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Lazzaretti C, Roy N, Paradiso E, Capponi C, Ferrari T, Reggianini F, Sperduti S, Perri C, Baschieri L, Mascolo E, Varani M, Canu G, Trenti T, Nicoli A, Morini D, Iannotti F, Villani MT, Vicini E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Benzo[a]pyrene disrupts LH/hCG-dependent mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis through receptor/Gαs protein targeting. Sci Rep 2024; 14:844. [PMID: 38191651 PMCID: PMC10774265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51516-7] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenesis of gonadal cells is tightly regulated by gonadotropins. However, certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), induce reproductive toxicity. Several existing studies have considered higher than environmentally relevant concentrations of BaP on male and female steroidogenesis following long-term exposure. Also, the impact of short-term exposure to BaP on gonadotropin-stimulated cells is understudied. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of 1 nM and 1 µM BaP on luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LH/hCG)-mediated signalling in two steroidogenic cell models, i.e. the mouse tumor Leydig cell line mLTC1, and the human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC) post 8- and 24-h exposure. Cell signalling studies were performed by homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay, bioluminescence energy transfer (BRET) and Western blotting, while immunostainings and immunoassays were used for intracellular protein expression and steroidogenesis analyses, respectively. BaP decreased cAMP production in gonadotropin-stimulated mLTC1 interfering with Gαs activation. Therefore, decrease in gonadotropin-mediated CREB phosphorylation in mLTC1 treated with 1 μM BaP was observed, while StAR protein levels in gonadotropin-stimulated mLTC1 cells were unaffected by BaP. Further, BaP decreased LH- and hCG-mediated progesterone production in mLTC1. Contrastingly, BaP failed to mediate any change in cAMP, genes and proteins of steroidogenic machinery and steroidogenesis of gonadotropin-treated hGLC. Our results indicate that short-term exposure to BaP significantly impairs steroidogenic signalling in mLTC1 interfering with Gαs. These findings could have a significant impact on our understanding of the mechanism of reproductive toxicity by endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy.
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Tommaso Ferrari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Reggianini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Perri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Lara Baschieri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41126, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Iannotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedic, Section of Histology, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Baggiovara Hospital, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Giardini 1355, 41126, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
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Brigante G, Santi D, Boselli G, Margiotta G, Corleto R, Monzani ML, Craparo A, Locaso M, Sperduti S, Roy N, Casarini L, Trenti T, Tagliavini S, De Santis MC, Roli L, Rochira V, Simoni M. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial on levothyroxine and liothyronine combination therapy in totally thyroidectomized subjects: the LEVOLIO study. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 190:12-22. [PMID: 38124252 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad172] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite having normal thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, many hypothyroid patients are dissatisfied with the treatment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of twice-daily, combination therapy with levothyroxine (LT4) and liothyronine (LT3), at doses adapted according to TSH-level, on peripheral tissues as reflected by sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in totally thyroidectomized patients. Changes in other tissue markers and quality of life considering DIO2-rs225014 and MCT10-rs17606253 genetic variants were also assessed. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled. METHODS One hundred and forty-one subjects were randomized to LT4 + LT3 group (LT4 + LT3 in the morning and LT3 in the evening; n = 70) or placebo group (LT4 in the morning and placebo in the evening; n = 71). Pituitary-thyroid axis compensation was assessed after 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Clinical parameters, quality of life, and tissue markers (sex hormone binding globulin, serum lipids, bone markers) were evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks. DIO2 and MCT10 single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped. RESULTS The LT4 + LT3 group was treated with mean daily LT3 doses of 5.00 µg, with a mean daily LT4 reduction of 15 µg. After 6 months of treatment, neither SHBG and other tissue markers nor quality of life differed significantly between groups. Combination treatment required greater dose adjustments than placebo (25% vs 54%, P < .001), due to thyroid-stimulating hormone reduction, without hyperthyroidism signs or symptoms. At the end of treatment, the LT4 + placebo group had significantly lower fT3/fT4 compared to the LT4 + LT3 group (0.26 ± 0.05 vs 0.32 ± 0.08, P < .001). No preference for combination therapy was found. Genetic variants did not influence any outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Six months of combination therapy with twice-daily LT3 dose adapted according to TSH-level do not significantly change peripheral tissue response or quality of life, despite an increase in the fT3/fT4 ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Gisella Boselli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Margiotta
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Rossella Corleto
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Monzani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea Craparo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Michela Locaso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina De Santis
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, Sperduti S, Melli B, Trenti T, Tagliavini S, Roli L, D'Achille F, Beltrán-Frutos E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Protein kinase B (Akt) blockade inhibits LH/hCG-mediated 17,20-lyase, but not 17α-hydroxylase activity of Cyp17a1 in mouse Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Cell Signal 2023; 111:110872. [PMID: 37640196 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are produced by adrenal and gonadal cells thanks to the action of specific enzymes. We investigated the role of protein kinase B (Akt) in the modulation of Δ4 steroidogenic enzymes' activity, in the mouse Leydig tumor cell line mLTC1. Cells were treated for 0-24 h with the 3 × 50% effective concentration of human luteinizing hormone (LH) and choriogonadotropin (hCG), in the presence and in the absence of the specific Akt inhibitor 3CAI. Cell signaling analysis was performed by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and Western blotting, while the expression of key target genes was investigated by real-time PCR. The synthesis of progesterone, 17α-hydroxy (OH)-progesterone and testosterone was measured by immunoassay. Control experiments for cell viability and caspase 3 activation were performed as well. We found that both hormones activated cAMP and downstream effectors, such as extracellularly-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (Creb), as well as Akt, and the transcription of Stard1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3 genes, boosting the Δ4 steroidogenic pathway. Interestingly, Akt blockade decreased selectively Cyp17a1 expression levels, inhibiting its 17,20-lyase, but not the 17-hydroxylase activity. This effect is consistent with lower Cyp17a1 affinity to 17α-OH-progesterone than progesterone. As a result, cell treatment with 3CAI resulted in 17α-OH-progesterone accumulation at 16-24 h and decreased testosterone levels after 24 h. In conclusion, in the mouse Leydig cell line mLTC1, we found substantial Akt dependence of the 17,20-lyase activity and testosterone synthesis. Our results indicate that different intracellular pathways modulate selectively the dual activity of Cyp17a1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Melli
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio D'Achille
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Ester Beltrán-Frutos
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Medical School, IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Roy N, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Capponi C, Ferrari T, Reggianini F, Sperduti S, Baschieri L, Mascolo E, Perri C, Varani M, Canu G, Trenti T, Nicoli A, Morini D, Iannotti F, Villani MT, Vicini E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Short-Term Exposure to Bisphenol A Does Not Impact Gonadal Cell Steroidogenesis In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:1537. [PMID: 37296657 PMCID: PMC10252311 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous, synthetic chemical proven to induce reproductive disorders in both men and women. The available studies investigated the effects of BPA on male and female steroidogenesis following long-term exposure to the compound at relatively high environmental concentrations. However, the impact of short-term exposure to BPA on reproduction is poorly studied. We evaluated if 8 and 24 h exposure to 1 nM and 1 µM BPA perturbs luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin (LH/hCG)-mediated signalling in two steroidogenic cell models, i.e., the mouse tumour Leydig cell line mLTC1, and human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC). Cell signalling studies were performed using a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay and Western blotting, while gene expression analysis was carried out using real-time PCR. Immunostainings and an immunoassay were used for intracellular protein expression and steroidogenesis analyses, respectively. The presence of BPA leads to no significant changes in gonadotropin-induced cAMP accumulation, alongside phosphorylation of downstream molecules, such as ERK1/2, CREB and p38 MAPK, in both the cell models. BPA did not impact STARD1, CYP11A1 and CYP19A1 gene expression in hGLC, nor Stard1 and Cyp17a1 expression in mLTC1 treated with LH/hCG. Additionally, the StAR protein expression was unchanged upon exposure to BPA. Progesterone and oestradiol levels in the culture medium, measured by hGLC, as well as the testosterone and progesterone levels in the culture medium, measured by mLTC1, did not change in the presence of BPA combined with LH/hCG. These data suggest that short-term exposure to environmental concentrations of BPA does not compromise the LH/hCG-induced steroidogenic potential of either human granulosa or mouse Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Capponi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.)
| | - Tommaso Ferrari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Francesca Reggianini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Lara Baschieri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Carmela Perri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Canu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Iannotti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Elena Vicini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.)
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy; (N.R.); (S.S.)
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42121 Modena, Italy
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5
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Sperduti S, Paradiso E, Anzivino C, Lazzaretti C, Limoncella S, D'Alessandro S, Roy N, Reggianini F, Ferrari T, Melli B, La Sala GB, Nicoli A, Daolio J, Villani MT, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Potì F, Sandhowe R, Centonze C, Lispi M, Simoni M, Casarini L. LH increases the response to FSH in granulosa-lutein cells from sub/poor-responder patients in vitro. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:103-112. [PMID: 36367827 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does LH addition to FSH in vitro recover the human primary granulosa lutein cell (hGLC) sub/poor-response? SUMMARY ANSWER A picomolar concentration of LH may recover the FSH-induced cAMP and progesterone production of hGLC from sub/poor-responder women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Clinical studies suggested that FSH and LH co-treatment may be beneficial for the ovarian response of sub/poor-responders undergoing ovarian stimulation during ART. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION hGLC samples from 286 anonymous women undergoing oocyte retrieval for ART were collected from October 2017 to February 2021. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS hGLCs from women undergoing ovarian stimulation during ART were blindly purified, cultured, genotyped and treated in vitro by increasing concentrations of FSH (nM) ±0.5 nM LH. cAMP and progesterone levels produced after 3 and 24 h, respectively, were measured. In vitro data were stratified a posteriori, according to the donors' ovarian response, into normo-, sub- and poor-responder groups and statistically compared. The effects of LH addition to FSH were compared with those obtained by FSH alone in all the groups as well. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE hGLCs from normo-responders were shown to have higher sensitivity to FSH treatment than sub-/poor-responders in vitro. Equimolar FSH concentrations induced higher cAMP (about 2.5- to 4.2-fold), and progesterone plateau levels (1.2- to 2.1-fold), in cells from normo-responder women than those from sub-/poor-responders (ANOVA; P < 0.05). The addition of LH to the cell treatment significantly increased overall FSH efficacy, indicated by cAMP and progesterone levels, within all groups (P > 0.05). Interestingly, these in vitro endpoints, collected from the normo-responder group treated with FSH alone, were similar to those obtained in the sub-/poor-responder group under FSH + LH treatment. No different allele frequencies and FSH receptor (FSHR) gene expression levels between groups were found, excluding genetics of gonadotropin and their receptors as a factor linked to the normo-, sub- and poor-response. In conclusion, FSH elicits phenotype-specific ovarian lutein cell response. Most importantly, LH addition may fill the gap between cAMP and steroid production patterns between normo- and sub/poor-responders. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although the number of experimental replicates is overall high for an in vitro study, clinical trials are required to demonstrate if the endpoints evaluated herein reflect parameters of successful ART. hGLC retrieved after ovarian stimulation may not fully reproduce the response to hormones of granulosa cells from the antral follicular stage. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This in vitro assay may describe the individual response to personalize ART stimulation protocol, according to the normo-, sub- and poor-responder status. Moreover, this in vitro study supports the need to conduct optimally designed, randomized clinical trials exploring the personalized use of LH in assisted reproduction. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by Merck KGaA. M.L. and C.C. are employees of Merck KGaA or of the affiliate Merck Serono SpA. Other authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudia Anzivino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara D'Alessandro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Neena Roy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Reggianini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ferrari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Melli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista La Sala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Jessica Daolio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL/Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Reinhild Sandhowe
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Chiara Centonze
- Medical Affair, Merck Serono SpA (Rome, Italy), An Affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Monica Lispi
- International Ph.D. School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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6
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Alessandro SD, Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, Sperduti S, Perri C, Antoniani F, Righi S, Simoni M, Brigante G, Casarini L. Intracellular cGMP increase is not involved in thyroid cancer cell death. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283888. [PMID: 36996255 PMCID: PMC10062617 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors (PDE5i) lead to intracellular cyclic-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) increase and are used for clinical treatment of erectile dysfunction. Studies found that cGMP may up/downregulate the growth of certain endocrine tumor cells, suggesting that PDE5i could impact cancer risk. AIM We evaluated if PDE5i may modulate thyroid cancer cell growth in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used malignant (K1) and benign (Nthy-ori 3-1) thyroid cell lines, as well as the COS7 cells as a reference model. Cells were treated 0-24 h with the PDE5i vardenafil or the cGMP analog 8-br-cGMP (nM-μM range). cGMP levels and caspase 3 cleavage were evaluated by BRET, in cGMP or caspase 3 biosensor-expressing cells. Phosphorylation of the proliferation-associated extracellularly-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) was evaluated by Western blotting, while nuclear fragmentation by DAPI staining. Cell viability was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS Both vardenafil and 8-br-cGMP effectively induced dose-dependent cGMP BRET signals (p≤0.05) in all the cell lines. However, no differences in caspase 3 activation occurred comparing PDE5i-treated vs untreated cells, at all concentrations and time-points tested (p>0.05). These results match those obtained upon cell treatment with 8-br-cGMP, which failed in inducing caspase 3 cleavage in all the cell lines (p>0.05). Moreover, they reflect the lack of nuclear fragmentation. Interestingly, the modulation of intracellular cGMP levels with vardenafil or the analog did not impact cell viability of both malignant and benign thyroid tumor cell lines, nor the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that increased cGMP levels are not linked to cell viability or death in K1 and Nthy-ori 3-1 cell lines, suggesting that PDE5i do not impact the growth of thyroid cancer cells. Since different results were previously published, further investigations are recommended to clarify the impact of PDE5i on thyroid cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara D' Alessandro
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Perri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Antoniani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara Righi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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7
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Brigante G, Craparo A, Pignatti E, Marino M, Monzani ML, De Vincentis S, Casarini L, Sperduti S, Boselli G, Margiotta G, Ippolito M, Rochira V, Simoni M. Real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration: consequences on clinical decision-making. Endocrine 2021; 73:625-632. [PMID: 33759074 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02693-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the real-life use of BRAF-V600E mutation analysis in washout liquid from thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA), and the consequences of genetic result on clinical decision-making. METHODS We retrospectively considered subjects tested for BRAF-V600E among those attending the Endocrinology Unit of Modena for FNA between 2014 and 2018. Washing fluid was collected together with cytological sample and stored at -20 °C. If the clinician deemed it necessary, the sample was thawed, DNA extracted, and genetic test performed by high-resolution melting technique. We collected data on cytology according to the Italian Consensus for the cytological classification of thyroid nodules, type of surgery (when performed), histology, and adverse events. RESULTS Out of 7112 subjects submitted to FNA, BRAF analysis was requested for 683 (9.6%). Overall, 896 nodules were analyzed: 74% were indeterminate at cytology, mainly TIR3A (low risk). Twenty-two nodules were mutant (BRAF+). Only 2% of indeterminate, mainly TIR3B, were BRAF+. Based on final histological diagnosis, BRAF test had high specificity (100%) but poor sensitivity (21%), also in indeterminate nodules. Mutant subjects underwent more extensive surgery compared to wild type (p = 0.000), with frequent prophylactic central lymph node dissection. One third had local metastases. Higher prevalence of hypoparathyroidism was found in BRAF+ compared to wild type (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS The analysis of BRAF-V600E outside of gene panels has low sensitivity, especially in indeterminate nodules, and a positive result could lead to more extensive surgery with greater risk of hypoparathyroidism and questionable clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Andrea Craparo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Pignatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Monzani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Sara De Vincentis
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gisella Boselli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Margiotta
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Margherita Ippolito
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
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8
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Paradiso E, Lazzaretti C, Sperduti S, Antoniani F, Fornari G, Brigante G, Di Rocco G, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Morini D, Falbo AI, Villani MT, Nofer JR, Simoni M, Potì F, Casarini L. Sphingosine-1 phosphate induces cAMP/PKA-independent phosphorylation of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 520:111082. [PMID: 33189864 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) is a lysosphingolipid present in the ovarian follicular fluid. The role of the lysosphingolipid in gonads of the female is widely unclear. At nanomolar concentrations, S1P binds and activates five specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), known as S1P1-5, modulating different signaling pathways. S1P1 and S1P3 are highly expressed in human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC), as well as in the immortalized human primary granulosa cell line hGL5. In this study, we evaluated the signaling cascade activated by S1P and its synthetic analogues in hGLC and hGL5 cells, exploring the biological relevance of S1PR-stimulation in this context. METHODS AND RESULTS hGLC and hGL5 cells were treated with a fixed dose (0.1 μM) of S1P, or by S1P1- and S1P3-specific agonists SEW2871 and CYM5541. In granulosa cells, S1P and, at a lesser extent, SEW2871 and CYM5541, potently induced CREB phosphorylation. No cAMP production was detected and pCREB activation occurred even in the presence of the PKA inhibitor H-89. Moreover, S1P-dependent CREB phosphorylation was dampened by the mitogen-activate protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 and by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker verapamil. The complete inhibition of CREB phosphorylation occurred by blocking either S1P2 or S1P3 with the specific receptor antagonists JTE-013 and TY52156, or under PLC/PI3K depletion. S1P-dependent CREB phosphorylation induced FOXO1 and the EGF-like epiregulin-encoding gene (EREG), confirming the exclusive role of gonadotropins and interleukins in this process, but did not affect steroidogenesis. However, S1P or agonists did not modulate granulosa cell viability and proliferation in our conditions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates for the first time that S1P may induce a cAMP-independent activation of pCREB in granulosa cells, although this is not sufficient to induce intracellular steroidogenic signals and progesterone synthesis. S1P-induced FOXO1 and EREG gene expression suggests that the activation of S1P-S1PR axis may cooperate with gonadotropins in modulating follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Antoniani
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Fornari
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Di Rocco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, NOCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, NOCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Angela Immacolata Falbo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jerzy-Roch Nofer
- Central Laboratory Facility, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; PR China, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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9
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Casarini L, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Limoncella S, Riccetti L, Sperduti S, Melli B, Marcozzi S, Anzivino C, Sayers NS, Czapinski J, Brigante G, Potì F, La Marca A, De Pascali F, Reiter E, Falbo A, Daolio J, Villani MT, Lispi M, Orlando G, Klinger FG, Fanelli F, Rivero-Müller A, Hanyaloglu AC, Simoni M. Membrane Estrogen Receptor (GPER) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) Heteromeric Complexes Promote Human Ovarian Follicle Survival. iScience 2020; 23:101812. [PMID: 33299978 PMCID: PMC7702187 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Classically, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR)-driven cAMP-mediated signaling boosts human ovarian follicle growth and oocyte maturation. However, contradicting in vitro data suggest a different view on physiological significance of FSHR-mediated cAMP signaling. We found that the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) heteromerizes with FSHR, reprogramming cAMP/death signals into proliferative stimuli fundamental for sustaining oocyte survival. In human granulosa cells, survival signals are missing at high FSHR:GPER ratio, which negatively impacts follicle maturation and strongly correlates with preferential Gαs protein/cAMP-pathway coupling and FSH responsiveness of patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. In contrast, FSHR/GPER heteromers triggered anti-apoptotic/proliferative FSH signaling delivered via the Gβγ dimer, whereas impairment of heteromer formation or GPER knockdown enhanced the FSH-dependent cell death and steroidogenesis. Therefore, our findings indicate how oocyte maturation depends on the capability of GPER to shape FSHR selective signals, indicating hormone receptor heteromers may be a marker of cell proliferation. G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) interacts with FSH receptor (FSHR) FSHR/GPER heteromers reprogram FSH-induced death signals to proliferative stimuli Anti-apoptotic signaling of heteromers is via a GPER-Gαs inhibitory complex and Gβγ Heteromer formation impacts follicle maturation and FSH responses of IVF patients
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Melli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Serena Marcozzi
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Anzivino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Niamh S Sayers
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jakub Czapinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.,Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Antonio La Marca
- Mother-Infant Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Clinica EUGIN, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Eric Reiter
- PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Angela Falbo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jessica Daolio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN. Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Monica Lispi
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Global Medical Affair, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Francesca G Klinger
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aylin C Hanyaloglu
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy.,PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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10
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Casarini L, Riccetti L, Paradiso E, Benevelli R, Lazzaretti C, Sperduti S, Melli B, Tagliavini S, Varani M, Trenti T, Morini D, Falbo A, Villani MT, Jonas KC, Simoni M. Two human menopausal gonadotrophin (hMG) preparations display different early signaling in vitro. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 26:894-905. [PMID: 33084890 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Commercial hMG drugs are marketed for the treatment of infertility and consist of highly purified hormones acting on receptors expressed in target gonadal cells. Menopur® and Meriofert® are combined preparation of FSH and hCG and are compared in vitro herein. To this purpose, the molecular composition of the two drugs was analyzed by immunoassay. The formation of FSH receptor and LH/hCG receptor (FSHR; LHCGR) heteromer, intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP activation, β-arrestin 2 recruitment and the synthesis of progesterone and estradiol were evaluated in transfected HEK293 and human primary granulosa lutein cells treated by drugs administered within the pg-mg/ml concentration range. Molecular characterization revealed that Meriofert® has a higher FSH:hCG ratio than Menopur® which, in turn, displays the presence of LH molecules. While both drugs induced similar FSHR-LHCGR heteromeric formations and intracellular Ca2+ increase, Meriofert® had a higher potency than Menopur® in inducing a cAMP increase. Moreover, Meriofert® revealed a higher potency than Menopur® in recruiting β-arrestin 2, likely due to different FSH content modulating the tridimensional structure of FSHR-LHCGR-β-arrestin 2 complexes, as evidenced by a decrease in bioluminescence resonance energy transfer signal. This drug-specific activation of intracellular signaling pathways is consistent with the molecular composition of these preparations and impacts downstream progesterone and estradiol production, with Menopur® more potent than Meriofert® in inducing the synthesis of both the steroids. These findings are suggestive of distinct in-vivo activities of these preparations, but require cautious interpretation and further validation from clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Riccardo Benevelli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy
| | - Beatrice Melli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Manuela Varani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Modena 41126, Italy
| | - Daria Morini
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Angela Falbo
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Kim C Jonas
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life course Sciences, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.,International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena 41125, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, 41126 Modena, Italy.,PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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11
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Casarini L, Lazzaretti C, Paradiso E, Limoncella S, Riccetti L, Sperduti S, Melli B, Marcozzi S, Anzivino C, Sayers NS, Czapinski J, Brigante G, Potì F, Marca AL, Villani MT, Klinger FG, Fanelli F, Rivero-Müller A, Hanyaloglu AC, Simoni M. OR24-04 Ovarian Follicle Survival Is Determined by Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) and Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Heteromers. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7207423 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.1823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms regulating the selection of antral ovarian follicles are poorly understood and supposed to rely on low estrogen levels, decline of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and receptor (FSHR) expression. These concepts are challenged in vitro, where apoptosis of human granulosa cells (hGLC) and transfected cell lines is induced by high doses of FSH or FSHR overexpression, while estrogens induce anti-apoptotic signals via nuclears and a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Therefore, in vitro data suggest that antral follicle selection may be driven by underestimated, FSH/FSHR-dependent apoptotic signals due to transiently maximized FSHR expression and overload of cAMP signalling, prevailing on estrogen-dependent signals. Here we demonstrate how FSHR/GPER physical interaction rescue ovarian follicles from FSH-mediated death. 10 nM FSH induces high intracellular levels of cAMP, measured by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), and apoptosis in cultured hGLC under conditions where GPER levels are depleted by siRNA. This result was confirmed in transfected HEK293 cells overexpressing FSHR. Using BRET, photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM) and bioinformatics prodiction, we also demonstrate FSHR/GPER heteromers at the cell surface. The role of FSHR/GPER heteromers may be relevant to inhibit FSH-induced death signals, since increasing GPER expression levels in HEK293 cells co-expressing FSHR results in displacement of the Gαs-protein to FSHR, blockade of FSH-induced cAMP production and inhibition of apoptosis. However, in HEK293 cells coexpressing GPER/FSHR, FSH-induced activation of the anti-apoptotic AKT-pathway via a Gβγ-dependent mechanism, as demonstrated by Western blotting in cells treated using the inhibitor gallein. Inhibition of both FSH-induced cAMP production and apoptosis was lost when FSHR is coexpressed together with a mutant GPER, unable to heteromerize with FSHR, as well as in KO HEK293 cells unable to produce a molecular complex associated with GPER inhibiting cAMP. GPER/FSHR coexpression is confirmed in secondary follicles from paraffin-embedded tissues of human ovary by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that FSHR-GPER heterodimers could be physiologically relevant in vivo for inhibiting cAMP-linked apoptosis. Most importantly, FSHR and GPER co-expression correlates in hGLC from FSH-normo-responder women undergoing assisted reproduction, while it is not in hGLC from FSH-poor-responders, where increasing FSHR mRNA levels do not correspond to increasing GPER mRNA levels. We demonstrate that death signals in atretic follicles are delivered through overexpressed FSHR and inhibited by FSHR/GPER heteromerization, activating anti-apoptotic pathways. This finding unveils a novel working model of the physiology of dominant follicle selection and the relationship between FSH and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elia Paradiso
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Brigante
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria T Villani
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale - IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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12
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Clemente E, Efthymakis K, Carletti E, Capone V, Sperduti S, Bologna G, Marchisio M, Di Nicola M, Neri M, Sallese M. An explorative study identifies miRNA signatures for the diagnosis of non-celiac wheat sensitivity. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226478. [PMID: 31834915 PMCID: PMC6910677 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS), also referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity, is a recently described disorder triggered by wheat/gluten ingestion. NCWS elicits a wide range of symptoms including diarrhoea, intestinal discomfort, and fatigue in analogy with other wheat/gluten-related disorders and celiac disease in particular. From the pathological standpoint, NCWS patients only have a slight increase of intraepithelial lymphocytes, while antibodies to tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and villous atrophy, otherwise diagnostic features of celiac disease, are absent. To date, the diagnosis of NCWS relies on symptoms and exclusion of confounding diseases, since biomarkers are not yet available. Here, the expression levels of selected miRNAs were examined in duodenal biopsies and peripheral blood leukocytes collected from newly diagnosed patients with NCWS and, as controls, from patients with celiac disease and gluten-independent gastrointestinal problems. We identified a few miRNAs whose expression is higher in the intestinal mucosa of patients affected by NCWS in comparison to control patients affect by gluten-independent dyspeptic symptoms (Helicobacter pylori-negative) and celiac disease. The present study provided the first evidence that NCWS patients have a characteristic miRNA expression patterns, such peculiarity could be exploited as a biomarker to the diagnosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Clemente
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Efthymakis
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Erminia Carletti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vanessa Capone
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Bologna
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Matteo Neri
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Ageing Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- * E-mail: (MS); (MN)
| | - Michele Sallese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Centre for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- * E-mail: (MS); (MN)
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13
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Di Pinto G, Di Bari M, Martin-Alvarez R, Sperduti S, Serrano-Acedo S, Gatta V, Tata AM, Mengod G. Comparative study of the expression of cholinergic system components in the CNS of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice: Acute vs remitting phase. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 48:2165-2181. [PMID: 30144326 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is involved in the modulation of the inflammatory response. ACh levels are regulated by its synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and by its hydrolyzing enzymes, mainly acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). A more comprehensive understanding of the cholinergic system in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) disease progression could pave the path for the development of therapies to ameliorate multiple sclerosis (MS). In this work, we analyzed possible alterations of the CNS cholinergic system in the neuroinflammation process by using a MOG-induced EAE mice model. MOG- and vehicle-treated animals were studied at acute and remitting phases. We examined neuropathology and analyzed mRNA expression of ChAT, AChE and the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), as well as AChE and BuChE enzyme activities, in brain and spinal cord sections during disease progression. The mRNA expression and enzyme activities of these cholinergic markers were up- or down-regulated in many cholinergic areas and other brain areas of EAE mice in the acute and remitting phases of the disease. BuChE was present in a higher proportion of astroglia and microglia/macrophage cells in the EAE remitting group. The observed changes in cholinergic markers expression and cellular localization in the CNS during EAE disease progression suggests their potential involvement in the development of the neuroinflammatory process and may lay the ground to consider cholinergic system components as putative anti-inflammatory therapeutic targets for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Di Pinto
- IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, CIBERNED, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies C. Darwin, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Di Bari
- IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, CIBERNED, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biology and Biotechnologies C. Darwin, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Samantha Sperduti
- IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, CIBERNED, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G.d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Genetics Unit, CeSI-Met, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G.d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Genetics Unit, CeSI-Met, Chieti, Italy
| | - Ada M Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies C. Darwin, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Research Center of Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Melcangi RC, Casarini L, Marino M, Santi D, Sperduti S, Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Grimoldi M, Caruso D, Cavaletti G, Simoni M. Altered methylation pattern of the SRD5A2 gene in the cerebrospinal fluid of post-finasteride patients: a pilot study. Endocr Connect 2019; 8:1118-1125. [PMID: 31272082 PMCID: PMC6652249 DOI: 10.1530/ec-19-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) occurs in patients with androgenic alopecia after suspension of the finasteride treatment, leading to a large variety of persistent side effects. Despite the severity of the clinical picture, the mechanism underlying the PFS symptoms onset and persistence is still unclear. OBJECTIVE To study whether epigenetic modifications occur in PFS patients. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a multicentric, prospective, longitudinal, case-control clinical trial, enrolling 16 PFS patients, compared to 20 age-matched healthy men. Main outcomes were methylation pattern of SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 promoters and concentration of 11 neuroactive steroids, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. RESULTS SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 methylation analysis was performed in all blood samples (n = 16 PFS patients and n = 20 controls), in 16 CSF samples from PFS patients and in 13 CSF samples from controls. The SRD5A2 promoter was more frequently methylated in CSF of PFS patients compared to controls (56.3 vs 7.7%). No promoter methylation was detected in blood samples in both groups. No methylation occurred in the SRD5A1 promoter of both groups. Unmethylated controls compared to unmethylated SRD5A2 patients showed higher pregnenolone, dihydrotestosterone and dihydroprogesterone, together with lower testosterone CSF levels. Andrological and neurological assessments did not differ between methylated and unmethylated subjects. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, we demonstrate a tissue-specific methylation pattern of SRD5A2 promoter in PFS patients. Although we cannot conclude whether this pattern is prenatally established or induced by finasteride treatment, it could represent an important mechanism of neuroactive steroid levels and behavioural disturbances previously described in PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grimoldi
- Neurology Division, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Donatella Caruso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit and Milan Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
- Correspondence should be addressed to M Simoni:
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15
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Brigante G, Riccetti L, Lazzaretti C, Rofrano L, Sperduti S, Potì F, Diazzi C, Prodam F, Guaraldi G, Lania AG, Rochira V, Casarini L. Abacavir, nevirapine, and ritonavir modulate intracellular calcium levels without affecting GHRH-mediated growth hormone secretion in somatotropic cells in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 482:37-44. [PMID: 30543878 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Growth Hormone (GH) deficiency is frequent in HIV-infected patients treated with antiretroviral therapy. We treated GH3 cells with antiretrovirals (nevirapine, ritonavir or abacavir sulfate; 100 pM-1 mM range), after transfection with human growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) receptor cDNA. Cells viability, intracellular cAMP, phosphorylation of CREB and calcium increase, GH production and secretion were evaluated both in basal condition and after GHRH, using MTT, bioluminescence resonance energy transfer, western blotting and ELISA. Antiretroviral treatment did not affect GHRH 50% effective dose (EC50) calculated for 30-min intracellular cAMP increase (Mann-Whitney's U test; p ≥ 0.05; n = 4) nor 15-min CREB phosphorylation. The kinetics of GHRH-mediated, rapid intracellular calcium increase was perturbed by pre-incubation with drugs, while GHRH failed to induce the ion increase in ritonavir pre-treated cells (ANOVA; p < 0.05; n = 3). Antiretrovirals did not impact 24-h intracellular and extracellular GH levels (ANOVA; p ≥ 0.05; n = 3). We demonstrated the association between antiretrovirals and intracellular calcium increase, without consequences on somatotrope cells viability and GH synthesis. Overall, these results suggest that antiretrovirals may not directly impact on GH axis in HIV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Rofrano
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery - Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Diazzi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Flavia Prodam
- Unit of Paediatrics, Endocrinology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guaraldi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Andrea G Lania
- Endocrine Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical Institute, Rozzano, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy.
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Riccetti L, Sperduti S, Lazzaretti C, Klett D, De Pascali F, Paradiso E, Limoncella S, Potì F, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Galano E, Palmese A, Satwekar A, Daolio J, Nicoli A, Villani MT, Aguzzoli L, Reiter E, Simoni M, Casarini L. Glycosylation Pattern and in vitro Bioactivity of Reference Follitropin alfa and Biosimilars. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:503. [PMID: 31396162 PMCID: PMC6667556 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (follitropin alfa) and biosimilar preparations are available for clinical use. They have specific FSH activity and a unique glycosylation profile dependent on source cells. The aim of the study is to compare the originator (reference) follitropin alfa (Gonal-f®)- with biosimilar preparations (Bemfola® and Ovaleap®)-induced cellular responses in vitro. Gonadotropin N-glycosylation profiles were analyzed by ELISA lectin assay, revealing preparation specific-patterns of glycan species (Kruskal-Wallis test; p < 0.05, n = 6) and by glycotope mapping. Increasing concentrations of Gonal-f® or biosimilar (1 × 10-3-1 × 103 ng/ml) were used for treating human primary granulosa lutein cells (hGLC) and FSH receptor (FSHR)-transfected HEK293 cells in vitro. Intracellular cAMP production, Ca2+ increase and β-arrestin 2 recruitment were evaluated by BRET, CREB, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by Western blotting. 12-h gene expression, and 8- and 24-h progesterone and estradiol synthesis were measured by real-time PCR and immunoassay, respectively. We found preparation-specific glycosylation patterns by lectin assay (Kruskal-Wallis test; p < 0.001; n = 6), and similar cAMP production and β-arrestin 2 recruitment in FSHR-transfected HEK293 cells (cAMP EC50 range = 12 ± 0.9-24 ± 1.7 ng/ml; β-arrestin 2 EC50 range = 140 ± 14.1-313 ± 18.7 ng/ml; Kruskal-Wallis test; p ≥ 0.05; n = 4). Kinetics analysis revealed that intracellular Ca2+ increased upon cell treatment by 4 μg/ml Gonal-f®, while equal concentrations of biosimilars failed to induced a response (Kruskal-Wallis test; p < 0.05; n = 3). All preparations induced both 8 and 24 h-progesterone and estradiol synthesis in hGLC, while no different EC50s were demonstrated (Kruskal-Wallis test; p > 0.05; n = 5). Apart from preparation-specific intracellular Ca2+ increases achieved at supra-physiological hormone doses, all compounds induced similar intracellular responses and steroidogenesis, reflecting similar bioactivity, and overall structural homogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Danièle Klett
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Elia Paradiso
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- International PhD School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Limoncella
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL, NOCSAE, Modena, Italy
| | - Eugenio Galano
- Analytical Development Biotech Products, Merck Serono S.p.A. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Palmese
- Analytical Development Biotech Products, Merck Serono S.p.A. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Rome, Italy
| | - Abhijeet Satwekar
- Analytical Development Biotech Products, Merck Serono S.p.A. (an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Daolio
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Nicoli
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Aguzzoli
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fertility Center, ASMN, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Eric Reiter
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Casarini
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17
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Lazzaretti C, Riccetti L, Sperduti S, Anzivino C, Brigante G, De Pascali F, Potì F, Rovei V, Restagno G, Mari C, Lussiana C, Benedetto C, Revelli A, Casarini L. Inferring biallelism of two FSH receptor mutations associated with spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome by evaluating FSH, LH and HCG cross-activity. Reprod Biomed Online 2018; 38:816-824. [PMID: 30910395 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the cumulative effect of two follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mutations in spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (sOHSS) pathogenesis? Are these mutations in the mono- or biallelic state? DESIGN Two FSHR mutations were found in a pregnant patient affected by sOHSS with no predisposing conditions. While the p.Asn106His mutation is novel, the p.Ser128Tyr mutation has been associated with sOHSS previously. The patient's FSHR gene was analysed by Sanger sequencing, and FSHR cDNAs carrying a single or both point mutations were created by mutagenesis in vitro. cAMP activation by recombinant FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was evaluated in transfected HEK293 cells by bioluminescence resonance energy transfer. RESULTS All mutations decreased the 50% effective concentration of FSH calculated for cAMP (P < 0.05, n = 6), resulting in two- to 10-fold lower ligand potency. TSH failed to induce an FSHR-mediated increase in intracellular cAMP, while LH was approximately four-fold more potent than HCG in p.Ser128Tyr FSHR-expressing HEK293 cells despite lower cAMP plateau levels (P < 0.05, n = 5). The p.Ser128Tyr FSHR mutation was found to be responsible for an LH-/HCG-induced increase in cAMP when it was in the biallelic heterozygous state with p.Asn106His, but no increase in cAMP was induced in the monoallelic state. CONCLUSION In-vitro data support that, in pregnant patients with sOHSS, the two FSHR mutations have an opposing effect on the pathogenesis of sOHSS and are in the biallelic heterozygous form, allowing HCG to induce a p.Ser128Tyr FSHR-mediated increase in cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Lazzaretti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudia Anzivino
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Pascali
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; PRC, INRA, CNRS, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Neurosciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Rovei
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, OIRM-S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Restagno
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, S. Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Caterina Mari
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, S. Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Cristina Lussiana
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, OIRM-S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy; Molecular Genetics Laboratory, S. Anna Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Benedetto
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, OIRM-S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Revelli
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Torino, OIRM-S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy.
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Centre for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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18
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Artini PG, Tatone C, Sperduti S, D'Aurora M, Franchi S, Di Emidio G, Ciriminna R, Vento M, Di Pietro C, Stuppia L, Gatta V. Cumulus cells surrounding oocytes with high developmental competence exhibit down-regulation of phosphoinositol 1,3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signalling genes involved in proliferation and survival. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:2474-2484. [PMID: 29087515 PMCID: PMC5850344 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is the phosphoinositol 1,3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway expression profile in cumulus cells (CCs) a potential marker of oocyte competence and predictive of pregnancy outcome? SUMMARY ANSWER Eleven genes (AKT1, ARHGEF7, BCL2L1, CCND1, E2F1, HRAS, KCNH2, PIK3C2A, SHC1, SOS1 and SPP1) in the PI3K/AKT pathway were significantly down-regulated in CCs from oocytes that went on to produce a pregnancy compared to CCs associated with a negative outcome. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The PI3K/AKT pathway plays a pivotal role in the interdependence and continuous feedback between the oocyte and CCs. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION The expression analysis of 92 transcripts in the PI3K/AKT pathway in CCs from patients with negative or positive pregnancy outcome, after single embryo transfer, was performed. Mouse CCs target gene expression was conducted to associate the expression profile of PI3K/AKT pathway to oocyte developmental profile. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Fifty-five good prognosis IVF patients who had been referred to IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment for male-factor infertility or tubal disease were enroled. CCs from single cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from 16 patients who underwent a single embryo transfer were analyzed. Twenty-five CD-1 mice were used to assess gene expression in CCs associated with oocytes with different competence in relation to hCG priming. A total 220 human COCs were collected. The RNA extracted from CCs of 16 selected patients was used to analyze PI3K/AKT pathway gene expression employing a 96-well custom TaqMan Array. Expression data of CCs associated to positive IVF outcome were compared to data from negative outcome samples. Mice were sacrificed after 9, 12, 15, 21 and 24 h post-hCG administration to obtain CCs from MII oocytes with different developmental competence. Akt1, Bcl2l2 and Shc1 expression were tested in the collected mouse CCs. In addition, the expression of upstream regulator ESR1, the gene encoding for the oestrogen receptor ERβ, and the downstream effectors of the pathway FOXO1, FOXO3 and FOXO4 was evaluated in human and mouse samples. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Transcripts involved in the PI3K Signaling Pathway were selectively modulated according to the IVF/ICSI outcome of the oocyte. Eleven transcripts in this pathway were significantly down-regulated in all samples of CCs from oocytes with positive when compared those with a negative outcome. These outcomes were confirmed in mouse CCs associated with oocytes at different maturation stages. Expression data revealed that the down-regulation of ESR1 could be related to oocyte competence and is likely to be the driver of expression changes highlighted in the PI3K/AKT pathway. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Small sample size and retrospective design. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The CCs expression profile of PI3K/AKT signaling genes, disclosed a specific CCs gene signature related to oocyte competence. It could be speculated that CCs associated with competent oocytes have completed their role in sustaining oocyte development and are influencing their fate in response to metabolic and hormonal changes by de-activating anti-apoptotic signals. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Supported by Merck Serono an affiliate of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (research grant for the laboratory session; Merck KGaA reviewed the manuscript for medical accuracy only before journal submission. The authors are fully responsible for the content of this manuscript, and the views and opinions described in the publication reflect solely those of the authors). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Artini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology Oncology, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Tatone
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - S Sperduti
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - M D'Aurora
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - S Franchi
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - G Di Emidio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi 1, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - R Ciriminna
- AMBRA-Associazione Medici e Biologi per la Riproduzione Assistita, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Vento
- IVF Unit, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy
| | - C Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnolgy, Section of Biology and Genetics G. Sichel, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia, 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - L Stuppia
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - V Gatta
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (Ce.S.I.-Met), Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 'G.d'Annunzio' University, Via Dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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19
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Capone V, Clemente E, Restelli E, Di Campli A, Sperduti S, Ornaghi F, Pietrangelo L, Protasi F, Chiesa R, Sallese M. PERK inhibition attenuates the abnormalities of the secretory pathway and the increased apoptotic rate induced by SIL1 knockdown in HeLa cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:3164-3180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Riccetti L, Sperduti S, Lazzaretti C, Casarini L, Simoni M. The cAMP/PKA pathway: steroidogenesis of the antral follicular stage. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:516-524. [PMID: 30160084 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04282-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) promote follicular recruitment and support antral follicle growth, maturation and selection, resulting in ovulation of the dominant follicle. FSH and LH biological functions are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors, FSHR and LHCGR, resulting in the activation of a number of signaling cascades, such as the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway. Some in-vitro data are consistent with the dual, proliferative and pro-apoptotic role of cAMP, leaving unanswered questions on how cAMP/PKA signaling is linked to the follicle fate. Progression of the antral stage is characterized by the presence of dynamic serum gonadotropin and estrogen levels, accompanying proliferation and steroidogenesis of growing as well as apoptosis of atretic follicles. These events are parallel to changes of FSHR and LHCGR density at the cell surface occurring throughout the antral stage, reasonably modulating the cAMP/PKA activation pattern, cell metabolism and functions. Understanding whether gonadotropins and receptor expression levels impact on the steroidogenic pathway and play a role in determining the follicular fate, may put new light on molecular mechanisms regulating human reproduction. The aim of the present review is to update the role of major players modulating the cAMP/PKA pathway and regulating the balance between proliferative, differentiating and pro-apoptotic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccetti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy -
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Clara Lazzaretti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
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21
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Mosca A, Sperduti S, Pop V, Ciavardelli D, Granzotto A, Punzi M, Stuppia L, Gatta V, Assogna F, Banaj N, Piras F, Piras F, Caltagirone C, Spalletta G, Sensi SL. Influence of APOE and RNF219 on Behavioral and Cognitive Features of Female Patients Affected by Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:92. [PMID: 29755337 PMCID: PMC5932379 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with the presence of the 𝜀4 allele of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene and, recently, with a novel genetic variant of the RNF219 gene. This study aimed at evaluating interactions between APOE-𝜀4 and RNF219/G variants in the modulation of behavioral and cognitive features of two cohorts of patients suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. We enrolled a total of 173 female MCI or AD patients (83 MCI; 90 AD). Subjects were screened with a comprehensive set of neuropsychological evaluations and genotyped for the APOE and RNF219 polymorphic variants. Analysis of covariance was performed to assess the main and interaction effects of APOE and RNF219 genotypes on the cognitive and behavioral scores. The analysis revealed that the simultaneous presence of APOE-𝜀4 and RNF219/G variants results in significant effects on specific neuropsychiatric scores in MCI and AD patients. In MCI patients, RNF219 and APOE variants worked together to impact the levels of anxiety negatively. Similarly, in AD patients, the RNF219 variants were found to be associated with increased anxiety levels. Our data indicate a novel synergistic activity APOE and RNF219 in the modulation of behavioral traits of female MCI and AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Area and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Viorela Pop
- Department of Neurology and Pharmacology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Domenico Ciavardelli
- Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,School of Human and Social Science, Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Alberto Granzotto
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Miriam Punzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Assogna
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nerisa Banaj
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Department of Clinical and Behavioral Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano L Sensi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Neurology and Pharmacology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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22
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Abstract
The somatic component of follicular structure is a mixture of different cell types, represented by Granulosa cells (GCs) that are the paracrine regulators of the oocyte growth. GCs finely support this process by a continuous bidirectional talk with oocyte, which ensure oocyte quality and competence. Specific pathways are involved in the cross-talk and in both GCs and oocyte development. This review summarizes data from GCs gene expression analysis concerning both their physiological role and their interaction with oocyte. We also explore the CGs transcriptome modifications induced by controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) or pathological conditions and their impact in reproduction. The transcriptome analysis of GCs could be a powerful tool to improve our knowledge about the pathways involved in oocyte development. This approach, associated with new technologies as RNA-seq could allow the identifications of new noninvasive biological markers of oocyte quality to increase the efficiency of clinical IVF. Moreover, GCs expression analysis could be useful to shed light on new therapeutic targets by providing new options for the treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco D'Aurora
- a Department of Psychological , Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
- b Center of excellence on Aging, CeSI-met, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- b Center of excellence on Aging, CeSI-met, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
- c Department of Medical , Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Italy
| | - Giovanna Di Emidio
- d Department of Health , Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila , Italy Coppito , and
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- a Department of Psychological , Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
- b Center of excellence on Aging, CeSI-met, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
| | - Paolo Giovanni Artini
- e Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine , Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- a Department of Psychological , Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
- b Center of excellence on Aging, CeSI-met, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy
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Cantanelli P, Sperduti S, Ciavardelli D, Stuppia L, Gatta V, Sensi SL. Age-Dependent Modifications of AMPA Receptor Subunit Expression Levels and Related Cognitive Effects in 3xTg-AD Mice. Front Aging Neurosci 2014; 6:200. [PMID: 25140151 PMCID: PMC4122177 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2014.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GluA1, GluA2, GluA3, and GluA4 are the constitutive subunits of amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), the major mediators of fast excitatory transmission in the mammalian central nervous system. Most AMPARs are Ca2+-impermeable because of the presence of the GluA2 subunit. GluA2 mRNA undergoes an editing process that results in a Q–R substitution, a key factor in the regulation of AMPAR Ca2+-permeability. AMPARs lacking GluA2 or containing the unedited subunit are permeable to Ca2+ and Zn2+. The phenomenon physiologically modulates synaptic plasticity while, in pathologic conditions, leads to increased vulnerability to excitotoxic neuronal death. Given the importance of these subunits, we have therefore evaluated possible associations between changes in expression levels of AMPAR subunits and development of cognitive deficits in 3xTg-AD mice, a widely investigated transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With quantitative real-time PCR analysis, we assayed hippocampal mRNA expression levels of GluA1–4 subunits occurring in young [3 months of age (m.o.a.)] and old (12 m.o.a) Tg-AD mice and made comparisons with levels found in age-matched wild type (WT) mice. Efficiency of GluA2 RNA editing was also analyzed. All animals were cognitively tested for learning short- and long-term spatial memory with the Morris Water Maze (MWM) navigation task. 3xTg-AD mice showed age-dependent decreases of mRNA levels for all the AMPAR subunits, with the exception of GluA2. Editing remained fully efficient with aging in 3xTg-AD and WT mice. A one-to-one correlation analysis between MWM performances and GluA1–4 mRNA expression profiles showed negative correlations between GluA2 levels and MWM performances in young 3xTg-AD mice. On the contrary, positive correlations between GluA2 mRNA and MWM performances were found in young WT mice. Our data suggest that increases of AMPARs that contain GluA1, GluA3, and GluA4 subunits may help in maintaining cognition in pre-symptomatic 3xTg-AD mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Cantanelli
- Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy
| | - Samantha Sperduti
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy
| | - Domenico Ciavardelli
- Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; School of Human and Social Science, Kore University of Enna , Enna , Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy
| | - Valentina Gatta
- Functional Genetics Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; Department of Psychological Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy
| | - Stefano Luca Sensi
- Molecular Neurology Unit, Center of Excellence on Aging (CeSI), "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, "G. d'Annunzio" University , Chieti , Italy ; Department of Neurology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California Irvine , Irvine, CA , USA ; Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California Irvine , Irvine, CA , USA
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Gatta V, D'Aurora M, Lanuti P, Pierdomenico L, Sperduti S, Palka G, Gesi M, Marchisio M, Miscia S, Stuppia L. Gene expression modifications in Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells promoted by prolonged in vitro culturing. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:635. [PMID: 24053474 PMCID: PMC3849041 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been demonstrated that the umbilical cord matrix, represented by the Wharton's Jelly (WJ), contains a great number of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), characterized by the expression of specific MSCs markers, shared by both human and animal models. The easy access to massive WJ amount makes it an attractive source of MSCs for cell-based therapies. However, as in other stem cell models, a deeper investigation of WJ-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) biological properties, probably modulated by their prolonged expansion and fast growth abilities, is required before their use in clinical settings. In this context, in order to analyze specific gene expression modifications occurring in WJ-MSCs, along with their culture prolongation, we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of WJ-MSCs after 4 and 12 passages of in vitro expansion by microarray analysis. RESULTS Hierarchical clustering analysis of the data set originated from a total of 6 experiments revealed that in vitro expansion of WJ-MSCs up to 12 passages promote selective over-expression of 157 genes and down-regulation of 440 genes compared to the 4th passage. IPA software analysis of the biological functions related to the identified sets of genes disclosed several transcripts related to inflammatory and cell stress response, cell proliferation and maturation, and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these modifications may lead to an impairment of both cell expansion ability and resistance to apoptosis, two hallmarks of aging cells. In conclusion, results provided by the present study suggest the need to develop novel culture protocols able to preserve stem cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gatta
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University "G, d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, via dei Vestini 31, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
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Gatta V, Tatone C, Ciriminna R, Vento M, Franchi S, d'Aurora M, Sperduti S, Cela V, Borzì P, Palermo R, Stuppia L, Artini PG. Gene expression profiles of cumulus cells obtained from women treated with recombinant human luteinizing hormone + recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone or highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin versus recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone alone. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:2000-8.e1. [PMID: 23472943 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Revised: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate cumulus cell (CC) expression profile modulation after different stimulation protocols. DESIGN CCs transcriptome variations were evaluated by microarray in patients undergoing different treatments for ovarian stimulation, namely, r-hLH + r-hFSH and hp-hMG, compared with a control group treated with r-hFSH. SETTING Healthy patients undergoing assisted reproduction protocols. PATIENT(S) Sixteen healthy women with regular cycles and tubal disease or unexplained infertility. INTERVENTION(S) Four patients received hp-hMG, four received r-hFSH + r-hLH, and eight received r-hFSH daily. Aspiration of the oocytes was performed 36 hours after hCG administration. Only samples derived from cumulus-oocyte complexes containing mature oocytes showing polar body were processed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Comparison of genes differentially expressed in both treatment groups with the use of a hierarchic clustering analysis. RESULT(S) Data clustering analysis allowed detection of four clusters containing genes differentially expressed in both treatment groups compared with control. Functional analysis of the affected transcripts revealed genes involved in oocyte development and maturation. CONCLUSION(S) r-hLH and hCG, though acting on the same receptor, produce a differential activation of intracellular pathways. It can be hypothesized that this effect depends on their different structures and specific binding affinity for the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Gatta
- Department of Psychology, Humanities, and Territory Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy.
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