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Wagner IV, Savchuk I, Sahlin L, Kulle A, Klöting N, Dietrich A, Holterhus PM, Dötsch J, Blüher M, Söder O. De Novo and Depot-Specific Androgen Production in Human Adipose Tissue: A Source of Hyperandrogenism in Women with Obesity. Obes Facts 2022; 15:281-291. [PMID: 34983051 PMCID: PMC9021649 DOI: 10.1159/000521571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity in women is often associated with hyperandrogenism, but the role of adipose tissue (AT) in androgen synthesis remains unclear. Therefore, we studied whether AT could be a source of androgens promoting hyperandrogenism. METHODS Subcutaneous and visceral (visc) AT was collected from lean and obese women. Androgen levels were evaluated in serum, AT, and cell-culture supernatant. Gene and protein expression of steroidogenic enzymes were determined. RESULTS Obese subjects had elevated serum androgen levels, which reduced after weight loss. Androgens were measurable in AT and in cell-culture supernatants of adipocytes. Steroids were higher in AT from obese women, with the highest difference for testosterone in visc AT (+7.9-fold, p = 0.032). Steroidogenic enzymes were expressed in human AT with depot-specific differences. Obese women showed a significantly higher expression of genes of the backdoor pathway and of CYP19 in visc AT. CONCLUSION The whole steroidogenic machinery of the classical and backdoor pathways of steroidogenesis, and the capacity for androgen biosynthesis, were found in both AT depots and cultured adipocytes. Therefore, we hypothesize that AT is a de novo site of androgen production and the backdoor pathway of steroidogenesis might be a new pathomechanism for hyperandrogenism in women with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Viola Wagner
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, UKSH, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- *Isabel Viola Wagner,
| | - Iuliia Savchuk
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena Sahlin
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Kulle
- Hormone Center for Pediatric Endocrinology Lab, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nora Klöting
- Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arne Dietrich
- Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Hormone Center for Pediatric Endocrinology Lab, University Hospital Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Olle Söder
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wagner IV, Klöting N, Savchuk I, Eifler L, Kulle A, Kralisch-Jäcklein S, Dötsch J, Hiort O, Svechnikov K, Söder O. Diabetes Type 1 Negatively Influences Leydig Cell Function in Rats, Which is Partially Reversible By Insulin Treatment. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6122542. [PMID: 33507237 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with impaired spermatogenesis and lower testosterone levels and epididymal weight. However, the underlying processes in the testis are unknown and remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study focused on the effects of T1DM on testicular function in a spontaneously diabetic rat model. BB/OKL rats after diabetes manifestation were divided into 3 groups: those without insulin treatment and insulin treatment for a duration of 2 and of 6 weeks. Anthropometrical data, circulating levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone, and inhibin B were measured. Intratesticular testosterone, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were analyzed. Key enzymes of steroidogenesis were evaluated in the testis. Untreated diabetic rats had significantly lower serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Serum and intratesticular testosterone levels significantly decreased in untreated diabetic rats compared to healthy controls. Key markers of Leydig cell function were significantly downregulated at the RNA level: insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) by 53% (P = .006), Star by 51% (P = .004), Cyp11A1 by 80% (P = .003), 3Beta-Hsd2 by 61% (P = .005), and Pbr by 52% (P = .002). In the insulin-treated group, only Cyp11A1 and 3Beta-Hsd2 transcripts were significantly lower. Interestingly, the long-term insulin-treated group showed significant upregulation of most steroidogenic enzymes without affecting testosterone levels. Tumor necrosis factor α and apoptosis were significantly increased in the long-term insulin-treated rats. In conclusion T1DM, with a severe lack of insulin, has an adverse action on Leydig cell function. This is partially reversible with well-compensated blood glucose control. Long-term T1DM adversely affects Leydig cell function because of the process of inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Viola Wagner
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Nora Klöting
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Iuliia Savchuk
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Eifler
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Alexandra Kulle
- University Hospital Kiel, Hormone Center for Pediatric Endocrinology Laboratory, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susan Kralisch-Jäcklein
- Medical Department III-Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jörg Dötsch
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Konstantin Svechnikov
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Söder
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Savchuk I, Skydan O, Stepanenko V, Kryvyi M, Kovalоva S. Safety of livestock products of bulls on various diets during fattening in the conditions of radioactive contamination. Regul Mech Biosyst 2021. [DOI: 10.15421/022113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of high-quality and safe food products in the conditions of technogenic environmental pollution is a problem worldwide, especially in Ukraine. As a result of the disaster at the Chornobyl Atomic Power Plant, radioactive substances, including caesium-137, contaminated the soil not only in Ukraine, but in many other countries. Zhytomyr Oblast is the fifth largest oblast in Ukraine and one of the regions that were the most damaged by the accident. Furthermore, this territory is contaminated by the most toxic heavy metals – lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) that actively migrate in the biological system: soil→ plant → animal → production → human, intensely accumulating in the products of plant and animal origin. The complex ecological situation and broad spectrum of biological and toxic actions of 137Cs, Pb, Cd require a number of measures that would prevent transformation of radioactive elements and heavy metals in the organism of animals, increase animals` productivity and safety of the food products made in the conditions of the Ukrainian Polisia. Therefore, we aimed at substantiating the practicability of using silage-concentrate, silage-concentrate-root vegetable and silage-concentrate-hay types of diet for young cattle during fattening and determining the impact of accumulation of 137Сs, Pb and Cd in livestock products. To perform the studies, we formed three groups of young bulls of Ukrainian Black Pied cattle using the method of analogues with creating comfortable maintenance condition and organization of in-detail planned feeding. The diet was composed of fodders prepared in the conditions of radioactive contamination. The laboratory surveys indicated that the main sources of 137Cs ingress in the organism of the animals were roughages and various types of silages, and the sources of heavy metals Pb and Cd were hay of red clover and concentrated fodders. In the experimental studies, we determined absolute and average daily weight gains, expenditures of metabolic energy per 1 kg of weight increment, specific activity of 137Сs and concentrations of the heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in the biological system “fodder-animal-production” during feeding of bulls with various-type diets in the conditions of the III zone of radioactive pollution. It was confirmed that substituting maize silage and carbohydrate fodders increased the average daily gains in the live weight by 2.3–4.6%, decreased specific activity of 137Cs by 8.7–20.1%, the content of Pb by 36.2%, Cd by 34.1–66.7% in the longissimus at silage-concentrate-root vegetable and silage-concentrate-hay types of diet for bulls. Thus, use of silage-concentrate-root vegetable and silage-concentrate-hay types of diets compared with silage-concentrate feeding had a positive effect on their productivity and safety of the food production.
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Kurek M, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Steroidogenic potential of human fetal kidney at early gestational age. Steroids 2019; 149:108417. [PMID: 31150682 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic potential of the human fetal kidney (hFK) at the end of first trimester is poorly investigated. Little is known about the ontogeny of steroidogenic enzymes and activities of steroidogenic pathways in the hFK at early pregnancy. Our aim was to explore steroidogenesis and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the hFK at gestational weeks (GW) 9-12. Steroids in the hFK were analyzed by gas chromatography/coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the hFK at GW 9-12 was investigated by qPCR, automated Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We observed that the hFK produced substantial amount of steroids of the Δ5 and Δ4 pathways and several steroid precursors in the biosynthesis of DHT via the backdoor pathway but not DHT itself. The levels of steroids and expression of relevant steroidogenic enzymes (e.g., CYP17A1, HSD3B1, HSD3B2, CYP11B1 and AKR1C4) we significantly higher in the hFK at GW11-12 compared to GW9. We also found the expression of sex steroid receptors (e.g., AR, ERα and ERβ) in the hFK at GW9-12. No sex-dependent differences in the levels of all identified steroids and expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the hFK from male and female fetuses were found. Altogether, our data indicate that the hFK at early pregnancy is steroidogenic organ with potential to synthesize multiple steroids that may play an important role in the formation and development of this organ in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - M Kurek
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, NORDFERTIL research lab, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Kurek M, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Ontogenesis of human fetal testicular steroidogenesis at early gestational age. Steroids 2019; 141:96-103. [PMID: 30529237 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The onset of steroidogenesis in human fetal testes (HFT) during the first trimester is poorly investigated. One important unresolved question is the ontogeny of steroidogenic enzymes and formation of steroidogenic pathways in the HFT at early pregnancy. Our aim was to explore steroidogenesis, the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and their maturation in the HFT at gestational weeks (GW) 8-12. Steroids in the HFT were analyzed by gas chromatography/coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the HFT at GW8-12 was investigated by qPCR, automated Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that the HFT at GW8-9 produced low level of testosterone via the Δ4 pathway and progesterone was the major steroid found in the testicular tissue. In contrast, more mature Leydig cells from the HFT at GW11-12 synthesized high levels of androgens via the Δ5 pathway. We also observed a significant upregulation of the expression of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and its accessory proteins, P450 oxidoreductase (POR) and cytochrome b5 in the HFT at GW11-12 compared to GW8-9. Altogether, our data suggest that that human fetal Leydig cells differentiate rapidly at the end of the first trimester by acquiring capacity to express high levels of steroidogenic enzymes and switch from the Δ4 to the Δ5 pathways to synthesize high levels of androgens due to maturation of the CYP17-POR-b5 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - M Kurek
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, NORDFERTIL Research Lab, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. The human genital tubercle is steroidogenic organ at early pregnancy. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 477:148-155. [PMID: 29928928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that androgens produced by fetal Leydig cells (FLC) control proper masculinization of the male external genitalia. Here, we hypothesized that the human genital tubercle (GT) has potential to synthesize androgens independently of FLC at early pregnancy. We observed that human GT of both genders have capacity to synthesize steroids of the Δ4, Δ5 and alternative pathway of DHT synthesis including the androgen itself. The presence of steroids in the GT was associated with the expression of corresponding steroidogenic enzymes. Levels of steroids and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes were similar in the GT from male and female fetuses. In contrast to the GT, the human fetal testis synthesized DHT from testosterone but not via the alternative pathway. Our findings strongly suggest that the human GT at early pregnancy can synthesize DHT via the alternative pathway, which may play an important role in organogenesis of the urethra.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - K Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Divivision of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- LUNAM Université, École nationale vétérinaire, agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA), UMR INRA, 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet & University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wagner IV, Sahlin L, Savchuk I, Klöting N, Svechnikov K, Söder O. Adipose Tissue is a Potential Source of Hyperandrogenism in Obese Female Rats. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2018; 26:1161-1167. [PMID: 29901265 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity in females is often associated with metabolic complications and hyperandrogenism, but the sources of androgens are not completely understood. Therefore, this study investigated whether adipose tissue could be a source of androgens promoting hyperandrogenism development in obese female rats. METHODS Gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and testosterone levels were determined in periovarian and inguinal adipose tissue and in the supernatant of cultured preadipocytes and adipocytes. The conversion of pregnenolone to androgens was analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS Substantial amounts of testosterone in adipose tissue (25-153 ng/g tissue) and in the supernatant of adipocytes (0.33-0.69 ng/ten thousand cells]) were found. StAR and steroidogenic enzymes encoded by genes including Cyp11A1, Cyp17A1, Cyp19, Hsd3b2, Hsd17b3, and Srd5a2 were expressed in adipose tissue and cultured cells. Thin layer chromatography data revealed that preadipocytes and adipocytes were able to convert pregnenolone to testosterone. Higher levels for all steroidogenic enzymes were found in both depots of obese animals compared with lean animals, with significantly higher levels in inguinal tissue. CONCLUSIONS The whole steroidogenic machinery and capacity for testosterone biosynthesis were found in fat depots of female rats. These findings support the hypothesis that adipose tissue may contribute substantially to the hyperandrogenism in female obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Viola Wagner
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lena Sahlin
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Nordfertil Research Lab Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iuliia Savchuk
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nora Klöting
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Konstantin Svechnikov
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Söder
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Svechnikov K, Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Le Bizec B, Söder O. Phthalates Exert Multiple Effects on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis. Horm Res Paediatr 2018; 86:253-263. [PMID: 26559938 DOI: 10.1159/000440619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans are significantly exposed to phthalates via food packaging, cosmetics and medical devices such as tubings and catheters. Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are suggested to be among the main targets of phthalate toxicity in the body. However, their sensitivity to phthalates is species-dependent. This paper describes the response of the LCs from different species (mouse, rat and human) to phthalate exposure in different experimental paradigms (in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro), with particular focus on mechanisms of phthalate action on LC steroidogenesis. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of phthalate diesters and phthalate monoesters on LCs in different stages of their development is presented and possible mechanisms of phthalates action are discussed. Finally novel, not yet fully elucidated sites of action of phthalate monoesters on the backdoor pathway of 5α-dihydrotestosterone biosynthesis in immature mouse LCs and their effects on steroidogenesis and redox state in adult mouse LCs are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Q2:08, Stockholm, Sweden
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Androgenic potential of human fetal adrenals at the end of the first trimester. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:348-359. [PMID: 28592511 PMCID: PMC5516548 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The onset of steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenal glands (HFA) during the first trimester is poorly investigated. An unresolved question is the capacity of the HFA to produce potent androgen DHT via conventional and/or the backdoor pathway(s) at the end of first trimester, when androgen-responsive organs are developed. Our aim was to explore steroidogenesis and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in HFA at gestational weeks (GW) 9-12 with focus on their androgenic potential. Steroids in the HFA were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in the HFA at GW9-12 was investigated by qPCR, automated Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that during GW9-12 HFA produced steroids of the ∆5, ∆4 and the backdoor pathways of the biosynthesis of DHT, though the latter was limited to production of 17α-OH-dihydroprogesterone, androsterone and androstanedione without further conversion to DHT. The only androgens identified in the HFA were testosterone and androsterone, a precursor in the biosynthesis of DHT. We also observed higher levels of CYP17A1 but low expression of 3βHSD2 at GW11-12 in the HFA. Elevated levels of CYP17A1 were associated with an increased expression of SF-1 and GATA-6. Altogether, our data demonstrate that of those steroids analyzed, the only potent androgen directly produced by the HFA at GW9-12 was testosterone. The onset of steroidogenesis in the HFA is a complex process that is regulated by the coordinated action of related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - K Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKarolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pampanini V, Germani D, Puglianiello A, Stukenborg JB, Reda A, Savchuk I, Kjartansdóttir KR, Cianfarani S, Söder O. Impact of uteroplacental insufficiency on postnatal rat male gonad. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:247-257. [PMID: 27885054 PMCID: PMC5184772 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal events such as intrauterine growth restriction can affect gonadal development of the offspring and have an impact on reproductive health. To investigate the effects of intrauterine growth restriction induced by uterine artery ligation on the postnatal rat testis. Pregnant rats underwent uterine artery ligation at day 19 of gestation. Offspring were killed at 5, 20 and 40 days post-partum (dpp). At killing, one gonad was snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and processed for RNA and steroid extraction. The other gonad was formalin-fixed for histology. Gene expression was analyzed by TaqMan Low-Density Array. Intratesticular testosterone, estradiol and serum gonadotrophins were measured. Thirty genes were dysregulated in intrauterine growth-restricted rats compared to controls, among which markers of Sertoli cell and Leydig cell function, cell metabolism and growth factors. Testis weights were significantly reduced at 5 and 20 dpp in intrauterine growth-restricted rats and caught-up by 40 dpp Accordingly, Sertoli cell number was significantly lower in 5 dpp intrauterine growth-restricted rats. At 20 dpp, intratesticular testosterone was significantly increased in intrauterine growth-restricted rats, whereas serum gonadotrophins were unchanged. IUGR altered the gene expression in the rat testes up to peripubertal age and reduced testis size and Sertoli cell number in neonatal age. Multiple mechanisms encompassing genetic changes and steroid production by the testis may be involved in the catch-up growth phase that restored testis size by 40 dpp Permanent consequences on organ function and gamete integrity cannot be excluded and deserve further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pampanini
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniela Germani
- Department of Systems MedicineTor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Reda
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Iuliia Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristín Rós Kjartansdóttir
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefano Cianfarani
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero 'Bambino Gesù' Children's Hospital - Tor Vergata UniversityRome, Italy
| | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wagner IV, Klöting N, Atanassova N, Savchuk I, Spröte C, Kiess W, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Prepubertal onset of obesity negatively impacts on testicular steroidogenesis in rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 437:154-162. [PMID: 27544779 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a global health problem and impacts negatively on levels of testosterone and quality of sperm production. At present little is known about mechanisms that attenuate testicular function in obese males. Our study characterized testicular steroidogenesis and explored levels of relevant paracrine and hormonal factors in rats with short- and long-term obesity. We have found that obesity state increased serum levels of estradiol and leptin in both groups of obese rats and inhibited the expression of StAR and Cyp11a1 associated with low levels of intratesticular testosterone in rats with long-term obesity. Further, long-term obesity reduced the number of Leydig cells, increased the testicular levels of the proinflammatory adipocytokine TNFα and the number of testicular macrophages. All together, our data indicate that long-term obesity may cause chronic inflammation in the testis and negatively impacts on Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Wagner
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17171 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, University Hospital for Children & Adolescents, Department of Women's and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - N Klöting
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - N Atanassova
- Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Sofia 1113, Bulgaria
| | - I Savchuk
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17171 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Spröte
- Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB Adiposity Diseases), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - W Kiess
- Center for Pediatric Research Leipzig, University Hospital for Children & Adolescents, Department of Women's and Child Health, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - O Söder
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17171 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Women and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, 17171 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Søeborg T, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Resveratrol inhibits steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenocortical cells at the end of first trimester. Mol Nutr Food Res 2016; 61. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Marie-Line Morvan
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | - Tue Søeborg
- Department of Growth and Reproduction; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Novo Nordisk A/S Måløv Denmark
| | - Jean-Philippe Antignac
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | | | - Bruno Le Bizec
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Konstantin Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
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Savchuk I, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate stimulates androgen production but suppresses mitochondrial function in mouse leydig cells with different steroidogenic potential. Toxicol Sci 2015; 145:149-56. [PMID: 25677926 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported on testicular toxicity of phthalates in different experimental paradigms and showed that Leydig cells (LCs) were one of the main targets of phthalate actions. Adverse effects of phthalates on LCs steroidogenesis have been attributed to their metabolites, monophthalates. This study focuses on investigation whether LCs responsiveness to monophthalates action is associated with their potential to produce androgens. We found that of 3 monophthalates investigated [ie, mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), mono-n-butyl phthalate, and mono-n-benzyl phthalate] only MEHP caused biological effects on the mouse LCs function. This monophthalate stimulated basal steroidogenesis associated with upregulation of StAR protein expression with no effect on hCG-stimulated androgen production by LCs from CBA/Lac and C57BL/6j mouse genotypes were observed. Further, MEHP attenuated ATP production and increased superoxide generation by both phenotypes of mouse LCs that indicated on mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the monophthalate. All together, our data indicate that MEHP-mediated stimulation of steroidogenesis and perturbation in mitochondrial function are not associated with the capacity of the LCs to synthesize androgens. We suggest that this effect of MEHP observed in LCs of rodent origin needs to be taken into consideration in analysis of earlier start of puberty in boys and may highlight a possible influence of phthalates on reproductive health in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Savchuk
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit Q2:08, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olle Söder
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit Q2:08, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Konstantin Svechnikov
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit Q2:08, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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