1
|
Bharath Kumar BS, Mallick S, Manjunathachar HV, Shashank CG, Sharma A, Nagoorvali D, Soren S, Jadhav VG, Pandita S. In vitro effects of uncarboxylated osteocalcin on buffalo Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Vet Res Commun 2024; 48:1423-1433. [PMID: 38305958 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10320-4] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Uncarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOCN), a bone derived circulating protein, has been demonstrated to influence steroidogenesis in testicular Leydig cells of murine and human species. However, the role of UcOCN in testosterone biosynthesis remains unexplored in domestic animals. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of UcOCN on the expressions of steroidogenic genes (HSD3β1, HSD3β6, CYP17A1, CYP11A1), testosterone production and GPRC6A receptor localization in buffalo Leydig cells. Leydig cells from the testes of adult Murrah buffalo were isolated, with an average cell count and viability after digestion and Percoll enrichment of 1.43 × 106 cells/g of testes and 78.5%, respectively. Immunophenotyping of Percoll-enriched cell suspension by flow cytometry showed populations of Leydig cells ranging between 69 and 73.9%. Immunostaining confirmed the presence of GPRC6A receptors and CYP11A1 positive Leydig cells. When these cells were cultured and incubated with varying levels of UcOCN (6, 12, 24, and 48 ng/ml) and LH, there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in testosterone production and up-regulation (P < 0.05) of CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3β1 and HSD3β6 gene expression. In summary, the present study underscored the effects of UcOCN on testosterone biosynthesis, expression of crucial steroidogenic genes and interaction with GPRC6A receptors in buffalo Leydig cells, emphasizing its potential implications in andrology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B S Bharath Kumar
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
- Department of Animal Husbandry, Government of Karnataka, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Smrutirekha Mallick
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India.
- ICAR-National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 752050, India.
| | - H V Manjunathachar
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, U.P., 243122, India
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, 590010, India
| | - C G Shashank
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | - Ankur Sharma
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | | | - Simson Soren
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| | | | - Sujata Pandita
- ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, 132001, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carlomagno F, Hasenmajer V, Spaziani M, Tenuta M, Sesti F, Tarantino C, Pozza C, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. Total osteocalcin levels are independently associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activation in Klinefelter syndrome. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02390-7. [PMID: 38773059 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02390-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of osteocalcin (OCN) in pubertal development, male hypogonadism, and the effect of testosterone (Te) replacement therapy (TRT) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the total OCN (tOCN) concentrations in male patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), a model of adult hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. METHODS This retrospective longitudinal study investigated 254 male patients with KS (47,XXY) between 2007 and 2021 at an academic referral center, categorized as (1) prepubertal, (2) pubertal, and (3) adults. All prepubertal patients were Te-naïve. Adult patients were subcategorized as (1) eugonadal, (2) hypogonadal, and (3) receiving TRT. We also analyzed 18 adult patients with available tOCN levels before and 3 months after TRT commencement. RESULTS The tOCN levels varied throughout the lifespan according to pubertal status, were highest in eugonadal and significantly lower in TRT subjects, correlated with both LH (p = 0.017) and FSH levels (p = 0.004) in adults, and significantly declined after 3 months of TRT (p = 0.006) in the adult KS cohort. HPG-axis hormones levels demonstrated no correlation in prepubertal boys. Adjustment for age and body mass index confirmed previous results and revealed significant inverse correlations with total Te (p = 0.004), calculated free Te (p = 0.016), the Te/LH (p = 0.010), and calculated free Te/LH ratios (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION In KS, a model of male hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, tOCN levels were not associated with gonadal function during normal prepuberty and pubertal development but were associated with worse testicular function and a higher degree of HPG stimulation in adults. TRT acutely reduced tOCN levels in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Carlomagno
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - V Hasenmajer
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Spaziani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Tenuta
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Sesti
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Tarantino
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Pozza
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - A M Isidori
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Endocrine and Andrological Regional Rare Disease Center (Endo-ERN Accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - D Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang Y, Liu J, Kousteni S. Lipocalin 2-A bone-derived anorexigenic and β-cell promoting signal: From mice to humans. J Diabetes 2024; 16:e13504. [PMID: 38035773 PMCID: PMC10940901 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The skeleton is traditionally known for its structural support, organ protection, movement, and maintenance of mineral homeostasis. Over the last 10 years, bone has emerged as an endocrine organ with diverse physiological functions. The two key molecules in this context are fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), secreted by osteocytes, and osteocalcin, a hormone produced by osteoblasts. FGF23 affects mineral homeostasis through its actions on the kidneys, and osteocalcin has beneficial effects in improving glucose homeostasis, muscle function, brain development, cognition, and male fertility. In addition, another osteoblast-derived hormone, lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has emerged into the researchers' field of vision. In this review, we mainly focus on LCN2's role in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism and also briefly introduce its effects in other pathophysiological conditions, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, sarcopenic obesity, and cancer-induced cachexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Yang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Rui‐jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, and Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic DiseasesShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Rui‐jin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Rui‐jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, and Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic DiseasesShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the PR China, Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai National Center for Translational Medicine, Rui‐jin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Stavroula Kousteni
- Department of Physiology and Cellular BiophysicsColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Matta RA, Farrage HM, Saedii AA, Abdelrahman MM. Male subclinical hypogonadism and late-onset hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism: mechanisms, endothelial function, and interplay between reproductive hormones, undercarboxylated osteocalcin, and endothelial dysfunction. Aging Male 2022; 25:72-87. [PMID: 35291927 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2022.2049744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenesis and endothelial function in subclinical hypogonadism (SCH) remain unclear. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) participates in atherosclerosis and reproduction. We explored the underlying mechanisms and interplay of endothelial dysfunction, unOC and reproductive hormones in SCH and primary late-onset hypogonadism (LOH). METHODS In the SCH, LOH, and healthy eugonadal male groups, we measured serum unOC, calculated luteinizing hormone/testosterone (LH/T), LH.T product, and estradiol/T (E/T) as indicators of impaired Leydig cells, androgen sensitivity index (ASI), and aromatase activity, respectively (LH set-point regulators), and assessed flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD%), carotid-intima media thickness (CIMT), and aortic stiffness (AS). RESULTS ↑LH/T, ↑ASI, ↓aromatase activity, normal T, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, ↑unOC, and enhanced atherosclerotic markers (↓FMD%, ↑CIMT, ↑AS) are characteristics of SCH. Testosterone was positively correlated with FMD% in SCH. The independent predictors were: SHBG and LH for FMD% and CIMT, respectively, and LH/T, ucOC, FSH, estradiol, and E/T ratio for AS in the LOH group; and LH for FMD% & AS and LH and LH/T for CIMT in all study subjects. CONCLUSIONS SCH is a distinct clinical entity characterized by impaired androgen sensitivity and aromatase activity, compensatory elevated unOC, endothelial dysfunction, and anti-atherogenic role of testosterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ragaa Abedelshaheed Matta
- Diabetes and Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jawich K, Rocca MS, Al Fahoum S, Alhalabi M, Di Nisio A, Foresta C, Ferlin A, De Toni L. RS 2247911 polymorphism of GPRC6A gene and serum undercarboxylated-osteocalcin are associated with testis function. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1673-1682. [PMID: 35482214 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01803-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Undercarboxylated-Osteocalcin (ucOCN), acting on its putative receptor GPRC6A, was shown to stimulate testosterone (T) production by Leydig cells in rodents, in parallel with the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) mediated by luteinizing hormone (LH). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association among serum ucOCN, rs2247911 polymorphism of GPRC6A gene and the endocrine/semen pattern in a cohort of infertile males, possibly identifying an involvement of the ucOCN-GPRC6A axis on testis function. METHODS 190 males, including 74 oligozoospermic subjects, 58 azoosperminc patients and 58 normozoospermic controls, were prospectively recruited at the Orient Hospital for Infertility, Assisted Reproduction and Genetics in Syria (Study N. 18FP), from July 2018 to June 2020. Outpatient evaluation included the clinical history, anthropometrics and a fasting blood sampling for hormonals, serum OCN (both carboxylated and undercarboxylated), glycemic and lipid profile and screening for rs2247911 GPRC6A gene polymorphism. RESULTS Higher serum ucOCN associated with higher T and HDL-cholesterol (respectively: r = 0.309, P < 0.001 and r = 0.248, P = 0.001), and with lower FSH (r = - 0.327, P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (r = - 0.171; P = 0.018). Patients bearing the GG genotype of rs2247911 had higher sperm count compared to GA genotype (P = 0.043) and, compared to both AG and AA genotypes, had higher serum T (P = 0.004, P = 0.001) and lower triglycerides levels (P = 0.002, P < 0.001). Upon normalization for LH levels and body mass index, rs2274911 and ucOCN were significantly associated with higher serum T at linear stepwise regression analysis (P = 0.013, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest the involvement of ucOCN-GPRC6A axis in the regulation of T production by the testis, subsidiary to HPG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Jawich
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - M Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - S Al Fahoum
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - M Alhalabi
- Department of Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - L De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|