms behind these effects of LIF are not well understood and can differ between different tissue types. In fact, research has shown that while LIF may promote malignancy progression in some solid tumors, it can have anti-neoplastic effects in others. This review will summarize current knowledge of how LIF expression impacts cellular function and dysfunction to help reveal new adjuvant treatment options for cancer patients, while also revealing potential adverse effects of treatments targeting LIF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan M Jorgensen
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- MD/PhD Program, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
| | - Pilar de la Puente
- Cancer Biology and Immunotherapies Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
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Curley M, Gonzalez ZN, Milne L, Hadoke P, Handel I, Péault B, Smith LB. Human Adipose-derived Pericytes Display Steroidogenic Lineage Potential in Vitro and Influence Leydig Cell Regeneration in Vivo in Rats. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15037. [PMID: 31636275 PMCID: PMC6803635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exogenous androgen replacement is used to treat symptoms associated with low testosterone in males. However, adverse cardiovascular risk and negative fertility impacts impel development of alternative approaches to restore/maintain Leydig cell (LC) androgen production. Stem Leydig cell (SLC) transplantation shows promise in this regard however, practicality of SLC isolation/transplantation impede clinical translation. Multipotent human adipose-derived perivascular stem cells (hAd-PSCs) represent an attractive extragonadal stem cell source for regenerative therapies in the testis but their therapeutic potential in this context is unexplored. We asked whether hAd-PSCs could be converted into Leydig-like cells and determined their capacity to promote regeneration in LC-ablated rat testes. Exposure of hAd-PSCs to differentiation-inducing factors in vitro upregulated steroidogenic genes but did not fully induce LC differentiation. In vivo, no difference in LC-regeneration was noted between Sham and hAd-PSC-transplanted rats. Interestingly, Cyp17a1 expression increased in hAd-PSC-transplanted testes compared to intact vehicle controls and the luteinising hormone/testosterone ratio returned to Vehicle control levels which was not the case in EDS + Sham animals. Notably, hAd-PSCs were undetectable one-month after transplantation suggesting this effect is likely mediated via paracrine mechanisms during the initial stages of regeneration; either directly by interacting with regenerating LCs, or through indirect interactions with trophic macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Zaniah N Gonzalez
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Hadoke
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Handel
- The Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Péault
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Bioquarter, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, United Kingdom.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Broad Stem Cell Center, University of California at Los Angeles, 615 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom. .,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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Ma Z, Zhang Y, Su J, Yang S, Qiao W, Li X, Lei Z, Cheng L, An N, Wang W, Feng Y, Zhang J. Effects of neuromedin B on steroidogenesis, cell proliferation and apoptosis in porcine Leydig cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:13-23. [PMID: 29632025 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin B (NMB), a mammalian bombesin-related peptide, has numerous physiological functions, including regulating hormone secretions, cell growth, and reproduction, by binding to its receptor (NMBR). In this study, we investigated the effects of NMB on testosterone secretion, steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in cultured primary porcine Leydig cells. NMBR was mainly expressed in the Leydig cells of porcine testes, and a specific dose of NMB significantly promoted the secretion of testosterone in the primary Leydig cells; moreover, NMB increased the expression of mRNA and/or proteins of NMBR and steroidogenic mediators (steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR), CYP11A1, and HSD3B1) in the Leydig cells. In addition, specific doses of NMB promoted the proliferation of Leydig cells and increased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and Cyclin B1 proteins, while suppressing Leydig cell apoptosis and decreasing BAX and Caspase-3 protein expression. These results suggest that the NMB/NMBR system might play an important role in regulating boar reproductive function by modulating steroidogenesis and/or cell growth in porcine Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Ma
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Zhang
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Su
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Yang
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenna Qiao
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Li
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihai Lei
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Cheng
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Na An
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenshao Wang
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanyan Feng
- College of Veterinary MedicineNanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- College of Veterinary MedicineYangzhou University, Yangzhou, People's Republic of China
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7
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Wang Y, Yuan K, Li X, Su Z, Li X, Guan H, Su Y, Ge HS, Ge RS. Leukemia inhibitory factor stimulates steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells via increasing the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Growth Factors 2016; 34:166-176. [PMID: 27760485 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2016.1183199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has many physiological roles. However, its effects on Leydig cell development are still unclear. Rat immature and adult Leydig cells were cultured with different concentrations of LIF alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone (LH) for 24 h. LIF (1 and 10 ng/ml) significantly increased androgen production in immature Leydig cells, but had no effects on testosterone production in adult Leydig cells. Further studies revealed that LIF dose-dependently increased Star and Hsd17b3 expression levels in immature Leydig cells. Gene microarray revealed that the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes and Star might contribute to LIF-induced androgen production. In conclusion, LIF has stimulatory effects on androgen production in rat immature Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Wang
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Kaiming Yuan
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Zhijian Su
- b Department of Cell Biology , College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Xingwang Li
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Hongguo Guan
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Ying Su
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Hong-Shan Ge
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- a Department of Anesthesiology , The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , Zhejiang , People's Republic of China and
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Daniel JA, Whitlock BK, Marks DL, Gard JA, Sartin JL. Leukemia inhibitory factor as a mediator of lipopolysaccharide effects on appetite and selected hormones and metabolites. J Anim Sci 2016; 94:2789-97. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016-0396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Chen B, Chen D, Jiang Z, Li J, Liu S, Dong Y, Yao W, Akingbemi B, Ge R, Li X. Effects of estradiol and methoxychlor on Leydig cell regeneration in the adult rat testis. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:7812-26. [PMID: 24806340 PMCID: PMC4057705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15057812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 04/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present study is to determine whether methoxychlor (MXC) exposure in adulthood affects rat Leydig cell regeneration and to compare its effects with estradiol (E2). Adult 90-day-old male Sprague-Dawley rats received ethane dimethane sulfonate (EDS) to eliminate the adult Leydig cell population. Subsequently, rats were randomly assigned to four groups and gavaged with corn oil (control), 0.25 mg/kg E2 and 10 or 100 mg/kg MXC daily from days 5 to 30 post-EDS treatment. The results showed that MXC and E2 reduced serum testosterone levels on day 58 post-EDS treatment. qPCR showed Hsd17b3 mRNA levels were downregulated 7–15 fold by E2 and MXC, indicating that development of the new population of Leydig cells was arrested at the earlier stage. This observation was supported by the results of histochemical staining, which demonstrated that Leydig cells in MXC-treated testis on day 58 post-EDS treatment were mostly progenitor Leydig cells. However, Pdgfb mRNA levels were downregulated, while Lif transcript levels were increased by MXC. In contrast, E2 did not affect gene expression for these growth factors. In conclusion, our findings indicated that both MXC and E2 delayed rat Leydig cell regeneration in the EDS-treated model, presumably acting by different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dongxin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zheli Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jingyang Li
- Research Academy of Reproductive Biomedicine, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiwen Liu
- Research Academy of Reproductive Biomedicine, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yaoyao Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wenwen Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Benson Akingbemi
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36948, USA.
| | - Renshan Ge
- Research Academy of Reproductive Biomedicine, the 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy of Wenzhou Medical University, Chashan District, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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Lavoie HA, King SR. Transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic genes: STARD1, CYP11A1 and HSD3B. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:880-907. [PMID: 19491374 DOI: 10.3181/0903-mr-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the genes that mediate the first steps in steroidogenesis, the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1), the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta5-Delta4 isomerase (HSD3B), is tightly controlled by a battery of transcription factors in the adrenal cortex, the gonads and the placenta. These genes generally respond to the same hormones that stimulate steroid production through common pathways such as cAMP signaling and common actions on their promoters by proteins such as NR5A and GATA family members. However, there are distinct temporal, tissue and species-specific differences in expression between the genes that are defined by combinatorial regulation and unique promoter elements. This review will provide an overview of the hormonal and transcriptional regulation of the STARD1, CYP11A1 and specific steroidogenic HSD3B genes in the adrenal, testis, ovary and placenta and discuss the current knowledge regarding the key transcriptional factors involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Lavoie
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Rouquié D, Friry-Santini C, Schorsch F, Tinwell H, Bars R. Standard and Molecular NOAELs for Rat Testicular Toxicity Induced by Flutamide. Toxicol Sci 2009; 109:59-65. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfp056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Fon WP, Li PHS. Dexamethasone-induced suppression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression in mouse Y-1 adrenocortical cells is associated with reduced histone H3 acetylation. Endocrine 2007; 32:155-65. [PMID: 18040891 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-007-9030-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 11/08/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and the acetylation of histone H3 in mouse Y-1 adrenocortical tumor cells. Treatment of Y-1 cells with increasing concentrations (0.001-50 microg/ml) of dexamethasone for 24 h suppressed 8-Br-cAMP (0.5 mM)-stimulated StAR mRNA and protein levels and progesterone production in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment of Y-1 cells with 8-Br-cAMP (0.5 mM) for 1-24 h resulted in a marked increase in StAR mRNA levels. This increase was associated with an increase in progesterone production. StAR mRNA was down-regulated by dexamethasone at times greater than 3 h. To evaluate dexamethasone effect on the endogenous StAR gene, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed in combination with polymerase chain reaction. 8-Br-cAMP increased histone H3 acetylation within the proximal region of the StAR gene promoter and coincubation with dexamethasone blocked this effect. Dexamethasone had no effect on glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression. These results demonstrate that dexamethasone repression of 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated StAR gene expression in Y-1 cells is accompanied by reductions in histone H3 acetylation associated with the StAR gene promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Fon
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan, ROC
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Volle DH, Mouzat K, Duggavathi R, Siddeek B, Déchelotte P, Sion B, Veyssière G, Benahmed M, Lobaccaro JMA. Multiple roles of the nuclear receptors for oxysterols liver X receptor to maintain male fertility. Mol Endocrinol 2007; 21:1014-27. [PMID: 17341595 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxysterol nuclear receptors liver X receptor (LXR)alpha and LXRbeta are known to regulate lipid homeostasis in cells exposed to high amounts of cholesterol and/or fatty acids. In order to elucidate the specific and redundant roles of the LXRs in the testis, we explored the reproductive phenotypes of mice deficient of LXRalpha, LXRbeta, and both, of which only the lxralpha;beta-/- mice are infertile by 5 months of age. We demonstrate that LXRalpha-deficient mice had lower levels of testicular testosterone that correlated with a higher apoptotic rate of the germ cells. LXRbeta-deficient mice showed increased lipid accumulation in the Sertoli cells and a lower proliferation rate of the germ cells. In lxralpha;beta-/- mice, fatty acid metabolism was affected through a decrease of srebp1c and increase in scd1 mRNA expression. The retinoid acid signaling pathway was also altered in lxralpha;beta-/- mice, with a higher accumulation of all-trans retinoid receptor alpha, all-trans retinoid receptor beta, and retinoic aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 mRNA. Combination of these alterations might explain the deleterious phenotype of infertility observed only in lxralpha;beta-/- mice, even though lipid homeostasis seemed to be first altered. Wild-type mice treated with a specific LXR agonist showed an increase of testosterone production involving both LXR isoforms. Altogether, these data identify new roles of each LXR, collaborating to maintain both integrity and functions of the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Volle
- Physiologie Comparée et Endocrinologie Moléculaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) 6547, 63177 Aubière Cedex, France
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Yu CC, Li PHS. In vivo inhibition of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression by dexamethasone parallels induction of the negative transcription factor DAX-1. Endocrine 2006; 30:313-23. [PMID: 17526944 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-006-0010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 12/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on the synthesis of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and the expression of DAX-1 (dosage sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome, gene 1) and SF-1 (steroidogenic factor-1) in vivo. Male rats were treated with dexamethasone (0.4 and 4 mg/kg body wt per day) by intraperitoneal injections using phosphate-buffered saline as the vehicle for 7 d. At the end of 7 d, serum testosterone levels were decreased. Response to luteinizing hormone (LH) and 8-bromo-cyclic-AMP (8-Br-cAMP) in vitro was reduced in testicular cells isolated from dexamethasone-treated rat testes. Dexamethasone decreased LH-stimulated cAMP production. The conversion of 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione to testosterone was not affected by dexamethasone. Dexamethasone increased DAX-1 expression and concordantly decreased StAR protein and mRNA in testicular cells. The increase in DAX-1 protein corresponded to a 57% reduction in StAR mRNA levels concomitant with a 79% reduction in serum testosterone levels. Dexamethasone had no effect on the level of SF-1, but increased the amount of complexed DAX-1-SF-1. Dexamethasone in vitro suppressed StAR promoter activity when an increasing amount of DAX-1 cDNA was transfected. These results demonstrate that dexamethasone increases expression of DAX-1, which results in increased amounts of complexed DAX-1-SF-1, in the absence of any change in the expression of SF-1. These observations strongly support the concept that dexamethasone suppresses rat testicular testosterone production, at least in part, by increasing the amount of complexed DAX-1-SF-1 in these cells, which leads directly to decreased availability of free SF-1 and, therefore, decreased activation of transcription of the rat StAR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chuan Yu
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine, Tainan 70101, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Ge RS, Dong Q, Sottas CM, Papadopoulos V, Zirkin BR, Hardy MP. In search of rat stem Leydig cells: identification, isolation, and lineage-specific development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:2719-24. [PMID: 16467141 PMCID: PMC1413776 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0507692103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (LCs) are thought to differentiate from spindle-shaped precursor cells that exhibit some aspects of differentiated function, including 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD) activity. The precursor cells ultimately derive from undifferentiated stem LCs (SLCs), which are postulated to be present in testes before the onset of precursor cell differentiation. We searched for cells in the neonatal rat testis with the abilities to: (i) proliferate and expand indefinitely in vitro (self renew); (ii) differentiate (i.e., 3betaHSD and ultimately synthesize testosterone); and (iii) when transplanted into host rat testes, colonize the interstitium and subsequently differentiate in vivo. At 1 week postpartum, spindle-shaped cells were seen in the testicular interstitium that differed from the precursor cells in that they were 3betaHSD-negative, luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR)-negative, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR alpha)-positive. These cells were purified from the testes of 1-week-old rats. The cells contained proteins known to be involved in LC development, including GATA4, c-kit receptor, and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor. The putative SLCs expanded over the course of 6 months while remaining undifferentiated. When treated in media that contained thyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, and LH, 40% of the putative SLCs came to express 3betaHSD and to synthesize testosterone. When transplanted into host rat testes from which LCs had been eliminated, the putative SLCs colonized the interstitium and subsequently expressed 3betaHSD, demonstrating their ability to differentiate in vivo. We conclude that these cells are likely to be the sought-after SLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Shan Ge
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Qiang Dong
- *Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3900 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057; and
| | - Barry R. Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Division of Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205
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Ge RS, Dong Q, Sottas CM, Chen H, Zirkin BR, Hardy MP. Gene expression in rat leydig cells during development from the progenitor to adult stage: a cluster analysis. Biol Reprod 2005; 72:1405-15. [PMID: 15716394 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.037499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The postnatal development of Leydig cells can be divided into three distinct stages: initially they exist as fibroblast-like progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs) appearing in the testis by Days 14-21; subsequently, by Day 35, they become immature Leydig cells (ILCs) acquiring steroidogenic organelle structure and enzyme activities but metabolizing most of the testosterone they produce; finally, as adult Leydig cells (ALCs) by Day 90, they actively produce testosterone. The factors controlling proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cells remain largely unknown, and the aim of the present study was to identify changes in gene expression during development through cDNA array analysis of PLCs, ILCs, and ALCs. By cluster analysis, it was determined that the transitions from PLC to ILC to ALC were associated with downregulation of mRNAs corresponding to 107 genes. The downregulated genes included cell-cycle regulators, e.g., cyclin D1 (Ccnd1); growth factors, e.g., basic fibroblast growth factor (Fgf2); growth-factor-related receptors, e.g., platelet-derived growth factor alpha receptor (Pdgfra); oncogenes, e.g., kit oncogene (Kit); and transcription factors, e.g., early growth response 1 (Egr1). Conversely, expression levels of 264 genes were increased by at least twofold. Most of these were related to differentiated function and included steroidogenic enzymes, e.g., 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (Hsd11b2); neurotransmitter receptors, e.g., acetylcholine receptor nicotinic alpha 4 (Chrna4); stress response factors, e.g., glutathione transferase 8 (Gsta4); and protein turnover enzymes, e.g., tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp2). The detection of Hsd11b2 mRNA in the array was the first indication that this gene is expressed in Leydig cells, and parallel increases in Hsd11b2 mRNA and enzyme activity were recorded. Thus, gene profiling demonstrates that postnatal development is associated with changes in the expression levels of several different clusters of genes consistent with the processes of Leydig cell growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren-Shan Ge
- The Population Council, New York, New York 10021, USA
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Dorval-Coiffec I, Delcros JG, Hakovirta H, Toppari J, Jégou B, Piquet-Pellorce C. Identification of the leukemia inhibitory factor cell targets within the rat testis. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:602-11. [PMID: 15537862 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.034892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a pleiotropic cytokine, is expressed in the rat testis and produced predominantly by peritubular myoid cells. The aims of this study were to characterize the testicular cell targets of LIF and to identify the role of LIF in the testis. The LIF receptor (LIF-R)/gp190 transcript was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the rat testis from Day 13.5 postcoitum until adulthood. Seven highly purified testicular cell populations, representative of the major testicular constituents, were studied at transcriptional and protein levels by, respectively, RT-PCR and flow cytometry with biotinylated-LIF. Spermatogonia and, to a lesser extent, the somatic cells, exhibited specific LIF-binding sites. These results were strengthened by in situ analysis, showing predominant LIF-R immunoreactivity in spermatogonia at all ages studied. In addition to the 190-kDa LIF-R, Western blot analysis revealed the presence of a 50- to 60-kDa C-terminal gp190 isoform. This truncated form, which is unable to bind LIF, was the only form expressed in meiotic germ cells, suggesting an original down-regulation process of LIF-R expression during spermatogenesis. Finally, we showed that LIF increased [3H]-thymidine incorporation in spermatogonia in microdissected, cultured seminiferous tubules. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that LIF has a role in the regulation of the spermatogonial cell compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Dorval-Coiffec
- INSERM U.625, Groupe d'Etude de la Reproduction chez l'homme et les mammifères, Université de Rennes I, 35042 Rennes cedex, France
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Fombonne J, Csaba Z, von Boxberg Y, Valayer A, Rey C, Benahmed M, Dournaud P, Krantic S. Expression of somatostatin receptor type-2 (sst2A) in immature porcine Leydig cells and a possible role in the local control of testosterone secretion. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2003; 1:19. [PMID: 12646058 PMCID: PMC151791 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-1-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2003] [Accepted: 02/11/2003] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that immature porcine Leydig cells express both somatostatin (SRIF) and SRIF receptor type-2 (sst-2) transcripts. The present study was therefore undertaken to assess whether SRIF might exert autocrine actions on these cells through sst2A receptor, one of the two sst2 isoforms known to exert important neuroendocrine and endocrine functions. Using a polyclonal antibody directed towards the C-terminal tail of the sst2A receptor subtype, receptor immunoreactivity was detected in a subpopulation of Leydig cells and spermatogonia. To address the physiological correlates of this expression we then studied the possible involvement of sst2 receptor in the regulation of testosterone secretion. Functional assays showed that the sst2 agonist octreotide inhibited both basal and hCG-stimulated testosterone secretion by testosterone pretreated Leydig cells. To assess whether sst2 receptor expression might be regulated by testosterone, we performed a semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of sst2 mRNA expression in Leydig cells cultured in the presence or in the absence of the androgen. A significant increase in sst2 receptor transcripts was observed in testosterone-treated cells. Taken together, these data suggest that SRIF can inhibit testosterone secretion through the sst2A receptor. The mechanism of the local inhibitory actions of SRIF is probably autocrine since immature porcine Leydig cells express SRIF itself and it might involve testosterone-induced increase of sst2 receptor expression in immature Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Fombonne
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-407, France
| | - Zsolt Csaba
- INSERM U-159, Centre Paul Broca, 2ter rue d'Alesia, 75014 Paris, France
| | | | - Amandine Valayer
- ICNE, UMR 6544 CNRS – Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille, France
| | - Catherine Rey
- INSERM U-189, Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud, B.P. 12, F-69921 Oullins, Cedex, France
| | - Mohamed Benahmed
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-407, France
| | - Pascal Dournaud
- INSERM U-159, Centre Paul Broca, 2ter rue d'Alesia, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Slavica Krantic
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U-407, France
- ICNE, UMR 6544 CNRS – Université de la Méditerranée, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Boulevard Pierre Dramard, 13916 Marseille, France
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