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Alanazi MM, Alsanea S, Kumar A, Alehaideb Z, Matou-Nasri S, AlGhamdi KM. Modulatory effects of oxytocin on normal human cultured melanocyte proliferation, migration, and melanogenesis. Tissue Cell 2024; 91:102579. [PMID: 39388927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102579] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Melanocytes are specialized melanin-producing neural crest-derived cells. Melanocyte proliferation and melanin production (i.e., melanogenesis) are crucial for determining skin color. Disruption of these processes can cause pigmentary skin disorders, including hypo-pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo and hyper-pigmentary disorders such as melasma. Understanding these processes is important for discovering new targets to tackle these skin disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of oxytocin (OXT) on melanocyte functions. Normal Human Cultured Melanocytes (NHCM) were treated with different OXT doses to investigate OXT effects and mechanisms on NHCM proliferation, migration, and on melanogenesis. OXT significantly increased NHCM proliferation and migration in a dose-dependent manner after 72 h of treatment. In addition, OXT dose-dependently upregulated melanogenesis-related microphtalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TYRP)-1, and TYRP-2 expression accompanied by an increased trend in melanosome number and maturation stage. Furthermore, OXT at concentrations (62.5-125 nM) increased melanin production. These findings suggest the involvement of OXT receptor (OXTR). In addition, this study demonstrates that OXT stimulates melanocyte proliferation, migration, with a tendency toward melanosome maturation, while it modulates melanin production in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, OXT system including its receptor OXTR may be a potential therapeutic target for skin pigmentary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Vitiligo Research Chair, Department of Dermatology (DOD), College of Medicine (COM), KSU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zeyad Alehaideb
- Department of Core Medical Research Facility and Platform, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabine Matou-Nasri
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, KAIMRC, KSAU-HS, MNGHA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M AlGhamdi
- Vitiligo Research Chair, Department of Dermatology (DOD), College of Medicine (COM), KSU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Dermatology (DOD), College of Medicine (COM), King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Nisbett KE. Moxie begets MOXI: The journey to a novel hypothesis about Mu-opioid and OXytocin system Interactions. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100244. [PMID: 39104824 PMCID: PMC11298892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This narrative review summarizes the early life of the author, Khalin E. Nisbett, and highlights the factors that led to her career in research and her development of two novel research hypotheses: the Mu-opioid and OXytocin system Interaction (MOXI) hypothesis and Mu-Opioid receptor antagonist and OXytocin receptor Agonist In Combination (MOXAIC) treatment hypothesis. Notably, Nisbett's career began in the era after countless studies demonstrated that oxytocin is not just a female neurotransmitter and not just a female reproductive hormone, an era in which researchers are exploring the role of oxytocin in emotion regulation, social interaction, and cognitive processing across both sexes. As such, the previously held perspective that oxytocin is "just a female hormone" did not impede Nisbett's ideas. Intrigued by science, emotion regulation, and social interaction, she began to explore the role of oxytocin and opioids in emotion regulation. On the heels of earlier theories, such as the Tend-and-Befriend theory and Opioid Theory of Social Attachment, she began to develop the MOXI hypothesis, which postulates that the μ-opioid receptor and oxytocin systems interact to mediate social interaction and emotion regulation. In this narrative review, Nisbett summarizes two studies that explored (i) the role of oxytocin in anxiety- and depression-like behavior and (ii) the effect of opioid receptor blockade on the anxiolytic-like effect of oxytocin, which led to a revision of the MOXI hypothesis and postulation of the Mu-Opioid receptor antagonist and OXytocin receptor Agonist In Combination (MOXAIC) treatment hypothesis. Nisbett also discusses several limitations of these hypotheses and her current research interests and aspirations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalin E. Nisbett
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Graduate College, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
- Stress & Addiction Neuroscience Unit, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
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Hendry E, McCallister B, Elman DJ, Freeman R, Borsook D, Elman I. Validity of mental and physical stress models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105566. [PMID: 38307304 PMCID: PMC11082879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105566] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Different stress models are employed to enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and explore potential interventions. However, the utility of these models remains a critical concern, as their validities may be limited by the complexity of stress processes. Literature review revealed that both mental and physical stress models possess reasonable construct and criterion validities, respectively reflected in psychometrically assessed stress ratings and in activation of the sympathoadrenal system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The findings are less robust, though, in the pharmacological perturbations' domain, including such agents as adenosine or dobutamine. Likewise, stress models' convergent- and discriminant validity vary depending on the stressors' nature. Stress models share similarities, but also have important differences regarding their validities. Specific traits defined by the nature of the stressor stimulus should be taken into consideration when selecting stress models. Doing so can personalize prevention and treatment of stress-related antecedents, its acute processing, and chronic sequelae. Further work is warranted to refine stress models' validity and customize them so they commensurate diverse populations and circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hendry
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brady McCallister
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dan J Elman
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Borsook
- Departments of Psychiatry and Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Anesthesiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridge Health Alliance, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Zhu W, Chen Z, Fu M, Li Q, Chen X, Li X, Luo N, Tang W, Yang F, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Peng X, Hu G. Cuprotosis clusters predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in low-grade glioma. Apoptosis 2024; 29:169-190. [PMID: 37713112 PMCID: PMC10830610 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cuprotosis, an emerging mode of cell death, has recently caught the attention of researchers worldwide. However, its impact on low-grade glioma (LGG) patients has not been fully explored. To gain a deeper insight into the relationship between cuprotosis and LGG patients' prognosis, we conducted this study in which LGG patients were divided into two clusters based on the expression of 18 cuprotosis-related genes. We found that LGG patients in cluster A had better prognosis than those in cluster B. The two clusters also differed in terms of immune cell infiltration and biological functions. Moreover, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two clusters and developed a cuprotosis-related prognostic signature through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis in the TCGA training cohort. This signature divided LGG patients into high- and low-risk groups, with the high-risk group having significantly shorter overall survival (OS) time than the low-risk group. Its predictive reliability for prognosis in LGG patients was confirmed by the TCGA internal validation cohort, CGGA325 cohort and CGGA693 cohort. Additionally, a nomogram was used to predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of each patient. The analysis of immune checkpoints and tumor mutation burden (TMB) has revealed that individuals belonging to high-risk groups have a greater chance of benefiting from immunotherapy. Functional experiments confirmed that interfering with the signature gene TNFRSF11B inhibited LGG cell proliferation and migration. Overall, this study shed light on the importance of cuprotosis in LGG patient prognosis. The cuprotosis-related prognostic signature is a reliable predictor for patient outcomes and immunotherapeutic response and can help to develop new therapies for LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Min Fu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qianxia Li
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenhua Tang
- Department of Oncology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaohong Peng
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Guangyuan Hu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Kamrani-Sharif R, Hayes AW, Gholami M, Salehirad M, Allahverdikhani M, Motaghinejad M, Emanuele E. Oxytocin as neuro-hormone and neuro-regulator exert neuroprotective properties: A mechanistic graphical review. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102352. [PMID: 37354708 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodegeneration is progressive cell loss in specific neuronal populations, often resulting in clinical consequences with significant medical, societal, and economic implications. Because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, oxytocin has been proposed as a potential neuroprotective and neurobehavioral therapeutic agent, including modulating mood disturbances and cognitive enchantment. METHODS Literature searches were conducted using the following databases Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Google Scholar, the Core Collection, and Cochrane from January 2000 to February 2023 for articles dealing with oxytocin neuroprotective properties in preventing or treating neurodegenerative disorders and diseases with a focus on oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis/cell death. RESULTS The neuroprotective effects of oxytocin appears to be mediated by its anti-inflammatory properties, inhibition of neuro inflammation, activation of several antioxidant enzymes, inhibition of oxidative stress and free radical formation, activation of free radical scavengers, prevent of mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of apoptosis. CONCLUSION Oxytocin acts as a neuroprotective agent by preventing neuro-apoptosis, neuro-inflammation, and neuronal oxidative stress, and by restoring mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Kamrani-Sharif
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mina Gholami
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Salehirad
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Allahverdikhani
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Motaghinejad
- Chronic Respiratory Disease Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Liu Z, Fu S, He X, Dai L, Liu X, Narisu, Shi C, Gu M, Wang Y, Manda, Guo L, Bao Y, Baiyinbatu, Chang C, Liu Y, Zhang W. Integrated Multi-Tissue Transcriptome Profiling Characterizes the Genetic Basis and Biomarkers Affecting Reproduction in Sheep ( Ovis aries). Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1881. [PMID: 37895230 PMCID: PMC10606288 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101881] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The heritability of litter size in sheep is low and controlled by multiple genes, but the research on its related genes is not sufficient. Here, to explore the expression pattern of multi-tissue genes in Chinese native sheep, we selected 10 tissues of the three adult ewes with the highest estimated breeding value in the early study of the prolific Xinggao sheep population. The global gene expression analysis showed that the ovary, uterus, and hypothalamus expressed the most genes. Using the Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) cluster analysis, these samples were clustered into eight clusters. The functional enrichment analysis showed that the genes expressed in the spleen, uterus, and ovary were significantly enriched in the Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Protein (ATM) signaling pathway, and most genes in the liver, spleen, and ovary were enriched in the immune response pathway. Moreover, we focus on the expression genes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (HPO) and found that 11,016 genes were co-expressed in the three tissues, and different tissues have different functions, but the oxytocin signaling pathway was widely enriched. To further explore the differences in the expression genes (DEGs) of HPO in different sheep breeds, we downloaded the transcriptome data in the public data, and the analysis of DEGs (Xinggao sheep vs. Sunite sheep in Hypothalamus, Xinggao sheep vs. Sunite sheep in Pituitary, and Xinggao sheep vs. Suffolk sheep in Ovary) revealed the neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. In addition, the gene subsets of the transcription factors (TFs) of DEGs were identified. The results suggest that 51 TF genes and the homeobox TF may play an important role in transcriptional variation across the HPO. Altogether, our study provided the first fundamental resource to investigate the physiological functions and regulation mechanisms in sheep. This important data contributes to improving our understanding of the reproductive biology of sheep and isolating effecting molecular markers that can be used for genetic selection in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaixia Liu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Shaoyin Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010031, China; (S.F.); (X.H.)
| | - Xiaolong He
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010031, China; (S.F.); (X.H.)
| | - Lingli Dai
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
- Veterinary Research Institute, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Hohhot 010031, China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- Animal Husbandry and Bioengineering, College of Agronomy, Xing’an Vocational and Technical College, Ulanhot 137400, China;
| | - Narisu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Caixia Shi
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
| | - Mingjuan Gu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China;
| | - Manda
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
| | - Lili Guo
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China;
| | - Yanchun Bao
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Baiyinbatu
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Chencheng Chang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Yongbin Liu
- School of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China;
| | - Wenguang Zhang
- College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (Z.L.); (L.D.); (N.); (C.S.); (M.G.); (M.); (L.G.); (Y.B.); (B.); (C.C.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Genomic Big Data for Agriculture, Hohhot 010018, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
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Gigliucci V, Busnelli M, Santini F, Paolini C, Bertoni A, Schaller F, Muscatelli F, Chini B. Oxytocin receptors in the Magel2 mouse model of autism: Specific region, age, sex and oxytocin treatment effects. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1026939. [PMID: 36998737 PMCID: PMC10043208 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1026939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in the regulation of social behavior and is intensively investigated as a potential therapeutic treatment in neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social deficits. In the Magel2-knockout (KO) mouse, a model of Schaaf-Yang Syndrome, an early postnatal administration of OXT rescued autistic-like behavior and cognition at adulthood, making this model relevant for understanding the actions of OXT in (re)programming postnatal brain development. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR), the main brain target of OXT, was dysregulated in the hippocampus of Magel2-KO adult males, and normalized upon OXT treatment at birth. Here we have analyzed male and female Magel2-KO brains at postnatal day 8 (P8) and at postnatal day 90 (P90), investigating age, genotype and OXT treatment effects on OXTR levels in several regions of the brain. We found that, at P8, male and female Magel2-KOs displayed a widespread, substantial, down-regulation of OXTR levels compared to wild type (WT) animals. Most intriguingly, the postnatal OXT treatment did not affect Magel2-KO OXTR levels at P8 and, consistently, did not rescue the ultrasonic vocalization deficits observed at this age. On the contrary, the postnatal OXT treatment reduced OXTR levels at P90 in male Magel2-KO in a region-specific way, restoring normal OXTR levels in regions where the Magel2-KO OXTR was upregulated (central amygdala, hippocampus and piriform cortex). Interestingly, Magel2-KO females, previously shown to lack the social deficits observed in Magel2-KO males, were characterized by a different trend in receptor expression compared to males; as a result, the dimorphic expression of OXTR observed in WT animals, with higher OXTR expression observed in females, was abolished in Magel2-KO mice. In conclusion, our data indicate that in Magel2-KO mice, OXTRs undergo region-specific modifications related to age, sex and postnatal OXT treatment. These results are instrumental to design precisely-timed OXT-based therapeutic strategies that, by acting at specific brain regions, could modify the outcome of social deficits in Schaaf-Yang Syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gigliucci
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Busnelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Santini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Paolini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Bice Chini,
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8
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Baudon A, Clauss Creusot E, Charlet A. [Emergent role of astrocytes in oxytocin-mediated modulatory control of neuronal circuits and brain functions]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:155-165. [PMID: 36744981 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022022] [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: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has been in the focus of scientists for decades due to its profound and pleiotropic effects on physiology, activity of neuronal circuits and behaviors. Until recently, it was believed that oxytocinergic action exclusively occurs through direct activation of neuronal oxytocin receptors. However, several studies demonstrated the existence and functional relevance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions in the mouse and rat brain. Astrocytic signaling and activity are critical for many important physiological processes including metabolism, neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft and integrated brain functions. While it can be speculated that oxytocinergic action on astrocytes predominantly facilitates neuromodulation via the release of gliotransmitters, the precise role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the latest studies on the interaction between the oxytocinergic system and astrocytes, and give details of underlying intracellular cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Baudon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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9
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Havranek T, Mihalj D, Bacova Z, Bakos J. Oxytocin action on components of endoplasmic reticulum in hippocampal neuronal cells. Neurosci Lett 2023; 792:136971. [PMID: 36414131 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136971] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the known importance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in protein synthesis and vesicular transport, it is not clear whether neuropeptide and neuromodulator oxytocin can directly affect components of the ER in neuronal cells. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesize that incubation of hippocampal neuronal cells in a presence of oxytocin 1) plays a role in the regulation of the expression of selected ER chaperone components and molecules involved in unfolded protein response pathway 2) affects distribution of the intracellular fluorescence signal highly selective for the ER. We found that oxytocin (1 μM) after 60 min significantly decreased the gene expression of oxidoreductase Ero1β, chaperone glucose-regulated proteins (Grp) 78 and Grp94. A significant decrease in GRP78 protein levels in response to oxytocin treatment occurred after 30, 60 and 120 min. We also observed a time-dependent increase in calreticulin protein levels with a statistically significant increase observed after 360 min. We found that the dynamics of the ER network changes significantly within 2 h of incubation under the influence of oxytocin. In conclusion we have shown that ER chaperones, oxidoreductases and trafficking molecules in neuronal cells are changing in response to oxytocin treatment in a short-term scenario potentially relevant for growth of dendrites and axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Havranek
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - D Mihalj
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Z Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - J Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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10
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Tsingotjidou AS. Oxytocin: A Multi-Functional Biomolecule with Potential Actions in Dysfunctional Conditions; From Animal Studies and Beyond. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1603. [PMID: 36358953 PMCID: PMC9687803 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a hormone secreted from definite neuroendocrine neurons located in specific nuclei in the hypothalamus (mainly from paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei), and its main known function is the contraction of uterine and/or mammary gland cells responsible for parturition and breastfeeding. Among the actions of the peripherally secreted oxytocin is the prevention of different degenerative disorders. These actions have been proven in cell culture and in animal models or have been tested in humans based on hypotheses from previous studies. This review presents the knowledge gained from the previous studies, displays the results from oxytocin intervention and/or treatment and proposes that the well described actions of oxytocin might be connected to other numerous, diverse actions of the biomolecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia S Tsingotjidou
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54 124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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11
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells May Alleviate the Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Reducing the Oxidative Stress in Nucleus Pulposus Cells. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:6082377. [PMID: 36238530 PMCID: PMC9551678 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6082377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic modality for intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Oxidative stress is a vital contributor to the IDD; however, the definite role of oxidative stress in stem cell therapy for IDD remains obscure. The aim of this study was to determine the vital role of oxidative stress-related differentially expressed genes (OSRDEGs) in degenerative NPCs cocultured with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods A series of bioinformatic methods were used to calculate the oxidative stress score and autophagy score, identify the OSRDEGs, conduct the function enrichment analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, build the relevant competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks, and explore the potential association between oxidative stress and autophagy in degenerative NPCs cocultured with MSCs. Results There was a significantly different oxidative stress score between NPC/MSC samples and NPC samples (p < 0.05). Forty-one OSRDEGs were selected for the function enrichment and PPI analyses. Ten hub OSRDEGs were obtained according to the PPI score, including JUN, CAT, PTGS2, TLR4, FOS, APOE, EDN1, TXNRD1, LRRK2, and KLF2. The ceRNA regulatory network, which contained 17 DElncRNAs, 240 miRNAs, and 10 hub OSRDEGs, was constructed. Moreover, a significant relationship between the oxidative stress score and autophagy score was observed (p < 0.05), and 125 significantly related gene pairs were obtained (|r| > 0.90, p < 0.05). Conclusion Stem cell therapy might repair the degenerative IVD via reducing the oxidative stress through the ceRNA regulatory work and restoration of autophagy in degenerative NPCs. This research could provide new insights into the mechanism research of stem cell therapy for IDD and potential therapeutic targets in the IDD treatment.
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12
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Carter CS, Kingsbury MA. Oxytocin and oxygen: the evolution of a solution to the ‘stress of life’. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210054. [PMID: 35856299 PMCID: PMC9272143 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and the OT receptor occupy essential roles in our current understanding of mammalian evolution, survival, sociality and reproduction. This narrative review examines the hypothesis that many functions attributed to OT can be traced back to conditions on early Earth, including challenges associated with managing life in the presence of oxygen and other basic elements, including sulfur. OT regulates oxidative stress and inflammation especially through effects on the mitochondria. A related nonapeptide, vasopressin, as well as molecules in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, including the corticotropin-releasing hormone family of molecules, have a broad set of functions that interact with OT. Interactions among these molecules have roles in the causes and consequence of social behaviour and the management of threat, fear and stress. Here, we discuss emerging evidence suggesting that unique properties of the OT system allowed vertebrates, and especially mammals, to manage over-reactivity to the ‘side effects’ of oxygen, including inflammation, oxidation and free radicals, while also supporting high levels of sociality and a perception of safety. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Marcy A. Kingsbury
- Lurie Center for Autism, Mass General Hospital for Children, Harvard University Medical School, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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13
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Baudon A, Clauss Creusot E, Althammer F, Schaaf CP, Charlet A. Emerging role of astrocytes in oxytocin-mediated control of neural circuits and brain functions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102328. [PMID: 35870680 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has been in the focus of scientists for decades due to its profound and pleiotropic effects on physiology, activity of neuronal circuits and behaviors, among which sociality. Until recently, it was believed that oxytocinergic action exclusively occurs through direct activation of neuronal oxytocin receptors. However, several studies demonstrated the existence and functional relevance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions in the mouse and rat brain. Astrocytic signaling and activity is critical for many important physiological processes including metabolism, neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft and integrated brain functions. While it can be speculated that oxytocinergic action on astrocytes predominantly facilitates neuromodulation via the release of specific gliotransmitters, the precise role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the latest studies on the interaction between the oxytocinergic system and astrocytes, including detailed information about intracellular cascades, and speculate about future research directions on astrocytic oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Baudon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | | | | | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France.
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14
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Neuroprotective effect of oxytocin on cognitive dysfunction, DNA damage, and intracellular chloride disturbance in young mice after cranial irradiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 612:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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15
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Friuli M, Eramo B, Valenza M, Scuderi C, Provensi G, Romano A. Targeting the Oxytocinergic System: A Possible Pharmacological Strategy for the Treatment of Inflammation Occurring in Different Chronic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10250. [PMID: 34638587 PMCID: PMC8508899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Unresolved inflammation represents a central feature of different human pathologies including neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. The epidemiologic relevance of such disorders justifies the increasing interest in further understanding the mechanisms underpinning the inflammatory process occurring in such chronic diseases to provide potential novel pharmacological approaches. The most common and effective therapies for controlling inflammation are glucocorticoids; however, a variety of other molecules have been demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory potential, including neuropeptides. In recent years, the oxytocinergic system has seen an explosion of scientific studies, demonstrating its potential to contribute to a variety of physiological processes including inflammation. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to understand the role of oxytocin in the modulation of inflammation occurring in different chronic diseases. The criterion we used to select the diseases was based on the emerging literature showing a putative involvement of the oxytocinergic system in inflammatory processes in a variety of pathologies including neurological, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and obesity. The evidence reviewed here supports a beneficial role of oxytocin in the control of both peripheral and central inflammatory response happening in the aforementioned pathologies. Although future studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanistic details underlying such regulation, this review supports the idea that the modulation of the endogenous oxytocinergic system might represent a new potential pharmacological approach for the treatment of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Friuli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Barbara Eramo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Caterina Scuderi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Section of Pharmacology of Toxicology, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (B.E.); (M.V.); (C.S.)
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16
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Gu P, Lin Y, Wan Q, Su D, Shu Q. Oxytocin signal contributes to the adaptative growth of islets during gestation. Endocr Connect 2021; 10:694-706. [PMID: 34077390 PMCID: PMC8240721 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased insulin production and secretion by pancreatic β-cells are important for ensuring the high insulin demand during gestation. However, the underlying mechanism of β-cell adaptation during gestation or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear. Oxytocin is an important physiological hormone in gestation and delivery, and it also contributes to the maintenance of β-cell function. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of oxytocin in β-cell adaptation during pregnancy. METHODS The relationship between the blood oxytocin level and pancreatic β-cell function in patients with GDM and healthy pregnant women was investigated. Gestating and non-gestating mice were used to evaluate the in vivo effect of oxytocin signal on β-cells during pregnancy. In vitro experiments were performed on INS-1 insulinoma cells. RESULTS The blood oxytocin levels were lower in patients with GDM than in healthy pregnant women and were associated with impaired pancreatic β-cell function. Acute administration of oxytocin increased insulin secretion in both gestating and non-gestating mice. A 3-week oxytocin treatment promoted the proliferation of pancreatic β-cells and increased the β-cell mass in gestating but not non-gestating mice. Antagonism of oxytocin receptors by atosiban impaired insulin secretion and induced GDM in gestating but not non-gestating mice. Oxytocin enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, and promoted cell proliferation in INS-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide strong evidence that oxytocin is needed for β-cell adaptation during pregnancy to maintain β-cell function, and the lack of oxytocin could be associated with the risk of GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuege Lin
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Wan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to Q Shu or D Su or Q Wan: or or
| | - Dongming Su
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to Q Shu or D Su or Q Wan: or or
| | - Qun Shu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to Q Shu or D Su or Q Wan: or or
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Proskurnina EV, Sokolova SV, Portnova GV. Touch-induced emotional comfort results in an increase in the salivary antioxidant potential: A correlational study. Psychophysiology 2021; 58:e13854. [PMID: 34061347 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A pleasant touch reduces psychoemotional stress via the oxytocin mechanism due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Our research is aimed to reveal the correlations between the subjectively perceived pleasantness of touch, the antioxidant potential of saliva, and salivary oxytocin. A total of 56 healthy volunteers aged 18-38 years participated in the study. The control group consisted of 24 volunteers. The participants were subjected to tactile stimulation using a specially designed protocol. They ranked the touch pleasantness on a scale from 1 to 10. Heart rate variability and low-frequency/high-frequency ratios from the power spectral density of ECG were determined to assess psychoemotional relaxation. Salivary oxytocin and antioxidant capacity were quantified before and after the touch test. We found a significant increase in salivary antioxidant potential and oxytocin after pleasant tactile stimulation for the participants compared to the control group. The difference in antioxidant capacity values before and after the test positively correlated with mean pleasantness in the touch test (r = 0.57) and the difference in heart rate variability (r = 0.67); it negatively correlated with the difference in low-frequency/high-frequency ECG band ratio (r = -0.59). Oxytocin ratio positively correlated with the difference in antioxidant capacity values (r = 0.47). As a result of tactile stimulation, a significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of saliva and salivary oxytocin was found in the test group compared to the control group. These findings support further studies of the effects of pleasant touch on hormonal and oxidative metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Proskurnina
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research Centre for Medical Genetics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Sokolova
- Medical Research and Educational Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Galina V Portnova
- Laboratory of the Human Higher Nervous Activity, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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