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Vazakidou P, Bouftas N, Heinzelmann M, Johansson HKL, Svingen T, Leonards PEG, van Duursen MBM. Minor changes to circulating steroid hormones in female rats after perinatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol or ketoconazole. Reprod Toxicol 2024:108726. [PMID: 39326550 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108726] [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: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Current chemical test strategies lack sensitive markers for detecting female reproductive toxicity caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In search of a potentially sensitive readout, the steroidogenic disrupting effects of the well-known EDCs ketoconazole (KTZ) and diethylstilbestrol (DES) were investigated in vitro and on circulating steroid hormones in perinatally exposed female Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-one steroid hormones were analysed using LC-MS/MS in plasma from female rat offspring at postnatal day (PD) 6, 14, 22, 42 and 90. Most circulating steroid hormone levels increased with age except for estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and backdoor pathway androsterone (ANDROST), which decreased after PD 22. Perinatal exposure to DES did not affect circulating steroid hormone levels at any dose or age compared to controls. KTZ exposure resulted in dose-dependent increase of corticosterone (CORTICO) at PD 6 and PD 14, with statistical significance only at PD 14. In the in vitro gold standard H295R steroidogenesis assay, twenty-one steroid hormones were measured instead of only T and E2. DES had subtle effects on steroidogenesis, whereas KTZ decreased most steroid hormones, but increased CORTICO, progesterone (P4), estriol (E3) initially (around 0.1-1µM) before decreasing. Our data suggests that circulating steroidomic profiling may not be a sensitive readout for EDC-induced female reproductive toxicity. Further studies are needed to associate H295R assay steroidomic profiles with in vivo profiles, especially in target tissues such as adrenals or gonads. Expanding the H295R steroidogenic assay to include a comprehensive steroidomic profile may enhance its regulatory applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nora Bouftas
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Manuel Heinzelmann
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Sharpe RM. Endocrine disruption and male reproductive disorders: unanswered questions. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1879-1888. [PMID: 38926156 PMCID: PMC11373384 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae143] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in human pregnancy is widely considered as an important cause of adverse changes in male reproductive health due to impaired foetal androgen production/action. However, the epidemiological evidence supporting this view is equivocal, except for certain phthalates, notably diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP). Maternal phthalate exposure levels associated with adverse reproductive changes in epidemiological studies are several thousand-fold lower than those needed to suppress foetal androgen production in rats, and direct studies using human foetal testis tissue show no effect of high phthalate exposure on androgen production. This conundrum is unexplained and raises fundamental questions. Human DEHP exposure is predominantly via food with highest exposure associated with consumption of a Western style (unhealthy) diet. This diet is also associated with increased exposure to the most common EDCs, whether persistent (chlorinated or fluorinated chemicals) or non-persistent (phthalates, bisphenols) compounds, which are found at highest levels in fatty and processed foods. Consequently, epidemiological studies associating EDC exposure and male reproductive health disorders are confounded by potential dietary effects, and vice versa. A Western diet/lifestyle in young adulthood is also associated with low sperm counts. Disentangling EDC and dietary effects in epidemiological studies is challenging. In pregnancy, a Western diet, EDC exposure, and maternal living in proximity to industrial sites are all associated with impaired foetal growth/development due to placental dysfunction, which predisposes to congenital male reproductive disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias). While the latter are considered to reflect impaired foetal androgen production, effects resulting from foetal growth impairment (FGI) are likely indirect. As FGI has numerous life-long health consequences, and is affected by maternal lifestyle, research into the origins of male reproductive disorders should take more account of this. Additionally, potential effects on foetal growth/foetal testis from the increasing use of medications in pregnancy deserves more research attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Sharpe
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration & Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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3
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Sintos AML, Cabrera HS. Network Pharmacology Reveals Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. Regulates MAPK and HIF-1 Pathways to Treat Androgenetic Alopecia. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:497. [PMID: 39056691 PMCID: PMC11274231 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent hair loss disorder worldwide, driven by excessive sensitivity or response to androgen. Herbal extracts, such as Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb., have shown promise in AGA treatment due to their anti-androgenic activities and hair growth effects. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the active compounds, putative targets, and underlying mechanisms of C. aeruginosa for the therapy of AGA using network pharmacology and molecular docking. This study identified 66 bioactive compounds from C. aeruginosa, targeting 59 proteins associated with AGA. Eight hub genes were identified from the protein-protein interaction network, namely, CASP3, AKT1, AR, IL6, PPARG, STAT3, HIF1A, and MAPK3. Topological analysis of components-targets network revealed trans-verbenol, myrtenal, carvone, alpha-atlantone, and isoaromandendrene epoxide as the core components with potential significance in AGA treatment. The molecular docking verified the binding affinity between the hub genes and core compounds. Moreover, the enrichment analyses showed that C. aeruginosa is involved in hormone response and participates in HIF-1 and MAPK pathways to treat AGA. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the potential anti-AGA mechanism of C. aeruginosa by highlighting its multi-component interactions with several targets involved in AGA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Marbyn L. Sintos
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
| | - Heherson S. Cabrera
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila 1002, Philippines;
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati 1200, Philippines
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Vazakidou P, Evangelista S, Li T, Lecante LL, Rosenberg K, Koekkoek J, Salumets A, Velthut-Meikas A, Damdimopoulou P, Mazaud-Guittot S, Fowler PA, Leonards PEG, van Duursen MBM. The profile of steroid hormones in human fetal and adult ovaries. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:60. [PMID: 38778396 PMCID: PMC11110185 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01233-7] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproduction in women is at risk due to exposure to chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system during different windows of sensitivity throughout life. Steroid hormone levels are fundamental for the normal development and function of the human reproductive system, including the ovary. This study aims to elucidate steroidogenesis at different life-stages in human ovaries. METHODS We have developed a sensitive and specific LC-MS/MS method for 21 important steroid hormones and measured them at different life stages: in media from cultures of human fetal ovaries collected from elective terminations of normally progressing pregnancy and in media from adult ovaries from Caesarean section patients, and follicular fluid from women undergoing infertility treatment. Statistically significant differences in steroid hormone levels and their ratios were calculated with parametric tests. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to explore clustering of the ovarian-derived steroidogenic profiles. RESULTS Comparison of the 21 steroid hormones revealed clear differences between the various ovarian-derived steroid profiles. Interestingly, we found biosynthesis of both canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids in first and second trimester fetal and adult ovarian tissue cultures. 17α-estradiol, a less potent naturally occurring isomer of 17β-estradiol, was detected only in follicular fluid. PCA of the ovarian-derived profiles revealed clusters from: adult ovarian tissue cultures with relatively high levels of androgens; first trimester and second trimester fetal ovarian tissue cultures with relatively low estrogen levels; follicular fluid with the lowest androgens, but highest corticosteroid, progestogen and estradiol levels. Furthermore, ratios of specific steroid hormones showed higher estradiol/ testosterone and estrone/androstenedione (indicating higher CYP19A1 activity, p < 0.01) and higher 17-hydroxyprogesterone/progesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone /androstenedione (indicating higher CYP17A1 activity, p < 0.01) in fetal compared to adult ovarian tissue cultures. CONCLUSIONS Human ovaries demonstrate de novo synthesis of non-canonical and "backdoor" pathway steroid hormones and corticosteroids. Elucidating the steroid profiles in human ovaries improves our understanding of physiological, life-stage dependent, steroidogenic capacity of ovaries and will inform mechanistic studies to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals that affect female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Vazakidou
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands.
| | - Sara Evangelista
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Tianyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Laetitia L Lecante
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Kristine Rosenberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Nova Vita Clinic, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jacco Koekkoek
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Andres Salumets
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Competence Center on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Agne Velthut-Meikas
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, SE-14186, Sweden
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Inserm, Rennes, F-35000, France
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Majorie B M van Duursen
- Section Environment and Health, Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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Salvi NB, Ghassabian A, Brubaker SG, Liu H, Kahn LG, Trasande L, Mehta-Lee SS. Prenatal phthalate exposure and fetal penile length and width. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:1587-1595. [PMID: 38057576 PMCID: PMC11127776 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02939-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals with anti-androgenic qualities and studies reported associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and infant genitalia. This study investigated whether increased prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with decreased fetal penile measures. METHODS Data was from the New York University Children's Health and Environment Study (2016-2019). Maternal urinary concentrations of 16 phthalate metabolites were quantified at <18 weeks gestation as a proxy for fetal exposure (n = 334 male pregnancies). We retrospectively measured penile length and width using ultrasounds conducted 18-24 weeks gestation (n = 173 fetuses). Associations of maternal urinary levels of phthalates with fetal penile length and width were determined using linear regression models. RESULTS 57.2% of women were Hispanic, 31.8% Non-Hispanic White, 6.4% Asian, 2.3% Non-Hispanic Black, and 2.3% multiple races. Mean maternal age was 32 years (standard deviation [SD] = 5.7). Mean penile length was 7.13 mm (SD = 1.47) and width was 6.16 mm (SD = 0.87). An inverse relationship was observed between maternal levels of mono-ethyl phthalate and fetal penile length, and mono-(7-carboxy-n-heptyl) phthalate and penile width, though estimates were small and not significant when considering correction for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort we found no clinically meaningful associations between early pregnancy phthalate exposure and fetal penile length or width. IMPACT First-trimester phthalate metabolites were assessed in pregnant women in New York City. Penile length and width were retrospectively measured on clinically assessed ultrasounds conducted ≥18 weeks and <24 weeks of gestation. In this cohort, no clinically meaningful associations were observed between first-trimester prenatal phthalate exposure and fetal penile length. This study contributes to the limited but growing research on the impact of prenatal phthalate exposure on male fetal genital development. The results emphasize that there may not be a clear association between prenatal phthalate exposure and fetal penile length and width, and further research on this topic may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole B. Salvi
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Sara G. Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Hongxiu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei, P.R. China
| | - Linda G. Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Shilpi S. Mehta-Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
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Sanchon-Sanchez P, Herraez E, Macias RIR, Estiu MC, Fortes P, Monte MJ, Marin JJG, Romero MR. Relationship between cholestasis and altered progesterone metabolism in the placenta-maternal liver tandem. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166926. [PMID: 37956602 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166926] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), there are elevated maternal serum levels of total bile acids, progesterone, and some sulfated metabolites, such as allopregnanolone sulfate, which inhibits canalicular function. AIM To investigate the relationship between cholestasis and the expression of crucial enzymes involved in progesterone metabolism in the liver and placenta. METHODS Obstructive cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). RT-qPCR (mRNA) and western blot (protein) were used to determine expression levels. Srd5a1 and Akr1c2 enzymatic activities were assayed by substrate disappearance (progesterone and 5α-dihydroprogesterone, respectively), measured by HPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS BDL induced decreased Srd5a1 and Akr1c2 expression and activity in rat liver, whereas both enzymes were up-regulated in rat placenta. Regarding sulfotransferases, Sult2b1 was also moderately up-regulated in the liver. In placenta from ICP patients, SRD5A1 and AKR1C2 expression was elevated, whereas both genes were down-regulated in liver biopsies collected from patients with several liver diseases accompanied by cholestasis. SRD5A1 and AKR1C2 expression was not affected by incubating human hepatoma HepG2 cells with FXR agonists (chenodeoxycholic acid and GW4064). Knocking-out Fxr in mice did not reduce Srd5a1 and Akr1c14 expression, which was similarly down-regulated by BDL. CONCLUSION SRD5A1 and AKR1C2 expression was markedly altered by cholestasis. This was enhanced in the placenta but decreased in the liver, which is not mediated by FXR. These results suggest that the excess of progesterone metabolites in the serum of ICP patients can involve both enhanced placental production and decreased hepatic clearance. The latter may also occur in other cholestatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Sanchon-Sanchez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Herraez
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocio I R Macias
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria C Estiu
- Ramon Sarda Mother's and Children's Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Puri Fortes
- Foundation for Applied Medical Research (FIMA), School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Monte
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose J G Marin
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marta R Romero
- Experimental Hepatology and Drug Targeting (HEVEPHARM), IBSAL, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
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Prokai-Tatrai K, Prokai L. The impact of 17β-estradiol on the estrogen-deficient female brain: from mechanisms to therapy with hot flushes as target symptoms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1310432. [PMID: 38260155 PMCID: PMC10800853 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1310432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids are essential for whole body development and functions. Among these steroids, 17β-estradiol (E2) has been known as the principal "female" hormone. However, E2's actions are not restricted to reproduction, as it plays a myriad of important roles throughout the body including the brain. In fact, this hormone also has profound effects on the female brain throughout the life span. The brain receives this gonadal hormone from the circulation, and local formation of E2 from testosterone via aromatase has been shown. Therefore, the brain appears to be not only a target but also a producer of this steroid. The beneficial broad actions of the hormone in the brain are the end result of well-orchestrated delayed genomic and rapid non-genomic responses. A drastic and steady decline in circulating E2 in a female occurs naturally over an extended period of time starting with the perimenopausal transition, as ovarian functions are gradually declining until the complete cessation of the menstrual cycle. The waning of endogenous E2 in the blood leads to an estrogen-deficient brain. This adversely impacts neural and behavioral functions and may lead to a constellation of maladies such as vasomotor symptoms with varying severity among women and, also, over time within an individual. Vasomotor symptoms triggered apparently by estrogen deficiency are related to abnormal changes in the hypothalamus particularly involving its preoptic and anterior areas. However, conventional hormone therapies to "re-estrogenize" the brain carry risks due to multiple confounding factors including unwanted hormonal exposure of the periphery. In this review, we focus on hot flushes as the archetypic manifestation of estrogen deprivation in the brain. Beyond our current mechanistic understanding of the symptoms, we highlight the arduous process and various obstacles of developing effective and safe therapies for hot flushes using E2. We discuss our preclinical efforts to constrain E2's beneficial actions to the brain by the DHED prodrug our laboratory developed to treat maladies associated with the hypoestrogenic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Prokai-Tatrai
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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8
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Amato CM, Xu X, Yao HHC. An extra-genital cell population contributes to urethra closure during mouse penis development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.09.564741. [PMID: 37986842 PMCID: PMC10659392 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.564741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Hypospadias, or incomplete closure of the urethra along the penis, is the second most common birth defect in the United States. We discovered a population of extra-genital mesenchymal cells that are essential for proper penile urethra closure in mouse embryos. This extra-genital population first appeared in the mesenchyme posterior to the hindlimb of the fetus after the onset of penis formation. These extra-genital cells, which transiently express a lineage marker Nr5a1, migrated centrally and colonized the penis bilateral to the urethra epithelium. Removal of the Nr5a1+ extra-genital cells, using a cell-type specific ablation model, resulted in severe hypospadias. The absence of extra-genital cells had the most significant impacts on another mesenchymal cells, the peri-urethra that were immediately adjacent to the Nr5a1+ extra-genital cells. Single cell mRNA sequencing revealed that the extra-genital cells extensively interact with the peri-urethra, particularly through Neuregulin 1, an epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) ligand. Disruption of Neuregulin 1 signaling in the ex-vivo slice culture system led to failure of urethra closure, recapitulating the phenotypes of extra-genital cell ablation. These results demonstrate that the Nr5a1+ extra-genital mesenchymal cells from outside of the fetal penis are indispensable for urethra closure through their interaction with the peri-urethra mesenchymal cells. This discovery provides a new entry point to understand the biology of penis formation and potential causes of hypospadias in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro Maurizio Amato
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, US
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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10
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Shen Y, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Sun J, Xie B, Zhang H, Song X. New Target for Minoxidil in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2537-2547. [PMID: 37645625 PMCID: PMC10461613 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s427612] [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: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the mechanism of minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods The mechanism of action of minoxidil on AGA was first systematically investigated from the viewpoint of network pharmacology, including minoxidil-AGA target prediction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, molecular docking and enrichment analysis of targets related to minoxidil and AGA, and dermal papilla cell assays to confirm the viability of prediction. Results The combined analysis revealed that minoxidil treatment of AGA not only acts on androgenic receptors (AR) but also on 2 new targets, steroid 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17A1) and aromatase (CYP19A1). The biological processes linked to these targets were concentrated on several pathways, including enzymes and hormones. Further experiments have revealed that minoxidil suppresses the expression of AR and CYP17A1, boosts the activity of CYP19A1, decreases the formation and binding of dihydrotestosterone, and enhances the production of estradiol. Through these changes, minoxidil acts as a treatment for AGA. Conclusion Minoxidil may act by altering hormonal and enzymatic pathways. Our study finds two new targets (CYP17A1, CYP19A1) of minoxidil and demonstrates that minoxidil inhibits AR. These targets may provide new ideas for drug research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuzu Song
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Rogol AD. Sex chromosome aneuploidies and fertility: 47,XXY, 47,XYY, 47,XXX and 45,X/47,XXX. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e220440. [PMID: 37399523 PMCID: PMC10448573 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
The overall incidence of sex chromosome aneuploidies is approximately 1 per 500 live-born infants, but far more common at conception. I shall review the fertility aspects of the sex chromosome trisomies, XXY, XYY, and XXX, with special reference to the karyotype 45,X/47,XXX. Each has a 'specific' (but variable) phenotype but may be modified by mosaicism. Although the alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are important (and discussed), the emphasis here is on potential fertility and if one might predict that at various epochs within an individual's life span: fetal, 'mini'-puberty, childhood, puberty, and adulthood. The reproductive axis is often affected in females with the 47,XXX karyotype with diminished ovarian reserve and accelerated loss of ovarian function. Fewer than 5% of females with Turner syndrome have the 45,X/47,XXX karyotype. They have taller stature and less severe fertility issues compared to females with the 45,X or other forms of Turner syndrome mosaicism. For the 47,XXY karyotype, non-obstructive azoospermia is almost universal with sperm retrieval by micro-testicular sperm extraction possible in slightly fewer than half of the men. Men with the 47,XYY karyotype have normal to large testes and much less testicular dysfunction than those with the 47,XXY karyotype. They do have a slight increase in infertility compared to the reference population but not nearly as severe as those with the 47,XXY karyotype. Assisted reproductive technology, especially micro-testicular sperm extraction, has an important role, especially for those with 47,XXY; however, more recent data show promising techniques for the in vitro maturation of spermatogonial stem cells and 3D organoids in culture. Assisted reproductive technology is more complex for the female, but vitrification of oocytes has shown promising advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Rogol
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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12
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Lissaman AC, Girling JE, Cree LM, Campbell RE, Ponnampalam AP. Androgen signalling in the ovaries and endometrium. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad017. [PMID: 37171897 PMCID: PMC10663053 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad017] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, our understanding of hormonal regulation within the female reproductive system is largely based on our knowledge of estrogen and progesterone signalling. However, while the important functions of androgens in male physiology are well known, it is also recognized that androgens play critical roles in the female reproductive system. Further, androgen signalling is altered in a variety of gynaecological conditions, including endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, indicative of regulatory roles in endometrial and ovarian function. Co-regulatory mechanisms exist between different androgens, estrogens, and progesterone, resulting in a complex network of steroid hormone interactions. Evidence from animal knockout studies, in vitro experiments, and human data indicate that androgen receptor expression is cell-specific and menstrual cycle stage-dependent, with important regulatory roles in the menstrual cycle, endometrial biology, and follicular development in the ovaries. This review will discuss the expression and co-regulatory interactions of androgen receptors, highlighting the complexity of the androgen signalling pathway in the endometrium and ovaries, and the synthesis of androgens from additional alternative pathways previously disregarded as male-specific. Moreover, it will illustrate the challenges faced when studying androgens in female biology, and the need for a more in-depth, integrative view of androgen metabolism and signalling in the female reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbey C Lissaman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lynsey M Cree
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anna P Ponnampalam
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Pūtahi Manawa-Healthy Hearts for Aotearoa New Zealand, Centre of Research Excellence, New Zealand
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13
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Wróbel TM, Jørgensen FS, Pandey AV, Grudzińska A, Sharma K, Yakubu J, Björkling F. Non-steroidal CYP17A1 Inhibitors: Discovery and Assessment. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6542-6566. [PMID: 37191389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
CYP17A1 is an enzyme that plays a major role in steroidogenesis and is critically involved in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. Therefore, it remains an attractive target in several serious hormone-dependent cancer diseases, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer. The medicinal chemistry community has been committed to the discovery and development of CYP17A1 inhibitors for many years, particularly for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. The current Perspective reflects upon the discovery and evaluation of non-steroidal CYP17A1 inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry angle. Emphasis is placed on the structural aspects of the target, key learnings from the presented chemotypes, and design guidelines for future inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz M Wróbel
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Steen Jørgensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amit V Pandey
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern and Translational Hormone Research Program, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Angelika Grudzińska
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katyayani Sharma
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern and Translational Hormone Research Program, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jibira Yakubu
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Inselspital, Bern and Translational Hormone Research Program, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fredrik Björkling
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Fanelli F, Magagnoli M, Mezzullo M, Lispi M, Limoncella S, Tommasini A, Pelusi C, Santi D, Simoni M, Pagotto U, Casarini L. Exploring the human chorionic gonadotropin induced steroid secretion profile of mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 by a 20 steroid LC-MS/MS panel. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 229:106270. [PMID: 36764496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The canonical androgen synthesis in Leydig cells involves Δ5 and Δ4 steroids. Besides, the backdoor pathway, eompassing 5α and 5α,3α steroids, is gaining interest in fetal and adult pathophysiology. Moreover, the role of androgen epimers and progesterone metabolites is still unknown. We developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for measuring 20 steroids and used it to investigate the steroid secretion induced by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line 1 (mLTC1). Steroids were extracted from 500 µL supernatants from unstimulated or 100 pM hCG-exposed mLTC1 cells, separated on a Luna C8 100 × 3 mm, 3 µm column, with 100 µM NH4F and methanol as mobile phases, and analyzed by positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Sensitivity ranged within 0.012-38.0 nmol/L. Intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision were < 9.1% and 10.0%, respectively. Trueness, recovery and matrix factor were within 93.4-122.0, 55.6-104.1 and 76.4-106.3%, respectively. Levels of 16OH-progesterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, 17OH-progesterone, androstenedione, epitestosterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone, androsterone and 17OH-allopregnanolone were effectively measured. Traces of 17OH-dihydroprogesterone, androstanediol and dihydroprogesterone were found, whereas androstenediol, 17OH-pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, pregnenolone and allopregnanolone showed no peak. hCG induced an increase of 80.2-102.5 folds in 16OH-progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone, 16.6 in dihydrotestosterone, 12.2-27.5 in epitestosterone, progesterone and metabolites, 8.1 in 17OH-allopregnanolone and ≤ 3.3 in 5α and 5α,3α steroids. In conclusion, our LC-MS/MS method allows exploring the Leydig steroidogenesis flow according to multiple pathways. Beside the expected stimulation of the canonical pathway, hCG increased progesterone metabolism and, to a low extent, the backdoor route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matteo Magagnoli
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Tommasini
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology research group, Center for Applied Biomedical Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Ospedale di Baggiovara, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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15
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Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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16
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Barrea L, Cacciapuoti S, Megna M, Verde L, Marasca C, Vono R, Camajani E, Colao A, Savastano S, Fabbrocini G, Muscogiuri G. The effect of the ketogenic diet on Acne: Could it be a therapeutic tool? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023; 64:6850-6869. [PMID: 36779329 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2176813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit resulting from androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinization, inflammation, and bacterial colonization of the hair follicles of the face, neck, chest and back by Propionibacterium acnes. Overall, inflammation and immune responses are strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of acne. Although early colonization with Propionibacterium acnes and family history may play an important role in the disease, it remains unclear exactly what triggers acne and how treatment affects disease progression. The influence of diet on acne disease is a growing research topic, yet few studies have examined the effects of diet on the development and clinical severity of acne disease, and the results have often been contradictory. Interestingly, very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been associated with both significant reductions in body weight and inflammatory status through the production of ketone bodies and thus it has been expected to reduce the exacerbation of clinical manifestations or even block the trigger of acne disease. Given the paucity of studies regarding the implementation of VLCKD in the management of acne, this review aims to provide evidence from the available scientific literature to support the speculative use of VLCKD in the treatment of acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, Napoli, Italy
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Cacciapuoti
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Megna
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovica Verde
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Marasca
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Melanoma, Cancer Immunotherapy and Development Therapeutics Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione "G. Pascale" Via Mariano Semmola, Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Elisabetta Camajani
- PhD Programme in Endocrinological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unit of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla salute e allo sviluppo sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Savastano
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unit of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fabbrocini
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Dermatology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unit of Endocrinology, Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione alla salute e allo sviluppo sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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17
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Ariyasu D, Nagamatsu F, Aso K, Akiba K, Hasegawa Y. Longitudinal clinical course in patients with 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency treated with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone during infancy and puberty. Endocr J 2023; 70:59-67. [PMID: 36216557 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0112] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
5α-reductase type 2 (5αRD2) deficiency is a 46,XY disorder of sex development caused by impaired conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Penile enlargement therapy is important for male patients with 46,XY 5αRD2 deficiency who have undermasculinized external genitalia, such as severe micropenis. High-dose T and percutaneous DHT replacement are reportedly efficacious for penile enlargement in patients with this disorder. We presented herein the longitudinal course of four patients with 46,XY 5αRD2 deficiency who received T and DHT. T replacement therapy during infancy increased the stretched penile length (SPL) in three of the patients but was ineffective in one patient. DHT was administered to the three patients after T replacement therapy and further increased the SPL. During and after puberty, two patients asked for and received T replacement therapy, which contributed to increasing their SPL. A semen test in one patient with T replacement therapy at age 27 years revealed cryptozoospermia despite normal testicular volume. The clinical course of our patients during infancy indicated that DHT therapy may be preferrable to T replacement therapy for penile enlargement in patients with 5αRD2 deficiency. During and after puberty, T replacement therapy promoted penile enlargement possibly because of increased conversion of T to DHT via increased 5α-reductase type 1 activity even in patients in whom it was ineffective during infancy. In conclusion, DHT is effective for penile enlargement during infancy in patients with 5αRD2 deficiency while T replacement therapy is a viable option during puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ariyasu
- Department of Pediatrics, Kawasaki Municipal Hospital, Kanagawa 210-0013, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo 183-8561, Japan
| | - Fusa Nagamatsu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo 183-8561, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kumamoto University Hospital, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Keiko Aso
- Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Omori Medical Center, Tokyo 143-8541, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Akiba
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo 183-8561, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Hasegawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo 183-8561, Japan
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18
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Bhattacharya I, Dey S. Emerging concepts on Leydig cell development in fetal and adult testis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 13:1086276. [PMID: 36686449 PMCID: PMC9851038 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1086276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells (Lc) reside in the interstitial compartment of the testis and are the target of Luteinising hormone (LH) for Testosterone (T) production, thus critically regulates male fertility. Classical histological studies have identified two morphologically different populations of Lc during testicular development [fetal (FLc) and adult (ALc)]. Recent progress in ex vivo cell/organ culture, genome-wide analysis, genetically manipulated mouse models, lineage tracing, and single-cell RNA-seq experiments have revealed the diverse cellular origins with differential transcriptomic and distinct steroidogenic outputs of these populations. FLc originates from both coelomic epithelium and notch-active Nestin-positive perivascular cells located at the gonad-mesonephros borders, and get specified as Nr5a1 (previously known as Ad4BP/SF-1) expressing cells by embryonic age (E) 12.5 days in fetal mouse testes. These cells produce androstenedione (precursor of T, due to lack of HSD17β3 enzyme) and play critical a role in initial virilization and patterning of the male external genitalia. However, in neonatal testis, FLc undergoes massive regression/dedifferentiation and gradually gets replaced by T-producing ALc. Very recent studies suggest a small fraction (5-20%) of FLc still persists in adult testis. Both Nestin-positive perivascular cells and FLc are considered to be the progenitor populations for ALc. This minireview article summarizes the current understanding of Lc development in fetal and adult testes highlighting their common or diverse cellular (progenitor/stem) origins with respective functional significance in both rodents and primates. (227 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrashis Bhattacharya
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Science, Central University of Kerala, Periye, Kerala, India
| | - Souvik Dey
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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19
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Caliebe SVM, Pinacho P, Schnell M. Steroid Hormone Androsterone Observed in the Gas Phase by Rotational Spectroscopy. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:11913-11917. [PMID: 36525396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c03203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We report the investigation of the steroid hormone androsterone in the gas phase. Androsterone is a male sex steroid hormone, being the first steroid hormone from this category isolated and discovered 90 years ago. Despite the chemical compositions of steroids being well-known since long ago, studying their structures in the gas phase is still a challenging task, and to date, just a handful of detailed experimental structures for steroids have been reported. The rotational spectrum of androsterone was recorded in the 2-8 GHz frequency region with a broadband chirped-pulse Fourier transform microwave spectrometer coupled with supersonic expansion. From the weak rotational spectrum, one conformer has been detected in the isolated and cold conditions of the molecular jet. The combination of the experimental results with quantum chemical calculations allowed us to unambiguously identify the conformation of androsterone in the gas phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swantje V M Caliebe
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Max-Eyth-Straße 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Pablo Pinacho
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Schnell
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Max-Eyth-Straße 1, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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20
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Lawrence BM, O’Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. New Insights into Testosterone Biosynthesis: Novel Observations from HSD17B3 Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415555. [PMID: 36555196 PMCID: PMC9779265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for male sexual development, masculinisation, and fertility. Testosterone is produced via the canonical androgen production pathway and is essential for normal masculinisation and testis function. Disruption to androgen production can result in disorders of sexual development (DSD). In the canonical pathway, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3) is viewed as a critical enzyme in the production of testosterone, performing the final conversion required. HSD17B3 deficiency in humans is associated with DSD due to low testosterone concentration during development. Individuals with HSD17B3 mutations have poorly masculinised external genitalia that can appear as ambiguous or female, whilst having internal Wolffian structures and testes. Recent studies in mice deficient in HSD17B3 have made the surprising finding that testosterone production is maintained, male mice are masculinised and remain fertile, suggesting differences between mice and human testosterone production exist. We discuss the phenotypic differences observed and the possible other pathways and enzymes that could be contributing to testosterone production and male development. The identification of alternative testosterone synthesising enzymes could inform the development of novel therapies to endogenously regulate testosterone production in individuals with testosterone deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben M. Lawrence
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Correspondence: (B.M.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Lee B. Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Office for Research, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Correspondence: (B.M.L.); (D.R.)
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21
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Flück CE, Kuiri-Hänninen T, Silvennoinen S, Sankilampi U, Groessl M. The Androgen Metabolome of Preterm Infants Reflects Fetal Adrenal Gland Involution. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:3111-3119. [PMID: 35994776 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The human adrenal cortex changes with fetal-neonatal transition from the fetal to the adult organ, accompanied by changes in the steroid metabolome. OBJECTIVE As it is unclear how the observed developmental changes differ between preterm and full-term neonates, we investigated whether the involution of the fetal adrenals is following a fixed time course related to postmenstrual age or whether it is triggered by birth. Furthermore, the fetal and postnatal androgen metabolome of preterm infants was characterized in comparison to term babies. METHODS This was a prospective, longitudinal, 2-center study collecting spot urines of preterm and term infants during the first 12 to 18 months of life. Steroid metabolites were measured from spot urines by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data relating were modeled according to established pre- and postnatal pathways. RESULTS Fetal adrenal involution occurs around term-equivalent age in preterm infants and is not triggered by premature birth. Testosterone levels are higher in preterm infants at birth and decline slower until term compared to full-term babies. Dihydrotestosterone levels and the activity of the classic androgen biosynthesis pathway are lower in premature infants as is 5α-reductase activity. No difference was found in the activity of the alternate backdoor pathway for androgen synthesis. CONCLUSION Human adrenal involution follows a strict timing that is not affected by premature birth. By contrast, prematurity is associated with an altered androgen metabolome after birth. Whether this reflects altered androgen biosynthesis in utero remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Flück
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Kuiri-Hänninen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Silvennoinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ulla Sankilampi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Michael Groessl
- Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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22
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Zhang H, Zhou Y, Xing Z, Sah RK, Hu J, Hu H. Androgen Metabolism and Response in Prostate Cancer Anti-Androgen Therapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113521. [PMID: 36362304 PMCID: PMC9655897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
All aspects of prostate cancer evolution are closely related to androgen levels and the status of the androgen receptor (AR). Almost all treatments target androgen metabolism pathways and AR, from castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Alterations in androgen metabolism and its response are one of the main reasons for prostate cancer drug resistance. In this review, we will introduce androgen metabolism, including how the androgen was synthesized, consumed, and responded to in healthy people and prostate cancer patients, and discuss how these alterations in androgen metabolism contribute to the resistance to anti-androgen therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhe Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zengzhen Xing
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Rajiv Kumar Sah
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junqi Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Hailiang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Key University Laboratory of Metabolism and Health of Guangdong, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0755-88018249
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23
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Lundgaard Riis M, Matilionyte G, Nielsen JE, Melau C, Greenald D, Juul Hare K, Langhoff Thuesen L, Dreisler E, Aaboe K, Brenøe PT, Andersson AM, Albrethsen J, Frederiksen H, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Juul A, Mitchell RT, Jørgensen A. Identification of a window of androgen sensitivity for somatic cell function in human fetal testis cultured ex vivo. BMC Med 2022; 20:399. [PMID: 36266662 PMCID: PMC9585726 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02602-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced androgen action during early fetal development has been suggested as the origin of reproductive disorders comprised within the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). This hypothesis has been supported by studies in rats demonstrating that normal male development and adult reproductive function depend on sufficient androgen exposure during a sensitive fetal period, called the masculinization programming window (MPW). The main aim of this study was therefore to examine the effects of manipulating androgen production during different timepoints during early human fetal testis development to identify the existence and timing of a possible window of androgen sensitivity resembling the MPW in rats. METHODS The effects of experimentally reduced androgen exposure during different periods of human fetal testis development and function were examined using an established and validated human ex vivo tissue culture model. The androgen production was reduced by treatment with ketoconazole and validated by treatment with flutamide which blocks the androgen receptor. Testicular hormone production ex vivo was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry or ELISA assays, and selected protein markers were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Ketoconazole reduced androgen production in testes from gestational weeks (GW) 7-21, which were subsequently divided into four age groups: GW 7-10, 10-12, 12-16 and 16-21. Additionally, reduced secretion of testicular hormones INSL3, AMH and Inhibin B was observed, but only in the age groups GW 7-10 and 10-12, while a decrease in the total density of germ cells and OCT4+ gonocytes was found in the GW 7-10 age group. Flutamide treatment in specimens aged GW 7-12 did not alter androgen production, but the secretion of INSL3, AMH and Inhibin B was reduced, and a reduced number of pre-spermatogonia was observed. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that reduced androgen action during early development affects the function and density of several cell types in the human fetal testis, with similar effects observed after ketoconazole and flutamide treatment. The effects were only observed within the GW 7-14 period-thereby indicating the presence of a window of androgen sensitivity in the human fetal testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Greenald
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Eva Dreisler
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Aaboe
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Tutein Brenøe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, 2730, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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24
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Braun AE, Mitchel OR, Gonzalez TL, Sun T, Flowers AE, Pisarska MD, Winn VD. Sex at the interface: the origin and impact of sex differences in the developing human placenta. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:50. [PMID: 36114567 PMCID: PMC9482177 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal placenta is a source of hormones and immune factors that play a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and facilitating fetal growth. Cells in this extraembryonic compartment match the chromosomal sex of the embryo itself. Sex differences have been observed in common gestational pathologies, highlighting the importance of maternal immune tolerance to the fetal compartment. Over the past decade, several studies examining placentas from term pregnancies have revealed widespread sex differences in hormone signaling, immune signaling, and metabolic functions. Given the rapid and dynamic development of the human placenta, sex differences that exist at term (37–42 weeks gestation) are unlikely to align precisely with those present at earlier stages when the fetal–maternal interface is being formed and the foundations of a healthy or diseased pregnancy are established. While fetal sex as a variable is often left unreported in studies performing transcriptomic profiling of the first-trimester human placenta, four recent studies have specifically examined fetal sex in early human placental development. In this review, we discuss the findings from these publications and consider the evidence for the genetic, hormonal, and immune mechanisms that are theorized to account for sex differences in early human placenta. We also highlight the cellular and molecular processes that are most likely to be impacted by fetal sex and the evolutionary pressures that may have given rise to these differences. With growing recognition of the fetal origins of health and disease, it is important to shed light on sex differences in early prenatal development, as these observations may unlock insight into the foundations of sex-biased pathologies that emerge later in life. Placental sex differences exist from early prenatal development, and may help explain sex differences in pregnancy outcomes. Transcriptome profiling of early to mid-gestation placenta reveals that immune signaling is a hub of early prenatal sex differences. Differentially expressed genes between male and female placenta fall into the following functional associations: chromatin modification, transcription, splicing, translation, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, cell death and autophagy regulation, ubiquitination, cell adhesion and cell–cell interaction. Placental sex differences likely reflect the interaction of cell-intrinsic chromosome complement with extrinsic endocrine signals from the fetal compartment that accompany gonadal differentiation. Understanding the mechanisms behind sex differences in placental development and function will provide key insight into molecular targets that can be modulated to improve sex-biased obstetrical complications.
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25
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46,XY disorders of sex development: the use of NGS for prevalent variants. Hum Genet 2022; 141:1863-1873. [PMID: 35729303 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-022-02465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) present with diverse phenotypes and complicated genetic causes. Precise genetic diagnosis contributes to accurate management, and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and whole-exome sequencing are powerful tools for investigating DSD. However, the prevalent variants resulting in 46,XY DSD remain unclear, especially those associated with mild forms, such as isolated hypospadias, inguinal cryptorchidism, and micropenis. From 2019 to 2021, 74 patients with 46,XY DSD (48 typical and 26 mild) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in our cohort study for targeted NGS or whole-exome sequencing. Our targeted 46,XY DSD panel included 108 genes involved in disorders of gonadal development and differentiation, steroid hormone synthesis and activation, persistent Müllerian duct syndrome, idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, syndromic disorder, and others. Variants were classified as pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance, likely benign, or benign following the American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. As a result, 28 of 74 (37.8%) patients with pathogenic and/or likely pathogenic variants acquired genetic diagnoses. The Mild DSD patients acquired a diagnosis rate of 30.7%. We detected 44 variants in 28 DSD genes from 31 patients, including 33 novel and 11 reported variants. Heterozygous (65%) and missense (70.5%) variants were the most common. Variants associated with steroid hormone synthesis and activation were the main genetic causes of 46,XY DSD. In conclusion, 46,XY DSD manifests as a series of complicated polygenetic diseases. NGS reveals prevalent variants and improves the genetic diagnoses of 46,XY DSD, regardless of severity.
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26
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Lee HG, Kim CJ. Classic and backdoor pathways of androgen biosynthesis in human sexual development. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 27:83-89. [PMID: 35793998 PMCID: PMC9260366 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2244124.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Both genes and hormones regulate human sexual development. Although ovarian hormones are not essential for female external genitalia development, male sexual development requires the action of testicular testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the most active endogenous androgen formed by the conversion of testosterone in genital skin. This synthesis route from cholesterol to DHT is called the conventional classic pathway. Recent investigations have reported an alternative ("backdoor") route for DHT formation that bypasses fetal testicular testosterone. This alternative route plays a crucial role in human hyperandrogenic disorders like congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by P450c21 deficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency. In addition, mutations in AKR1C2 and AKR1C4, genes encoding 3α-reductases, have been implicated in disorders of sexual development, indicating that both the classic and backdoor routes are required for normal human male sexual development. More recently, androsterone was found to be the primary androgen of the human backdoor route. Androsterone and steroidal substrates specific to the backdoor route are predominantly found in the placenta, liver, and adrenal glands rather than in the testes. These findings are essential to understanding human sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gyung Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School & Children’s Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chan Jong Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School & Children’s Hospital, Gwangju, Korea,Address for correspondence: Chan Jong Kim Department of Pediatrics, Chonnam National University Medical School & Children’s Hospital, 42 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61469, Korea
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27
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Jeong HR. Commentary on "Classic and backdoor pathways of androgen biosynthesis in human sexual development". Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2022; 27:81-82. [PMID: 35793997 PMCID: PMC9260375 DOI: 10.6065/apem.2222057edi01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hwal Rim Jeong
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Soonchunhyang University School of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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28
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Chai JC, Chen GC, Yu B, Xing J, Li J, Khambaty T, Perreira KM, Perera MJ, Vidot DC, Castaneda SF, Selvin E, Rebholz CM, Daviglus ML, Cai J, Van Horn L, Isasi CR, Sun Q, Hawkins M, Xue X, Boerwinkle E, Kaplan RC, Qi Q. Serum Metabolomics of Incident Diabetes and Glycemic Changes in a Population With High Diabetes Burden: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Diabetes 2022; 71:1338-1349. [PMID: 35293992 PMCID: PMC9163555 DOI: 10.2337/db21-1056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Metabolomic signatures of incident diabetes remain largely unclear for the U.S. Hispanic/Latino population, a group with high diabetes burden. We evaluated the associations of 624 known serum metabolites (measured by a global, untargeted approach) with incident diabetes in a subsample (n = 2,010) of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos without diabetes and cardiovascular disease at baseline (2008-2011). Based on the significant metabolites associated with incident diabetes, metabolite modules were detected using topological network analysis, and their associations with incident diabetes and longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic traits were further examined. There were 224 incident cases of diabetes after an average 6 years of follow-up. After adjustment for sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors, 134 metabolites were associated with incident diabetes (false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0.05). We identified 10 metabolite modules, including modules comprising previously reported diabetes-related metabolites (e.g., sphingolipids, phospholipids, branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, glycine), and 2 reflecting potentially novel metabolite groups (e.g., threonate, N-methylproline, oxalate, and tartarate in a plant food metabolite module and androstenediol sulfates in an androgenic steroid metabolite module). The plant food metabolite module and its components were associated with higher diet quality (especially higher intakes of healthy plant-based foods), lower risk of diabetes, and favorable longitudinal changes in HOMA for insulin resistance. The androgenic steroid module and its component metabolites decreased with increasing age and were associated with a higher risk of diabetes and greater increases in 2-h glucose over time. We replicated the associations of both modules with incident diabetes in a U.S. cohort of non-Hispanic Black and White adults (n = 1,754). Among U.S. Hispanic/Latino adults, we identified metabolites across various biological pathways, including those reflecting androgenic steroids and plant-derived foods, associated with incident diabetes and changes in glycemic traits, highlighting the importance of hormones and dietary intake in the pathogenesis of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Choul Chai
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Guo-Chong Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bing Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Human Genetics Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Jiaqian Xing
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Krista M. Perreira
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Denise C. Vidot
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL
| | | | - Elizabeth Selvin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Casey M. Rebholz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Martha L. Daviglus
- Institute for Minority Health Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Jianwen Cai
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Linda Van Horn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Carmen R. Isasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA
| | - Meredith Hawkins
- Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Xiaonan Xue
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Eric Boerwinkle
- Department of Epidemiology and Human Genetics Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Robert C. Kaplan
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Qibin Qi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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29
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Lucas-Herald AK, Montezano AC, Alves-Lopes R, Haddow L, Alimussina M, O’Toole S, Flett M, Lee B, Amjad SB, Steven M, Brooksbank K, McCallum L, Delles C, Padmanabhan S, Ahmed SF, Touyz RM. Vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk in hypospadias. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1832-1845. [PMID: 35567552 PMCID: PMC9113289 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hypogonadism is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular impact of hypogonadism during development is unknown. Using hypospadias as a surrogate of hypogonadism, we investigated whether hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Our human study spanned molecular mechanistic to epidemiological investigations. Clinical vascular phenotyping was performed in adolescents with hypospadias and controls. Small subcutaneous arteries from penile skin from boys undergoing hypospadias repair and controls were isolated and functional studies were assessed by myography. Vascular smooth muscle cells were used to assess: Rho kinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, and DNA damage. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed in plasma and urine. Hospital episode data compared men with a history of hypospadias vs. controls. In adolescents with hypospadias, systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005), pulse pressure (P = 0.03), and carotid intima-media thickness standard deviation scores (P = 0.01) were increased. Arteries from boys with hypospadias demonstrated increased U46619-induced vasoconstriction (P = 0.009) and reduced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent (P < 0.0001) and sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation (P < 0.0001). Men born with hypospadias were at increased risk of arrhythmia [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.6, P = 0.003]; hypertension (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.9, P = 0.04); and heart failure (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-114.3, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and predisposes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Underlying mechanisms involve perturbed Rho kinase- and Nox5/ROS-dependent signalling. Our novel findings delineate molecular mechanisms of vascular injury in hypogonadism, and identify hypospadias as a cardiovascular risk factor in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rheure Alves-Lopes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Laura Haddow
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Malika Alimussina
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Stuart O’Toole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Martyn Flett
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Boma Lee
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - S Basith Amjad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Mairi Steven
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Katriona Brooksbank
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Linsay McCallum
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Sandosh Padmanabhan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Draskau MK, Svingen T. Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:883254. [PMID: 35573275 PMCID: PMC9097791 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.883254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
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31
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Koperniku A, Garcia AA, Mochly-Rosen D. Boosting the Discovery of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase for the Treatment of Cancer, Infectious Diseases, and Inflammation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:4403-4423. [PMID: 35239352 PMCID: PMC9553131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01577] [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] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We present an overview of small molecule glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) inhibitors that have potential for use in the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, and inflammation. Both steroidal and nonsteroidal inhibitors have been identified with steroidal inhibitors lacking target selectivity. The main scaffolds encountered in nonsteroidal inhibitors are quinazolinones and benzothiazinones/benzothiazepinones. Three molecules show promise for development as antiparasitic (25 and 29) and anti-inflammatory (32) agents. Regarding modality of inhibition (MOI), steroidal inhibitors have been shown to be uncompetitive and reversible. Nonsteroidal small molecules have exhibited all types of MOI. Strategies to boost the discovery of small molecule G6PD inhibitors include exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) for established inhibitors, employment of high-throughput screening (HTS), and fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) for the identification of new hits. We discuss the challenges and gaps associated with drug discovery efforts of G6PD inhibitors from in silico, in vitro, and in cellulo to in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Koperniku
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Corresponding Author: Ana Koperniku,
| | - Adriana A. Garcia
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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32
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de Kroon RW, den Heijer M, Heijboer AC. Is idiopathic hirsutism idiopathic? Clin Chim Acta 2022; 531:17-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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33
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Sharma A, Jayasena CN, Dhillo WS. Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis: Pathophysiology of Hypogonadism. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:29-45. [PMID: 35216719 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Male hypogonadism is a clinical syndrome characterized by the diminished functional activity of the testis resulting in low levels of testosterone and/or spermatozoa. Defects at one or more levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis can result in either primary or secondary hypogonadism. The changes that occur in the HPT axis from fetal to adult life are fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology of hypogonadism. In this article, we summarize the maturation and neuroendocrine regulation of the HPT axis and discuss the major congenital and acquired causes of male hypogonadism both at the (1) hypothalamic-pituitary (secondary hypogonadism) and (2) testicular (primary hypogonadism) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Sharma
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, 6th Floor, Commonwealth Building, 150 Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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34
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Colldén H, Nilsson ME, Norlén AK, Landin A, Windahl SH, Wu J, Gustafsson KL, Poutanen M, Ryberg H, Vandenput L, Ohlsson C. Comprehensive Sex Steroid Profiling in Multiple Tissues Reveals Novel Insights in Sex Steroid Distribution in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6498862. [PMID: 34999782 PMCID: PMC8807178 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive atlas of sex steroid distribution in multiple tissues is currently lacking, and how circulating and tissue sex steroid levels correlate remains unknown. Here, we adapted and validated a gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous measurement of testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androstenedione, progesterone (Prog), estradiol, and estrone in mouse tissues. We then mapped the sex steroid pattern in 10 different endocrine, reproductive, and major body compartment tissues and serum of gonadal intact and orchiectomized (ORX) male mice. In gonadal intact males, high levels of DHT were observed in reproductive tissues, but also in white adipose tissue (WAT). A major part of the total body reservoir of androgens (T and DHT) and Prog was found in WAT. Serum levels of androgens and Prog were strongly correlated with corresponding levels in the brain while only modestly correlated with corresponding levels in WAT. After orchiectomy, the levels of the active androgens T and DHT decreased markedly while Prog levels in male reproductive tissues increased slightly. In ORX mice, Prog was by far the most abundant sex steroid, and, again, WAT constituted the major reservoir of Prog in the body. In conclusion, we present a comprehensive atlas of tissue and serum concentrations of sex hormones in male mice, revealing novel insights in sex steroid distribution. Brain sex steroid levels are well reflected by serum levels and WAT constitutes a large reservoir of sex steroids in male mice. In addition, Prog is the most abundant sex hormone in ORX mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Colldén
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Drug Treatment, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E Nilsson
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Norlén
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Andreas Landin
- Department of Drug Treatment, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara H Windahl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge,Sweden
| | - Jianyao Wu
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin L Gustafsson
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku FI-20014,Finland
| | - Henrik Ryberg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg SE-413 45, Sweden
| | - Liesbeth Vandenput
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Drug Treatment, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: Claes Ohlsson, MD, PhD, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre, Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Vita Stråket 11, SE-41345 Göteborg, Sweden.
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35
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Kelava I, Chiaradia I, Pellegrini L, Kalinka AT, Lancaster MA. Androgens increase excitatory neurogenic potential in human brain organoids. Nature 2022; 602:112-116. [PMID: 35046577 PMCID: PMC7612328 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The biological basis of male-female brain differences has been difficult to elucidate in humans. The most notable morphological difference is size, with male individuals having on average a larger brain than female individuals1,2, but a mechanistic understanding of how this difference arises remains unknown. Here we use brain organoids3 to show that although sex chromosomal complement has no observable effect on neurogenesis, sex steroids-namely androgens-lead to increased proliferation of cortical progenitors and an increased neurogenic pool. Transcriptomic analysis and functional studies demonstrate downstream effects on histone deacetylase activity and the mTOR pathway. Finally, we show that androgens specifically increase the neurogenic output of excitatory neuronal progenitors, whereas inhibitory neuronal progenitors are not increased. These findings reveal a role for androgens in regulating the number of excitatory neurons and represent a step towards understanding the origin of sex-related brain differences in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kelava
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.
| | - Ilaria Chiaradia
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Pellegrini
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex T Kalinka
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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36
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Tack LJW, van der Straaten S, Riedl S, Springer A, Holterhus PM, Hornig NC, Kolesinska Z, Niedziela M, Baronio F, Balsamo A, Hannema SE, Nordenström A, Poyrazoglu S, Darendeliler FF, Grinspon R, Rey R, Aljuraibah F, Bryce J, Ahmed F, Tadokoro-Cuccaro R, Hughes I, Guaragna-Filho G, Maciel-Guerra AT, Guerra-Junior G, Cools M. Growth, puberty and testicular function in boys born small for gestational age with a nonspecific disorder of sex development. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:165-174. [PMID: 34668586 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is frequently associated with unexplained disorders of sex development (nonspecific DSD) in boys. Little is known about their future growth, puberty and testicular function. Our objective is to determine the long-term endocrine outcome of boys born SGA who have a nonspecific DSD. DESIGN Boys with a nonspecific DSD born SGA and appropriate for GA (AGA) were retrieved through the International Disorders of Sex Development registry and retrospective data collected, based on a spreadsheet containing 102 items. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS In total, 179 boys were included, of which 115 were born SGA and 64 were born AGA. Their growth and pubertal development were compared. Serum LH, FSH, testosterone, AMH and inhibin B levels in infancy and puberty were analysed to assess testicular function. RESULTS At 2 years of age, 30% of SGA boys had incomplete or absent catch-up growth. Boys born SGA also had higher LH during minipuberty and lower testosterone in stimulation tests (p = 0.037 and 0.040, respectively), as compared to boys born AGA. No differences were observed in timing or course of puberty or end-pubertal hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS Almost one out of three SGA boys with a nonspecific DSD experiences insufficient catch-up growth. In addition, our data suggest dysfunction of infantile Leydig cells or altered regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in SGA boys during childhood. Sex steroid production during puberty seems unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd J W Tack
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Saskia van der Straaten
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Riedl
- Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pediatrics, St Anna Children's Hospital, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Springer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, UKSH, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nadine C Hornig
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, UKSH, Kiel, Germany
| | - Zofia Kolesinska
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Niedziela
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Federico Baronio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Rare Endocrine Conditions, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Balsamo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Rare Endocrine Conditions, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabine E Hannema
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sukran Poyrazoglu
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatma F Darendeliler
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Romina Grinspon
- Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Rey
- Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET-FEI-División de Endocrinología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fahad Aljuraibah
- Royal Hospital for Children, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jillian Bryce
- Royal Hospital for Children, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Faisal Ahmed
- Royal Hospital for Children, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Ieuan Hughes
- Department of Pediatrics, Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Guilherme Guaragna-Filho
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Group for Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea T Maciel-Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Group for Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil Guerra-Junior
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Group for Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation (GIEDDS), State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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37
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Claahsen - van der Grinten HL, Speiser PW, Ahmed SF, Arlt W, Auchus RJ, Falhammar H, Flück CE, Guasti L, Huebner A, Kortmann BBM, Krone N, Merke DP, Miller WL, Nordenström A, Reisch N, Sandberg DE, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Touraine P, Utari A, Wudy SA, White PC. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:91-159. [PMID: 33961029 PMCID: PMC8755999 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Reduced activity of an enzyme required for cortisol production leads to chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex and accumulation of precursors proximal to the blocked enzymatic step. The most common form of CAH is caused by steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in CYP21A2. Since the last publication summarizing CAH in Endocrine Reviews in 2000, there have been numerous new developments. These include more detailed understanding of steroidogenic pathways, refinements in neonatal screening, improved diagnostic measurements utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with steroid profiling, and improved genotyping methods. Clinical trials of alternative medications and modes of delivery have been recently completed or are under way. Genetic and cell-based treatments are being explored. A large body of data concerning long-term outcomes in patients affected by CAH, including psychosexual well-being, has been enhanced by the establishment of disease registries. This review provides the reader with current insights in CAH with special attention to these new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis W Speiser
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Angela Huebner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara B M Kortmann
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Urology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deborah P Merke
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David E Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, Center for Rare Gynecological Diseases, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Agustini Utari
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory of Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75390, USA
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38
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Wang Y, Guo B, Guo Y, Qi N, Lv Y, Ye Y, Huang Y, Long X, Chen H, Su C, Zhang L, Zhang Q, Li M, Liao J, Yan Y, Mao X, Zeng Y, Jiang J, Chen Z, Guo Y, Gao S, Cheng J, Jiang Y, Mo Z. A spatiotemporal steroidogenic regulatory network in human fetal adrenal glands and gonads. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1036517. [PMID: 36465633 PMCID: PMC9713933 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1036517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fetal adrenal glands produce substantial amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is one of the most important precursors of sex hormones. However, the underlying biological mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we sequenced human fetal adrenal glands and gonads from 7 to 14 gestational weeks (GW) via 10× Genomics single-cell transcriptome techniques, reconstructed their location information by spatial transcriptomics. Relative to gonads, adrenal glands begin to synthesize steroids early. The coordination among steroidogenic cells and multiple non-steroidogenic cells promotes adrenal cortex construction and steroid synthesis. Notably, during the window of sexual differentiation (8-12 GW), key enzyme gene expression shifts to accelerate DHEA synthesis in males and cortisol synthesis in females. Our research highlights the robustness of the action of fetal adrenal glands on gonads to modify the process of sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Wang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Bingqian Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Nana Qi
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yufang Lv
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xinyang Long
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- School of Public Health of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongfei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Cheng Su
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qingyun Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Minxi Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinling Liao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunkun Yan
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xingning Mao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yanyu Zeng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jinghang Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhongyuan Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiwen Cheng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomedicine (Guangxi-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Collaborative Innovation Center for Major Disease Prevention and Treatment), Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Zengnan Mo, ; Yonghua Jiang,
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
- Institute of Urology and Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Zengnan Mo, ; Yonghua Jiang,
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Fukami M. 11-Oxyandrogens from the viewpoint of pediatric endocrinology. Clin Pediatr Endocrinol 2022; 31:110-115. [PMID: 35928376 PMCID: PMC9297174 DOI: 10.1297/cpe.2022-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
11-Oxyandrogens, such as 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 11-ketodihydrotestosterone
(11-KDHT), 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11-OHT), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OHA4), and
11-KA4, are newly specified human androgens. These 11-oxyandrogens are present in the cord
blood and placenta, as well as in the blood of men and women of various ages, and are
produced primarily in the adrenal gland. Accumulating evidence suggests that these
steroids contribute to androgen excess in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency or
polycystic ovary syndrome. More importantly, unlike classic androgens, 11-oxyandrogens
produced in maternal tumors can pass through the placenta without being converted into
estrogens, and cause severe virilization of female fetuses. Thus, overproduction of
11-oxyandrogens represents a new mechanism of 46,XX disorders of sex development. On the
other hand, the physiological roles of 11-oxyandrogens remain to be clarified. This
mini-review introduces the current understanding of 11-oxyandrogens, from the perspective
of pediatric endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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O’Donnell L, Whiley PAF, Loveland KL. Activin A and Sertoli Cells: Key to Fetal Testis Steroidogenesis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:898876. [PMID: 35685219 PMCID: PMC9171382 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.898876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-standing knowledge that Sertoli cells determine fetal testosterone production levels is not widespread, despite being first reported over a decade ago in studies of mice. Hence any ongoing use of testosterone as a marker of Leydig cell function in fetal testes is inappropriate. By interrogating new scRNAseq data from human fetal testes, we demonstrate this situation is also likely to be true in humans. This has implications for understanding how disruptions to either or both Leydig and Sertoli cells during the in utero masculinization programming window may contribute to the increasing incidence of hypospadias, cryptorchidism, testicular germ cell tumours and adult infertility. We recently discovered that activin A levels directly govern androgen production in mouse Sertoli cells, because the enzymes that drive the conversion of the precursor androgen androstenedione to generate testosterone are produced exclusively in Sertoli cells in response to activin A. This minireview addresses the implications of this growing understanding of how in utero exposures affect fetal masculinization for future research on reproductive health, including during programming windows that may ultimately be relevant for organ development in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza O’Donnell
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Penny A. F. Whiley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate L. Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kate L. Loveland,
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Finkielstain GP, Vieites A, Bergadá I, Rey RA. Disorders of Sex Development of Adrenal Origin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:770782. [PMID: 34987475 PMCID: PMC8720965 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.770782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) are anomalies occurring in the process of fetal sexual differentiation that result in a discordance between the chromosomal sex and the sex of the gonads and/or the internal and/or external genitalia. Congenital disorders affecting adrenal function may be associated with DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals, but the pathogenic mechanisms differ. While in 46,XX cases, the adrenal steroidogenic disorder is responsible for the genital anomalies, in 46,XY patients DSD results from the associated testicular dysfunction. Primary adrenal insufficiency, characterized by a reduction in cortisol secretion and overproduction of ACTH, is the rule. In addition, patients may exhibit aldosterone deficiency leading to salt-wasting crises that may be life-threatening. The trophic effect of ACTH provokes congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Adrenal steroidogenic defects leading to 46,XX DSD are 21-hydroxylase deficiency, by far the most prevalent, and 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia due to StAR defects, and cytochrome P450scc and P450c17 deficiencies cause DSD in 46,XY newborns. Mutations in SF1 may also result in combined adrenal and testicular failure leading to DSD in 46,XY individuals. Finally, impaired activities of 3βHSD2 or POR may lead to DSD in both 46,XX and 46,XY individuals. The pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of the above-mentioned disorders are critically reviewed, with a special focus on the latest biomarkers and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela P. Finkielstain
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Vieites
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Bergadá
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A. Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas “Dr. César Bergadá” (CEDIE), CONICET – FEI – División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Abstract
Adrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche (PP). Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 5% and 10% of PP is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of PP. This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Rosenfield
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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du Toit T, Swart AC. Turning the spotlight on the C11-oxy androgens in human fetal development. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 212:105946. [PMID: 34171490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Research into the biosynthesis of C11-oxy C19 steroids during human fetal development, specifically fetal adrenal development and during the critical period of sex differentiation, is currently lacking. Cortisol, which possesses a C11-hydroxyl moiety has, however, been firmly established in this context. Compelling questions are whether the C11-oxy C19 steroids (11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11β-hydroxytestosterone, 11-ketoandrostenedione and 11-ketotestosterone [11KT]) and the C11-oxy C21 steroids (11β-hydroxyprogesterone and 11-ketoprogesterone) are biosynthesised during gestation, and whether these hormones circulate between the placenta and the developing fetus, and between the placenta and the mother. This review will consider the role of cortisol, 11KT and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11βHSD2) in determining the sex of teleost fish, while these hormones and 11βHSD2 will also be discussed with regards to murine mammals. The focus of the review will shift to highlight the potential role of C11-oxy steroids in human fetal development based on the timely expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the adrenal, testes and ovary, as well as in the placenta; summarising reported evidence of C11-oxy steroids in neonatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therina du Toit
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
| | - Amanda C Swart
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa; Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Inkster AM, Fernández-Boyano I, Robinson WP. Sex Differences Are Here to Stay: Relevance to Prenatal Care. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3000. [PMID: 34279482 PMCID: PMC8268816 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10133000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the incidence and presentation of many pregnancy complications, including but not limited to pregnancy loss, spontaneous preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction. Sex differences arise very early in development due to differential gene expression from the X and Y chromosomes, and later may also be influenced by the action of gonadal steroid hormones. Though offspring sex is not considered in most prenatal diagnostic or therapeutic strategies currently in use, it may be beneficial to consider sex differences and the associated mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications. This review will cover (i) the prevalence and presentation of sex differences that occur in perinatal complications, particularly with a focus on the placenta; (ii) possible mechanisms underlying the development of sex differences in placental function and pregnancy phenotypes; and (iii) knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the development of diagnostic or risk prediction tools for such complications, with an emphasis on those for which it would be important to consider sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Inkster
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Icíar Fernández-Boyano
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Wendy P. Robinson
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; (A.M.I.); (I.F.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1, Canada
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Connan-Perrot S, Léger T, Lelandais P, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, David A, Fowler PA, Mazaud-Guittot S. Six Decades of Research on Human Fetal Gonadal Steroids. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136681. [PMID: 34206462 PMCID: PMC8268622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human fetal gonads acquire endocrine steroidogenic capabilities early during their differentiation. Genetic studies show that this endocrine function plays a central role in the sexually dimorphic development of the external genitalia during fetal development. When this endocrine function is dysregulated, congenital malformations and pathologies are the result. In this review, we explain how the current knowledge of steroidogenesis in human fetal gonads has benefited from both the technological advances in steroid measurements and the assembly of detailed knowledge of steroidogenesis machinery and its expression in human fetal gonads. We summarise how the conversion of radiolabelled steroid precursors, antibody-based assays, mass spectrometry, ultrastructural studies, and the in situ labelling of proteins and mRNA have all provided complementary information. In this review, our discussion goes beyond the debate on recommendations concerning the best choice between the different available technologies, and their degrees of reproducibility and sensitivity. The available technologies and techniques can be used for different purposes and, as long as all quality controls are rigorously employed, the question is how to maximise the generation of robust, reproducible data on steroid hormones and their crucial roles in human fetal development and subsequent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Connan-Perrot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (S.C.-P.); (P.L.); (C.D.-L.); (A.D.)
| | - Thibaut Léger
- Fougères Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), CEDEX, 35306 Fougères, France;
| | - Pauline Lelandais
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (S.C.-P.); (P.L.); (C.D.-L.); (A.D.)
| | - Christèle Desdoits-Lethimonier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (S.C.-P.); (P.L.); (C.D.-L.); (A.D.)
| | - Arthur David
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (S.C.-P.); (P.L.); (C.D.-L.); (A.D.)
| | - Paul A. Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France; (S.C.-P.); (P.L.); (C.D.-L.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-23-23-58-86
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46
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Meakin AS, Cuffe JSM, Darby JRT, Morrison JL, Clifton VL. Let's Talk about Placental Sex, Baby: Understanding Mechanisms That Drive Female- and Male-Specific Fetal Growth and Developmental Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6386. [PMID: 34203717 PMCID: PMC8232290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well understood that sex differences exist between females and males even before they are born. These sex-dependent differences may contribute to altered growth and developmental outcomes for the fetus. Based on our initial observations in the human placenta, we hypothesised that the male prioritises growth pathways in order to maximise growth through to adulthood, thereby ensuring the greatest chance of reproductive success. However, this male-specific "evolutionary advantage" likely contributes to males being less adaptable to shifts in the in-utero environment, which then places them at a greater risk for intrauterine morbidities or mortality. Comparatively, females are more adaptable to changes in the in-utero environment at the cost of growth, which may reduce their risk of poor perinatal outcomes. The mechanisms that drive these sex-specific adaptations to a change in the in-utero environment remain unclear, but an increasing body of evidence within the field of developmental biology would suggest that alterations to placental function, as well as the feto-placental hormonal milieu, is an important contributing factor. Herein, we have addressed the current knowledge regarding sex-specific intrauterine growth differences and have examined how certain pregnancy complications may alter these female- and male-specific adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley S. Meakin
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - James S. M. Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Jack R. T. Darby
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Janna L. Morrison
- Early Origins of Adult Health Research Group, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; (A.S.M.); (J.R.T.D.); (J.L.M.)
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
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47
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Narduzzi L, Buisson C, Morvan ML, Marchand A, Audran M, Le Bouc Y, Varlet-Marie E, Ericsson M, Le Bizec B, Dervilly G. Coupling Complete Blood Count and Steroidomics to Track Low Doses Administration of Recombinant Growth Hormone: An Anti-Doping Perspective. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:683675. [PMID: 34179089 PMCID: PMC8222787 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.683675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth Hormone (GH) under its human recombinant homologue (rhGH), may be abused by athletes to take advantage of its well-known anabolic and lipolytic properties; hence it is prohibited in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Due to the rapid turnover of rhGH, anti-doping screening tests have turned to monitor two endocrine biomarkers (IGF-I and P-III-NP), but unfortunately, they show population-wise variability, limiting the identification rate of rhGH users. Previous studies have evidenced the numerous effects of GH on human physiology, especially in hematopoiesis and steroidogenesis. In this work, aiming to discover novel physiological rhGH biomarkers, we analyzed the complete blood count and the steroidomics profile of healthy, physically active, young males treated either with EPO + rhGH or EPO + placebo. The time-trends of these two physiological routes have been analyzed through geometric trajectory analysis (GTA) and OPLS-DA. Individuals supplemented with micro-doses of rhGH exhibited different leukopoietic and steroidal profiles compared to the control population, suggesting a role of the rhGH in both pathways. In the article, hypotheses on the observed differences are discussed according to the most recent literature and compared to results in animal models. The use of leukopoietic and steroidal biomarkers together with endocrine biomarkers (IGF-1 and P-III-NP) allows to correctly classify over 98% of samples with no false positives, miss-classifying only one single sample (false negative) over a total of 56; a promising result, if compared to the current rhGH detection strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Narduzzi
- Laboratoire D’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants Dans Les Aliments (LABERCA), Oniris, INRΑe, Nantes -44307, France
| | - Corinne Buisson
- Département des Analyzes, Agence Française de Lutte Contre le Dopage (AFLD), Châtenay-Malabry, French Anti-Doping Agency, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Line Morvan
- Laboratoire D’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants Dans Les Aliments (LABERCA), Oniris, INRΑe, Nantes -44307, France
| | - Alexandre Marchand
- Département des Analyzes, Agence Française de Lutte Contre le Dopage (AFLD), Châtenay-Malabry, French Anti-Doping Agency, Paris, France
| | - Michel Audran
- Département des Analyzes, Agence Française de Lutte Contre le Dopage (AFLD), Châtenay-Malabry, French Anti-Doping Agency, Paris, France
| | - Yves Le Bouc
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche St-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Varlet-Marie
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron (IBMM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellie, France
| | - Magnus Ericsson
- Département des Analyzes, Agence Française de Lutte Contre le Dopage (AFLD), Châtenay-Malabry, French Anti-Doping Agency, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Le Bizec
- Laboratoire D’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants Dans Les Aliments (LABERCA), Oniris, INRΑe, Nantes -44307, France
| | - Gaud Dervilly
- Laboratoire D’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants Dans Les Aliments (LABERCA), Oniris, INRΑe, Nantes -44307, France
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48
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Androgens and the masculinization programming window: human-rodent differences. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1725-1735. [PMID: 32779695 PMCID: PMC7458408 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human male reproductive disorders are common and may have a fetal origin - the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis. In rats, experimentally induced TDS disorders result from disruption of fetal androgen production/action specifically in the masculinization programming window (MPW). MPW androgen action also programs longer anogenital distance (AGD) in male versus female rats; shorter male AGD is correlated with risk and severity of induced TDS disorders. AGD thus provides a lifelong, calibrated readout of MPW androgen exposure and predicts likelihood of reproductive dysfunction. Pregnant rat exposure to environmental chemicals, notably certain phthalates (e.g. diethyl hexl phthalate, DEHP; dibutyl phthalate, DBP), pesticides or paracetamol, can reduce fetal testis testosterone and AGD and induce TDS disorders, provided exposure includes the MPW. In humans, AGD is longer in males than females and the presumptive MPW is 8-14 weeks' gestation. Some, but not all, epidemiological studies of maternal DEHP (or pesticides) exposure reported shorter AGD in sons, but this occurred at DEHP exposure levels several thousand-fold lower than are effective in rats. In fetal human testis culture/xenografts, DEHP/DBP do not reduce testosterone production, whereas therapeutic paracetamol exposure does. In humans, androgen production in the MPW is controlled differently (human chorionic gonadotrophin-driven) than in rats (paracrine controlled), and other organs (placenta, liver, adrenals) contribute to MPW androgens, essential for normal masculinization, via the 'backdoor pathway'. Consequently, early placental dysfunction, which is affected by maternal lifestyle and diet, and maternal painkiller use, may be more important than environmental chemical exposures in the origin of TDS in humans.
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49
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Burris-Hiday SD, Scott EE. Steroidogenic cytochrome P450 17A1 structure and function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 528:111261. [PMID: 33781841 PMCID: PMC8087655 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is a critical steroidogenic enzyme, essential for producing glucocorticoids and sex hormones. This review discusses the complex activity of CYP17A1, looking at its role in both the classical and backdoor steroidogenic pathways and the complex chemistry it carries out to perform both a hydroxylation reaction and a carbon-carbon cleavage, or lyase reaction. Functional and structural investigations have informed our knowledge of these two reactions. This review focuses on a few specific aspects of this discussion: the identities of reaction intermediates, the coordination of hydroxylation and lyase reactions, the effects of cytochrome b5, and conformational selection. These discussions improve understanding of CYP17A1 in a physiological setting, where CYP17A1 is implicated in a variety of steroidogenic diseases. This information can be used to improve ways in which CYP17A1 can be effectively modulated to treat diseases such as prostate and breast cancer, Cushing's syndrome, and glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily E Scott
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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50
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Gasser BA, Kurz J, Dick B, Mohaupt MG. A reply to 'Alteration of steroidogenesis in boys with autism spectrum disorders'. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:278. [PMID: 33972510 PMCID: PMC8111024 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01393-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Johann Kurz
- Intersci Research Association, Karl Morre Gasse 10, 8430 Leibnitz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Dick
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
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