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Mohamed ZI, Sivalingam M, Radhakrishnan AK, Jaafar F, Zainal Abidin SA. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) reduced phoenixin expression, induced abnormal sperm and testis morphology in male rats. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102447. [PMID: 38870753 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress caused by prolonged emotional pressure can lead to various physiological issues, including reproductive dysfunction. Although reproductive problems can also induce chronic stress, the impact of chronic stress-induced reproductive dysfunction remains contentious. This study investigates the effects of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on reproductive neuropeptides, sperm quality, and testicular morphology. Sixteen twelve-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: a non-stress control group and a CUS-induced group. The CUS regimen involved various stressors over 28 days, with both groups undergoing behavioural assessments through sucrose-preference and forced-swim tests. Hypothalamic gene expression levels of CRH, PNX, GPR173, kisspeptin, GnRH, GnIH, and spexin neuropeptides were measured via qPCR, while plasma cortisol, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations were quantified using ELISA. Seminal fluid and testis samples were collected for sperm analysis and histopathological evaluation, respectively. Results showed altered behaviours in CUS-induced rats, reflecting stress impacts. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression and plasma cortisol levels were significantly higher in CUS-induced rats compared to controls (p < 0.05). Conversely, phoenixin (PNX) expression decreased in the CUS group (p < 0.05), while kisspeptin, spexin, and gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) levels showed no significant differences between groups. Despite a significant increase in GnRH expression (p < 0.05), plasma LH and testosterone concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in CUS-induced rats. Histopathological analysis revealed abnormal testis morphology in CUS-induced rats, including disrupted architecture, visible interstitial spaces between seminiferous tubules, and absence of spermatogenesis. In conclusion, CUS affects reproductive function by modulating PNX and GnRH expression, influencing cortisol levels, and subsequently reducing plasma LH and testosterone concentrations. This study highlights the complex interplay between chronic stress and reproductive health, emphasizing the significant impact of stress on reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Isnaini Mohamed
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mageswary Sivalingam
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ammu K Radhakrishnan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Faizul Jaafar
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Syafiq Asnawi Zainal Abidin
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 46150 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Yilmaz N, Hudaykulıyeva J, Gul S. Phoenixin-14 may ameliorate testicular damage caused by torsion-detorsion by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in prepubertal rats. Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102405. [PMID: 38754242 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102405] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) on oxidative damage, inflammatory response, histopathological variations, and serum testosterone levels in testicular tissues. Forty-eight Wistar albino prepubertal male rats were divided into 4 groups (Sham, TTD, TT+PNX+TD, TTD+PNX) (n=12). The torsion period was 2 hours and the detorsion period was 24 hours in the testicular torsion/detorsion (TD) groups. A single PNX-14 (50 µg/kg) dose was injected into the rats in the TT+PNX TD group on the 90th minute of torsion, and it was injected into the rats in the TTD+PNX group at the beginning of detorsion. Oxidative damage in testicular tissues was determined based on superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS), and inflammatory damage was determined based on TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Histopathological variations were investigated with the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining method in testicular tissues and analyzed based on Johnsen scores. Spermatogonia cells were examined immunohistochemically. Serum testosterone levels were determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation parameters was determined in the TTD group when compared to the other groups (p<0.05). PNX-14 treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in these parameters and significantly repaired the TD damage in testicular tissue (p<0.05). Johnsen scoring revealed significant improvement in PNX-14 groups and an increase in spermatogonia count, supporting the biochemical findings (p<0.05). PNX-14 could be a potential therapeutic agent in testicular TD damage and further studies should be conducted to elucidate the present study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesibe Yilmaz
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey.
| | - Jemal Hudaykulıyeva
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Turkey
| | - Semir Gul
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Malatya, Turkey
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Reich N, Hölscher C. Cholecystokinin (CCK): a neuromodulator with therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 73:101122. [PMID: 38346453 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2024.101122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) is a neuropeptide modulating digestion, glucose levels, neurotransmitters and memory. Recent studies suggest that CCK exhibits neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, we review the physiological function and therapeutic potential of CCK. The neuropeptide facilitates hippocampal glutamate release and gates GABAergic basket cell activity, which improves declarative memory acquisition, but inhibits consolidation. Cortical CCK alters recognition memory and enhances audio-visual processing. By stimulating CCK-1 receptors (CCK-1Rs), sulphated CCK-8 elicits dopamine release in the substantia nigra and striatum. In the mesolimbic pathway, CCK release is triggered by dopamine and terminates reward responses via CCK-2Rs. Importantly, activation of hippocampal and nigral CCK-2Rs is neuroprotective by evoking AMPK activation, expression of mitochondrial fusion modulators and autophagy. Other benefits include vagus nerve/CCK-1R-mediated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, intestinal protection and suppression of inflammation. We also discuss caveats and the therapeutic combination of CCK with other peptide hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Reich
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK; Faculty of Health and Medicine, Biomedical & Life Sciences Division, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Christian Hölscher
- Second associated Hospital, Neurology Department, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Henan Academy of Innovations in Medical Science, Neurodegeneration research group, Xinzhen, Henan province, China
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Zheng CY, Yu YX, Cao SY, Bai X. Epigenetics of inflammation in hypothalamus pituitary gonadal and neuroendocrine disorders. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 154:340-345. [PMID: 37142487 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The hormone producing hypothalamus, pituitary and gonadal are arranged in hierarchy to form the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis). The axis is neuroendocrine in nature and releases hormones in response to the inputs from nervous systems. The axis maintains homeostasis and ensures smooth body functions, particularly those related to growth and reproduction. A deregulated HPG axis, such as observed under inflammation and other conditions, is therefore associated with several disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, functional hypothalamic amenorrhea etc. Several factors, both genetic as well as environmental, in addition to aging, obesity etc. affect HPG axis with resulting effects on puberty, sexual maturation and reproductive health. More research is now indicative of a role of epigenetics in mediating these HPG-affecting factors. Hypothalamus-secreted gonadotropin-releasing hormone is important for eventual release of sex hormones and it is subjected to several neuronal and epigenetic regulations. Gene promoter methylation as well as histone methylations and acetylations form the backbone of epigenetic regulation of HPG-axis, as the incoming reports suggest. Epigenetic events also mediate several feedback mechanisms within HPG axis and between HPG axis and the central nervous system. In addition, data is emerging for a role of non-coding RNAs, particularly the miRNAs, in regulation and normal functioning of HPG axis. Thus, the epigenetic interactions need better understanding to understand the functioning and regulation of HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yang Zheng
- Embryo Laboratory, Jinghua Hospital of Shenyang, No. 83, Zhongshan Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yue-Xin Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Shi-Yue Cao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xue Bai
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 5, Guangrong Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110000, Liaoning Province, China.
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Cichoń L, Pałasz A, Wilczyński KM, Suszka-Świtek A, Żmijowska A, Jelonek I, Janas-Kozik M. Evaluation of Peripheral Blood Concentrations of Phoenixin, Spexin, Nesfatin-1 and Kisspeptin as Potential Biomarkers of Bipolar Disorder in the Pediatric Population. Biomedicines 2023; 12:84. [PMID: 38255190 PMCID: PMC10813295 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
There are some initial suggestions in the literature that phoenixin, spexin, nesfatin-1 and kisspeptin may play a role in the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Therefore, they may also be cautiously considered as potential diagnostic or predictive biomarkers of BD. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of the aforementioned neuropeptides in the peripheral blood of children and adolescents with bipolar. This study included 122 individuals: 67 persons with diagnosed bipolar disorder types I and II constituted the study group, and 55 healthy persons were included in the control group. Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of neuropeptides between the control and study groups were noted in relation to nesfatin-1 and spexin (although spexin lost statistical significance after introducing the Bonferroni correction). In a logistic regression analysis, an increased risk of bipolar disorder was noted for a decrease in nesfatin-1 concentration. Lower levels of nesfatin-1 seemed to be a significant risk factor for the development of bipolar disorder types I and II. Furthermore, the occurrence of bipolar disorder was associated with significantly elevated levels of spexin. None of the analyzed neuropeptides was significantly correlated with the number of symptoms of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Cichoń
- Department of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, John Paul II Pediatric Centre in Sosnowiec, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Zapolskiej 3, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof M. Wilczyński
- Department of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, John Paul II Pediatric Centre in Sosnowiec, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Zapolskiej 3, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Anna Żmijowska
- Department of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, John Paul II Pediatric Centre in Sosnowiec, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Zapolskiej 3, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Ireneusz Jelonek
- Department of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, John Paul II Pediatric Centre in Sosnowiec, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Zapolskiej 3, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Janas-Kozik
- Department of Developmental Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, John Paul II Pediatric Centre in Sosnowiec, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Zapolskiej 3, 41-218 Sosnowiec, Poland
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Mazur U, Lepiarczyk E, Janikiewicz P, Łopieńska-Biernat E, Majewski MK, Bossowska A. Distribution and Chemistry of Phoenixin-14, a Newly Discovered Sensory Transmission Molecule in Porcine Afferent Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16647. [PMID: 38068975 PMCID: PMC10706208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin-14 (PNX), initially discovered in the rat hypothalamus, was also detected in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells, where its involvement in the regulation of pain and/or itch sensation was suggested. However, there is a lack of data not only on its distribution in DRGs along individual segments of the spinal cord, but also on the pattern(s) of its co-occurrence with other sensory neurotransmitters. To fill the above-mentioned gap and expand our knowledge about the occurrence of PNX in mammalian species other than rodents, this study examined (i) the pattern(s) of PNX occurrence in DRG neurons of subsequent neuromeres along the porcine spinal cord, (ii) their intraganglionic distribution and (iii) the pattern(s) of PNX co-occurrence with other biologically active agents. PNX was found in approximately 20% of all nerve cells of each DRG examined; the largest subpopulation of PNX-positive (PNX+) cells were small-diameter neurons, accounting for 74% of all PNX-positive neurons found. PNX+ neurons also co-contained calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 96.1%), substance P (SP; 88.5%), nitric oxide synthase (nNOS; 52.1%), galanin (GAL; 20.7%), calretinin (CRT; 10%), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP; 7.4%), cocaine and amphetamine related transcript (CART; 5.1%) or somatostatin (SOM; 4.7%). Although the exact function of PNX in DRGs is not yet known, the high degree of co-localization of this peptide with the main nociceptive transmitters SP and CGRP may suggests its function in modulation of pain transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Mazur
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Ewa Lepiarczyk
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paweł Janikiewicz
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Łopieńska-Biernat
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariusz Krzysztof Majewski
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Bossowska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
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Breton TS, Fike S, Francis M, Patnaude M, Murray CA, DiMaggio MA. Characterizing the SREB G protein-coupled receptor family in fish: Brain gene expression and genomic differences in upstream transcription factor binding sites. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 285:111507. [PMID: 37611891 PMCID: PMC10529039 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.111507] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The SREB (Super-conserved Receptors Expressed in Brain) family of orphan G protein-coupled receptors is highly conserved in vertebrates and consists of three members: SREB1 (orphan designation GPR27), SREB2 (GPR85), and SREB3 (GPR173). SREBs are associated with processes ranging from neuronal plasticity to reproductive control. Relatively little is known about similarities across the entire family, or how mammalian gene expression patterns compare to non-mammalian vertebrates. In fish, this system may be particularly complex, as some species have gained a fourth member (SREB3B) while others have lost genes. To better understand the system, the present study aimed to: 1) use qPCR to characterize sreb and related gene expression patterns in the brains of three fish species with different systems, and 2) identify possible differences in transcriptional regulation among the receptors, using upstream transcription factor binding sites across 70 ray-finned fish genomes. Overall, regional patterns of sreb expression were abundant in forebrain-related areas. However, some species-specific patterns were detected, such as abundant expression of receptors in zebrafish (Danio rerio) hypothalamic-containing sections, and divergence between sreb3a and sreb3b in pufferfish (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis). In addition, a gene possibly related to the system (dkk3a) was spatially correlated with the receptors in all three species. Genomic regions upstream of sreb2 and sreb3b, but largely not sreb1 or sreb3a, contained many highly conserved transcription factor binding sites. These results provide novel information about expression differences and transcriptional regulation across fish that may inform future research to better understand these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S Breton
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA.
| | - Samantha Fike
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Mullein Francis
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Michael Patnaude
- Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938, USA
| | - Casey A Murray
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA
| | - Matthew A DiMaggio
- Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570, USA
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Liang H, Zhao Q, Lv S, Ji X. Regulation and physiological functions of phoenixin. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:956500. [PMID: 36090042 PMCID: PMC9456248 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.956500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin is a newly discovered neuropeptide generated from small integral membrane protein 20. Phoenixin is a ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor 173 (GPR173) and has been detected in central and peripheral tissues of human, rats, mice, bovine, and zebrafish. It was initially involved in regulating reproductive function by stimulating the luteinizing hormone release from pituitary cells by increasing the level of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Recently, many functions of phoenixin have been generalized, including regulation of food intake, memory, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, inflammation, neuronal and microglial activity, energy metabolism and body fluid balance, cardiovascular function, and endocrine activity. In addition, the interaction between phoenixin and nesfatin-1 have been revealed. The present article summarized the latest research progress on physiological function of phoenixin, suggesting that it is a potential target for novel drug development and clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shuangyu Lv
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
| | - Xinying Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
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Breton TS, Murray CA, Huff SR, Phaneuf AM, Tripp BM, Patuel SJ, Martyniuk CJ, DiMaggio MA. Phoenixin-14 alters transcriptome and steroid profiles in female green-spotted puffer (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis). Sci Rep 2022; 12:9454. [PMID: 35676522 PMCID: PMC9177834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13695-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Phoenixin (PNX) is a highly conserved, novel hormone with diverse functions, including hypothalamic control of reproduction, appetite modulation, and regulation of energy metabolism and inflammation. While some functions appear conserved across vertebrates, additional research is required to fully characterize these complex pleiotropic effects. For instance, very little is known about transcriptome level changes associated with PNX exposure, including responses in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is critical in vertebrate reproduction. In addition, the PNX system may be especially complex in fish, where an additional receptor is likely present in some species. The purpose of this study was to assess hypothalamic and ovarian transcriptomes after PNX-14 administration in female vitellogenic green-spotted puffer (Dichotomyctere nigroviridis). Steroid-related changes were also assessed in the liver and blood plasma. Hypothalamic responses included pro-inflammatory signals such as interleukin 1β, possibly related to gut-brain axis functions, as well as suppression of cell proliferation. Ovarian responses were more widely downregulated across all identified pathways, which may reflect progression to a less transcriptionally active state in oocytes. Both organs shared regulation in transforming growth factor-β and extracellular matrix remodeling (periostin) pathways. Reproductive processes were in general downregulated, but both inhibiting (bone morphogenetic protein 15 and follistatin) and promoting (17-hydroxyprogesterone) factors for oocyte maturation were identified. Select genes involved in reproduction (vitellogenins, estrogen receptors) in the liver were unresponsive to PNX-14 and higher doses may be needed to induce reproductive effects in D. nigroviridis. These results reinforce the complexity of PNX actions in diverse tissues and highlight important roles for this hormone in regulating the immune response, energy metabolism, and cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy S. Breton
- grid.266648.80000 0000 8760 9708Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938 USA
| | - Casey A. Murray
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570 USA
| | - Sierra R. Huff
- grid.266648.80000 0000 8760 9708Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938 USA
| | - Anyssa M. Phaneuf
- grid.266648.80000 0000 8760 9708Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938 USA
| | - Bethany M. Tripp
- grid.266648.80000 0000 8760 9708Division of Natural Sciences, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington, ME 04938 USA
| | - Sarah J. Patuel
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Matthew A. DiMaggio
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory, Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Ruskin, FL 33570 USA
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Wang S, Liang R, Liu H. Phoenixin-20 ameliorates brain infarction by promoting microglia M2 polarization in an ischemic stroke model. Metab Brain Dis 2022; 37:1517-1526. [PMID: 35334042 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-022-00950-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. The transformation of microglia from the classic M1 to the alternative M2 state has been shown to have both deleterious and immunosuppressive roles in neuroinflammation. Microglial polarization toward the M2 phase is currently proposed to be a beneficial phenotype in brain ischemic injury. Phoenixin-20 is a newly identified pleiotropic neuropeptide expressed abundantly in different brain regions. In this study, we found that administration of Phoenixin-20 in ischemic stroke middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice significantly reduced the brain infarction area but improved the neurological deficit score. Gene expression analysis showed Phoenixin-20 treatment inhibited pro-inflammatory M1 phase microglial markers: a cluster of differentiation molecule 11b (CD11b), cluster of differentiation molecule 86 (CD86), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and increased anti-inflammatory M2 phase markers (found in Inflammatory Zone 1 (FIZZ1), Arginase 1 (Arg-1), Chitinase 3-like 3 (YM1), and interleukin-10 (IL-10)) in the infarcted brain. We further investigated the molecular mechanism of Phoenixin-20 in cultured microglia. We found that treatment with it induced signature genes expression in microglial M2 state, including Fizz1, Arg-1, YM1, and IL-10, indicating the promotion of microglial polarization toward the M2 state. Furthermore, we found that treatment with the M2 phase cytokine interleukin 4 (IL-4) induced the expression of microglial G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPR173), which is the receptor of Phoenixin-20. Silencing of the microglial signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) partially blocked the effect of IL-4 on GPR173, suggesting that STAT6 is the upstream regulator of GPR173. Finally, we showed that the silencing of GPR173 completely abolished the effect of Phoenixin-20 in microglia, indicating the dependency of its regulatory role on GPR173. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Phoenixin-20 has a protective role in the acute stroke model. Our cell-based study demonstrates Phoenixin-20 promotes microglia toward M2 transformation, which could be the mechanism of its neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Wang
- Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Hebei, Cangzhou, 061014, China
| | - Ruobing Liang
- Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Hebei, Cangzhou, 061014, China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Cangzhou Central Hospital, No. 16, Xinhua West Road, Yunhe District, Hebei, Cangzhou, 061014, China.
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