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Pasquariello R, Anipchenko P, Pennarossa G, Crociati M, Zerani M, Brevini TA, Gandolfi F, Maranesi M. Carotenoids in female and male reproduction. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2022; 204:113459. [PMID: 36183866 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids are among the best-known pigments in nature, confer color to plants and animals, and are mainly derived from photosynthetic bacteria, fungi, algae, plants. Mammals cannot synthesize carotenoids. Carotenoids' source is only alimentary and after their assumption, they are mainly converted in retinal, retinol and retinoic acid, collectively known also as pro-vitamins and vitamin A, which play an essential role in tissue growth and regulate different aspects of the reproductive functions. However, their mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic effects are still unclear. This review aims to clarify the role of carotenoids in the male and female reproductive functions in species of veterinary interest. In female, carotenoids and their derivatives regulate not only folliculogenesis and oogenesis but also steroidogenesis. Moreover, they improve fertility by decreasing the risk of embryonic mortality. In male, retinol and retinoic acids activate molecular pathways related to spermatogenesis. Deficiencies of these vitamins have been correlated with degeneration of testis parenchyma with consequent absence of the mature sperm. Carotenoids have also been considered anti-antioxidants as they ameliorate the effect of free radicals. The mechanisms of action seem to be exerted by activating Kit and Stra8 pathways in both female and male. In conclusion, carotenoids have potentially beneficial effects for ameliorating ovarian and testes function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Pasquariello
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Polina Anipchenko
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy.
| | - Martina Crociati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy; Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06129, Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimo Zerani
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Al Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università Degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Margherita Maranesi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via S. Costanzo 4, 06126, Perugia, Italy
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Northrop-Albrecht EJ, Rich JJJ, Cushman RA, Yao R, Ge X, Perry GA. Influence of conceptus presence and preovulatory estradiol exposure on uterine gene transcripts and proteins around maternal recognition of pregnancy in beef cattle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 540:111508. [PMID: 34800604 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The uterine environment must provide sufficient endocrine conditions and nutrients for pregnancy maintenance and conceptus survival. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of preovulatory estradiol and conceptus presence on uterine transcripts and uterine luminal fluid (ULF) proteins. Beef cows/heifers were synchronized and artificially inseminated (d 0). Uteri were flushed (d 16); conceptuses and endometrial biopsies were collected. Total cellular RNA was extracted from endometrium for RNA sequencing and RT-PCR validation. There were two independent ULF pools made for each of the following groups: highE2/conceptus, highE2/noconceptus, lowE2/conceptus, and lowE2/noconceptus that were analyzed using the 2D LC-MS/MS based iTRAQ method. There were 64 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 77 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in common among the highE2/conceptus vs highE2/noconceptus and lowE2/conceptus vs lowE2/noconceptus groups. In summary, the interaction between preovulatory estradiol and the conceptus induces the expression of genes, proteins, and pathways necessary for pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jerica J J Rich
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Roman L. Hruska US Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE, USA
| | - Runan Yao
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Xijin Ge
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - George A Perry
- Department of Animal Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA.
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Mathew H, Castracane VD, Mantzoros C. Adipose tissue and reproductive health. Metabolism 2018; 86:18-32. [PMID: 29155136 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of adipose tissue role has evolved from that of a depot energy storage organ to a dynamic endocrine organ. While genetics, sexual phenotype and sex steroids can impact the mass and distribution of adipose tissue, there is a counter-influence of white adipocytes on reproduction. This primarily occurs via the secretion of adipokines, the most studied of which- leptin and adiponectin- are highlighted in this article. Leptin, the "satiety hormone" primarily acts on the hypothalamus via pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons to translate acute changes in nutrition and energy expenditure, as well as chronic adipose accumulation into changes in appetite and potentially mediate insulin resistance via shared pathway and notably impacting reproductive health via influence on GnRH secreting neurons. Meanwhile, adiponectin is notable for its action in mediating insulin sensitivity, with receptors found at every level of the reproductive axis. Both have been examined in the context of physiologic and pathologic reproductive conditions. Leptin has been shown to influence puberty, pregnancy, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and lipodystrophy, and with a potential therapeutic role for both metabolic and reproductive health. Adiponectin mediates the relative state of insulin resistance in pregnancy, and has been implicated in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome and reproductive malignancies. There are numerous other adipokines, including resistin, visfatin, chemerin and retinol binding protein-4, which may also play roles in reproductive health and disease states. The continued examination of these and other adipokines in both normal reproduction and reproductive pathologies represents an important avenue for continued study. Here, we seek to provide a broad, yet comprehensive overview of many facets of these relationships and highlight areas of consideration for clinicians and future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Mathew
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Weight Management, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - V Daniel Castracane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Odessa, TX, USA
| | - Christos Mantzoros
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Herrera E, Ortega-Senovilla H. Implications of Lipids in Neonatal Body Weight and Fat Mass in Gestational Diabetic Mothers and Non-Diabetic Controls. Curr Diab Rep 2018; 18:7. [PMID: 29399727 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-018-0978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Maternal lipid metabolism greatly changes during pregnancy and we review in this article how they influence fetal adiposity and growth under non-diabetic and gestational diabetic conditions. RECENT FINDINGS In pregnant women without diabetes (control), maternal glycemia correlates with neonatal glycemia, neonatal body weight and fat mass. In pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), maternal glucose correlates with neither neonatal glycemia, neonatal birth weight nor fat mass, but maternal triacylglycerols (TAG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and glycerol do correlate with birth weight and neonatal adiposity. The proportions of maternal plasma arachidonic (AA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids decrease from the first to the third trimester of pregnancy, and at term these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are higher in cord blood plasma than in mothers, indicating efficient placental transfer. In control or pregnant women with GDM at term, the maternal concentration of individual fatty acids does not correlate with neonatal body weight or fat mass, but cord blood fatty acid levels correlate with birth weight and neonatal adiposity-positively in controls, but negatively in GDM. The proportion of AA and DHA in umbilical artery plasma in GDM is lower than in controls but not in umbilical vein plasma. Therefore, an increased utilization of those two fatty acids by fetal tissues, rather than impaired placental transfer, is responsible for their smaller proportion in plasma of GDM newborns. In control pregnant women, maternal glycemia controls neonatal body weight and fat mass, whereas in mothers with GDM-even with good glycemic control-maternal lipids and their greater utilization by the fetus play a critical role in neonatal body weight and fat mass. We propose that altered lipid metabolism rather than hyperglycemia constitutes a risk for macrosomia in GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Herrera
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, E-28925, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Henar Ortega-Senovilla
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, Urbanización Montepríncipe, E-28925, Madrid, Spain
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Sandra O, Charpigny G, Galio L, Hue I. Preattachment Embryos of Domestic Animals: Insights into Development and Paracrine Secretions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2016; 5:205-228. [PMID: 27959670 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian species, endometrial receptivity is driven by maternal factors independently of embryo signals. When pregnancy initiates, paracrine secretions of the preattachment embryo are essential both for maternal recognition and endometrium preparation for implantation and for coordinating development of embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of the conceptus. This review mainly focuses on domestic large animal species. We first illustrate the major steps of preattachment embryo development, including elongation in bovine, ovine, porcine, and equine species. We next highlight conceptus secretions that are involved in the communication between extraembryonic and embryonic tissues, as well as between the conceptus and the endometrium. Finally, we introduce experimental data demonstrating the intimate connection between conceptus secretions and endometrial activity and how adverse events perturbing this interplay may affect the progression of implantation that will subsequently impact pregnancy outcome, postnatal health, and expression of production traits in livestock offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Sandra
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Gilles Charpigny
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Laurent Galio
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
| | - Isabelle Hue
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, 78350, Jouy en Josas, France; , , ,
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6
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Forde N, Bazer FW, Spencer TE, Lonergan P. 'Conceptualizing' the Endometrium: Identification of Conceptus-Derived Proteins During Early Pregnancy in Cattle. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:156. [PMID: 25947061 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.129296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify conceptus-derived proteins, in addition to IFNT, that may facilitate pregnancy recognition in cattle. Analysis of the protein content of the uterine luminal fluid (ULF) from cyclic heifers on Day 16 by nano liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified 334 proteins. Comparison of these data with 299 proteins identified in the ULF of pregnant heifers on Day 16 identified 85 proteins only present in the ULF of pregnant heifers. Analysis of Day 16 conceptus-conditioned culture medium revealed the presence of 1005 proteins of which 30 proteins were unique to ULF from Day 16 pregnant heifers. Of these 30 proteins, 12 had mRNA expression values at least 2-fold higher in abundance (P < 0.05) in the conceptus compared to the endometrium (ARPC5L, CAPG, CKMT1, CSTB, HSPA8, HSPE1, LGALS3, MSN, NUTF2, P4HB, PRKAR2A, TKT) as determined by RNA sequencing. In addition, genes that have a significant biological interaction with the proteins (ACO2, CKMT1, CSTB, EEF2, GDI1, GLB1, GPLD1, HNRNPA1, HNRNPA2B1, HNRNPF, HSPA8, HSPE1, IDH2, KRT75, LGALS3, MSN, NUTF2, P4HB, PRKAR2A, PSMA4, PSMB5, PSMC4, SERPINA3, TKT) were differentially expressed in the endometrium of pregnant compared to cyclic heifers during the pregnancy recognition period (Days 16-18). These results indicate that 30 proteins unique to ULF from pregnant heifers and produced by short-term in vitro cultured Day 16 conceptuses could potentially be involved in facilitating the interactions between the conceptus and the endometrium during the pregnancy recognition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Forde
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Thomas E Spencer
- Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Pat Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
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SUN YX, ZENG YQ, TANG H, FAN XZ, CHEN QM, LI H, QIAN Y, SONG YP. Relationship of genetic polymorphism of PRLR and RBP4 genes with litter size traits in pig. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2009; 31:63-8. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2009.00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Ledgard AM, Lee RSF, Peterson AJ. Expression of genes associated with allantois emergence in ovine and bovine conceptuses. Mol Reprod Dev 2006; 73:1084-93. [PMID: 16804885 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.20532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the development of ruminant embryos, the emergence and growth of the allantois is critical for the establishment of the chorioallantoic placenta. The allantoic membrane contributes to all the vasculature that perfuses the placental tissues and the fetal membranes. Using suppressive subtractive hybridization to compare mRNA from Day 13 ovine preimplantation conceptuses (prior to allantoic emergence) with Day 17 allantoic membrane, we identified nine genes whose expression was associated with the emergence of the allantoic sac. Collagen alpha 1 type XII, collagen alpha 2 type I, collagen alpha 2 type V, epsilon 4 beta-globin, osteonectin, and uroplakin were expressed at significantly greater levels in ovine Day 17 allantois compared to Day 13 conceptuses. These genes are associated with the extracellular matrix and most likely are involved in establishing and strengthening the structural integrity of the allantoic sac and in the development of the blood vessels. RalB expression increased with development although at significantly greater levels in the allantois only at Day 19. Hoxa-10 and RhoA showed no differential expression during this period. All these genes showed a similar temporal pattern of expression in bovine conceptuses at equivalent stages of development with significantly greater expression of all these genes, except for Hoxa-10, found in Day 24 allantois compared to Day 14 conceptuses. This suggests that the role they play in allantoic emergence, growth and function is conserved in both ruminant species and that their expression is regulated in a similar manner. The interactions and regulation of this process remains to be fully explained.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Ledgard
- AgResearch, Reproductive Technologies Section, Ruakura Research Centre, East Street, Hamilton, New Zealand
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Brown JA, Eberhardt DM, Schrick FN, Roberts MP, Godkin JD. Expression of retinol-binding protein and cellular retinol-binding protein in the bovine ovary. Mol Reprod Dev 2003; 64:261-9. [PMID: 12548658 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.10225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Retinol (vitamin A) is essential for reproduction, and retinoids have been suggested to play a role in ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, and early embryonic development. Retinol is transported systemically and intercellularly by retinol-binding protein (RBP). Within the cell, cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) functions in retinol accumulation and metabolism. Since the actions of retinoids are mediated, in part, by retinoid-binding proteins, the objective of this study was to investigate cell-specific expression of RBP and CRBP in the bovine ovary. Immunocytochemical analysis (ICC) localized RBP to the thecal and granulosa cell layers of antral and preantral follicles with the most intense staining in the cells of large, healthy follicles. The tunica adventitia of arterial blood vessels also exhibited RBP staining. Immunostaining of CRBP was most intense in the granulosa cells of preantral follicles and present, but diminished, in thecal and granulosa cells of antral follicles. Within the corpus luteum, both proteins were observed in large luteal cells, but only RBP was observed in small luteal cells. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that thecal and granulosa cells from antral follicles and luteal tissue expressed RBP and CRBP mRNA. Synthesis and secretion of RBP by thecal cells, granulosa cells, and luteal cells were demonstrated by immune-complex precipitation of radiolabeled RBP from the medium of cultured cells or explants, followed by SDS-PAGE and fluorography. Follicular fluid was collected from small (<5 mm) and large (8-14 mm) follicles, pooled according to follicular size, and analyzed for retinol, RBP, estradiol-17beta, and progesterone. Concentrations of retinol, RBP, and estradiol were greater in the fluid of large follicles. Results demonstrate retinoid-binding protein expression by bovine ovaries and provide physical evidence that supports the concept that retinoids play a role in ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alison Brown
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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Johansson S, Dencker L, Dantzer V. Immunohistochemical localization of retinoid binding proteins at the materno-fetal interface of the porcine epitheliochorial placenta. Biol Reprod 2001; 64:60-8. [PMID: 11133659 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod64.1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinol and retinoic acid that are potent modulators of gene expression are vital for development and growth of the conceptus. Apart from being transported across the placenta, retinol and retinoic acid may also be active in the placenta per se. Three proteins involved in 1) serum transport of retinol (retinol binding protein [RBP]), 2) cellular transport and metabolism of retinol (cellular RBP [CRBP] I), and 3) retinoic acid (cellular retinoic acid binding protein [CRABP] I), respectively, have been located by immunohistochemistry during gestation in the porcine placenta. This is a diffuse epitheliochorial placenta composed of areolar-gland subunits, where transport of larger molecules takes place, and interareolar regions, where gas-exchange and trophoblast absorption of hemotroph occur. Immunoreactive-RBP (ir-RBP) as well as CRBP I (ir-CRBP) was detected in uterine glands and in areolar trophoblasts, suggesting that RBP-retinol is secreted by the glands and absorbed by the trophoblasts. Both proteins were present also at the interareolar regions, with ir-CRBP in both the uterine epithelium and the apposing trophoblasts, but ir-RBP only in the former. The localization of ir-CRABP was, in contrast, strictly limited to interareolar trophoblasts. Together these findings suggest that 1) the areolar gland subunits are important for transport of retinol and retinol-RBP, and 2) retinoid binding proteins are involved in the development and growth of the porcine placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Johansson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Centre, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
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11
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Jessen KA, Satre MA. Mouse retinol binding protein gene: cloning, expression and regulation by retinoic acid. Mol Cell Biochem 2000; 211:85-94. [PMID: 11055551 DOI: 10.1023/a:1007136612749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA clone encoding the retinol binding protein (RBP) was isolated from a mouse liver cDNA library by hybridization screening. The nucleotide sequence of murine RBP is 85 and 95% homologous to that of human and rat RBP, respectively, with a deduced amino acid sequence > or = 83% homologous to both species. Analysis of the tissue expression pattern of RBP mRNA in the female mouse indicated relatively abundant expression in the liver, with lesser amounts in extrahepatic tissues including adipose, kidney, spleen and uterus, suggesting that these tissues may have a significant role in retinol homeostasis. Mouse liver cell RBP regulation by retinoids was also investigated. Both all-trans retinoic acid (AT-RA) and 9-cis retinoic acid (9c-RA) induced RBP mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Maximal levels (up to 4-fold above controls) were observed at > or = 48 h following treatment of both mouse hepatoma cells in vitro and in vivo in mice receiving a single, oral dose of either retinoid. Interestingly, 9c-RA was more potent at RBP induction in both in vivo and in vitro systems. Given the extent and temporal pattern of RBP induction, we suggest that the RA-mediated increase in liver RBP is part of a cellular protection mechanism. Increased levels of RBP would facilitate sequestration and possibly cellular export of RA in cells receiving prolonged exposure to high levels of RA, thus minimizing toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Jessen
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis 95616, USA
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12
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Schweigert FJ, Bonitz K, Siegling C, Buchholz I. Distribution of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I, and retinoid X receptor beta in the porcine uterus during early gestation. Biol Reprod 1999; 61:906-11. [PMID: 10491623 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod61.4.906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP), among the major secretory products of the uterine endometrium in the uterine fluid of pigs, are assumed to be of importance for early embryonic development. While uterine RBP has been widely characterized, little information is available on the metabolism of vitamin A itself or other specific binding proteins or nuclear receptors in the uterus of pigs. In the present study, the content and distribution of vitamin A in uterine tissue of pigs during early gestation (Days 14-30) were examined macroscopically and microscopically via autofluorescence and HPLC. In addition, the distribution of specific proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism at the cellular and nuclear level was investigated. Macroscopically, the yellowish-greenish autofluorescence characteristic of vitamin A was observed in uterine endometrium. Microscopy showed that the autofluorescence was associated with glandular and surface epithelium of the endometrium. In these structures, immunoreactive RBP was localized, as was cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I. Retinoid X receptor beta was observed in the nucleus of myometrium and endometrium. The intensity of fluorescence decreased with the progress of gestation. This decrease was paralleled by a decrease in vitamin A content of endometrium and myometrium. In general, vitamin A concentration in the endometrium was higher than in the myometrium (P < 0.01). In the myometrium, if present at all, vitamin A was found almost exclusively as retinyl esters. In the endometrium, the dominant fraction was retinol, representing more than 90% of total vitamin A. These results show for the first time that the yellowish-greenish autofluorescence in the pig uterus can be attributed to vitamin A. Differences in the form of vitamin A present in endometrium and myometrium might point to differences in metabolism. In the myometrium, vitamin A might be stored, and in the endometrium, vitamin A is present primarily as retinol-the form in which it is secreted into the uterine fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- F J Schweigert
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, D-14558 Bergholz-Rehbrücke, Germany.
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13
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Eberhardt DM, Jacobs WG, Godkin JD. Steroid regulation of retinol-binding protein in the ovine oviduct. Biol Reprod 1999; 60:714-20. [PMID: 10026121 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod60.3.714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Two studies were conducted to identify retinol-binding protein (RBP) expression in the ovine oviduct and to determine the role of ovarian steroids in its regulation. Ewes were salpingectomized on Days 1, 5, or 10 of their respective estrous cycles, and oviducts were homogenized for RNA analysis, fixed for immunocytochemistry (ICC), or cultured for 24 h for protein analysis. ICC localized RBP to the epithelium of all oviducts. RBP synthesis was demonstrated by immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled RBP from the medium of oviductal explant cultures. Explant culture medium from oviducts harvested on Day 1 contained significantly more RBP than medium from oviducts collected on Days 5 or 10. Slot-blot analysis demonstrated that steady-state RBP mRNA levels were significantly higher on Day 1 than Day 5 or 10. In the second experiment, ovariectomized ewes were treated with estradiol-17beta (E2), progesterone (P4), E2+P4 (E2+P4), or vehicle control, and oviducts were analyzed as above. P4 alone or in combination with E2 significantly reduced steady-state RBP mRNA levels compared to those in E2-treated animals. Oviductal explants from E2- and E2+P4-treated animals released 3- to 5-fold more RBP into the medium than control and P4 treatments as determined by ELISA. RBP synthesis of metabolically labeled RBP was increased by E2 and E2+P4 treatments. This study demonstrates that P4 applied on an estradiol background negatively regulates RBP gene expression in the oviduct whereas estradiol appears to stimulate RBP synthesis and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- D M Eberhardt
- Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901, USA
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14
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Godkin JD, Smith SE, Johnson RD, Doré JJ. The role of trophoblast interferons in the maintenance of early pregnancy in ruminants. Am J Reprod Immunol 1997; 37:137-43. [PMID: 9138447 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.1997.tb00202.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Are the effects of ruminant trophoblast interferon-tau (IFN-tau) on uterine prostaglandin (PG) secretion a specific action of this cytokine and what are the effects of IFN-tau on expression of uterine genes not generally associated with pregnancy maintenance? METHODS The effects of IFN-tau and IFN-alpha on bovine uterine explant and epithelial cell production of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 were determined in the presence and absence of oxytocin (OT). The effects of intrauterine administration of IFN-tau were determined on uterine expression of retinol-binding protein (RBP) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms. RESULTS IFN-tau attenuated uterine endometrial secretion of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 in vitro and diminish PG stimulation by OT. IFN-tau and IFN-alpha were observed to be equipotent. Intrauterine infusion of IFN-tau resulted in a significant decrease in steady-state RBP mRNA levels and expression of TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3 mRNA levels were lowest in IFN-tau treated animals. CONCLUSION Negative regulation of gene expression may be a general strategy in IFN activity. This may explain the similar activities of IFN-tau and IFN-alpha on a broad variety of cell types, including ruminant uterine endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Godkin
- Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville 37901-1071, USA
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