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Tourigny DS, Altieri B, Secener KA, Sbiera S, Schauer MP, Arampatzi P, Herterich S, Sauer S, Fassnacht M, Ronchi CL. Cellular landscape of adrenocortical carcinoma at single-nuclei resolution. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 590:112272. [PMID: 38759836 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112272] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare yet devastating tumour of the adrenal gland with a molecular pathology that remains incompletely understood. To gain novel insights into the cellular landscape of ACC, we generated single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data sets from twelve ACC tumour samples and analysed these alongside snRNA-seq data sets from normal adrenal glands (NAGs). We find the ACC tumour microenvironment to be relatively devoid of immune cells compared to NAG tissues, consistent with known high tumour purity values for ACC as an immunologically "cold" tumour. Our analysis identifies three separate groups of ACC samples that are characterised by different relative compositions of adrenocortical cell types. These include cell populations that are specifically enriched in the most clinically aggressive and hormonally active tumours, displaying hallmarks of reorganised cell mechanobiology and dysregulated steroidogenesis, respectively. We also identified and validated a population of mitotically active adrenocortical cells that strongly overexpress genes POLQ, DIAPH3 and EZH2 to support tumour expansion alongside an LGR4+ progenitor-like or cell-of-origin candidate for adrenocortical carcinogenesis. Trajectory inference suggests the fate adopted by malignant adrenocortical cells upon differentiation is associated with the copy number or allelic balance state of the imprinted DLK1/MEG3 genomic locus, which we verified by assessing bulk tumour DNA methylation status. In conclusion, our results therefore provide new insights into the clinical and cellular heterogeneity of ACC, revealing how genetic perturbations to healthy adrenocortical renewal and zonation provide a molecular basis for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Tourigny
- School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Kerim A Secener
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, 13125, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Free University Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Marc P Schauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany; Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Herterich
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Sascha Sauer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK.
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2
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Aminuddin A, Brown MJ, Azizan EA. Evaluating the role of aldosterone synthesis on adrenal cell fate. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1423027. [PMID: 39170743 PMCID: PMC11335638 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1423027] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertension affects one-third of the adult population worldwide, with primary aldosteronism (PA) accounting for at least 5-10% of these cases. The aldosterone synthase enzyme (CYP11B2) plays a pivotal role in PA manifestation, as increased expression of CYP11B2 leads to excess aldosterone synthesis. Physiological expression of CYP11B2 in humans is normally limited to cells of the adrenal zona glomerulosa under tight homeostatic regulation. In PA, however, there are CYP11B2-positive lesions in the adrenal cortex that autonomously secrete aldosterone, highlighting the dysregulation of adrenal cortex zonation and function as a key aspect of PA pathogenesis. Thus, this review aims to summarize the development of the adrenal glands, the key regulators of adrenal cortex homeostasis, and the dysregulation of this homeostasis. It also discusses the development of CYP11B2 inhibitors for therapeutic use in patients with hypertension, as well as the current knowledge of the effects of CYP11B2 inhibition on adrenal cortex homeostasis and cell fate. Understanding the control of adrenal cell fate may offer valuable insights into both the pathogenesis of PA and the development of alternative treatment approaches for PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnani Aminuddin
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Morris J. Brown
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Aisha Azizan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Research Center, Hospital Tunku Ampuan Besar Tuanku Aishah Rohani, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Specialist Children’s Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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3
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Augsburger P, Liimatta J, Flück CE. Update on Adrenarche-Still a Mystery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1403-1422. [PMID: 38181424 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenarche marks the timepoint of human adrenal development when the cortex starts secreting androgens in increasing amounts, in healthy children at age 8-9 years, with premature adrenarche (PA) earlier. Because the molecular regulation and significance of adrenarche are unknown, this prepubertal event is characterized descriptively, and PA is a diagnosis by exclusion with unclear long-term consequences. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched the literature of the past 5 years, including original articles, reviews, and meta-analyses from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, using search terms adrenarche, pubarche, DHEAS, steroidogenesis, adrenal, and zona reticularis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Numerous studies addressed different topics of adrenarche and PA. Although basic studies on human adrenal development, zonation, and zona reticularis function enhanced our knowledge, the exact mechanism leading to adrenarche remains unsolved. Many regulators seem involved. A promising marker of adrenarche (11-ketotestosterone) was found in the 11-oxy androgen pathway. By current definition, the prevalence of PA can be as high as 9% to 23% in girls and 2% to 10% in boys, but only a subset of these children might face related adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSION New criteria for defining adrenarche and PA are needed to identify children at risk for later disease and to spare children with a normal variation. Further research is therefore required to understand adrenarche. Prospective, long-term studies should characterize prenatal or early postnatal developmental pathways that modulate trajectories of birth size, early postnatal growth, childhood overweight/obesity, adrenarche and puberty onset, and lead to abnormal sexual maturation, fertility, and other adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Augsburger
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Wang Q, Wang X, Liu B, Ma S, Zhang F, Sun S, Jing Y, Fan Y, Ding Y, Xiong M, Li J, Zhai Q, Zheng Y, Liu C, Xu G, Yang J, Wang S, Ye J, Izpisua Belmonte JC, Qu J, Liu GH, Zhang W. Aging induces region-specific dysregulation of hormone synthesis in the primate adrenal gland. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:396-413. [PMID: 38503993 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00588-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Adrenal glands, vital for steroid secretion and the regulation of metabolism, stress responses and immune activation, experience age-related decline, impacting systemic health. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying adrenal aging remain largely uninvestigated. Here we established a single-nucleus transcriptomic atlas of both young and aged primate suprarenal glands, identifying lipid metabolism and steroidogenic pathways as core processes impacted by aging. We found dysregulation in centripetal adrenocortical differentiation in aged adrenal tissues and cells in the zona reticularis region, responsible for producing dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), were highly susceptible to aging, reflected by senescence, exhaustion and disturbed hormone production. Remarkably, LDLR was downregulated in all cell types of the outer cortex, and its targeted inactivation in human adrenal cells compromised cholesterol uptake and secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, as observed in aged primate adrenal glands. Our study provides crucial insights into endocrine physiology, holding therapeutic promise for addressing aging-related adrenal insufficiency and delaying systemic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoran Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebao Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
- The Joint Innovation Center for Engineering in Medicine, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | - Shuhui Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaobin Jing
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanling Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjie Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Muzhao Xiong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaocheng Zhai
- Division of Endocrinology, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
- The Joint Innovation Center for Engineering in Medicine, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | - Yandong Zheng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyu Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Liver Transplant Center, Organ Transplant Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayin Yang
- Liver Transplant Center, Organ Transplant Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, NHC, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Si Wang
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlin Ye
- The Joint Innovation Center for Engineering in Medicine, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou, China
| | | | - Jing Qu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- International Center for Aging and Cancer, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
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5
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Yiallouris A, Filippou C, Themistocleous SC, Menelaou K, Kalodimou V, Michaeloudes C, Johnson EO. Aging of the adrenal gland and its impact on the stress response. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2024; 124:341-366. [PMID: 38408802 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
This article discusses the physiological and anatomical changes of adrenal gland with age and the effects this has overall on how the organ responds to stress. Physiological changes entail a decrease in adrenocorticoid hormone secretion however cortisol levels remain intact leading to a disruptive stress response. Additionally, loss of zonation of the organ also occurs. Both characteristics in combination with chronic stress affect overall health. Complex interplay between adrenal aging and stress responsiveness is confounded further by the impact they expel on other systems, such as the thyroid hormone. The body undergoes age-related transformations modifying rate of cellular growth, differentiation, senescence, and hormone production. Given the multiplicity and complexity of hormones, their production must be considered to develop appropriate interventions to mitigate its effect on age related diseases in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Yiallouris
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charalampos Filippou
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Sophia C Themistocleous
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Menelaou
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Kalodimou
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charalambos Michaeloudes
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Elizabeth O Johnson
- Medical Innovation Center (MEDIC), School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Diogenis Str., Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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6
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Vazana-Netzarim R, Elmalem Y, Sofer S, Bruck H, Danino N, Sarig U. Distinct HAND2/HAND2-AS1 Expression Levels May Fine-Tune Mesenchymal and Epithelial Cell Plasticity of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16546. [PMID: 38003736 PMCID: PMC10672054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously developed several successful decellularization strategies that yielded porcine cardiac extracellular matrices (pcECMs) exhibiting tissue-specific bioactivity and bioinductive capacity when cultured with various pluripotent and multipotent stem cells. Here, we study the tissue-specific effects of the pcECM on seeded human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) phenotypes using reverse transcribed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) arrays for cardiovascular related gene expression. We further corroborated interesting findings at the protein level (flow cytometry and immunological stains) as well as bioinformatically using several mRNA sequencing and protein databases of normal and pathologic adult and embryonic (organogenesis stage) tissue expression. We discovered that upon the seeding of hMSCs on the pcECM, they displayed a partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) toward endothelial phenotypes (CD31+) and morphologies, which were preceded by an early spike (~Day 3 onward after seeding) in HAND2 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels compared to that in plate controls. The CRISPR-Cas9 knockout (KO) of HAND2 and its associated antisense long non-coding RNA (HAND2-AS1) regulatory region resulted in proliferation arrest, hypertrophy, and senescent-like morphology. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that HAND2 and HAND2-AS1 are highly correlated in expression and are expressed in many different tissue types albeit at distinct yet tightly regulated expression levels. Deviation (downregulation or upregulation) from these basal tissue expression levels is associated with a long list of pathologies. We thus suggest that HAND2 expression levels may possibly fine-tune hMSCs' plasticity through affecting senescence and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition states, through yet unknown mechanisms. Targeting this pathway may open up a promising new therapeutic approach for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, degenerative disorders, and aging. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to validate these findings and better understand the molecular players involved, potential inducers and inhibitors of this pathway, and eventually potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Vazana-Netzarim
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine, Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel; (R.V.-N.); (N.D.)
| | - Yishay Elmalem
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel (S.S.); (H.B.)
| | - Shachar Sofer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel (S.S.); (H.B.)
| | - Hod Bruck
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel (S.S.); (H.B.)
| | - Naama Danino
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine, Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel; (R.V.-N.); (N.D.)
| | - Udi Sarig
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson School of Medicine, Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel; (R.V.-N.); (N.D.)
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel 4070000, Israel (S.S.); (H.B.)
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7
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Abdel-Maksoud FM, Fadl S, Abou-Elmagd A, Saleh AMM. Post-hatching developmental changes in the adrenal gland of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica): Histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic studies. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:1461-1474. [PMID: 37204121 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24348] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal glands are paired abdominal endocrine organs vital to the bird's health. The present research aimed to provide a comprehensive examination of the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigations of the adrenal gland in Japanese quail during the post hatching period. The current study was performed on 21 healthy Japanese quail chicks at different post hatching periods. Our results showed the adrenal gland is surrounded by a connective tissue capsule, which consists of dense collagen fibers containing large blood vessels, chromaffin cells, autonomic ganglia, fibroblasts, and migrating Schwann cells. The zonation of the adrenal gland is composed of a subcapsular layer, a peripheral zone, and a central zone, which gets more pronounced with age. At the ultrastructural level, the interrenal cells take the steroid-secreting cells characters; they have varying amounts of lipid droplets and abundant mitochondria. Adrenal medullary chromaffin cells showed positive immunoreactivity to the NSE. With increasing age, the chromaffin tissue's Sox10 immunoreactivity increased. β-catenin is expressed within the plasmalemma and the cytoplasm of the interrenal and chromaffin cells and its reactivity increased with age, especially in the chromaffin cells. Our results indicate the adrenal gland undergoes significant morphological changes during the postnatal life. Overall, the postnatal period is an important time for the development and maturation of the adrenal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma M Abdel-Maksoud
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Saher Fadl
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Abou-Elmagd
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdelmohaimen M M Saleh
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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8
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Chang WC, Chen MJ, Hsiao CD, Hu RZ, Huang YS, Chen YF, Yang TH, Tsai GY, Chou CW, Chen RS, Chuang YJ, Liu YW. The anti-platelet drug cilostazol enhances heart rate and interrenal steroidogenesis and exerts a scant effect on innate immune responses in zebrafish. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292858. [PMID: 37903128 PMCID: PMC10615288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Cilostazol, an anti-platelet phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor used for the treatment of intermittent claudication, is known for its pleiotropic effects on platelets, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. However, how cilostazol impacts the endocrine system and the injury-induced inflammatory processes remains unclear. METHODS We used the zebrafish, a simple transparent model that demonstrates rapid development and a strong regenerative ability, to test whether cilostazol influences heart rate, steroidogenesis, and the temporal and dosage effects of cilostazol on innate immune cells during tissue damage and repair. RESULTS While dosages of cilostazol from 10 to 100 μM did not induce any noticeable morphological abnormality in the embryonic and larval zebrafish, the heart rate was increased as measured by ImageJ TSA method. Moreover, adrenal/interrenal steroidogenesis in larval zebrafish, analyzed by whole-mount 3β-Hsd enzymatic activity and cortisol ELISA assays, was significantly enhanced. During embryonic fin amputation and regeneration, cilostazol treatments led to a subtle yet significant effect on reducing the aggregation of Mpx-expressing neutrophil at the lesion site, but did not affect the immediate injury-induced recruitment and retention of Mpeg1-expressing macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that cilostazol has a significant effect on the heart rate and the growth as well as endocrine function of steroidogenic tissue; with a limited effect on the migration of innate immune cells during tissue damage and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chun Chang
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Feng Yuan Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Jen Chen
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Der Hsiao
- Department of Bioscience Technology, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Ze Hu
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fu Chen
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hua Yang
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Yi Tsai
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Chou
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ren-Shiang Chen
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jen Chuang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Liu
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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9
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Obernikhin SS, Yaglova NV, Timokhina EP, Nazimova SV, Yaglov VV. Regulation of Morphogenetic Processes during Postnatal Development and Physiological Regeneration of the Adrenal Medulla. Bull Exp Biol Med 2023; 175:549-556. [PMID: 37776400 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05903-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of morphogenetic processes during postnatal development of the rat adrenal medulla was studied. Termination of the adrenal medulla growth was found to be associated with decreased chromaffin cell proliferation, activation of canonical Wnt-signaling pathway, and enhanced expression of Sonic Hedgehog ligand. Analysis of transcription factors associated with pluripotency revealed increased percentage of Oct4-expressing cells by the end of medulla growth and no signs of Sox2 expression. All the cells demonstrating activation of Wnt-signaling and expression of Oct4 and Sonic Hedgehog were found to be highly differentiated chromaffin cells actively producing tyrosine hydroxylase. These findings allow considering the formation of the cell pools for dedifferentiation as a putative mechanism for physiological regeneration of the adrenal medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Obernikhin
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Yaglova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - E P Timokhina
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - S V Nazimova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - V V Yaglov
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A. P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology, A. P. Petrovsky Russian Research Center of Surgery, Moscow, Russia.
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10
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Bauer MB, Currie KPM. Serotonin and the serotonin transporter in the adrenal gland. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:39-78. [PMID: 38408804 PMCID: PMC11217909 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The adrenal glands are key components of the mammalian endocrine system, helping maintain physiological homeostasis and the coordinated response to stress. Each adrenal gland has two morphologically and functionally distinct regions, the outer cortex and inner medulla. The cortex is organized into three concentric zones which secrete steroid hormones, including aldosterone and cortisol. Neural crest-derived chromaffin cells in the medulla are innervated by preganglionic sympathetic neurons and secrete catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) and neuropeptides into the bloodstream, thereby functioning as the neuroendocrine arm of the sympathetic nervous system. In this article we review serotonin (5-HT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT; SLC6A4) in the adrenal gland. In the adrenal cortex, 5-HT, primarily sourced from resident mast cells, acts as a paracrine signal to stimulate aldosterone and cortisol secretion through 5-HT4/5-HT7 receptors. Medullary chromaffin cells contain a small amount of 5-HT due to SERT-mediated uptake and express 5-HT1A receptors which inhibit secretion. The atypical mechanism of the 5-HT1A receptors and interaction with SERT fine tune this autocrine pathway to control stress-evoked catecholamine secretion. Receptor-independent signaling by SERT/intracellular 5-HT modulates the amount and kinetics of transmitter release from single vesicle fusion events. SERT might also influence stress-evoked upregulation of tyrosine hydroxylase transcription. Transient signaling via 5-HT3 receptors during embryonic development can limit the number of chromaffin cells found in the mature adrenal gland. Together, this emerging evidence suggests that the adrenal medulla is a peripheral hub for serotonergic control of the sympathoadrenal stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth Bauer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, South Broadway, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kevin P M Currie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, South Broadway, Camden, NJ, United States.
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11
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Dalen KT, Li Y. Regulation of lipid droplets and cholesterol metabolism in adrenal cortical cells. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:79-136. [PMID: 38408810 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The adrenal gland is composed of two distinctly different endocrine moieties. The interior medulla consists of neuroendocrine chromaffin cells that secrete catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline, while the exterior cortex consists of steroidogenic cortical cells that produce steroid hormones, such as mineralocorticoids (aldosterone), glucocorticoids (cortisone and cortisol) and androgens. Synthesis of steroid hormones in cortical cells requires substantial amounts of cholesterol, which is the common precursor for steroidogenesis. Cortical cells may acquire cholesterol from de novo synthesis and uptake from circulating low- and high-density lipoprotein particles (LDL and HDL). As cholesterol is part of the plasma membrane in all mammalian cells and an important regulator of membrane fluidity, cellular levels of free cholesterol are tightly regulated. To ensure a robust supply of cholesterol for steroidogenesis and to avoid cholesterol toxicity, cortical cells store large amounts of cholesterol as cholesteryl esters in intracellular lipid droplets. Cortical steroidogenesis relies on both mobilization of cholesterol from lipid droplets and constant uptake of circulating cholesterol to replenish lipid droplet stores. This chapter will describe mechanisms involved in cholesterol uptake, cholesteryl ester synthesis, lipid droplet formation, hydrolysis of stored cholesteryl esters, as well as their impact on steroidogenesis. Additionally, animal models and human diseases characterized by altered cortical cholesteryl ester storage, with or without abnormal steroidogenesis, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Tomas Dalen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; The Norwegian Transgenic Center, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway.
| | - Yuchuan Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
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12
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Cho HL, Kim JH, Ryu SM, Noh J, Lee SW, Choi MH. Interactive metabolic signatures of testicular testosterone with bilateral adrenalectomy in mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 231:106333. [PMID: 37244300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106333] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes have reciprocal relationships with steroidogenesis regulation. However, the relationship between testicular steroids and defective glucocorticoid production under chronic stress remains unclear. Metabolic changes of testicular steroids in bilateral adrenalectomized (bADX) 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twelve weeks after surgery, testis samples were obtained from the model mice, which were divided into tap-water (n = 12) and 1% saline (n = 24) supplementation groups, and their testicular steroid levels were compared with those of sham controls (n = 11). An increased survival rate with lower testicular levels of tetrahydro-11-deoxycorticosterone was observed in the 1% saline group compared to both the tap-water (p = 0.029) and sham (p = 0.062) groups. Testicular corticosterone levels were significantly decreased in both tap-water (4.22 ± 2.73ng/g, p = 0.015) and 1% saline (3.70 ± 1.69, p = 0.002) groups compared to those in sham controls (7.41 ± 7.39). Testicular testosterone levels tended to increase in both bADX groups compared to those in the sham controls. In addition, increased metabolic ratios of testosterone to androstenedione in tap-water (2.24 ± 0.44, p < 0.05) and 1% saline (2.18 ± 0.60, p < 0.05) mice compared to sham controls (1.87 ± 0.55) suggested increased production of testicular testosterone. No significant differences in serum steroid levels were observed. Defective adrenal corticosterone secretion and increased testicular production in bADX models revealed an interactive mechanism underlying chronic stress. The present experimental evidence suggests the crosstalk between the HPA and HPG axes in homeostatic steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Lim Cho
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea; Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Seuk-Min Ryu
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jongsung Noh
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Sang Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea.
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13
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Li M, Duan X, You D, Liu L. Construction of a novel clinical nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival in patients with primary malignant adrenal tumors: a large population-based retrospective study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1184607. [PMID: 37305122 PMCID: PMC10249662 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1184607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary malignant adrenal tumors were rare and had a poor prognosis. This investigation aimed to create a useful clinical prediction nomogram to anticipate cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with a primary malignant adrenal tumor. Method This study included 1748 patients with malignant adrenal tumor diagnoses subjects from 2000 to 2019. These subjects were allocated randomly into training (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. Patients with adrenal tumors underwent univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify the CSS-independent predictive biomarkers. Therefore, a nomogram was created depending on those predictors, and calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the calibration capacity of the nomogram, discriminative power, and clinical efficiency, respectively. Afterward, a risk system for categorizing patients with adrenal tumors was established. Result The univariate and multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated the CSS-independent predictive factors, including age, tumor stage, size, histological type, and surgery. As a result, a nomogram was developed using these variables. For the 3-, 5-, and 10-year CSS of this nomogram, the values of the area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curves were 0.829, 0.827, and 0.822, respectively. Furthermore, the AUC values of the nomogram were higher than those of the individual independent prognostic components of CSS, indicating that the nomogram had stronger prognostic prediction reliability. A novel risk stratification method was created to further improve patient stratification and give clinical professionals a better reference for clinical decision-making. Conclusion Through the developed nomogram and risk stratification method, the CSS of patients with malignant adrenal tumors could be predicted more precisely, assisting physicians to differentiate patients better and creating personalized treatment strategies to optimize patient benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhen Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoying Duan
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Di You
- Department of Anesthesiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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14
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Barrea L, Verde L, Camajani E, Šojat AS, Marina L, Savastano S, Colao A, Caprio M, Muscogiuri G. Effects of very low-calorie ketogenic diet on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. J Endocrinol Invest 2023:10.1007/s40618-023-02068-6. [PMID: 37017918 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a neuroendocrine system involved in controlling stress responses in humans under physiological and pathological conditions; cortisol is the main hormone produced by the HPA axis. It is known that calorie restriction acts as a stressor and can lead to an increase in cortisol production. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a complex endocrine network regulating blood pressure and hydrosaline metabolism, whose final hormonal effector is aldosterone. RAAS activation is linked to cardiometabolic diseases, such as heart failure and obesity. Obesity has become a leading worldwide pandemic, associated with serious health outcomes. Calorie restriction represents a pivotal strategy to tackle obesity. On the other hand, it is well known that an increased activity of the HPA may favour visceral adipose tissue expansion, which may jeopardize a successful diet-induced weight loss. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is a normoprotein diet with a drastic reduction of the carbohydrate content and total calorie intake. Thanks to its sustained protein content, VLCKD is extremely effective to reduce adipose tissue while preserving lean body mass and resting metabolic rate. PURPOSE The purpose of this narrative review is to gain more insights on the effects of VLCKD on the HPA axis and RAAS, in different phases of weight loss and in different clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, Via Porzio, Centro Direzionale, Isola F2, 80143, Naples, Italy
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - L Verde
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - E Camajani
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - A S Šojat
- Department for Obesity, Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - L Marina
- Department for Obesity, Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - S Savastano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - A Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - M Caprio
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Endocrinology, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166, Rome, Italy
| | - G Muscogiuri
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Endocrinology Unit, Centro Italiano per la cura e il Benessere del Paziente con Obesità (C.I.B.O), University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Cattedra Unesco "Educazione Alla Salute E Allo Sviluppo Sostenibile", University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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15
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Corkery-Hayward M, Metherell LA. Adrenal Dysfunction in Mitochondrial Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021126. [PMID: 36674647 PMCID: PMC9862368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortisol is central to several homeostatic mechanisms including the stress and immune response. Adrenal insufficiency and impaired cortisol production leads to severe, potentially fatal disorders. Several fundamental stages of steroidogenesis occur within the mitochondria. These dynamic organelles not only contribute ATP for steroidogenesis, but also detoxify harmful by-products generated during cortisol synthesis (reactive oxygen species). Mutations in nuclear or mitochondrial DNA that impair mitochondrial function lead to debilitating multi-system diseases. Recently, genetic variants that impair mitochondrial function have been identified in people with isolated cortisol insufficiency. This review aimed to clarify the association between mitochondrial diseases and adrenal insufficiency to produce cortisol. Mitochondrial diseases are rare and mitochondrial diseases that feature adrenal insufficiency are even rarer. We identified only 14 cases of adrenal insufficiency in people with confirmed mitochondrial diseases globally. In line with previous reviews, adrenal dysfunction was most prevalent in mitochondrial deletion syndromes (particularly Pearson syndrome and Kearns-Sayre syndrome) and with point mutations that compromised oxidative phosphorylation. Although adrenal insufficiency has been reported with mitochondrial diseases, the incidence reflects that expected in the general population. Thus, it is unlikely that mitochondrial mutations alone are responsible for an insufficiency to produce cortisol. More research is needed into the pathogenesis of adrenal disease in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise A. Metherell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Correspondence:
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16
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Choi MH. Clinical and Technical Aspects in Free Cortisol Measurement. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2022; 37:599-607. [PMID: 35982612 PMCID: PMC9449105 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2022.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate measurement of cortisol is critical in adrenal insufficiency as it reduces the risk associated with misdiagnosis and supports the optimization of stress dose. Comprehensive assays have been developed to determine the levels of bioactive free cortisol and their clinical and analytical efficacies have been extensively discussed because the level of total cortisol is affected by changes in the structure or circulating levels of corticoid-binding globulin and albumin, which are the main reservoirs of cortisol in the human body. Antibody-based immunoassays are routinely used in clinical laboratories; however, the lack of molecular specificity in cortisol assessment limits their applicability to characterize adrenocortical function. Improved specificity and sensitivity can be achieved by mass spectrometry coupled with chromatographic separation methods, which is a cutting-edge technology to measure individual as well as a panel of steroids in a single analytical run. The purpose of this review is to introduce recent advances in free cortisol measurement from the perspectives of clinical specimens and issues associated with prospective analytical technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Rodgers KA, Kigerl KA, Schwab JM, Popovich PG. Immune dysfunction after spinal cord injury - A review of autonomic and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 64:102230. [PMID: 35489214 PMCID: PMC9372819 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Infections impair neurological outcome and increase mortality after spinal cord injury (SCI). Emerging data show that pathogens more easily infect individuals with SCI because SCI disrupts neural and humoral control of immune cells, culminating with the development of "SCI-induced immune deficiency syndrome" (SCI-IDS). Here, we review data that implicate autonomic dysfunction and impaired neuroendocrine signaling as key determinants of SCI-IDS. Although it is widely appreciated that mature leukocyte dysfunction is a canonical feature of SCI-IDS, new data indicate that SCI impairs the development and mobilization of immune cell precursors in bone marrow. Thus, this review will also explore how the post-injury acquisition of a "bone marrow failure syndrome" may be the earliest manifestation of SCI-IDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyleigh A Rodgers
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kristina A Kigerl
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jan M Schwab
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Departments of Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Phillip G Popovich
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; The Belford Center for Spinal Cord Injury, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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18
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An Update on Genetics of Adrenal Gland and Associated Disorders. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3020017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The intricacies of human adrenal development have been under scrutiny for decades. Each year marks the identification of new genes and new interactions between gene products that ultimately will act to produce the fully functioning adult gland. Due to the complexity of this process, genetic missteps may lead to a constellation of pathologies. Recent years have identified several novel genetic causes of adrenal dysgenesis and provided new insights into previously delineated processes. SF1, DAX1 (NR0B1), CDKN1C, SAMD9, GLI3, TPIT, MC2R, MRAP, NNT, TXNRD2, AAAS, and MCM4 are among the genes which have had significant contributions to our understanding of the development and function of both adrenals and gonads. Collection and elucidation of these genetic and clinical insights are valuable tools for clinicians who diagnose and manage cases of adrenal dysfunction.
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19
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Kim KW. Unravelling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Comorbidities. J Obes Metab Syndr 2021; 30:209-221. [PMID: 34497157 PMCID: PMC8526288 DOI: 10.7570/jomes21043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a chronic multisystem endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. In the ovary, the dynamic balance between dormant and growing follicles that culminates in ovulation becomes dysfunctional in the presence of excessive androgen production (ovarian/adrenal/peripheral). Moreover, hyperandrogenicity in pregnancy affects fetal development in utero and is linked to maternal pregnancy complications. Hormonal imbalance, ovarian dysfunction, and central obesity often emerge in these patients during adolescence. Once disordered physiological changes develop in PCOS, a vicious cycle ensues, leading to reproductive, metabolic, and psychological comorbidities. With the alarming increase of the number of young adults with a high degree of obesity in Korea, the prevalence of PCOS has also considerably increased. Timely and accurate screening, multicomponent healthy lifestyle modifications for both patients and family members, and comprehensive medical interventions based on international evidence-based guidelines are essential for curtailing PCOS and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Wook Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongtan Jeil Women's Hospital and Sangwoon Medical Institute, Hwaseong, Korea.,Severance Institute for Vascular and Metabolic Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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20
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Bechmann N, Berger I, Bornstein SR, Steenblock C. Adrenal medulla development and medullary-cortical interactions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 528:111258. [PMID: 33798635 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian adrenal gland is composed of two distinct tissue types in a bidirectional connection, the catecholamine-producing medulla derived from the neural crest and the mesoderm-derived cortex producing steroids. The medulla mainly consists of chromaffin cells derived from multipotent nerve-associated descendants of Schwann cell precursors. Already during adrenal organogenesis, close interactions between cortex and medulla are necessary for proper differentiation and morphogenesis of the gland. Moreover, communication between the cortex and the medulla ensures a regular function of the adult adrenal. In tumor development, interfaces between the two parts are also common. Here, we summarize the development of the mammalian adrenal medulla and the current understanding of the cortical-medullary interactions under development and in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Department of Experimental Diabetology, Nuthetal, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ilona Berger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Steenblock
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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21
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Stanculescu D, Larsson L, Bergquist J. Theory: Treatments for Prolonged ICU Patients May Provide New Therapeutic Avenues for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:672370. [PMID: 34026797 PMCID: PMC8137963 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.672370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here provide an overview of treatment trials for prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) patients and theorize about their relevance for potential treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these treatment trials generally target: (a) the correction of suppressed endocrine axes, notably through a "reactivation" of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, or (b) the interruption of the "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. There are significant parallels in the treatment trials for prolonged critical illness and ME/CFS; this is consistent with the hypothesis of an overlap in the mechanisms that prevent recovery in both conditions. Early successes in the simultaneous reactivation of pulsatile pituitary secretions in ICU patients-and the resulting positive metabolic effects-could indicate an avenue for treating ME/CFS. The therapeutic effects of thyroid hormones-including in mitigating O&NS and inflammation and in stimulating the adreno-cortical axis-also merit further studies. Collaborative research projects should further investigate the lessons from treatment trials for prolonged critical illness for solving ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lars Larsson
- Basic and Clinical Muscle Biology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry, Department of Chemistry–Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Collaborative Research Centre at Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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