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Arata M, Tamura K, Aoki H, Noguchi H, Takeda A, Minato S, Yamamoto S, Kinouchi R, Yoshida K, Yamamoto Y, Kaji T, Iwasa T. The Effects of Testosterone on Hypothalamic and Serum Oxytocin Levels Are Affected by the Estrogen Milieu in Female Rats. Nutrients 2024; 16:2533. [PMID: 39125412 PMCID: PMC11314409 DOI: 10.3390/nu16152533] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that the effects of androgens on body weight (BW) and appetite are affected by the estrogen milieu in females; however, the mechanism underlying these effects remains unclear. We hypothesized that androgens may affect endogenous oxytocin (OT), which is a hypothalamic anorectic factor, and that these effects of androgens may be altered by the estrogen milieu in females. To investigate this hypothesis, in the present study, we examined the effects of testosterone on peripheral and central OT levels in ovariectomized female rats that did or did not receive estradiol supplementation. Ovariectomized female rats were randomly divided into non-estradiol-supplemented or estradiol-supplemented groups, and half of the rats in each group were concurrently supplemented with testosterone (i.e., rats were divided into four groups, n = 7 per each group). We also measured peripheral and central OT receptor (OTR) gene expression levels. As a result, we found that testosterone increased serum and hypothalamic OT levels and OT receptor mRNA levels in non-estradiol-supplemented rats, whereas it had no effects on these factors in estradiol-supplemented rats. In addition, testosterone reduced food intake, BW gain, and fat weight in non-estradiol-supplemented rats, whereas it did not have any effects on BW, appetite, or fat weight in estradiol-supplemented rats. These findings indicate that the effects of androgens on OT may be affected by the estrogen milieu, and elevated OT levels may be related to the blunting of appetite and prevention of obesity under estrogen-deficient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeka Arata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (M.A.)
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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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Iwasa T, Noguchi H, Tanano R, Yamanaka E, Takeda A, Tamura K, Aoki H, Sugimoto T, Sasada H, Maeda T, Minato S, Yamamoto S, Inui H, Kagawa T, Yoshida A, Mineda A, Nii M, Kinouchi R, Yoshida K, Yamamoto Y, Kaji T. Age-Dependent Changes in the Effects of Androgens on Female Metabolic and Body Weight Regulation Systems in Humans and Laboratory Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16567. [PMID: 38068890 PMCID: PMC10706411 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the effects of androgens on metabolic and body weight regulation systems and their underlying mechanisms have been gradually revealed in females. In women and experimental animals of reproductive age, androgen excess can adversely affect metabolic functioning, appetite, and body weight regulation. In addition, excess androgens can increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. These unfavorable effects of androgens are induced by alterations in the actions of hypothalamic appetite-regulatory factors, reductions in energy expenditure, insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, and β-cell dysfunction. Interestingly, these unfavorable effects of androgens on metabolic and body-weight regulation systems are neither observed nor evident in ovariectomized animals and post-menopausal women, indicating that the adverse effects of androgens might be dependent on the estrogen milieu. Recent findings may provide novel sex- and age-specific strategies for treating metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Hiroki Noguchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Risa Tanano
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Erika Yamanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Asuka Takeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Tatsuro Sugimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Hikari Sasada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Takaaki Maeda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Saki Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-0808, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Inui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Tomohiro Kagawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Atsuko Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Ayuka Mineda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Mari Nii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Riyo Kinouchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Kanako Yoshida
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Yuri Yamamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
| | - Takashi Kaji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-Cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan; (H.N.); (R.T.); (E.Y.); (A.T.); (K.T.); (H.A.); (T.S.); (H.S.); (T.M.); (S.M.); (S.Y.); (H.I.); (T.K.); (A.Y.); (A.M.); (M.N.); (R.K.); (K.Y.); (Y.Y.); (T.K.)
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Piróg M, Jach R, Ząbczyk M, Natorska J. Increased Serum Levels of Phoenixin-14, Nesfatin-1 and Dopamine Are Associated with Positive Pregnancy Rate after Ovarian Stimulation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6991. [PMID: 38002606 PMCID: PMC10672044 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12226991] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We study the relationship between phoenixin (PNX-14), nesfatin-1 (NES-1), dopamine (DA) and oxytocin (OT) levels together with pregnancy rates in women after ovarian stimulation (OS). METHODS In a prospective case-control study, 56 infertile women were enrolled from the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology University Hospital. Infertile women age < 40 years old, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), confirmed tubal patency and suitable sperm quality were included. Blood samples were drawn twice-before the initiation of OS and before the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration. Assessments of PNX-14, NES-1, DA and OT serum levels were performed. Pregnancy rates after OS were observed. RESULTS Pregnant women showed higher baseline NES-1 and OT levels (+29.2% and +44%) but not PNX-14 and DA levels when compared to non-pregnant ones. In pregnant women, positive correlations between OT and prolactin, PRL (r = 0.47, p = 0.04), as well as between OT and NES-1 (r = 0.55, p = 0.02), were observed at baseline. At baseline, an OT level increase was associated with a positive pregnancy rate (per 100 pg/mL, OR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.04-1.74), while after OS, higher PNX-14 was a predictor of pregnancy (by 10 pg/mL, OR = 1.23, 95%CI 1.07-1.39). Post-stimulation PNX-14, NES-1 and DA concentrations were higher in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant ones (+17.4%, +26.1%, and +45.5%, respectively; all p < 0.05). In the pregnant group, OT levels were 2.7-times lower than in the remainder (p = 0.03). Moreover, in pregnant participants, a negative association between NES-1 and PNX (r = -0.53, p = 0.024) was observed. CONCLUSION Elevated PNX-14, NES-1 and DA along with decreased OT levels were observed in women who achieved pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Piróg
- Gynecological Endocrinology Department, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Robert Jach
- Gynecological Endocrinology Department, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Michał Ząbczyk
- Department of Thromboembolic Disorders, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Krakow, Poland; (M.Z.); (J.N.)
- Krakow Centre for Medical Research and Technologies, St. John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Krakow, Poland
| | - Joanna Natorska
- Department of Thromboembolic Disorders, Institute of Cardiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-202 Krakow, Poland; (M.Z.); (J.N.)
- Krakow Centre for Medical Research and Technologies, St. John Paul II Hospital, 31-202 Krakow, Poland
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Senturk GE, Sezer Z, Sahin H, Isildar B, Abdulova A. Effects of Chronically Exogenous Oxytocin on Ovary and Uterus: A Comparison of Intraperitoneal and Intranasal Administration. Peptides 2023; 165:171006. [PMID: 37003476 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) has been studied as a therapeutic neuropeptide in various diseases, but its effect on the ovary and uterus is not fully known. This study investigates the effects of intranasal and intraperitoneal OT administration on ovaries and uterus in rats. Four experimental groups were created using 7-week-old Sprague Dawley-type female rats: Control (Ctrl), oxytocin-intraperitoneal (0.1µg/day) (OT-IP), oxytocin-intranasal (0.05µg/day) (OT-IN1), and oxytocin-intranasal (0.1µg/day) (OT-IN2). The blood, the ovarian, and the uterus were collected at the end of the 28th day of OT administration. Afterward, histological and biochemical analyses were performed. We observed that the Graaf follicles were higher in both OT-IN2 and OT-IP groups compared to the Ctrl group. Moreover, the corpus luteum was increased only in the OT-IN2 group. Ki-67, CD31, VEGF, and TGF-ß immunostaining showed no significant change in the ovary. In contrast, Ki-67, VEGF, and OTR expressions demonstrated significant alterations in the uterus. Furthermore, TGF-ß immunohistochemistry and the histopathologic score did not reveal the statistical change in the uterus. Serum hormone levels showed that the anti-Müllerian hormone increased in all OT groups vs. the Ctrl. OT-IP showed an increment of follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol decrement. There was a decrease in serum E2 levels, although the Graafian follicle number increased in OT-IP groups compared to the Ctrl group. However, luteinizing hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, progesterone, testosterone, OT levels, and oxidative stress index did not reveal any statistical difference. Accordingly, the intranasal route may have beneficial effects compared to the intraperitoneal route regarding exogenous OT administration-related studies. In conclusion, we reported that exogenous OT increases the follicle reserve and may cause histological changes in the reproductive system of female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Erkanli Senturk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Zehra Sezer
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Basak Isildar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Balikesir University, Balıkesir, Turkey.
| | - Aynur Abdulova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Exploring a Possible Interplay between Schizophrenia, Oxytocin, and Estrogens: A Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030461. [PMID: 36979271 PMCID: PMC10046503 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is characterized by symptoms of psychosis and sociocognitive deficits. Considering oxytocin’s antipsychotic and prosocial properties, numerous clinical, and preclinical studies have explored the neuropeptide’s therapeutic efficacy. Sex differences in the clinical course of schizophrenia, as well as in oxytocin-mediated behaviors, indicate the involvement of gonadal steroid hormones. The current narrative review aimed to explore empirical evidence on the interplay between schizophrenia psychopathology and oxytocin’s therapeutic potential in consideration of female gonadal steroid interactions, with a focus on estrogens. The review was conducted using the PubMed and PsychINFO databases and conforms to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) guidelines. The results suggest a potential synergistic effect of the combined antipsychotic effect of oxytocin and neuroprotective effect of estrogen on schizophrenia. Consideration of typical menstrual cycle-related hormonal changes is warranted and further research is needed to confirm this assumption.
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