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Cera N, Pinto J, Pignatelli D. The Role of Oxytocin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:5223-5241. [PMID: 38920985 PMCID: PMC11201948 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46060313] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age, representing the primary cause of anovulatory infertility. The nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in cognitive, emotional, and reproductive functions in human beings. Oxytocin receptors are expressed in several body parts, including the ovaries. Despite this, the possible role played by oxytocin in symptoms of PCOS is not clear. The present systematic review aimed at understanding the presence of possible oxytocin level alterations in PCOS, the connection between alterations of OT levels and the symptoms of PCOS, and the effect of oxytocin administration in PCOS. After a systematic search in the principal databases, eight studies, five human and three animal, were included. Four human studies and one animal study highlighted the role played by oxytocin in fertility issues related to PCOS. Three human and two animal studies investigated the role of body weight and OT levels. Studies that analyzed oxytocin basal levels in women agreed that PCOS is associated with a reduction in the serum level of oxytocin. Two human studies and one animal study agreed about lower levels of oxytocin, confirming a possible implication of the dysfunction of OT in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Cera
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- Research Unit in Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, Cross I&D Lisbon Research Centre, Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa, 1300-125 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Pinto
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Maejima Y, Yokota S, Yamachi M, Misaka S, Ono T, Oizumi H, Mizuno K, Hidema S, Nishimori K, Aoyama M, de Wet H, Shimomura K. Traditional Japanese medicine Kamikihito ameliorates sucrose preference, chronic inflammation and obesity induced by a high fat diet in middle-aged mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1387964. [PMID: 38742193 PMCID: PMC11089234 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387964] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The high prevalence of obesity has become a pressing global public health problem and there exists a strong association between increased BMI and mortality at a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher. The prevalence of obesity is higher among middle-aged adults than among younger groups and the combination of aging and obesity exacerbate systemic inflammation. Increased inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are hallmarks of obesity, and promote the secretion of hepatic C-reactive protein (CRP) which further induces systematic inflammation. The neuropeptide oxytocin has been shown to have anti-obesity and anti-inflammation effects, and also suppress sweet-tasting carbohydrate consumption in mammals. Previously, we have shown that the Japanese herbal medicine Kamikihito (KKT), which is used to treat neuropsychological stress disorders in Japan, functions as an oxytocin receptors agonist. In the present study, we further investigated the effect of KKT on body weight (BW), food intake, inflammation, and sweet preferences in middle-aged obese mice. KKT oral administration for 12 days decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver, and the plasma CRP and TNFα levels in obese mice. The effect of KKT administration was found to be different between male and female mice. In the absence of sucrose, KKT administration decreased food intake only in male mice. However, while having access to a 30% sucrose solution, both BW and food intake was decreased by KKT administration in male and female mice; but sucrose intake was decreased in female mice alone. In addition, KKT administration decreased sucrose intake in oxytocin deficient lean mice, but not in the WT lean mice. The present study demonstrates that KKT ameliorates chronic inflammation, which is strongly associated with aging and obesity, and decreases food intake in male mice as well as sucrose intake in female mice; in an oxytocin receptor dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shoko Yokota
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Megumi Yamachi
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shingen Misaka
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Ono
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Oizumi
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research and Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keita Mizuno
- Tsumura Kampo Research Laboratories, Kampo Research and Development Division, Tsumura & Co., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masato Aoyama
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya, Japan
| | - Heidi de Wet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Obesity and Inflammation research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Maejima Y, Yokota S, Hidema S, Nishimori K, de Wet H, Shimomura K. Systemic Co-Administration of Low-Dose Oxytocin and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Additively Decreases Food Intake and Body Weight. Neuroendocrinology 2024; 114:639-657. [PMID: 38599201 DOI: 10.1159/000538792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION GLP-1 receptor agonists are the number one drug prescribed for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. These drugs are not, however, without side effects, and in an effort to maximize therapeutic effect while minimizing adverse effects, gut hormone co-agonists received considerable attention as new drug targets in the fight against obesity. Numerous previous reports identified the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) as a promising anti-obesity drug. The aims of this study were to evaluate OXT as a possible co-agonist for GLP-1 and examine the effects of its co-administration on food intake (FI) and body weight (BW) in mice. METHODS FI and c-Fos levels were measured in the feeding centers of the brain in response to an intraperitoneal injection of saline, OXT, GLP-1, or OXT/GLP-1. The action potential frequency and cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in response to OXT, GLP-1, or OXT/GLP-1 were measured in ex vivo paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neuronal cultures. Finally, FI and BW changes were compared in diet-induced obese mice treated with saline, OXT, GLP-1, or OXT/GLP-1 for 13 days. RESULTS Single injection of OXT/GLP-1 additively decreased FI and increased c-Fos expression specifically in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus. Seventy percent of GLP-1 receptor-positive neurons in the PVN also expressed OXT receptors, and OXT/GLP-1 co-administration dramatically increased firing and [Ca2+]i in the PVN OXT neurons. The chronic OXT/GLP-1 co-administration decreased BW without changing FI. CONCLUSION Chronic OXT/GLP-1 co-administration decreases BW, possibly via the activation of PVN OXT neurons. OXT might be a promising candidate as an incretin co-agonist in obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Departments of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shoko Yokota
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Departments of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Heidi de Wet
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Departments of Obesity and Inflammation Research, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Camerino C. The Pivotal Role of Oxytocin's Mechanism of Thermoregulation in Prader-Willi Syndrome, Schaaf-Yang Syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2066. [PMID: 38396741 PMCID: PMC10888953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042066] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) regulates thermogenesis, and altered thermoregulation results in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Schaaf-Yang syndrome (SYS), and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PWS is a genetic disorder caused by the deletion of the paternal allele of 15q11-q13, the maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15, or defects in the imprinting center of chromosome 15. PWS is characterized by hyperphagia, obesity, low skeletal muscle tone, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Oxt also increases muscle tonicity and decreases proteolysis while PWS infants are hypotonic and require assisted feeding in early infancy. This evidence inspired us to merge the results of almost 20 years of studies and formulate a new hypothesis according to which the disruption of Oxt's mechanism of thermoregulation manifests in PWS, SYS, and ASD through thermosensory abnormalities and skeletal muscle tone. This review will integrate the current literature with new updates on PWS, SYS, and ASD and the recent discoveries on Oxt's regulation of thermogenesis to advance the knowledge on these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Petrocelli G, Abruzzo PM, Pampanella L, Tassinari R, Marini S, Zamagni E, Ventura C, Facchin F, Canaider S. Oxytocin Modulates Osteogenic Commitment in Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10813. [PMID: 37445991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310813] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) are commonly harvested in minimally invasive contexts with few ethical concerns, and exhibit self-renewal, multi-lineage differentiation, and trophic signaling that make them attractive candidates for cell therapy approaches. The identification of natural molecules that can modulate their biological properties is a challenge for many researchers. Oxytocin (OXT) is a neurohypophyseal hormone that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of mammalian behavior, and is involved in health and well-being processes. Here, we investigated the role of OXT on hASC proliferation, migratory ability, senescence, and autophagy after a treatment of 72 h; OXT did not affect hASC proliferation and migratory ability. Moreover, we observed an increase in SA-β-galactosidase activity, probably related to the promotion of the autophagic process. In addition, the effects of OXT were evaluated on the hASC differentiation ability; OXT promoted osteogenic differentiation in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by Alizarin red staining and gene/protein expression analysis, while it did not affect or reduce adipogenic differentiation. We also observed an increase in the expression of autophagy marker genes at the beginning of the osteogenic process in OXT-treated hASCs, leading us to hypothesize that OXT could promote osteogenesis in hASCs by modulating the autophagic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovannamaria Petrocelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Provvidenza Maria Abruzzo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Pampanella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Serena Marini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Zamagni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia "Seràgnoli", 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Ventura
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- National Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Bioengineering of the National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (NIBB) c/o Eldor Lab, Via Corticella 183, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Canaider
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Camerino C. Oxytocin's Regulation of Thermogenesis May Be the Link to Prader-Willi Syndrome. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4923-4935. [PMID: 37367062 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45060313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that is caused by either the deletion of the paternal allele of 15q11-q13, maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15 or defects in the chromosome 15 imprinting centre and is characterized by cognitive impairment, hyperphagia and low metabolic rate with significant risk of obesity, as well as a variety of other maladaptive behaviours and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Many of the features seen in PWS are thought to be due to hypothalamic dysfunction resulting in hormonal abnormalities and impaired social functioning. The preponderance of evidence indicates that the Oxytocin system is dysregulated in PWS individuals and that this neuropeptide pathways may provide promising targets for therapeutic intervention although the process by which this dysregulation occurs in PWS awaits mechanistic investigation. PWS individuals present abnormalities in thermoregulation an impaired detection for temperature change and altered perception of pain indicating an altered autonomic nervous system. Recent studies indicate that Oxytocin is involved in thermoregulation and pain perception. This review will describe the update on PWS and the recent discoveries on Oxytocin regulation of thermogenesis together with the potential link between Oxytocin regulation of thermogenesis and PWS to create a new groundwork for the treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Highly Specific Detection of Oxytocin in Saliva. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054832. [PMID: 36902261 PMCID: PMC10003004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054832] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a peptide neurophysin hormone made up of nine amino acids and is used in induction of one in four births worldwide (more than 13 percent in the United States). Herein, we have developed an antibody alternative aptamer-based electrochemical assay for real-time and point-of-care detection of oxytocin in non-invasive saliva samples. This assay approach is rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective. Our aptamer-based electrochemical assay can detect as little as 1 pg/mL of oxytocin in less than 2 min in commercially available pooled saliva samples. Additionally, we did not observe any false positive or false negative signals. This electrochemical assay has the potential to be utilized as a point-of-care monitor for rapid and real-time oxytocin detection in various biological samples such as saliva, blood, and hair extracts.
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Camerino C. The Long Way of Oxytocin from the Uterus to the Heart in 70 Years from Its Discovery. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032556. [PMID: 36768879 PMCID: PMC9916674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The research program on oxytocin started in 1895, when Oliver and Schafer reported that a substance extracted from the pituitary gland elevates blood pressure when injected intravenously into dogs. Dale later reported that a neurohypophysial substance triggers uterine contraction, lactation, and antidiuresis. Purification of this pituitary gland extracts revealed that the vasopressor and antidiuretic activity could be attributed to vasopressin, while uterotonic and lactation activity could be attributed to oxytocin. In 1950, the amino-acid sequences of vasopressin and oxytocin were determined and chemically synthesized. Vasopressin (CYFQNCPRG-NH2) and oxytocin (CYIQNCPLG-NH2) differ by two amino acids and have a disulfide bridge between the cysteine residues at position one and six conserved in all vasopressin/oxytocin-type peptides. This characterization of oxytocin led to the Nobel Prize awarded in 1955 to Vincent du Vigneaud. Nevertheless, it was only 50 years later when the evidence that mice depleted of oxytocin or its receptor develop late-onset obesity and metabolic syndrome established that oxytocin regulates energy and metabolism. Oxytocin is anorexigenic and regulates the lean/fat mass composition in skeletal muscle. Oxytocin's effect on muscle is mediated by thermogenesis via a pathway initiated in the myocardium. Oxytocin involvement in thermogenesis and muscle contraction is linked to Prader-Willi syndrome in humans, opening exciting therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Camerino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, P.za G. Cesare 11, 70100 Bari, Italy;
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Levinson SC. The interaction engine: cuteness selection and the evolution of the interactional base for language. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210108. [PMID: 35876196 PMCID: PMC9310178 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The deep structural diversity of languages suggests that our language capacities are not based on any single template but rather on an underlying ability and motivation for infants to acquire a culturally transmitted system. The hypothesis is that this ability has an interactional base that has discernable precursors in other primates. In this paper, I explore a specific evolutionary route for the most puzzling aspect of this interactional base in humans, namely the development of an empathetic intentional stance. The route involves a generalization of mother-infant interaction patterns to all adults via a process (cuteness selection) analogous to, but distinct from, RA Fisher's runaway sexual selection. This provides a cornerstone for the carrying capacity for language. This article is part of the theme issue 'Revisiting the human 'interaction engine': comparative approaches to social action coordination'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C. Levinson
- Language and Cognition, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Gelderland, The Netherlands
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10
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Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide mainly produced in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei. OT in the brain and blood has extensive functions in both mental and physical activities. These functions are mediated by OT receptors (OTRs) that are distributed in a broad spectrum of tissues with dramatic sexual dimorphism. In both sexes, OT generally facilitates social cognition and behaviors, facilitates parental behavior and sexual activity and inhibits feeding and pain perception. However, there are significant differences in OT levels and distribution of OTRs in men from women. Thus, many OT functions in men are different from women, particularly in the reproduction. In men, the reproductive functions are relatively simple. In women, the reproductive functions involve menstrual cycle, pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and menopause. These functions make OT regulation of women's health and disease a unique topic of physiological and pathological studies. In menstruation, pre-ovulatory increase in OT secretion in the hypothalamus and the ovary can promote the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and facilitate ovulation. During pregnancy, increased OT synthesis and preterm release endow OT system the ability to promote maternal behavior and lactation. In parturition, cervix expansion-elicited pulse OT secretion and uterine OT release accelerate the expelling of fetus and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. During lactation, intermittent pulsatile OT secretion is necessary for the milk-ejection reflex and maternal behavior. Disorders in OT secretion can account for maternal depression and hypogalactia. In menopause, the reduction of OT secretion accounts for many menopausal symptoms and diseases. These issues are reviewed in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haipeng Yang
- Neonatal Division of the Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Liqun Han
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingxing Ma
- Department of Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxing Ma,
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Kerem L, Lawson EA. The Effects of Oxytocin on Appetite Regulation, Food Intake and Metabolism in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7737. [PMID: 34299356 PMCID: PMC8306733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin and its receptor are involved in a range of physiological processes, including parturition, lactation, cell growth, wound healing, and social behavior. More recently, increasing evidence has established the effects of oxytocin on food intake, energy expenditure, and peripheral metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the central oxytocinergic system in which oxytocin acts to shape eating behavior and metabolism. Next, we discuss the peripheral beneficial effects oxytocin exerts on key metabolic organs, including suppression of visceral adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle regeneration, and bone tissue mineralization. A brief summary of oxytocin actions learned from animal models is presented, showing that weight loss induced by chronic oxytocin treatment is related not only to its anorexigenic effects, but also to the resulting increase in energy expenditure and lipolysis. Following an in-depth discussion on the technical challenges related to endogenous oxytocin measurements in humans, we synthesize data related to the association between endogenous oxytocin levels, weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. We then review clinical trials showing that in humans, acute oxytocin administration reduces food intake, attenuates fMRI activation of food motivation brain areas, and increases activation of self-control brain regions. Further strengthening the role of oxytocin in appetite regulation, we review conditions of hypothalamic insult and certain genetic pathologies associated with oxytocin depletion that present with hyperphagia, extreme weight gain, and poor metabolic profile. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials to learn whether oxytocin-based therapeutics can be used to treat obesity and its associated sequela. At the end of this review, we address the fundamental challenges that remain in translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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