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Busch AS, Ljubicic ML, Upners EN, Fischer MB, Raket LL, Frederiksen H, Albrethsen J, Johannsen TH, Hagen CP, Juul A. Dynamic Changes of Reproductive Hormones in Male Minipuberty: Temporal Dissociation of Leydig and Sertoli Cell Activity. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1560-1568. [PMID: 35225342 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is transiently active during the first months of life with surging serum concentrations of reproductive hormones. This period, termed minipuberty, appears to be essential for priming testicular function. Despite the central role for male reproductive function, longitudinal data on HPG axis activation in infancy is sparse. OBJECTIVE To explore the dynamics of HPG hormone activity in healthy male infants, to assess the association of HPG axis activity and testicular volume, and to establish reference curves for serum levels of reproductive hormones. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal birth cohort (the COPENHAGEN Minipuberty Study, 2016-2018, 1-year follow-up). SETTING Population-based. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS Healthy, male, term, singleton newborns were followed from birth on with repeated clinical examinations including blood sampling during a 1-year follow-up. A total of 128 boys contributed to this study, while 119 participated in the postnatal follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum reproductive hormone concentrations and testicular volume. RESULTS Reproductive hormone concentrations showed marked dynamics during the first 6 months of age. Gonadotropins, total testosterone, and insulin-like factor 3 peaked at around 1 month of age. Inhibin B, anti-Müllerian hormone, and testicular volume peaked at around 4 to 5 months. Correlations largely recapitulated typical HPG axis pathways but also differed significantly from adult men. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a temporal dissociation of Leydig and Sertoli cell activity during male minipuberty and provide reference curves for reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Siegfried Busch
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emmie N Upners
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Margit Bistrup Fischer
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Lau Raket
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Holm Johannsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casper P Hagen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Elghoul MM, Zaghloul DM, Morsy K, Abumandour MMA. Cellular architecture of the testis of Egyptian wild boar (Sus scrofa) in young and adult age. Microsc Res Tech 2022; 85:2076-2082. [PMID: 35088490 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24064] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Testicular parenchyma is split into lobules, each lobule contains convoluted seminiferous tubules surrounded by myoid cells and the interstitial tissue contains groups of Leydig cells. The seminiferous tubules are lined by two groups of cells the first one is the spermatogenic cells and the second one is Sertoli cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud M Elghoul
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Doaa M Zaghloul
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Kareem Morsy
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M A Abumandour
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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3
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Nguyen HT, Martin LJ. Transcriptomic analysis of MA-10 tumor Leydig cells treated with adipose derived hormones adiponectin and resistin. Reprod Biol 2021; 22:100598. [PMID: 34929619 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100598] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Obesity contributes to a decrease in testosterone production in men. Indeed, adipose tissue produces several hormones, including adiponectin and resistin, and these may influence the activity of signaling pathways responsible for regulating the expression of genes related to steroidogenesis. In this study, we wanted to identify which genes are directly regulated by these hormones using the MA-10 tumor Leydig cell model. To do this, we treated these cells with adiponectin or resistin, followed by RNA extraction and RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis. Interestingly, genes upregulated by the globular form of adiponectin (gACRP30) were associated to steroid hormones biosynthesis, whereas resistin had no effect on the transcriptome of MA-10 Leydig cells. Moreover, the expression of the Star gene, encoding the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, was increased in response to treatments with 0.5 mM 8Br-cAMP. Such stimulation was further increased by adiponectin, resulting in increased progesterone production. However, resistin had no effect on steroid production from MA-10 tumor Leydig cells under the treatment conditions investigated. Thus, our data suggest that a direct regulation of steroidogenic genes' expressions in Leydig cells by adipose derived hormones involves cooperation between the cAMP/PKA pathway and adiponectin, but not resistin, to activate Star expression and improve progesterone synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Tuyen Nguyen
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New-Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, New-Brunswick, E1A 3E9, Canada.
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Abstract
Puberty is characterized by major changes in the anatomy and function of reproductive organs. Androgen activity is low before puberty, but during pubertal development, the testes resume the production of androgens. Major physiological changes occur in the testicular cell compartments in response to the increase in intratesticular testosterone concentrations and androgen receptor expression. Androgen activity also impacts on the internal and external genitalia. In target cells, androgens signal through a classical and a nonclassical pathway. This review addresses the most recent advances in the knowledge of the role of androgen signaling in postnatal male sexual development, with a special emphasis on human puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Mitchell CD, Criscitiello MF. Comparative study of cartilaginous fish divulges insights into the early evolution of primary, secondary and mucosal lymphoid tissue architecture. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2020; 107:435-443. [PMID: 33161090 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cartilaginous fish are located at a pivotal point in phylogeny where the adaptive immune system begins to resemble that of other, more-derived jawed vertebrates, including mammals. For this reason, sharks and other cartilaginous fish are ideal models for studying the natural history of immunity. Insights from such studies may include distinguishing the (evolutionarily conserved) fundamental aspects of adaptive immunity from the (more recent) accessory. Some lymphoid tissues of sharks, including the thymus and spleen, resemble those of mammals in both appearance and function. The cartilaginous skeleton of sharks has no bone marrow, which is also absent in bony fish despite calcified bone, but cartilaginous fish have other Leydig's and epigonal organs that function to provide hematopoiesis analogous to mammalian bone marrow. Conserved across all vertebrate phylogeny in some form is gut-associated lymphoid tissues, or GALT, which is seen from agnathans to mammals. Though it takes many forms, from typhlosole in lamprey to Peyer's patches in mammals, the GALT serves as a site of antigen concentration and exposure to lymphocytes in the digestive tract. Though more complex lymphoid organs are not present in agnathans, they have several primitive tissues, such as the thymoid and supraneural body, that appear to serve their variable lymphocyte receptor-based adaptive immune system. There are several similarities between the adaptive immune structures in cartilaginous and bony fish, such as the thymus and spleen, but there are mechanisms employed in bony fish that in some instances bridge their adaptive immune systems to that of tetrapods. This review summarizes what we know of lymphoid tissues in cartilaginous fishes and uses these data to compare primary and secondary tissues in jawless, cartilaginous, and bony fishes to contextualize the early natural history of vertebrate mucosal immune tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian D Mitchell
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Michael F Criscitiello
- Comparative Immunogenetics Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, 77807, USA.
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Nakane Y, Kemmochi Y, Ogawa N, Sasase T, Ohta T, Higami Y, Fukai F. Hyperglycemia contributes to the development of Leydig cell hyperplasia in male Spontaneously Diabetic Torii rats. J Toxicol Pathol 2020; 33:121-129. [PMID: 32425345 PMCID: PMC7218238 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2019-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rats are a well-known animal model of non-obese type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although this animal model has been studied extensively over the last decade, the incidence rates of Leydig cell hyperplasia and tumors in this model have not been reported. In this study, pathophysiological analyses of the testes were performed on male SDT rats, to understand the effect of insulin treatment on the development of Leydig cell hyperplasia and tumors and the expression of integrins and extracellular matrix proteins. Testicular Leydig cell hyperplasia and tumors were observed in SDT rats at 64 weeks of age but were rarely identified in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of the same age. Insulin treatment decreased plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, and interestingly, decreased the number of hyperplastic Leydig cell foci and Leydig cell tumors in treated animals. A similar reduction in the expression of Ki67 in these Leydig cell foci was also observed. In addition, insulin treatment decreased the expression of integrin α5, integrin β1, integrin αvβ3, fibronectin, and vitronectin in hyperplastic Leydig cell foci. These results suggest that insulin might decrease the incidence of Leydig cell hyperplasia by reducing Leydig cell proliferation and the expression of integrins and extracellular matrix proteins through the reduction of serum glucose concentrations in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitomi Nakane
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Metabolic Disease, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan.,Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kemmochi
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Naoto Ogawa
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Sasase
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 1-1 Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ohta
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Functional Anatomy, Graduate School of Kyoto University, Kitashirakawaoiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Higami
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Metabolic Disease, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Fumio Fukai
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
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Holota H, Thirouard L, Garcia M, Monrose M, de Haze A, Saru JP, Caira F, Beaudoin C, Volle DH. Fxralpha gene is a target gene of hCG signaling pathway and represses hCG induced steroidogenesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 194:105460. [PMID: 31470110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The bile acid receptor Farnesoid-X-Receptor alpha (FXRα), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is well known for its roles in the enterohepatic tract. In addition, FXRα regulates testicular physiology through the control of both endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine function of the Leydig cells is mainly controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary axis viaLH/chorionic gonadotropin (CG). If FXRα was demonstrated to control the expression of the Lhcgr gene, encoding the LH receptor; the impact of the LH/CG signaling on the Fxrα expression has not been defined so far. Here, we demonstrate that hCG increases the Fxrα gene expression through the protein kinase-A signaling pathway. Fxrα is then involved in a negative feedback of steroid synthesis. These data improve our knowledge of the local control of the testicular steroidogenesis with the identification of the link between the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and the FXRα signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Holota
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Laura Thirouard
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Manon Garcia
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Mélusine Monrose
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Angélique de Haze
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Paul Saru
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Françoise Caira
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claude Beaudoin
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - David H Volle
- Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS UMR-6293, GReD, F-63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Mitchell RT, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Cruickshanks L, der Grinten HCV, Brown P, Abel M, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression is required to ensure development of adult Leydig cells and to prevent development of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics in the mouse testis. BMC Dev Biol 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30995907 PMCID: PMC6472051 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The interstitium of the mouse testis contains Leydig cells and a small number of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics which may be derived from the fetal adrenal during development or may be a normal subset of the developing fetal Leydig cells. Currently it is not known what regulates development and/or proliferation of this sub-population of steroidogenic cells in the mouse testis. Androgen receptors (AR) are essential for normal testicular function and in this study we have examined the role of the AR in regulating interstitial cell development. Results Using a mouse model which lacks gonadotropins and AR (hpg.ARKO), stimulation of luteinising hormone receptors in vivo with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) caused a marked increase in adrenal cell transcripts/protein in a group of testicular interstitial cells. hCG also induced testicular transcripts associated with basic steroidogenic function in these mice but had no effect on adult Leydig cell-specific transcript levels. In hpg mice with functional AR, treatment with hCG induced Leydig cell-specific function and had no effect on adrenal transcript levels. Examination of mice with cell-specific AR deletion and knockdown of AR in a mouse Leydig cell line suggests that AR in the Leydig cells are likely to regulate these effects. Conclusions This study shows that in the mouse the androgen receptor is required both to prevent development of testicular cells with adrenal characteristics and to ensure development of an adult Leydig cell phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Monteiro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Margaret Abel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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Riccetti L, De Pascali F, Gilioli L, Potì F, Giva LB, Marino M, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Fanelli F, Mezzullo M, Pagotto U, Simoni M, Casarini L. Human LH and hCG stimulate differently the early signalling pathways but result in equal testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells in vitro. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:2. [PMID: 28056997 PMCID: PMC5217336 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones regulating development and reproductive functions by acting on the same receptor (LHCGR). We compared the LH and hCG activity in gonadal cells from male mouse in vitro, i.e. primary Leydig cells, which is a common tool used for gonadotropin bioassay. Murine Leydig cells are naturally expressing the murine LH receptor (mLhr), which binds human LH/hCG. METHODS Cultured Leydig cells were treated by increasing doses of recombinant LH and hCG, and cell signaling, gene expression and steroid synthesis were evaluated. RESULTS We found that hCG is about 10-fold more potent than LH in cAMP recruitment, and slightly but significantly more potent on cAMP-dependent Erk1/2 phosphorylation. However, no significant differences occur between LH and hCG treatments, measured as activation of downstream signals, such as Creb phosphorylation, Stard1 gene expression and testosterone synthesis. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that the responses to human LH/hCG are only quantitatively and not qualitatively different in murine cells, at least in terms of cAMP and Erk1/2 activation, and equal in activating downstream steroidogenic events. This is at odds with what we previously described in human primary granulosa cells, where LHCGR mediates a different pattern of signaling cascades, depending on the natural ligand. This finding is relevant for gonadotropin quantification used in the official pharmacopoeia, which are based on murine, in vivo bioassay and rely on the evaluation of long-term, testosterone-dependent effects mediated by rodent receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Pascali
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Lisa Gilioli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, 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 Neurosciences, University of Parma, via Voltuno 39/E, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Lavinia Beatrice Giva
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, 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 Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, 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, NOCSAE, 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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Wang Y, Bilandzic M, Ooi GT, Findlay JK, Stenvers KL. Endogenous inhibins regulate steroidogenesis in mouse TM3 Leydig cells by altering SMAD2 signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 436:68-77. [PMID: 27465829 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that inhibins act in an autocrine manner on Leydig cells using a pre-pubertal Leydig cell line, TM3, as a model of immature Leydig cells. The expression of Inha, Inhba, and Inhbb in TM3 cells was determined by RT-PCR and the production of the inhibin-alpha subunit was confirmed by western blot. Knockdown of Inha expression resulted in significant decreases in the expression of Leydig cell markers Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, Nr5a1, and Insl3. Western blot showed that activin A, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 activated SMAD2, and that knockdown of Inha expression in TM3 cells enhanced both activin A- and TGFβ-induced SMAD2 activation. SB431542, a chemical inhibitor of the TGFβ/activin type I receptors, blocked ligand-induced SMAD2 activation and the downregulation of Cyp17a1 expression. Our findings demonstrate that TGFβs and activin A negatively regulate steroidogenic gene expression in TM3 cells via ALK4/5 and SMAD2 and endogenous inhibins can counter this regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Maree Bilandzic
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Guck T Ooi
- Sun BioMedical Technologies, 209 W. Ridgecrest Blvd, Suite A, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, USA
| | - Jock K Findlay
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Kaye L Stenvers
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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11
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Hatano M, Migita T, Ohishi T, Shima Y, Ogawa Y, Morohashi KI, Hasegawa Y, Shibasaki F. SF-1 deficiency causes lipid accumulation in Leydig cells via suppression of STAR and CYP11A1. Endocrine 2016; 54:484-496. [PMID: 27455990 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1043-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genetic mutations of steroidogenic factor 1 (also known as Ad4BP or Nr5a1) have increasingly been reported in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development (46,XY disorders of sex development). However, because the phenotype of 46,XY disorders of sex development with a steroidogenic factor 1 mutation is wide-ranging, its precise diagnosis remains a clinical problem. We previously reported the frequent occurrence of lipid accumulation in Leydig cells among patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development with a steroidogenic factor 1 mutation, an observation also reported by other authors. To address the mechanism of lipid accumulation in this disease, we examined the effects of steroidogenic factor 1 deficiency on downstream targets of steroidogenic factor 1 in in vitro and in vivo. We found that lipid accumulation in Leydig cells was enhanced after puberty in heterozygous steroidogenic factor 1 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice, and was accompanied by a significant decrease in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and CYP11A1 expression. In mouse Leydig cell lines, steroidogenic factor 1 knockdown induced a remarkable accumulation of neutral lipids and cholesterol with reduced androgen levels. Steroidogenic factor 1 knockdown reduced the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and CYP11A1, both of which are transcriptional targets of steroidogenic factor 1 and key molecules for steroidogenesis from cholesterol in the mitochondria. Knockdown of either steroidogenic acute regulatory protein or CYP11A1 also induced lipid accumulation, and knockdown of both had an additive effect. Our data suggested that lipid accumulation in the Leydig cells of the 46,XY disorders of sex development phenotype with a steroidogenic factor 1 mutation is due, at least in part, to the suppression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein and CYP11A1, and a resulting increase in unmetabolized cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megumi Hatano
- Department of Molecular Medical Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiro Migita
- Department of Molecular Medical Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomokazu Ohishi
- Department of Molecular Medical Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Hasegawa
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Department of Molecular Medical Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Odermatt A, Strajhar P, Engeli RT. Disruption of steroidogenesis: Cell models for mechanistic investigations and as screening tools. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 158:9-21. [PMID: 26807866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the modern world, humans are exposed during their whole life to a large number of synthetic chemicals. Some of these chemicals have the potential to disrupt endocrine functions and contribute to the development and/or progression of major diseases. Every year approximately 1000 novel chemicals, used in industrial production, agriculture, consumer products or as pharmaceuticals, are reaching the market, often with limited safety assessment regarding potential endocrine activities. Steroids are essential endocrine hormones, and the importance of the steroidogenesis pathway as a target for endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been recognized by leading scientists and authorities. Cell lines have a prominent role in the initial stages of toxicity assessment, i.e. for mechanistic investigations and for the medium to high throughput analysis of chemicals for potential steroidogenesis disrupting activities. Nevertheless, the users have to be aware of the limitations of the existing cell models in order to apply them properly, and there is a great demand for improved cell-based testing systems and protocols. This review intends to provide an overview of the available cell lines for studying effects of chemicals on gonadal and adrenal steroidogenesis, their use and limitations, as well as the need for future improvements of cell-based testing systems and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Odermatt
- Swiss Center for Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Petra Strajhar
- Swiss Center for Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Roger T Engeli
- Swiss Center for Human Toxicology and Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacenter, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Jones S, Boisvert A, Francois S, Zhang L, Culty M. In utero exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate induces testicular effects in neonatal rats that are antagonized by genistein cotreatment. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:92. [PMID: 26316063 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [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: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors (EDs) is believed to predispose males to reproductive abnormalities. Although males are exposed to combinations of chemicals, few studies have evaluated the effects of ED mixtures at environmentally relevant doses. Our previous work showed that fetal exposure to a mixture of the phytoestrogen genistein (GEN) and the plasticizer di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) induced unique alterations in adult testis. In this follow-up study, we examined Postnatal Day 3 (PND3) and PND6 male offspring exposed from Gestational Day 14 to parturition to corn oil, 10mg/kg GEN, DEHP, or their combination, to gain insight into the early molecular events driving long-term alterations. DEHP stimulated the mRNA and protein expression of the steroidogenic enzyme HSD3B, uniquely at PND3. DEHP also increased the mRNA expression of Nestin, a Leydig progenitor/Sertoli cell marker, and markers of Sertoli cell (Wt1), gonocyte (Plzf, Foxo1), and proliferation (Pcna) at PND3, while these genes were unchanged by the mixture. Redox (Nqo1, Sod2, Sod3, Trx, Gst, Cat) and xenobiotic transporter (Abcb1b, Abcg2) gene expression was also increased by DEHP at PND3, while attenuated when combined with GEN, suggesting the involvement of cellular stress in short-term DEHP effects and a protective effect of GEN. The direct effects of GEN and mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, the principal bioactive metabolite of DEHP, on testis were investigated in PND3 organ cultures, showing a stimulatory effect of 10 μM mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on basal testosterone production that was normalized by GEN. These effects contrasted with previous reports of androgen suppression and decreased gene expression in perinatal rat testis by high DEHP doses, implying that neonatal effects are not predictive of adult effects. We propose that GEN, through an antioxidant action, normalizes reactive oxygen species-induced neonatal effects of DEHP. The notion that these EDs do not follow classical dose-response effects and involve different mechanisms of toxicity from perinatal ages to adulthood highlights the importance of assessing impacts across a range of doses and ages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jones
- Division of Experimental Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Boisvert
- Department of Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sade Francois
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Liandong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Martine Culty
- Division of Experimental Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Rebourcet D, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Pitetti JL, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Milne L, Tsai YT, Cruickshanks L, Riethmacher D, Guillou F, Mitchell RT, van't Hof R, Freeman TC, Nef S, Smith LB. Sertoli cells control peritubular myoid cell fate and support adult Leydig cell development in the prepubertal testis. Development 2014; 141:2139-49. [PMID: 24803659 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells (SCs) regulate testicular fate in the differentiating gonad and are the main regulators of spermatogenesis in the adult testis; however, their role during the intervening period of testis development, in particular during adult Leydig cell (ALC) differentiation and function, remains largely unknown. To examine SC function during fetal and prepubertal development we generated two transgenic mouse models that permit controlled, cell-specific ablation of SCs in pre- and postnatal life. Results show that SCs are required: (1) to maintain the differentiated phenotype of peritubular myoid cells (PTMCs) in prepubertal life; (2) to maintain the ALC progenitor population in the postnatal testis; and (3) for development of normal ALC numbers. Furthermore, our data show that fetal LCs function independently from SC, germ cell or PTMC support in the prepubertal testis. Together, these findings reveal that SCs remain essential regulators of testis development long after the period of sex determination. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of male reproductive disorders and wider androgen-related conditions affecting male health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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15
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Tyagi R, Agrawal P, Nijhawan R, Prasad G. Bilateral sertoli- leydig cell tumor in a primigravida: a rare case. Rare Tumors 2014; 6:5408. [PMID: 25002956 PMCID: PMC4083676 DOI: 10.4081/rt.2014.5408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a unique case of incidentally discovered bilateral Sertoli Leydig cell tumour in a primigravida who displayed no features of virilization. The apha fetoprotein levels were elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of ovarian tumors, possibly germ cell tumor. Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and histopathology showed features of Sertoli Leydig cell tumor with intermediate to poor differentiation. Immunohistochemistry was positive for calretinin and inhibin, while cytokeratin was negative. Four courses of bleomycin-, etoposide- and cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimen was started, but the patient aborted while receiving the second cycle of chemotherapy. She received the remaining two cycles of chemotherapy and is now on close follow up with monitoring of serum inhibin levels to detect any tumor recurrence. Bilateral Sertloli Leydig cell tumor has not been reported previously in a pregnant female. The aim of this article is to describe the clinical, radiological and pathological features and management of this rare entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchita Tyagi
- Departments of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
| | - Parimal Agrawal
- Departments of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
| | - Raje Nijhawan
- Departments of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
| | - Grv Prasad
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research , Chandigarh, India
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16
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Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Robert NM, Martin LJ, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. The nuclear receptor NR2F2 activates star expression and steroidogenesis in mouse MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:26. [PMID: 24899578 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone production is dependent on cholesterol transport within the mitochondrial matrix, an essential step mediated by a protein complex containing the steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein. In steroidogenic Leydig cells, Star expression is hormonally regulated and involves several transcription factors. NR2F2 (COUP-TFII) is an orphan nuclear receptor that plays critical roles in cell differentiation and lineage determination. Conditional NR2F2 knockout prior to puberty leads to male infertility due to insufficient testosterone production, suggesting that NR2F2 could positively regulate steroidogenesis and Star expression. In this study we found that NR2F2 is expressed in the nucleus of some peritubular myoid cells and in interstitial cells, mainly in steroidogenically active adult Leydig cells. In MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated NR2F2 knockdown reduces basal steroid production without affecting hormone responsiveness. Consistent with this, we found that STAR mRNA and protein levels were reduced in NR2F2-depleted MA-10 and MLTC-1 cells. Transient transfections of Leydig cells revealed that a -986 bp mouse Star promoter construct was activated 3-fold by NR2F2. Using 5' progressive deletion constructs, we mapped the NR2F2-responsive element between -131 and -95 bp. This proximal promoter region contains a previously uncharacterized direct repeat 1 (DR1)-like element to which NR2F2 is recruited and directly binds. Mutations in the DR1-like element that prevent NR2F2 binding severely blunted NR2F2-mediated Star promoter activation. These data identify an essential role for the nuclear receptor NR2F2 as a direct activator of Star gene expression in Leydig cells, and thus in the control of steroid hormone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Mitra S, Srivastava A, Khanna S, Khandelwal S. Consequences of tributyltin chloride induced stress in Leydig cells: an ex-vivo approach. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2014; 37:850-860. [PMID: 24657357 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Revised: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tributyltin (TBT), a member of the organotin family, is a known endocrine disruptor. It persists long in the environment and is widely used in various industrial applications. This study was planned to understand its toxic influence on Leydig cells isolated from 28 day old wistar rats. In-vitro exposure to TBT-Chloride (TBTC) (300-3000 nM) reduced cell viability (DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation and MTT assay) and affected testosterone production. TBTC induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell death (AnnexinV/PI binding assay). Involvement of calcium (Ca(2+)), redox imbalance (ROS, GSH and TBARS) and mitochondria in TBTC toxicity was evaluated by using Ca(2+) inhibitors (BAPTA-AM, EGTA, Ruthenium Red), free radical scavengers (NAC, C-Phycocyanin) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitor (Cyclosporine A). Protein expression analysis of phosphorylated MAPKinases (ERK1/2, JNK1/2, & p38), steroidogenic proteins (3β-HSD, StAR & TSPO) and apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl2) illustrates the cytotoxic and anti-steroidogenic activity of TBTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Immunotoxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), P.O. Box 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, India
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Immunotoxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), P.O. Box 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, India
| | - Smita Khanna
- Immunotoxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), P.O. Box 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, India
| | - Shashi Khandelwal
- Immunotoxicology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), P.O. Box 80, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow-226001, India.
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