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Rastrelli G, Cipriani S, Lotti F, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Boddi V, Della Camera PA, Santi R, Boni L, Nesi G, Serni S, Gacci M, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone does not affect lower urinary tract symptoms while improving markers of prostatitis in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized clinical trial. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1413-1425. [PMID: 35298833 PMCID: PMC9184417 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01776-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of prostate inflammation, frequently occurring in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low testosterone is common in MetS. A randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate if 24 weeks of testosterone therapy (TTh) in BPH men with MetS and low testosterone improve urinary symptoms and prostate inflammation. METHODS One-hundred-twenty men with MetS waitlisted for BPH surgery were enrolled. They were categorized into normal testosterone (TT ≥ 12 nmol/L and cFT ≥ 225 pmol/L; n = 48) and testosterone deficient (TD) (TT < 12 nmol/L and/or cFT < 225 pmol/L; n = 72) then randomized to testosterone gel 2% (5 g/daily) or placebo for 24 weeks. At baseline and follow-up, questionnaires for urinary symptoms and trans-rectal ultrasound were performed. Prostate tissue was collected for molecular and histopathological analyses. RESULTS No differences in the improvement of urinary symptoms were found between TTh and placebo (OR [95% CI] 0.96 [0.39; 2.37]). In TD + TTh, increase in prostate but not adenoma volume was observed (2.64 mL [0.07; 5.20] and 1.82 mL [- 0.46; 0.41], respectively). Ultrasound markers of inflammation were improved. In a subset of 61 men, a hyper-expression of several pro-inflammatory genes was found in TD + placebo when compared with normal testosterone. TTh was able to counteract this effect. For 80 men, the inflammatory infiltrate was higher in TD + placebo than in normal testosterone (0.8 points [0.2; 1.4]) and TD + TTh men (0.9 points [0.2; 1.5]). CONCLUSIONS Twenty-four weeks of TTh in TD men with BPH and MetS improves ultrasound, molecular and histological proxies of prostate inflammation. This does not result in symptom improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - F Lotti
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - V Boddi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P A Della Camera
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - R Santi
- Pathological Anatomy Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Boni
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi, 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - G Nesi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Serni
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Gacci
- Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, Largo Piero Palagi, 1, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro, 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Todisco T, Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Villanelli F, Vezzani S, Corno C, Fambrini M, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone positively regulates vagina NO-induced relaxation: an experimental study in rats. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1161-1172. [PMID: 35072927 PMCID: PMC9098587 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Female sexual response involves a complex interplay between neurophysiological mechanisms and the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of clitoris and vagina. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex steroids regulation of the relaxant pathway in vagina, using a validated animal model. METHODS Subgroups of OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol, testosterone, or testosterone and letrozole, and compared with a group of intact animals. Masson's trichrome staining was performed for morphological evaluation of the distal vaginal wall, in vitro contractility studies investigated the effect of OVX and in vivo treatments on vaginal smooth muscle activity. RNA from vaginal tissue was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis showed that OVX induced epithelial and smooth muscle structural atrophy, testosterone and testo + letrozole increased the muscle bundles content and organization without affecting the epithelium while 17β-estradiol mediated the opposite effects. In vitro contractility studies were performed on noradrenaline pre-contracted vaginal strips from each experimental group. Acetylcholine (0.001-10 µM) stimulation induced a concentration-dependent relaxation, significantly reduced by NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME and by guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ. OVX resulted in a decreased responsiveness to acetylcholine, restored by testosterone, with or without letrozole, but not by 17β-estradiol. OVX sensitivity to the NO-donor SNP was higher than in the control. Vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, enhanced SNP effect in OVX + testosterone as well as in control, as supported by RNA expression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that testosterone improves the NO-mediated smooth muscle vaginal cells relaxation confirming its role in maintaining the integrity of muscular relaxant machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Marchiani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - L Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - F Villanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Vezzani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Cellai I, Filippi S, Maseroli E, Stasi VD, Todisco T, Fambrini M, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone positively regulates vagina NO-induced relaxation: An experimental study in rats. J Sex Med 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.03.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Mello T, Galli A, Bruno BJ, Kim K, Vangara K, Papangkorn K, Chidambaram N, Patel MV, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Treatment potential of LPCN 1144 on liver health and metabolic regulation in a non-genomic, high fat diet induced NASH rabbit model. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2175-2193. [PMID: 33586025 PMCID: PMC8421272 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low free testosterone (T) level in men is independently associated with presence and severity of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). The histological and molecular effects of oral testosterone prodrug LPCN 1144 treatment on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features are unknown. A metabolic syndrome-induced NASH model in rabbits consuming high fat diet (HFD) has been previously used to assess treatment effects of injectable T on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features. Here we present results on LPCN 1144 in this HFD-induced, NASH preclinical model. METHODS Male rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups: regular diet (RD), HFD, HFD + 1144 vehicle (HFD + Veh), HFD + 1144 (1144), and HFD + 1144 + α-tocopherol (1144 + ALPHA). Rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks for liver histological, biochemical and genetic analyses. Histological scores were obtained through Giemsa (inflammation), Masson's trichrome (steatosis and ballooning), and Picrosirius Red (fibrosis) staining. RESULTS Compared to RD, HFD and HFD + Veh significantly worsened NASH features and hepatic fibrosis. Considering HFD and HFD + Veh arms, histological and biomarker features were not significantly different. Both 1144 and 1144 + ALPHA arms improved mean histological scores of NASH as compared to HFD arm. Importantly, percentage of fibrosis was improved in both 1144 (p < 0.05) and 1144 + ALPHA (p = 0.05) treatment arms vs. HFD. Both treatment arms also reduced HFD-induced inflammation and fibrosis mRNA markers. Furthermore, 1144 treatments significantly improved HFD-induced metabolic dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS Histological and biomarker analyses demonstrate that LPCN 1144 improved HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and NASH biochemical, biomolecular and histochemical features. These preclinical findings support a therapeutic potential of LPCN 1144 in the treatment of NASH and of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B J Bruno
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Kim
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Vangara
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | | | | | - M V Patel
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Maseroli E, Comeglio P, Corno C, Cellai I, Filippi S, Mello T, Galli A, Rapizzi E, Presenti L, Truglia MC, Lotti F, Facchiano E, Beltrame B, Lucchese M, Saad F, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone treatment is associated with reduced adipose tissue dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese hypogonadal men. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:819-842. [PMID: 32772323 PMCID: PMC7946690 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In both preclinical and clinical settings, testosterone treatment (TTh) of hypogonadism has shown beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and visceral and liver fat accumulation. This prospective, observational study was aimed at assessing the change in markers of fat and liver functioning in obese men scheduled for bariatric surgery. METHODS Hypogonadal patients with consistent symptoms (n = 15) undergoing 27.63 ± 3.64 weeks of TTh were compared to untreated eugonadal (n = 17) or asymptomatic hypogonadal (n = 46) men. A cross-sectional analysis among the different groups was also performed, especially for data derived from liver and fat biopsies. Preadipocytes isolated from adipose tissue biopsies were used to evaluate insulin sensitivity, adipogenic potential and mitochondrial function. NAFLD was evaluated by triglyceride assay and by calculating NAFLD activity score in liver biopsies. RESULTS In TTh-hypogonadal men, histopathological NAFLD activity and steatosis scores, as well as liver triglyceride content were lower than in untreated-hypogonadal men and comparable to eugonadal ones. TTh was also associated with a favorable hepatic expression of lipid handling-related genes. In visceral adipose tissue and preadipocytes, TTh was associated with an increased expression of lipid catabolism and mitochondrial bio-functionality markers. Preadipocytes from TTh men also exhibited a healthier morpho-functional phenotype of mitochondria and higher insulin-sensitivity compared to untreated-hypogonadal ones. CONCLUSIONS The present data suggest that TTh in severely obese, hypogonadal individuals induces metabolically healthier preadipocytes, improving insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial functioning and lipid handling. A potentially protective role for testosterone on the progression of NAFLD, improving hepatic steatosis and reducing intrahepatic triglyceride content, was also envisaged. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02248467, September 25th 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - T Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Rapizzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - L Presenti
- General, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, , Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy
| | - M C Truglia
- General, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, , Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy
| | - F Lotti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Facchiano
- General, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, , Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy
| | - B Beltrame
- General, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, , Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy
| | - M Lucchese
- General, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit, Santa Maria Nuova Hospital, , Piazza Santa Maria Nuova, 1, 50122, Florence, Italy
| | - F Saad
- Medical Affairs, Bayer AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 1, 51373, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Maseroli E, Filippi S, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. 039 Effects of Sex Steroids on Relaxant/Contractile Pathways in Rat Vagina. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Rapizzi E, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Maggi M. P-01-2 Is Testosterone Administration Able to Improve Physical Performance in Order to Do Physical Activity in an Experimental Model of Functional Hypogonadism? J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Di Stasi V, Maseroli E, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Bellandi C, Pallecchi M, Danza G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Cipriani S. P-01-8 Gender Intracrinology: The Vagina as an Androgen Target and Synthesis Organ. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Frison M, Amoriello R, Ballerini C, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. HP-1-1 Anti Inflammatory Effects of Androgenic Signaling in Human Vagina: A Potential Therapeutical Application for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corno C, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Therapeutic effects of the selective farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid in a monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension rat model. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:951-965. [PMID: 30674010 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-1009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear receptor steroid superfamily, leads to anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in several tissues, including the lung. We have recently demonstrated a protective effect of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) in rat models of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the positive effects of OCA treatment could be exerted also in established MCT-induced PAH, i.e., starting treatment 2 weeks after MCT administration. METHODS Rats with MCT-induced PAH were treated, 2 weeks after MCT administration, with OCA or tadalafil for two additional weeks. Pulmonary functional tests were performed at week 2 (before treatment) and four (end of treatment). At the same time points, lung morphological features and expression profile of genes related to smooth muscle relaxation/contraction and tissue remodeling were also assessed. RESULTS 2 weeks after MCT-induced injury, the treadmill resistance (a functional parameter related to pulmonary hypertension) was significantly decreased. At the same time point, we observed right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling, with upregulation of genes related to inflammation. At week 4, we observed a further worsening of the functional and morphological parameters, accompanied by dysregulation of inflammatory and extracellular matrix markers mRNA expression. Administration of OCA (3 or 10 mg/kg/day), starting 2 weeks after MCT-induced injury, significantly improved pulmonary function, effectively normalizing the exercise capacity. OCA also reverted most of the lung alterations, with a significant reduction of lung vascular wall thickness, right ventricular hypertrophy, and restoration of the local balance between relaxant and contractile pathways. Markers of remodeling pathways were also normalized by OCA treatment. Notably, results with OCA treatment were similar, or even superior, to those obtained with tadalafil, a recently approved treatment for pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate a significant therapeutic effect of OCA in established MCT-induced PAH, improving exercise capacity associated with reduction of right ventricular hypertrophy and lung vascular remodeling. Thus, OCA dosing in a therapeutic protocol restores the balance between relaxant and contractile pathways in the lung, promoting cardiopulmonary protective actions in MCT-induced PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, USA
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Filippi S, Maggi M, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Sarchielli E, Corno C, Zizza M, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A. PS-04-010 Effects of physical exercise on metabolic syndrome-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Filippi S, Vignozzi L, Maseroli E, Corno C, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Mello T, Galli A, Facchiano E, Lucchese M, Maggi M. PO-01-077 The effects of testosterone treatment on fat tissue dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese men undergoing bariatric surgery. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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13
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Filippi S, Maggi M, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Corno C, Guarnieri G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A. PO-01-049 Testosterone counteracts metabolic syndrome-related changes in skeletal muscle fiber metabolism and improves exercise performance in the rabbit. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corno C, Pini A, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Therapeutic effects of obeticholic acid (OCA) treatment in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:283-294. [PMID: 29923060 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We recently demonstrated a protective effect of the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) in rat models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Aim of the present study was to investigate whether the positive effects of OCA treatment are apparent also on ongoing bleomycin-induced PF, i.e., after 2 weeks of bleomycin administration. METHODS Bleomycin-induced PF rats were treated 2 weeks after bleomycin administration with OCA or pirfenidone for two additional weeks. Pulmonary function test was performed at 2 and 4 weeks in all experimental groups. At the same time points, lung morphological features and mRNA expression profile of genes related to fibrosis, inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were also assessed. RESULTS After 2 weeks, bleomycin significantly increased the pressure at the airway opening (PAO), a functional parameter related to fibrosis-induced lung stiffness, and induced diffuse lung interstitium fibrosis, with upregulation of inflammation (IL1β, MCP1) and tissue remodeling (COL1A1, COL3A1, ET1, MMP7, PDGFa, αSMA, SNAI1) markers. At week four, a further increase of lung fibrosis and PAO was observed, accompanied by upregulation of extracellular matrix-related mRNA expression. OCA administration, even after the establishment of PF, significantly improved pulmonary function, normalizing PAO, and reverted the bleomycin-induced lung alterations, with significant reduction of markers of inflammation (CD206, COX2, HIF1, IL1β, MCP1), epithelial proliferation (CTGF, PDGFa) and fibrosis (COL1A1, COL3A1, ET1, FN1, MMPs, αSMA, SNAIs, TGFβ1, TIMPs). Results with OCA were similar or superior to those obtained with pirfenidone. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results demonstrate a significant therapeutic effect of OCA in already established PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - A Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, USA
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Rastrelli G, Cipriani S, Lotti F, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Boddi V, Della Camera P, Palma M, Gacci M, Serni S, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. 081 Testosterone replacement therapy is able to reduce prostate inflammation in men with BPH, metabolic syndrome and hypogonadism: preliminary results from a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Sex Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.04.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Vignozzi L, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Maneschi E, Vannelli G, Adorini L, Maggi M. HP-01-006 The dual FXR/TGR5 agonist INT-767 counteracts nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and erectile dysfunction in a rabbit model of high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome. J Sex Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Filippi S, Cellai I, Corno C, Corcetto F, Comeglio P, Maseroli E, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. 019 Sex Steroid Hormones Regulation of Relaxation and Contractile Mechanisms in Clitoris: An Experimental Model in the Rat. J Sex Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Vignozzi L, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Vannelli G, Maggi M. P-01-067 Effects of chronic treatment with tadalafil in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rat model. J Sex Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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19
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Comeglio P, Morelli A, Cellai I, Vignozzi L, Sarchielli E, Filippi S, Maneschi E, Corcetto F, Corno C, Gacci M, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Opposite effects of tamoxifen on metabolic syndrome-induced bladder and prostate alterations: a role for GPR30/GPER? Prostate 2014; 74:10-28. [PMID: 24037776 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BPH and LUTS have been associated to obesity, hypogonadism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations, including inflammation and tissue remodeling, have been related to a low-testosterone and high-estrogen milieu. In addition to ERs, GPR30/GPER is able to mediate several estrogenic non-genomic actions. METHODS Supplementing a subgroup of MetS rabbits with tamoxifen, we analyzed the in vivo effects on MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations. The effects of selective ER/GPER ligands and GPER silencing on prostate inflammation were also studied in vitro using hBPH cells. RESULTS ERα, ERβ, and PR expression was upregulated in MetS bladder, where tamoxifen decreased ERα and PR expression, further stimulating ERβ. In addition, tamoxifen-dosing decreased MetS-induced overexpression of inflammatory and tissue remodeling genes. In prostate, sex steroid receptors, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes were upregulated in MetS. However, tamoxifen did not affect them and even increased COX-2. In hBPH cells, 17β-estradiol increased IL-8 secretion, an effect blunted by co-treatment with GPER antagonist G15 but not by ER antagonist ICI 182,780, which further increased it. GPER agonist G1 dose-dependently (IC50 = 1.6 nM) induced IL-8 secretion. In vitro analysis demonstrated that GPER silencing reverted these stimulatory effects. CONCLUSIONS GPER can be considered the main mediator of estrogen action in prostate, whereas in bladder the mechanism appears to rely on ERα, as indicated by in vivo experiments with tamoxifen dosing. Limiting the effects of the MetS-induced estrogen action via GPER could offer new perspectives in the management of BPH/LUTS, whereas tamoxifen dosing showed potential benefits in bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Luciani P, Deledda C, Benvenuti S, Cellai I, Modi G, Fibbi B, Danza G, Vannelli GB, Peri A. Relationship between the neuroprotective effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 and 17β-oestradiol in human neuroblasts. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:1304-10. [PMID: 22621285 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02343.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and oestrogens interact with each other as neuroprotective factors. We have previously demonstrated that 17β-oestradiol protects against β-amyloid and oxidative stress toxicity and increases the amount of cell cholesterol in human foetal neuroblasts (FNC). The present study aimed: (i) to assess the protective effects of IGF-1 in FNC cells; (ii) to investigate the relationship between IGF-1 and 17β-oestradiol; and (iii) to determine whether cholesterol was a major mediator of the effects of IGF-1, similarly to 17β-oestradiol. We found that IGF-1 effectively exerts neuroprotective effects in FNC cells. We also demonstrated that the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) pathway is needed to maintain oestrogen-mediated neuroprotection. Finally, we found that, opposite to 17β-oestradiol, IGF-1 did not cause a significant increase in cell cholesterol. These findings indicate that a cross-talk between IGF-1 and 17β-oestradiol occurs in FNC cells. In particular, the activation of the IGF-1R cascade appears to be fundamental to warrant 17β-oestradiol-mediated neuroprotection, even though cell cholesterol does not play a major role as an effector of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Luciani
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies-DENOThe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Benvenuti S, Cellai I, Luciani P, Deledda C, Saccardi R, Mazzanti B, Dal Pozzo S, Serio M, Peri A. Androgens and estrogens prevent rosiglitazone-induced adipogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2012; 35:365-71. [PMID: 21597316 DOI: 10.3275/7739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Thiazolidinediones (TZD), a class of anti-diabetic drugs, determine bone loss and increase fractures particularly in post-menopausal women, thus suggesting a protective role of sex steroids. We have previously demonstrated that the TZD rosiglitazone (RGZ) negatively affects bone mass by inhibiting osteoblastogenesis, yet inducing adipogenesis, in bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). The aim of this study was to determine whether estrogens and androgens are able to revert the effects of RGZ on bone. hMSC express estrogen receptor α and β and the androgen receptor. We found that 17β-estradiol (10 nM), the phytoestrogen genistein (10 nM), testosterone (10 nM) and the non-aromatizable androgens dihydrotestosterone (10 nM) and methyltrienolone (10 nM) effectively counteracted the adipogenic effect of RGZ (1 μM) in hMSC induced to differentiate into adipocytes, as determined by evaluating the expression of the adipogenic marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and the percentage of fat cells. Furthermore, when hMSC were induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, all the above-mentioned molecules and also quercetin, another phytoestrogen, significantly reverted the inhibitory effect of RGZ on the expression of the osteogenic marker osteocalcin and decreased the number of fat cells observed after RGZ exposure. Our study represents, to our knowledge, the first demonstration in hMSC that androgens, independently of their aromatization, and estrogens are able to counteract the negative effects of RGZ on bone. Our data, yet preliminary, suggest the possibility to try to prevent the negative effects of TZD on bone, using steroid receptor modulators, such as plant-derived phytoestrogens, which lack evident adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Benvenuti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
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Peri A, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Deledda C, Cellai I. Membrane cholesterol as a mediator of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. Neuroscience 2011; 191:107-17. [PMID: 21396986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease associated with aging, is still an incurable condition. Although in vitro evidence strongly indicates that estrogens exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, the role of this class of hormones in the treatment of AD is still a debated issue. In 2000 a new gene, named seladin-1 (for SELective Alzheimer's Disease INdicator-1), was identified and found to be down regulated in vulnerable brain regions in AD. Seladin-1 was considered a novel neuroprotective factor, because of its anti-apoptotic activity. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that seladin-1 has also enzymatic activity [3-β-hydroxysterol delta-24-reductase, (DHCR24)], which catalyzes the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. The amount of membrane cholesterol may play an important role both in protecting neuronal cells against toxic insults and in inhibiting the production of β-amyloid. We demonstrated that seladin-1 overexpression increases the amount of membrane cholesterol and induces resistance against β-amyloid aggregates in neuroblastoma cells, whereas a specific inhibitor of DHCR24 increased cell vulnerability. We also hypothesized that seladin-1 might be a mediator of the neuroprotective effects of estrogens. We first demonstrated that, in human fetal neuroepithelial cells (FNC), 17β-estradiol, raloxifene, and tamoxifen exert protective effects against β-amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress. In addition, these molecules significantly increased the expression of seladin-1 and the amount of cell cholesterol. Then, we showed that, upon seladin-1 silencing, the protective effects of estrogens were abolished, thus indicating this factor as a fundamental mediator of estrogen-mediated neuroprotection, at least in FNC cells. Furthermore, we detected the presence of functionally active half-palindromic estrogen responsive elements upstream the coding region of the seladin-1 gene. Overall, our results indicate that seladin-1 may be viewed as a multi-faceted protein, which conjugates both the neuroprotective properties of estrogens and the important functions of cholesterol in maintaining brain homeostasis. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroactive Steroids: Focus on Human Brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Peri
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Endocrine Unit, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Cellai I, Petrangolini G, Tortoreto M, Pratesi G, Luciani P, Deledda C, Benvenuti S, Ricordati C, Gelmini S, Ceni E, Galli A, Balzi M, Faraoni P, Serio M, Peri A. In vivo effects of rosiglitazone in a human neuroblastoma xenograft. Br J Cancer 2010; 102:685-92. [PMID: 20068562 PMCID: PMC2837558 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extra-cranial solid tumour in infants. Unfortunately, most children present with advanced disease and have a poor prognosis. There is in vitro evidence that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) might be a target for pharmacological intervention in NB. We have previously demonstrated that the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone (RGZ) exerts strong anti-tumoural effects in the human NB cell line, SK-N-AS. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether RGZ maintains its anti-tumoural effects against SK-N-AS NB cells in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS For this purpose, tumour cells were subcutaneously implanted in nude mice, and RGZ (150 mg kg(-1)) was administered by gavage daily for 4 weeks. At the end of treatment, a significant tumour weight inhibition (70%) was observed in RGZ-treated mice compared with control mice. The inhibition of tumour growth was supported by a strong anti-angiogenic activity, as assessed by CD-31 immunostaining in tumour samples. The number of apoptotic cells, as determined by cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining, seemed lower in RGZ-treated animals at the end of the treatment period than in control mice, likely because of the large tumour size observed in the latter group. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that RGZ effectively inhibits tumour growth in a human NB xenograft and our results suggest that PPARgamma agonists may have a role in anti-tumoural strategies against NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cellai
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, University of Florence, Italy
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Giannini S, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Manuelli C, Cellai I, Deledda C, Pezzatini A, Vannelli GB, Maneschi E, Rotella CM, Serio M, Peri A. Intermittent high glucose concentrations reduce neuronal precursor survival by altering the IGF system: the involvement of the neuroprotective factor DHCR24 (Seladin-1). J Endocrinol 2008; 198:523-32. [PMID: 18612048 DOI: 10.1677/joe-07-0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of neurons to high glucose concentrations is considered a determinant of diabetic neuropathy, whereas members of the IGF system are neurotropic factors. Here, we investigated the effects of constant and intermittent high glucose concentrations on IGF1 and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in human neuroblast long-term cell cultures fetal neuroepithelial cells (FNC). These cells express the IGF1 receptor, and express and release in the culture medium IGFBP2, IGFBP4, and IGF1. The release of IGF1 was significantly increased by 17beta-estradiol (10 nM). IGF1 (100 nM) treatment determined a significant increase of IGFBP2 and a decrease of IGFBP4 release. In addition, IGF1 (1-100 nM) stimulated FNC cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. We hypothesized that this effect may be, at least partially, due to IGF1-induced up-regulation of the expression of the Alzheimer's disease related gene SELADIN-1 (now known as DHCR24 ), which acts as a pro-survival factor for neuronal cells. Conversely, the exposure to intermittent (20/10 mM), but not stable (20 mM), high glucose concentrations decreased the release of IGF1 and IGFBP2 in the culture medium and inhibited FNC growth by inducing apoptosis. The latter was prevented by the addition of IGF1 to the culture medium. Furthermore, high glucose concentrations reduced the expression of DHCR24. In conclusion, our results indicate for the first time that intermittent high glucose concentrations, similar to those observed in poorly controlled diabetic patients, may contribute to the development of diabetic neuropathy by interfering with the tropic effects exerted by the IGF system, and suggest the involvement of the neuroprotective factor DHCR24.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giannini
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Cellai I, Deledda C, Baglioni S, Saccardi R, Urbani S, Francini F, Squecco R, Giuliani C, Vannelli GB, Serio M, Pinchera A, Peri A. Thyroid hormones promote cell differentiation and up-regulate the expression of the seladin-1 gene in in vitro models of human neuronal precursors. J Endocrinol 2008; 197:437-46. [PMID: 18434374 DOI: 10.1677/joe-07-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) play an important role in the development of human brain, by regulating the expression of specific genes. Selective Alzheimer's disease indicator-1 (seladin-1) is a recently discovered gene with neuroprotective properties, which has been found to be down-regulated in brain regions affected by Alzheimer's disease. Seladin-1 has anti-apoptotic properties mainly due to the inhibition of the activation of caspase 3. The aim of this study was to determine whether seladin-1 may be regarded as a new mediator of the effects of TH in the developing brain. In order to demonstrate this hypothesis, the effects of TH both on cell differentiation and on the expression of seladin-1 were assessed in two different cell models, i.e. fetal human neuroepithelial cells (FNC) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), which can be differentiated into neurons. 3,3',5-Triiodothyronine (T3) determined different biological responses (inhibition of cell adhesion, induction of migration, and increase in the expression of the neuronal marker neurofilament-M and Na+ and Ca2+ channel functionality) in both FNC and hMSC, which express TH receptors. Then, we showed that TH significantly increase the expression levels of seladin-1, and that T3 effectively prevents camptothecin-induced apoptosis. However, in hMSC-derived neurons the expression of seladin-1 was not affected by TH. Our results demonstrated for the first time that seladin-1 is a novel TH-regulated gene in neuronal precursors. In view of its anti-apoptotic activity, it might be hypothesized that one of the functions of the increased seladin-1 levels in the developing brain may be to protect neuronal precursor cells from death.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Benvenuti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development of Novel Therapies', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Benvenuti S, Cellai I, Luciani P, Deledda C, Baglioni S, Giuliani C, Saccardi R, Mazzanti B, Dal Pozzo S, Mannucci E, Peri A, Serio M. Rosiglitazone stimulates adipogenesis and decreases osteoblastogenesis in human mesenchymal stem cells. J Endocrinol Invest 2007; 30:RC26-30. [PMID: 17993761 DOI: 10.1007/bf03350807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are widely prescribed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Increased loss of bone mass and a higher incidence of fractures have been associated with the use of this class of drugs in post-menopausal women. In vitro studies performed in rodent cell models indicated that rosiglitazone (RGZ), one of the TZD, inhibited osteoblastogenesis and induced adipogenesis in bone marrow progenitor cells. The objective of the present study was to determine for the first time the RGZ-dependent shift from osteoblastogenesis toward adipogenesis using a human cell model. To this purpose, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were characterized and induced to differentiate along osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. We found that the exposure to RGZ potentiated adipogenic differentiation and shifted the differentiation toward an osteogenic phenotype into an adipogenic phenotype, as assessed by the appearance of lipid droplets. Accordingly, RGZ markedly increased the expression of the typical marker of adipogenesis fatty-acid binding protein 4, whereas it reduced the expression of Runx2, a marker of osteoblastogenesis. This is the first demonstration that RGZ counteracts osteoblastogenesis and induces a preferential differentiation into adipocytes in human mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Benvenuti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative, and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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27
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Cellai I, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Galli A, Ceni E, Simi L, Baglioni S, Muratori M, Ottanelli B, Serio M, Thiele CJ, Peri A. Antineoplastic effects of rosiglitazone and PPARgamma transactivation in neuroblastoma cells. Br J Cancer 2006; 95:879-88. [PMID: 16969347 PMCID: PMC2360542 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumour in infants. Unfortunately, most children present with advanced disease and have a poor prognosis. In the present study, we evaluated the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone (RGZ) in two NB cell lines (SK-N-AS and SH-SY5Y), which express PPARγ. Rosiglitazone decreased cell proliferation and viability to a greater extent in SK-N-AS than in SH-SY5Y. Furthermore, 20 μM RGZ significantly inhibited cell adhesion, invasiveness and apoptosis in SK-N-AS, but not in SH-SY5Y. Because of the different response of SK-N-AS and SH-SY5Y cells to RGZ, the function of PPARγ as a transcriptional activator was assessed. Noticeably, transient transcription experiments with a PPARγ responsive element showed that RGZ induced a three-fold increase of the reporter activity in SK-N-AS, whereas no effect was observed in SH-SY5Y. The different PPARγ activity may be likely due to the markedly lower amount of phopshorylated (i.e. inactive) protein observed in SK-N-AS. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that the differential response of NB cells to RGZ may be related to differences in PPARγ transactivation. This finding indicates that PPARγ activity may be useful to select those patients, for whom PPARγ agonists may have a beneficial therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cellai
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Benvenuti
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - P Luciani
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Ceni
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Simi
- Clinical Biochemistry Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Baglioni
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Muratori
- Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B Ottanelli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Serio
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C J Thiele
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - A Peri
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Center for Research, Transfer and High Education on Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders (DENOThe), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy. E-mail:
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