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Ferrer MJ, Abruzzese GA, Heber MF, Ferreira SR, Campo Verde Arbocco F, Motta AB. Intrauterine androgen exposure impairs gonadal adipose tissue functions of adult female rats. Theriogenology 2023; 198:131-140. [PMID: 36584634 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.12.035] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal androgen exposure induces fetal programming leading to alterations in offspring health and phenotypes that resemble those seen in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It has been described that prenatal androgenization affects the reproductive axis and leads to metabolic and endocrine disorders. Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in all these functions and is susceptible to programming effects. Particularly, gonadal adipose tissue is involved in reproductive functions, so dysfunctions in this tissue could be related to fertility alterations. We aimed to investigate the extent to which prenatal hyperandrogenization is able to alter the functionality of gonadal adipose tissue in female adult rats, including lipid metabolism, adipokines expression, and de novo synthesis of steroids. Pregnant rats were treated with 1 mg of testosterone from day 16 to day 19 of pregnancy, and female offspring were followed until 90 days of age, when they were euthanized. The prenatally hyperandrogenized (PH) female offspring displayed two phenotypes: irregular ovulatory (PHiov) and anovulatory (PHanov). Regarding lipid metabolism, both PH groups displayed disruptions in the main lipid pathways with altered levels of triglyceride and increased lipid peroxidation levels. In addition, we found that Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) alpha protein expression was decreased in both PH phenotypes (p < 0.05), but no changes were found in PPARγ protein levels. Furthermore, regarding adipokines, no changes were found in Leptin and Adiponectin protein levels, but Chemerin protein levels were decreased in the PHiov group (p < 0.05). Regarding de novo synthesis of steroids, the PHanov group showed increased protein levels of Cyp17a1 and Cyp19, while the PHiov group only showed decreased protein levels of Cyp19 (p < 0.05). These results suggest that prenatal androgen exposure affects females' gonadal adipose tissue in adulthood, disturbing different lipid pathways, Chemerin expression, and de novo synthesis of steroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, CP1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Giselle Adriana Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, CP1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Florencia Heber
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, CP1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvana Rocío Ferreira
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, CP1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arbocco
- Laboratorio de Hormonas y Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, 5500, Mendoza, Argentina; Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, IMBECU, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Alicia Beatriz Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Paraguay 2155, CP1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abruzzese GA, Arbocco FCV, Ferrer MJ, Silva AF, Motta AB. Role of Hormones During Gestation and Early Development: Pathways Involved in Developmental Programming. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1428:31-70. [PMID: 37466768 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32554-0_2] [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: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that an altered maternal milieu and environmental insults during the intrauterine and perinatal periods of life affect the developing organism, leading to detrimental long-term outcomes and often to adult pathologies through programming effects. Hormones, together with growth factors, play critical roles in the regulation of maternal-fetal and maternal-neonate interfaces, and alterations in any of them may lead to programming effects on the developing organism. In this chapter, we will review the role of sex steroids, thyroid hormones, and insulin-like growth factors, as crucial factors involved in physiological processes during pregnancy and lactation, and their role in developmental programming effects during fetal and early neonatal life. Also, we will consider epidemiological evidence and data from animal models of altered maternal hormonal environments and focus on the role of different tissues in the establishment of maternal and fetus/infant interaction. Finally, we will identify unresolved questions and discuss potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Adriana Abruzzese
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arbocco
- Laboratorio de Hormonas y Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Reproducción y Lactancia, IMBECU, CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María José Ferrer
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aimé Florencia Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Beatriz Motta
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Sánchez-Garrido MA, García-Galiano D, Tena-Sempere M. Early programming of reproductive health and fertility: novel neuroendocrine mechanisms and implications in reproductive medicine. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:346-375. [PMID: 35187579 PMCID: PMC9071071 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis, environmental changes taking place during early maturational periods may alter normal development and predispose to the occurrence of diverse pathologies later in life. Indeed, adverse conditions during these critical developmental windows of high plasticity have been reported to alter the offspring developmental trajectory, causing permanent functional and structural perturbations that in the long term may enhance disease susceptibility. However, while solid evidence has documented that fluctuations in environmental factors, ranging from nutrient availability to chemicals, in early developmental stages (including the peri-conceptional period) have discernible programming effects that increase vulnerability to develop metabolic perturbations, the impact and eventual mechanisms involved, of such developmental alterations on the reproductive phenotype of offspring have received less attention. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review will summarize recent advances in basic and clinical research that support the concept of DOHaD in the context of the impact of nutritional and hormonal perturbations, occurring during the periconceptional, fetal and early postnatal stages, on different aspects of reproductive function in both sexes. Special emphasis will be given to the effects of early nutritional stress on the timing of puberty and adult gonadotropic function, and to address the underlying neuroendocrine pathways, with particular attention to involvement of the Kiss1 system in these reproductive perturbations. The implications of such phenomena in terms of reproductive medicine will also be considered. SEARCH METHODS A comprehensive MEDLINE search, using PubMed as main interface, of research articles and reviews, published mainly between 2006 and 2021, has been carried out. Search was implemented using multiple terms, focusing on clinical and preclinical data from DOHaD studies, addressing periconceptional, gestational and perinatal programming of reproduction. Selected studies addressing early programming of metabolic function have also been considered, when relevant. OUTCOMES A solid body of evidence, from clinical and preclinical studies, has documented the impact of nutritional and hormonal fluctuations during the periconceptional, prenatal and early postnatal periods on pubertal maturation, as well as adult gonadotropic function and fertility. Furthermore, exposure to environmental chemicals, such as bisphenol A, and maternal stress has been shown to negatively influence pubertal development and gonadotropic function in adulthood. The underlying neuroendocrine pathways and mechanisms involved have been also addressed, mainly by preclinical studies, which have identified an, as yet incomplete, array of molecular and neurohormonal effectors. These include, prominently, epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and the hypothalamic Kiss1 system, which likely contribute to the generation of reproductive alterations in conditions of early nutritional and/or metabolic stress. In addition to the Kiss1 system, other major hypothalamic regulators of GnRH neurosecretion, such as γ-aminobutyric acid and glutamate, may be targets of developmental programming. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review addresses an underdeveloped area of reproductive biology and medicine that may help to improve our understanding of human reproductive disorders and stresses the importance, and eventual pathogenic impact, of early determinants of puberty, adult reproductive function and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Sánchez-Garrido
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - David García-Galiano
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Rostami Dovom M, Noroozzadeh M, Mosaffa N, Piryaei A, Zadeh-Vakili A, Aabdollahifar MA, Rahmati M, Farhadi-Azar M, Ramezani Tehrani F. Maternal Exposure to D-galactose Reduces Ovarian Reserve in Female Rat Offspring Later in Life. Int J Endocrinol Metab 2022; 20:e123206. [PMID: 35993036 PMCID: PMC9383541 DOI: 10.5812/ijem-123206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embryonic life is critical for the formation of ovaries in mammals, and the intrauterine environment may affect ovarian reserve. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to investigate the impact of prenatal D-galactose exposure on ovarian reserve in female rat offspring in their later lives. METHODS Ten pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups. In one group, rats were fed with 35% D-galactose-enriched food from the third day to the end of pregnancy, and in the other group, rats were fed with a standard diet throughout pregnancy. Female offspring (prenatally galactose-exposed rats and non-exposed control rats) were examined in terms of hormonal levels [anti-Mullerian hormones (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E2)] and ovarian histology at 45 - 50, 105 - 110, and 180 - 185 days of their age. RESULTS The number of primordial follicles significantly decreased time-dependently in prenatally galactose-exposed rats compared to controls (P-value = 0.002). In addition, decreases in AMH (3.25 vs. 7.5 ng/mL; P = 0.000) and E2 (7.9 vs. 19.5 pg/mL; P = 0.000) and increases in FSH (6.5 vs. 0.8 mIU/mL; P < 0.007) were observed in galactose-exposed rats compared to controls at 45 - 50 days of age. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to D-galactose negatively affects ovarian reserve in female rats in their later lives. However, further investigation is needed to confirm our findings and explore underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Rostami Dovom
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Noroozzadeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Zadeh-Vakili
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Amin Aabdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahmati
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahbanoo Farhadi-Azar
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Shaaban Z, Tamadon A, Jafarzadeh Shirazi MR, Zamiri MJ, Derakhshanfar A. Maternal aromatase inhibition via letrozole altered RFamide-related peptide-3 and gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression in pubertal female rats. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:110-120. [PMID: 35656443 PMCID: PMC9118272 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.60962.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Despite prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) among childbearing women and development of many animal models for this syndrome, information on its etiology is still scarce. The intrauterine hyperandrogenic environment may underlie changes at the level of hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary organization in female offspring, and PCOS later in life. Letrozole has been shown to mimic reproductive and metabolic characteristics of PCOS in adult rodent models. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the condition in a prenatal letrozole-treated rat model. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight female rats dams receiving letrozole at certain doses during late pregnancy were used in the trial. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (n=21) received letrozole treatment on gestation days 16-18 at doses of 1.25, 1.0, 0.75, 0.5, and 0.25 mg/kg body weight (BW). Results Prenatal letrozole treatment delayed parturition time and reduced the litter size in pregnant dams (P<0.0001). Late puberty onset, irregular ovarian cyclicity, increased anogenital distance (AGD), body weight gain, serum testosterone concentration, and reduced estradiol levels (P<0.0001) were observed in the female offspring of dams receiving 1.25 and 1 mg/kg BW letrozole. Furthermore, letrozole at 1.25 and 1 mg/kg BW showed increased RFRP and decreased GnRH mRNA expression (P<0.0001). Letrozole treatment at doses of 1 mg/kg BW and lower was not fetotoxic. Conclusion It was concluded that 1 mg/kg BW letrozole may be suggested for prenatal PCOS induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Shaaban
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Amin Tamadon
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh Shirazi
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran,Corresponding author: Mohammad Reza Jafarzadeh Shirazi. Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-71-3228-6073;
| | - Mohammad Javad Zamiri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Amin Derakhshanfar
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Center of Comparative and Experimental Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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di Clemente N, Racine C, Pierre A, Taieb J. Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Female Reproduction. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:753-782. [PMID: 33851994 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), also called Müllerian inhibiting substance, was shown to be synthesized by the ovary in the 1980s. This article reviews the main findings of the past 20 years on the regulation of the expression of AMH and its specific receptor AMHR2 by granulosa cells, the mechanism of action of AMH, the different roles it plays in the reproductive organs, its clinical utility, and its involvement in the principal pathological conditions affecting women. The findings in respect of regulation tell us that AMH and AMHR2 expression is mainly regulated by bone morphogenetic proteins, gonadotropins, and estrogens. It has now been established that AMH regulates the different steps of folliculogenesis and that it has neuroendocrine effects. On the other hand, the importance of serum AMH as a reliable marker of ovarian reserve and as a useful tool in the prediction of the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian failure has also been acknowledged. Last but not least, a large body of evidence points to the involvement of AMH in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie di Clemente
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris-Diderot Université, Paris, France
| | - Alice Pierre
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, CNRS, INSERM, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l'Axe Gonadotrope U1133, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Taieb
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, CNRS, INSERM, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l'Axe Gonadotrope U1133, Paris, France
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Lesseur C, Pirrotte P, Pathak KV, Manservisi F, Mandrioli D, Belpoggi F, Panzacchi S, Li Q, Barrett ES, Nguyen RHN, Sathyanarayana S, Swan SH, Chen J. Maternal urinary levels of glyphosate during pregnancy and anogenital distance in newborns in a US multicenter pregnancy cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 280:117002. [PMID: 33812205 PMCID: PMC8165010 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to glyphosate has become ubiquitous because of its increasing agricultural use. Recent studies suggest endocrine disrupting effects of glyphosate. Specifically, in our work in rodents, low-dose early-life exposure to Roundup® (glyphosate-based herbicide) lengthened anogenital distance (AGD) in male and female offspring. AGD is a marker of the prenatal hormone milieu in rodents and humans. The relationship between glyphosate exposure and AGD has not been studied in humans. We conducted a pilot study in 94 mother-infant pairs (45 female and 49 male) from The Infant Development and the Environment Study (TIDES). For each infant, two AGD measurements were collected after birth; the anopenile (AGD-AP) and anoscrotal (AGD-AS) distances for males, and anoclitoral (AGD-AC) and anofourchette distances (AGD-AF) for females. We measured levels of glyphosate and its degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in 2nd trimester maternal urine samples using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We assessed the relationship between exposure and AGD using sex-stratified multivariable linear regression models. Glyphosate and AMPA were detected in 95% and 93% of the samples (median 0.22 ng/mL and 0.14 ng/mL, respectively). Their concentrations were moderately correlated (r = 0.55, p = 5.7 × 10-9). In female infants, high maternal urinary glyphosate (above the median) was associated with longer AGD-AC (β = 1.48, 95%CI (-0.01, 3.0), p = 0.05), but this was not significant after covariate adjustment. Increased AMPA was associated with longer AGD-AF (β = 1.96, 95%CI (0.44, 3.5), p = 0.01) after adjusting for infant size and age at AGD exam. No associations were detected in male offspring. These preliminary findings partially reproduce our previous results in rodents and suggest that glyphosate is a sex-specific endocrine disruptor with androgenic effects in humans. Given the increasing glyphosate exposures in the US population, larger studies should evaluate potential developmental effects on endocrine and reproductive systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Heath, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Patrick Pirrotte
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Khyatiben V Pathak
- Collaborative Center for Translational Mass Spectrometry, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Fabiana Manservisi
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center (CMCRC), Ramazzini Institute (RI), Via Saliceto, 3, 40010, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Italy; Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Mandrioli
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center (CMCRC), Ramazzini Institute (RI), Via Saliceto, 3, 40010, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fiorella Belpoggi
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center (CMCRC), Ramazzini Institute (RI), Via Saliceto, 3, 40010, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Panzacchi
- Cesare Maltoni Cancer Research Center (CMCRC), Ramazzini Institute (RI), Via Saliceto, 3, 40010, Bentivoglio, Bologna, Italy
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Heath, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics & Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ruby H N Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Heath, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Heath, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Zhang FF, Zhang Q, Wang YL, Wang FF, Hardiman PJ, Qu F. Intergenerational Influences between Maternal Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Offspring: An Updated Overview. J Pediatr 2021; 232:272-281. [PMID: 33482217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Lin Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang-Fang Wang
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Paul J Hardiman
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fan Qu
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Zhou Y, Zhang A, Gong M, Lu Y, Zhao C, Shen X, Zhang X, Wang L, Chen J, Ju R. Maternal Testosterone Excess Contributes to Reproductive System Dysfunction of Female Offspring Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5611346. [PMID: 31680156 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Hyperandrogenism is considered 1 of the most important characteristics of polycystic ovary syndrome, which affects more than 10% of females of reproductive age and is a common cause of infertility. In addition to the effects on patients themselves, maternal androgen excess has also been reported to impair the growth and development of offspring. In our current study, we found that maternal testosterone (T) treatment during different gestational stages increased the percentage of atretic follicle and decreased corpus luteum formation in female offspring. In addition, decreased serum estradiol and increased T levels were also observed in female offspring of T-treated mice during late gestational stage. Further studies revealed that Forkhead box protein L2 (FOXL2) and Cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily a member 1 (CYP19A1) expression in granulosa cells of these female offspring mice were decreased. By using mouse primary granulosa cells and the KGN cell line, we demonstrated that decreasing FOXL2 and CYP19A1 levels in ovarian granulosa cells partially may contribute to disturbed sex hormone synthesis in female offspring of T-treated mice during the late gestational stage. Findings from our current study highlight a critical role of excess maternal T exposure, especially during the late gestational stage, which could further lead to aberrant ovary development and sex hormone synthesis in female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Anhong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingfei Lu
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengcheng Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianquan Chen
- Central Laboratory, Translational Medicine Research Center, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Ju
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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10
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Fetal programming by androgen excess in rats affects ovarian fuel sensors and steroidogenesis. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:645-658. [PMID: 31122307 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fetal programming by androgen excess is hypothesized as one of the main factors contributing to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is more than a reproductive disorder, as women with PCOS also show metabolic and other endocrine alterations. Since both ovarian and reproductive functions depend on energy balance, the alterations in metabolism may be related to reproductive alterations. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of androgen excess during prenatal life on ovarian fuel sensors and its consequences on steroidogenesis. To this end, pregnant rats were hyperandrogenized with testosterone and the following parameters were evaluated in their female offspring: follicular development, PPARG levels, adipokines (including leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin as ovarian fuel sensors), serum gonadotropins (LH and FSH), the mRNA of their ovarian receptors, and the expression of steroidogenic mediators. At 60 days of age, the prenatally hyperandrogenized (PH) female offspring displayed both an irregular ovulatory phenotype and an anovulatory phenotype with altered follicular development and the presence of cysts. Both PH groups showed altered levels of both proteins and mRNA of PPARG and a different expression pattern of the adipokines studied. Although serum gonadotropins were not impaired, there were alterations in the mRNA levels of their ovarian receptors. The steroidogenic mediators Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Cyp19a1 were altered differently in each of the PH groups. We concluded that androgen excess during prenatal life leads to developmental programming effects that affect ovarian fuel sensors and steroidogenesis in a phenotype-specific way.
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11
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Osuka S, Nakanishi N, Murase T, Nakamura T, Goto M, Iwase A, Kikkawa F. Animal models of polycystic ovary syndrome: A review of hormone-induced rodent models focused on hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis and neuropeptides. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:151-160. [PMID: 30996678 PMCID: PMC6452010 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age and a major cause of infertility; however, the pathophysiology of this syndrome is not fully understood. This can be addressed using appropriate animal models of PCOS. In this review, we describe rodent models of hormone-induced PCOS that focus on the perturbation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis and abnormalities in neuropeptide levels. METHODS Comparison of rodent models of hormone-induced PCOS. MAIN FINDINGS The main method used to generate rodent models of PCOS was subcutaneous injection or implantation of androgens, estrogens, antiprogestin, or aromatase inhibitor. Androgens were administered to animals pre- or postnatally. Alterations in the levels of kisspeptin and related molecules have been reported in these models. CONCLUSION The most appropriate model for the research objective and hypothesis should be established. Dysregulation of the HPO axis followed by elevated serum luteinizing hormone levels, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disturbance contribute to the complex etiology of PCOS. These phenotypes of the human disease are recapitulated in hormone-induced PCOS models. Thus, evidence from animal models can help to clarify the pathophysiology of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
- Department of Maternal and Perinatal MedicineNagoya University HospitalNagoyaJapan
| | - Natsuki Nakanishi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Tomohiko Murase
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Maki Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGunma University Graduate School of MedicineMaebashiJapan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyNagoya University Graduate School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
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12
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Prenatal exposure to testosterone induces cardiac hypertrophy in adult female rats through enhanced Pkcδ expression in cardiac myocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2019; 128:1-10. [PMID: 30641088 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High circulating androgen in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in offspring. The aim of the present study is to investigate whether maternal androgen excess in the rat PCOS model would lead to cardiac hypertrophy in offspring. Maternal testosterone propionate (maternal-TP)-treated adult female offspring displayed cardiac hypertrophy associated with local high cardiac dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The molecular markers of cardiac hypertrophy along with androgen receptor (AR) and PKCδ, were increased in the Maternal-TP group. Treatment of primary neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) and H9c2 cells with DHT significantly increased cell size and upregulated PKCδ expression, which could be attenuated by AR antagonist. Treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a PKC activator, significantly increased cell size and upregulated myh7 level. Rottlerin, that may inhibit PKCδ, significantly reduced the hypertrophic effect of DHT and PMA on NRCMs and H9c2 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that AR could bind to Pkcδ promoter. Our results indicate that prenatal exposure to testosterone may induce cardiac hypertrophy in adult female rats through enhanced Pkcδ expression in cardiac myocytes.
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13
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Schwartz CL, Christiansen S, Vinggaard AM, Axelstad M, Hass U, Svingen T. Anogenital distance as a toxicological or clinical marker for fetal androgen action and risk for reproductive disorders. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:253-272. [PMID: 30430187 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Male reproductive development is intricately dependent on fetal androgen action. Consequently, disrupted androgen action during fetal life can interfere with the development of the reproductive system resulting in adverse effects on reproductive function later in life. One biomarker used to evaluate fetal androgen action is the anogenital distance (AGD), the distance between the anus and the external genitalia. A short male AGD is strongly associated with genital malformations at birth and reproductive disorders in adulthood. AGD is therefore used as an effect readout in rodent toxicity studies aimed at testing compounds for endocrine activity and anti-androgenic properties, and in human epidemiological studies to correlate fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals to feminization of new-born boys. In this review, we have synthesized current data related to intrauterine exposure to xenobiotics and AGD measurements. We discuss the utility of AGD as a retrospective marker of in utero anti-androgenicity and as a predictive marker for male reproductive disorders, both with respect to human health and rodent toxicity studies. Finally, we highlight four areas that need addressing to fully evaluate AGD as a biomarker in both a regulatory and clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Lindgren Schwartz
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hass
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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14
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Valgeirsdottir H, Vanky E, Sundström-Poromaa I, Roos N, Løvvik TS, Stephansson O, Wikström AK. Prenatal exposures and birth indices, and subsequent risk of polycystic ovary syndrome: a national registry-based cohort study. BJOG 2018; 126:244-251. [PMID: 29896923 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the associations between prenatal exposures and risk of developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN National registry-based cohort study. SETTING Sweden. POPULATION Girls born in Sweden during the years 1982-1995 (n = 681 123). METHODS The girls were followed until the year 2010 for a diagnosis of PCOS. We estimated the associations between maternal body mass index (BMI), smoking, and size at birth with the risk of developing a PCOS diagnosis. Risks were calculated by adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES A diagnosis of PCOS at 15 years of age or later. RESULTS During the follow-up period 3738 girls were diagnosed with PCOS (0.54%). Girls with mothers who were overweight or obese had 1.5-2.0 times higher risk of PCOS (aHR 1.52, 95% CI 1.36-1.70; aHR 1.97, 95% CI 1.61-2.41, respectively), compared with girls born to mothers of normal weight. The risk of PCOS was increased if the mother smoked during pregnancy (1-9 cigarettes/day, aHR 1.31, 95% CI 1.18-1.47; ≥10 cigarettes/day, aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.27-1.64). Being born small for gestational age (SGA) was associated with a later diagnosis of PCOS in crude estimates, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal factors. CONCLUSIONS Maternal smoking and increased BMI appear to increase the risk of PCOS in offspring. The association between SGA and the development of PCOS appears to be mediated by maternal factors. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Smoking during pregnancy and high maternal BMI are associated with PCOS diagnosis in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Valgeirsdottir
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Vanky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - I Sundström-Poromaa
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Roos
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T S Løvvik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Olav's Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - O Stephansson
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A-K Wikström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Domonkos E, Borbélyová V, Kolátorová L, Chlupáčová T, Ostatníková D, Hodosy J, Stárka L, Celec P. Sex differences in the effect of prenatal testosterone exposure on steroid hormone production in adult rats. Physiol Res 2018; 66:S367-S374. [PMID: 28948821 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal hyperandrogenism during pregnancy might have metabolic and endocrine consequences on the offspring as shown for the polycystic ovary syndrome. Despite numerous experiments, the impact of prenatal hyperandrogenic environment on postnatal sex steroid milieu is not yet clear. In this study, we investigated the effect of prenatal testosterone excess on postnatal concentrations of luteinizing hormone, corticosterone and steroid hormones including testosterone, pregnenolone, progesterone, estradiol and 7beta-hydroxy-epiandrosterone in the offspring of both sexes. Pregnant rats were injected daily with either testosterone propionate or vehicle from gestational day 14 until parturition. The hormones were evaluated in plasma of the adult offspring. As expected, females had lower testosterone and higher pregnenolone, progesterone and estradiol in comparison to males. In addition, corticosterone was higher in females than in males, and it was further elevated by prenatal testosterone treatment. In males, prenatal testosterone exposure resulted in higher 7beta-hydroxy-epiandrosterone in comparison to control group. None of the other analyzed hormones were affected by prenatal testosterone. In conclusion, our results did not show major effects on sex hormone production or luteinizing hormone release in adult rats resulting from testosterone excess during their fetal development. However, maternal hyperandrogenism seems to partially affect steroid biosynthesis in sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Domonkos
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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16
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Shah AB, Nivar I, Speelman DL. Elevated androstenedione in young adult but not early adolescent prenatally androgenized female rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196862. [PMID: 29723293 PMCID: PMC5933698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated testosterone (T) is routinely reported as a marker of hyperandrogenemia in rodent models for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In women with PCOS, elevated serum androstenedione (A4) is associated with more severe phenotypes, including a positive correlation with serum T, DHEAS, free androgen index (FAI), LH, and LH/FSH ratio. Furthermore, A4, along with calculated free T and FAI, was identified as one of the best predictors of PCOS in adult women of all ages (18 to > 50 y). Objective The objective of this study was to investigate serum A4 levels in early adolescent and young adult prenatally androgenized (PNA) female rats, a model for PCOS. Methods Pregnant rats were injected with 5 mg T daily during gestational days 16–19 (PNA rats, experimental group) or an equal volume of vehicle (control group). Female offspring of both groups had tail vein blood drawn for serum analysis at 8 and 16 weeks of age. ELISAs were used to quantify serum A4 and T levels. Results Serum A4 and T were elevated in 16-week-old PNA rats compared to controls. There was no significant difference in either hormone at 8 weeks of age. Conclusions The PNA rats demonstrated elevated serum A4 and T in young adulthood, as has been observed in women with PCOS, further validating this as a model for PCOS and underscoring the importance of serum A4 elevation as a parameter inherent to PCOS and a rodent model for the disorder. Significant A4 elevation develops between early adolescence and early adulthood in this PNA rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami B. Shah
- Department of Biochemistry, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States of America
| | - Isaac Nivar
- Department of Biochemistry, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States of America
| | - Diana L. Speelman
- Department of Biochemistry, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Silva MS, Prescott M, Campbell RE. Ontogeny and reversal of brain circuit abnormalities in a preclinical model of PCOS. JCI Insight 2018; 3:99405. [PMID: 29618656 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.99405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen excess is a hallmark of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a prevalent yet poorly understood endocrine disorder. Evidence from women and preclinical animal models suggests that elevated perinatal androgens can elicit PCOS onset in adulthood, implying androgen actions in both PCOS ontogeny and adult pathophysiology. Prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice exhibit a robust increase of progesterone-sensitive GABAergic inputs to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons implicated in the pathogenesis of PCOS. It is unclear when altered GABAergic wiring develops in the brain, and whether these central abnormalities are dependent upon adult androgen excess. Using GnRH-GFP-transgenic mice, we determined that increased GABA input to GnRH neurons occurs prior to androgen excess and the manifestation of reproductive impairments in PNA mice. These data suggest that brain circuit abnormalities precede the postpubertal development of PCOS traits. Despite the apparent developmental programming of circuit abnormalities, long-term blockade of androgen receptor signaling from early adulthood rescued normal GABAergic wiring onto GnRH neurons, improved ovarian morphology, and restored reproductive cycles in PNA mice. Therefore, androgen excess maintains changes in female brain wiring linked to PCOS features and the blockade of androgen receptor signaling reverses both the central and peripheral PNA-induced PCOS phenotype.
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18
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Hormone-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review. Life Sci 2017; 191:259-272. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Moore AM, Campbell RE. Polycystic ovary syndrome: Understanding the role of the brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 46:1-14. [PMID: 28551304 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder and the leading cause of anovulatory infertility. Characterised by hyperandrogenism, menstrual dysfunction and polycystic ovaries, PCOS is a broad-spectrum disorder unlikely to stem from a single common origin. Although commonly considered an ovarian disease, the brain is now a prime suspect in both the ontogeny and pathology of PCOS. We discuss here the neuroendocrine impairments present in PCOS that implicate involvement of the brain and review evidence gained from pre-clinical models of the syndrome about the specific brain circuitry involved. In particular, we focus on the impact that developmental androgen excess and adult hyperandrogenemia have in programming and regulating brain circuits important in the central regulation of fertility. The studies discussed here provide compelling support for the importance of the brain in PCOS ontogeny and pathophysiology and highlight the need for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleisha M Moore
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
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20
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Jahromi MS, Tehrani FR, Hill JW, Noroozzadeh M, Zarkesh M, Ghasemi A, Zadeh-Vakili A. Alteration in follistatin gene expression detected in prenatally androgenized rats. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017; 33:433-437. [PMID: 28277126 PMCID: PMC5724370 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1290067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired ovarian follicle development, the hallmark of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is believed to be due to the changes in expression of related genes such as follistatin (FST). Expression of FST gene and methylation level of its promoter in theca cells from adult female rats, prenatally exposed to androgen excess, during different phases of the estrus cycle was determined and compared with controls. Eight pregnant Wistar rats (experimental group) were treated by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg free testosterone on day 20 of pregnancy, while controls (n = 8) received 500 ml solvent. Based on observed vaginal smear, adult female offspring of mothers were divided into three groups. Levels of serum steroidogenic sexual hormones and gonadotropins, expression and promoter methylation of the FST gene were measured using ELISA, cyber-green real-time PCR and bisulfite sequence PCR (BSP), respectively. Compared to controls, the relative expression of FST gene in the treated group decreased overall by 0.85 fold; despite significant changes in different phases, but no significant differences in methylation of FST promoter. Our results reveal that manifestation of PCOS-like phenotype following prenatal exposure to excess androgen is associated with irregularity in expression of the FST gene during the estrus cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Salehi Jahromi
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jennifer W. Hill
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research (CeDER), University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA and
| | - Mahsa Noroozzadeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Zarkesh
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Asghar Ghasemi
- Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azita Zadeh-Vakili
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences (RIES), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Hakim C, Padmanabhan V, Vyas AK. Gestational Hyperandrogenism in Developmental Programming. Endocrinology 2017; 158:199-212. [PMID: 27967205 PMCID: PMC5413081 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Androgen excess (hyperandrogenism) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The potential causes of androgen excess in women include polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), adrenal tumors, and racial disparity among many others. During pregnancy, luteoma, placental aromatase deficiency, and fetal CAH are additional causes of gestational hyperandrogenism. The present report reviews the various phenotypes of hyperandrogenism during pregnancy and its origin, pathophysiology, and the effect of hyperandrogenism on the fetal developmental trajectory and offspring consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hakim
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; and
| | - Arpita K. Vyas
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
- Department of Pediatrics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Permian Basin Campus, Odessa, Texas 79763
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22
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Daneshian Z, Ramezani Tehrani F, Zarkesh M, Norooz Zadeh M, Mahdian R, Zadeh Vakili A. Antimullerian hormone and its receptor gene expression in prenatally androgenized female rats. Int J Endocrinol Metab 2015; 13:e19511. [PMID: 25745494 PMCID: PMC4338645 DOI: 10.5812/ijem.19511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels reflect the number of small antral follicles in ovaries and expression changes of AMH and its receptor are suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate gene expression of AMH and its receptor in immature and adult rats prenatally exposed to androgen excess. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six pregnant Wistar rats in the experimental group were treated by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg free testosterone on day 20 of pregnancy, while controls (n = 6) received only 500 mL of solvent. Female pups of each mother were randomly divided into three groups as day 0 (newborn), 10-day old and days 75-85 (adult). RNAs were extracted from ovarian tissues and relative expression levels for AMH and its receptor genes were measured using TaqMan Real-Time PCR. Serum AMH and testosterone levels were measured using ELISA method. RESULTS Relative AMH expression decreased in newborns, 10-day olds and adults (0.806, 0.443 and 0.809 fold, respectively). AMHR expression was higher in newborns and adults (1.432 and 1.057 fold, respectively), while it decreased by 0.263 fold in 10-day olds, although none of them were significant (P > 0.05). In addition, AMH levels were consistent with the results of gene expression. Testosterone hormone levels from 10 day-olds to adults were significantly increased in both study groups (P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS While AMH receptor expression was higher in experimental rats, their serum concentrations of AMH were decreased. Further researches with greater sample sizes and measurement of bioactive forms of hormones are recommended to confirm the findings of this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Daneshian
- Department of Basic Sciences, Tehran Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Maryam Zarkesh
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mahsa Norooz Zadeh
- Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Biotechnology Research Centre, Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Azita Zadeh Vakili
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Azita Zadeh Vakili, Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2122432500, Fax: +98-2122416264, E-mail:
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Blesson CS, Chinnathambi V, Hankins GD, Yallampalli C, Sathishkumar K. Prenatal testosterone exposure induces hypertension in adult females via androgen receptor-dependent protein kinase Cδ-mediated mechanism. Hypertension 2014; 65:683-690. [PMID: 25489059 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.04521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to excess testosterone induces hyperandrogenism in adult females and predisposes them to hypertension. We tested whether androgens induce hypertension through transcriptional regulation and signaling of protein kinase C (PKC) in the mesenteric arteries. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with vehicle or testosterone propionate (0.5 mg/kg per day from gestation days 15 to 19, SC) and their 6-month-old adult female offspring were examined. Plasma testosterone levels (0.84±0.04 versus 0.42±0.09 ng/mL) and blood pressures (111.6±1.3 versus 104.5±2.4 mm Hg) were significantly higher in prenatal testosterone-exposed rats compared with controls. This was accompanied with enhanced expression of PKCδ mRNA (1.5-fold) and protein (1.7-fold) in the mesenteric arteries of prenatal testosterone-exposed rats. In addition, mesenteric artery contractile responses to PKC activator, phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate, was significantly greater in prenatal testosterone-exposed rats. Treatment with androgen receptor antagonist flutamide (10 mg/kg, SC, BID for 10 days) significantly attenuated hypertension, PKCδ expression, and the exaggerated vasoconstriction in prenatal testosterone-exposed rats. In vitro exposure of testosterone to cultured mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells dose dependently upregulated PKCδ expression. Analysis of PKCδ gene revealed a putative androgen responsive element in the promoter upstream to the transcription start site and an enhancer element in intron-1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that androgen receptors bind to these elements in response to testosterone stimulation. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assays showed that the enhancer element is highly responsive to androgens and treatment with flutamide reverses reporter activity. Our studies identified a novel androgen-mediated mechanism for the control of PKCδ expression via transcriptional regulation that controls vasoconstriction and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chellakkan S Blesson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Vijayakumar Chinnathambi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Gary D Hankins
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
| | - Chandra Yallampalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Kunju Sathishkumar
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555
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