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Postnatal Dynamics of Circulating Steroid Hormones in Mule and Equine Neonates. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9110598. [PMID: 36356075 PMCID: PMC9696302 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9110598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is necessary to study hormonal patterns from mules to recognize alterations and neonatal maladaptation. Our objective was to evaluate concentrations of hormones in mule (n = 6) and equine foals (n = 6). Blood was collected at T0, 1, 6 and 12 h after birth. Hormone concentrations were evaluated using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Effects of time, group and interactions and regression analysis were evaluated (p < 0.05). There was a cubic and quadratic decline in mule and equine foals, respectively, for 3β,20α-dihydroxy-DHP. Mule foals were born with lower circulating 3β,20α-dihydroxy-DHP concentrations, which might be related to progestogen concentrations in mares with a hybrid placenta. Corticosterone and cortisol concentrations remained unchanged for the first hour post-foaling then declined in mule and equine foals (p < 0.0001). Dehydroepiandrosterone was the main androgen present. There was a decrease in dihydrotestosterone at 12 h (p = 0.002). Differences in the temporal patterns of secretion within each steroid class, pregnanes, corticoids, and androgens, suggest they were derived from different tissue sources, presumptively the placenta, adrenals and gonads of the fetus/neonate, respectively. Mule and horse foals were born without evidence of testosterone secretion. For the first time, steroid hormone levels were measured in neonatal mules, and this will provide insight into neonatal physiology that differs from equine and allow us to gain an understanding of mules that have rarely been studied. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of hybrid pregnancies in the steroid endocrinology of neonates.
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Lauteri E, Mariella J, Beccati F, Roelfsema E, Castagnetti C, Pepe M, Peric T, Barbato O, Montillo M, Rouge S, Freccero F. Adrenal Gland Ultrasonographic Measurements and Plasma Hormone Concentrations in Clinically Healthy Newborn Thoroughbred and Standardbred Foals. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11061832. [PMID: 34205258 PMCID: PMC8233797 DOI: 10.3390/ani11061832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulates many physiologic and metabolic functions and plays a central role in the inflammatory response to illness. Clinically, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis function can be evaluated by combined assessment of adrenal hormones, adrenocorticotropin plasma concentrations and ultrasonographic examination of the adrenal glands in other species. Multiple individual variables have been demonstrated to affect ultrasonographic measurements of adrenal glands in several species. Ultrasonographic measurements of the adrenal glands and plasma concentration of adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone, aldosterone and adrenocorticotropin/adrenal hormone ratios were assessed and compared between Thoroughbred and Standardbred healthy neonatal foals. The effect of age, weight and sex on ultrasonographic measurements of the adrenal glands was also investigated. The width of whole adrenal glands and the medulla differed significantly between Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. Cortisol and adrenocorticotropin were, respectively, higher and lower in Thoroughbreds than in Standardbreds. The cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone ratio was higher in Thoroughbreds than in Standardbreds. The results of this study provide reference ranges for healthy neonatal Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals and suggest the presence of breed-related differences in ultrasonographic measurements, plasmatic cortisol and adrenocorticotropin concentrations. The higher cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone ratio of Thoroughbred foals may suggest a different response to stress and environmental stimulation between the two breeds. Abstract Adrenal hormones, ACTH plasma concentrations and the ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands are considered complementary in clinical evaluations of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function in several species. In dogs, age, size and weight have a significant effect on the ultrasonographic size of the adrenal glands. In neonatal foals, ultrasonographic evaluation and measurements of the adrenal glands have been demonstrated to be reliable; however, the effect of individual variables on ultrasonographic features has not been investigated, and the clinical usefulness of adrenal gland ultrasonography is still not known. The aims of this study were: (i) to provide and compare adrenal glands ultrasound measurements in healthy newborn Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals, and assess any effect of age, weight and sex on them; (ii) to assess and compare ACTH and steroid hormone concentrations in healthy neonatal foals of the two breeds. Venous blood samples and ultrasonographic images of the adrenal glands were collected from 10 healthy neonatal Thoroughbred and 10 healthy neonatal Standardbred foals. Ultrasonographic measurements of the adrenal glands were obtained and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), progesterone (P4) and aldosterone plasma concentrations were assessed. The ACTH/cortisol, ACTH/progesterone, ACTH/aldosterone, ACTH/DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratios were calculated. A significant positive correlation was found between the height of the right adrenal gland and the foal’s weight; the width of the right and left adrenal gland and the medulla was significantly lower in Thoroughbreds than in Standardbreds. Cortisol and ACTH plasma concentrations were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in Thoroughbreds compared with Standardbreds. The cortisol/DHEA ratio was significantly higher in Thoroughbreds. This study provides reference ranges for neonatal Thoroughbred and Standardbred foals, and suggests the presence of breed-related differences in ultrasonographic adrenal gland measurements, plasmatic cortisol and ACTH concentrations. The higher cortisol/DHEA ratio detected in Thoroughbred foals could suggest a different response to environmental stimulation in the two breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Lauteri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (O.B.); (S.R.)
- Clinèquine, VetAgro Sup, University of Lyon, 1 Avenue Bourgelat, Marcy-l’Etoile, 69280 Lyon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-340-924-9803
| | - Jole Mariella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (J.M.); (C.C.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Beccati
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (O.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Ellen Roelfsema
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Carolina Castagnetti
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (J.M.); (C.C.); (F.F.)
- Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-ICIR), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Pepe
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (O.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Tanja Peric
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/B, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Olimpia Barbato
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (O.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Marta Montillo
- Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, Via Sondrio 2/B, 33100 Udine, Italy; (T.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Stefanie Rouge
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.B.); (M.P.); (O.B.); (S.R.)
| | - Francesca Freccero
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy; (J.M.); (C.C.); (F.F.)
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Legacki EL, Scholtz EL, Ball BA, Esteller-Vico A, Stanley SD, Conley AJ. Concentrations of sulphated estrone, estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone measured by mass spectrometry in pregnant mares. Equine Vet J 2019; 51:802-808. [PMID: 30891816 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have provided a longitudinal analysis of systemic concentrations of conjugated oestrogens (and androgens) throughout pregnancy in mares, and those only using immunoassay. The use of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) will provide more accurate concentrations of circulating conjugated steroids. OBJECTIVES To characterise circulating concentrations of individual conjugated steroids throughout equine gestation by using LC-MS/MS. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal study and comparison of pregnant mares treated with vehicle or letrozole in late gestation. METHODS Sulphated oestrogens and androgens were measured in mares throughout gestation and mares in late gestation (8-11 months) treated with vehicle or letrozole to inhibit oestrogen synthesis in late gestation. An analytical method was developed using LC-MS/MS to evaluate sulphated estrone, estradiol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) during equine gestation. RESULTS Estrone sulphate concentrations peaked by week 26 at almost 60 μg/mL, 50-fold higher than have been reported in studies using immunoassays. An increase in DHEAS was detected from 7 to 9 weeks of gestation, but concentrations remained consistently low (if detected) for the remainder of gestation and testosterone sulphate was undetectable at any stage. Estradiol sulphate concentrations were highly correlated with estrone sulphate but were a fraction of their level. Concentrations of both oestrogen sulphates decreased from their peak to parturition. Letrozole inhibited estrone and estradiol sulphate concentrations at 9.25 and 10.5 months of gestation but, no increase in DHEAS was observed. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited number of mares sampled and available for analysis, lack of analysis of 5α-reduced and B-ring unsaturated steroids due to lack of available standards. CONCLUSIONS Dependent on methods of extraction and chromatography, and the specificity of primary antisera, immunoassays may underestimate oestrogen conjugate concentrations in blood from pregnant mares and may detect androgen conjugates (neither testosterone sulphate nor DHEAS were detected here by LC-MS/MS) that probably peak coincident with oestrogen conjugates between 6 and 7 months of equine gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Legacki
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - E L Scholtz
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - B A Ball
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - A Esteller-Vico
- Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - S D Stanley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - A J Conley
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Allen WT, Gower S, Wilsher S. Localisation of epidermal growth factor (EGF), its specific receptor (EGF-R) and aromatase at the materno-fetal interface during placentation in the pregnant mare. Placenta 2017; 50:53-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Conley A. Review of the reproductive endocrinology of the pregnant and parturient mare. Theriogenology 2016; 86:355-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Legacki EL, Scholtz EL, Ball BA, Stanley SD, Berger T, Conley AJ. The dynamic steroid landscape of equine pregnancy mapped by mass spectrometry. Reproduction 2016; 151:421-30. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) allowed comprehensive analysis of various steroids detectable in plasma throughout equine gestation. Mares (n=9) were bled serially until they foaled. Certain steroids dominated the profile at different stages of gestation, clearly defining key physiological and developmental transitions. The period (weeks 6–20) coincident with equine chorionic gonadotropic (eCG) stimulation of primary corpora lutea and subsequent formation of secondary luteal structures was defined by increased progesterone, 17OH-progesterone and androstenedione, all Δ4 steroids. The 5α-reduced metabolite of progesterone, dihydroprogesterone (DHP) paralleled progesterone secretion at less than half the concentration until week 12 of gestation when progesterone began to decline but DHP concentrations continued to increase. DHP exceeded progesterone concentrations by week 16, clearly defining the luteo-placental shift in pregnane synthesis from primarily ovarian to primarily placental. The period corresponding to the growth of fetal gonads was defined by increasing dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone (Δ5 steroids) concentrations from week 14, peaking at week 34 and declining to term. Metabolites of DHP (including allopregnanolone) dominated the steroid profile in late gestation, some exceeding DHP by weeks 13 or 14 and near term by almost tenfold. Thus Δ4 steroids dominated during ovarian stimulation by eCG, inversion of the ratio of progesterone: DHP (increasing 5α-pregnanes) marked the luteo-placental shift, Δ5 steroids defined fetal gonadal growth and 5α-reduced metabolites of DHP dominated the steroid profile in mid- to late-gestation. Comprehensive LC–MS/MS steroid analysis provides opportunities to better monitor the physiology and the progress of equine pregnancies, including fetal development.
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Slominski A, Kim TK, Zmijewski MA, Janjetovic Z, Li W, Chen J, Kusniatsova EI, Semak I, Postlethwaite A, Miller DD, Zjawiony JK, Tuckey RC. Novel vitamin D photoproducts and their precursors in the skin. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2014; 5:7-19. [PMID: 24494038 PMCID: PMC3897599 DOI: 10.4161/derm.23938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Novel metabolic pathways initiated by the enzymatic action of CYP11A1 on 7DHC (7-dehydrocholesterol), ergosterol, vitamins D3 and D2 were characterized with help of chemical synthesis, UV and mass spectrometry and NMR analyses. The first pathway follows the sequence 7DHC→22(OH)7DHC → 20,22(OH)27DHC → 7DHP (7-dehydropregnenolone), which can further be metabolized by steroidogenic enzymes. The resulting 5,7-dienes can be transformed by UVB to corresponding, biologically active, secosteroids. Action of CYP11A1 on vitamin D3 and D2 produces novel hydroxyderivatives with OH added at positions C17, C20, C22, C23 and C24, some of which can be hydroxylated by CYP27B1 and/or by CYP27A1 and/ or by CYP24A1.The main products of these pathways are biologically active with a potency related to their chemical structure and the target cell type. Main products of CYP11A1-mediated metabolism on vitamin D are non-calcemic and non-toxic at relatively high doses and serve as partial agonists on the vitamin D receptor. New secosteroids are excellent candidates for therapy of fibrosing, inflammatory or hyperproliferative disorders including cancers and psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Center for Cancer Research; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN USA
| | - Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Center for Cancer Research; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN USA
| | | | - Zorica Janjetovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Center for Cancer Research; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | | | - Igor Semak
- Department of Biochemistry; Belarusian State University; Minsk, Belarus
| | - Arnold Postlethwaite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases; University of Tennessee Health Science Center; Memphis, TN USA
| | - Duane D Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Jordan K Zjawiony
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; School of Pharmacy; University of Mississippi; University, MS USA
| | - Robert C Tuckey
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry; University of Western Australia; Crawley, WA, Australia
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Stansfield FJ, Allen WR. Luteal maintenance of pregnancy in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Reproduction 2012; 143:845-54. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-12-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The ovaries of eight African elephant foetuses and their mothers between 2 and 22 months of gestation, and those of two cycling and two lactating elephants, were examined grossly, histologically and immunocytochemically, with emphasis on the development and regression of accessory corpora lutea (CL) of pregnancy and the steroidogenic capacities of the accessory CL and the foetal ovaries. The results supported recent findings that the accessory CL form as a result of luteinisation, with and without ovulation, of medium-sized follicles during the 3-week inter-luteal period of the oestrous cycle. They enlarge significantly and become steroidogenically active around 5 weeks of gestation, probably in response to the placental lactogen which is secreted by the implanting trophoblast of the conceptus. The large luteal cells stained strongly for 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) activity throughout the 22-month gestation period although they showed vacuolation and other degenerative changes in the final months of gestation coincident with hypertrophy and hyperplasia of 3βHSD-positive interstitial cells in the foetal gonads. It is proposed that the progestagens secreted by the enlarged gonads of the elephant foetus may function both to assist the maternal ovaries in supporting the pregnancy state and to induce torpor and intrauterine immobility of the rapidly growing foetus.
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Kim TK, Chen J, Li W, Zjawiony J, Miller D, Janjetovic Z, Tuckey RC, Slominski A. A new steroidal 5,7-diene derivative, 3beta-hydroxyandrosta-5,7-diene-17beta-carboxylic acid, shows potent anti-proliferative activity. Steroids 2010; 75:230-9. [PMID: 20025893 PMCID: PMC2846116 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2009.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The new steroidal 5,7-diene, 3beta-hydroxyandrosta-5,7-diene-17beta-carboxylic acid (17-COOH-7DA), was synthesized from 21-acetoxypregnenolone, with the oxidative cleavage of the side chain being dependent on the presence of oxygen. In human epidermal (HaCaT) keratinocytes, 17-COOH-7DA inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, starting at a dose as low as 10(-11) M. This inhibition was accompanied by decreased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor, bcl2 and cyclin E2 mRNAs and by increased expression of involucrin mRNA. Inhibition of proliferation was associated with slowing of the cell cycle in G1/G0 phases but not with cell death. 17-COOH-7DA was significantly more potent than pregnenolone, 17-COOH-pregnenolone, 17-COOCH(3)-7DA and calcitriol. 17-COOH-7DA also inhibited proliferation of normal human epidermal melanocytes and human and hamster melanoma lines, however, with lower potency than for keratinocytes. In normal human dermal fibroblasts 17-COOH-7DA stimulated proliferation in serum-free media but inhibited it in the presence of 5% serum. 17-COOH-7DA inhibited cell colony formation of human and hamster melanoma cells, and induced monocyte-like differentiation of human HL60 leukemia cells. Thus, the new steroidal 5,7-diene, 17-COOH-7DA, can serve as an inhibitor of proliferation of normal keratinocytes and normal and malignant melanocytes, as a condition-dependent regulator of fibroblast proliferation and a stimulator of leukemia cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Sequential metabolism of 7-dehydrocholesterol to steroidal 5,7-dienes in adrenal glands and its biological implication in the skin. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4309. [PMID: 19190754 PMCID: PMC2629546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Since P450scc transforms 7-dehydrocholesterol (7DHC) to 7-dehydropregnenolone (7DHP) in vitro, we investigated sequential 7DHC metabolism by adrenal glands ex vivo. There was a rapid, time- and dose-dependent metabolism of 7DHC by adrenals from rats, pigs, rabbits and dogs with production of more polar 5,7-dienes as detected by RP-HPLC. Based on retention time (RT), UV spectra and mass spectrometry, we identified the major products common to all tested species as 7DHP, 22-hydroxy-7DHC and 20,22-dihydroxy-7DHC. The involvement of P450scc in adrenal metabolic transformation was confirmed by the inhibition of this process by DL-aminoglutethimide. The metabolism of 7DHC with subsequent production of 7DHP was stimulated by forscolin indicating involvement of cAMP dependent pathways. Additional minor products of 7DHC metabolism that were more polar than 7DHP were identified as 17-hydroxy-7DHP (in pig adrenals but not those of rats) and as pregna-4,7-diene-3,20-dione (7-dehydroprogesterone). Both products represented the major identifiable products of 7DHP metabolism in adrenal glands. Studies with purified enzymes show that StAR protein likely transports 7DHC to the inner mitochondrial membrane, that 7DHC can compete effectively with cholesterol for the substrate binding site on P450scc and that the catalytic efficiency of 3betaHSD for 7DHP (V(m)/K(m)) is 40% of that for pregnenolone. Skin mitochondria are capable of transforming 7DHC to 7DHP and the 7DHP is metabolized further by skin extracts. Finally, 7DHP, its photoderivative 20-oxopregnacalciferol, and pregnenolone exhibited biological activity in skin cells including inhibition of proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and melanocytes, and melanoma cells. These findings define a novel steroidogenic pathway: 7DHC-->22(OH)7DHC-->20,22(OH)(2)7DHC-->7DHP, with potential further metabolism of 7DHP mediated by 3betaHSD or CYP17, depending on mammalian species. The 5-7 dienal intermediates of the pathway can be a source of biologically active vitamin D3 derivatives after delivery to or production in the skin, an organ intermittently exposed to solar radiation.
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Zmijewski MA, Li W, Zjawiony JK, Sweatman TW, Chen J, Miller DD, Slominski AT. Photo-conversion of two epimers (20R and 20S) of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta, 17alpha, 20-triol and their bioactivity in melanoma cells. Steroids 2009; 74:218-28. [PMID: 19028513 PMCID: PMC2631623 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2008] [Revised: 09/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregna-5,7-dienes and their hydroxylated derivatives can be formed in vivo when there is a deficiency in 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) Delta-reductase function, e.g., Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS). Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation induces photoconversion of 7-DHC to vitamin D3, lumisterol3 and tachysterol3. Two epimers (20R and 20S) of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta,17alpha,20-triol (4R and 4S, respectively) were synthesized and their UVB photo-conversion products identified as corresponding 9,10-secosteroids with vitamin D-like and tachysterol-like structures, and 5,7-dienes with inverted configuration at C-9 and C-10 (lumisterol-like). The number and character of the products and the dynamics of the process were dependent on the UVB dose. At high UVB doses, the formation of multiple oxidized derivatives of the primary products, and the formation of 5,7,9(11)-triene, were observed. The production of vitamin D-like, tachysterol-like and lumisterol-like derivatives was also observed in human skin treated with 4R and 4S, and subjected to UV irradiation, as shown by RP-HPLC. Newly synthesized compounds inhibited melanoma growth in dose dependent manner, and some of them showed equal or higher potency than 1,25(OH)2D3. In summary, we have characterized for the first time the products of UV induced conversion of pregna-5,7-diene-3beta,17alpha,20-triols and documented that the newly synthesized compounds have antiproliferative properties against melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal A. Zmijewski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jordan K. Zjawiony
- Department of Pharmacognosy and National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677-1848, USA
| | - Trevor W. Sweatman
- Department of Pharmacology and the Center for Anticancer Drug Research, University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Duane D. Miller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Address for all correspondence and reprint requests to: Andrzej T. Slominski, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, RM525, Memphis, TN 38163, Tel: (901) 448-3741, Fax: (901) 448-6979, E-mail:
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Zmijewski MA, Li W, Zjawiony JK, Sweatman TW, Chen J, Miller DD, Slominski AT. Synthesis and photo-conversion of androsta- and pregna-5,7-dienes to vitamin D3-like derivatives. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2008; 7:1570-6. [PMID: 19037511 DOI: 10.1039/b809005j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcitriol (3beta,5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trien-1alpha,3beta,25-triol) is a powerful oncostatic form of vitamin D3 that is of limited clinical utility due to hypercalcemic (toxic) effects. Since the removal of the side chain reduces or eliminates the calcemic activity of vitamin D3, secosteroidal compounds lacking or with a shortened side chain are good candidates for anti-cancer drugs. In addition, 5,7-steroidal dienes without a side chain can be generated in vivo under pathological conditions. A series of androsta- and pregna-5,7-dienes was efficiently synthesized from their respective 3-acetylated 5-en precursors by bromination-dehydrobromination and deacetylation reactions. Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation was used to generate corresponding 9,10-secosteroids with vitamin D-like structures. Additional products with tachysterol-like (T-like) structures or 5,7-dienes with inverted configuration at C-9 and C-10 (lumisterol, L-like) were also detected. Different doses of UVB resulted in formation of various products. At low doses, previtamin D-, T- or L-like compounds were formed as the main products, while higher doses induced further isomerization, with formation of potentially oxidized derivatives. In summary, we describe dynamic UVB induced conversion of androsta- and pregna-5,7-dienes into vitamin D-like compounds and their rearranged analogues; additionally novel T-like and L-like structures were also produced and characterized. Further biological evaluation of newly synthesized compounds should help to select the best candidate(s) for potential treatment of hyperproliferative diseases including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal A Zmijewski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Allen WR. Ovulation, pregnancy, placentation and husbandry in the African elephant (Loxodonta africana). Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2006; 361:821-34. [PMID: 16627297 PMCID: PMC1609400 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2006.1831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2005] [Accepted: 02/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The African elephant reproduces so efficiently in the wild that overpopulation is now a serious problem in some game parks in Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. The female reaches puberty between 10 and 12 years of age in the wild and, when in captivity, shows oestrous cycles of 14-15 weeks duration. She readily conceives a singleton in the wild yet her uterus has the capacity for twins. She shows a gestation length of 22 months and, in the wild, shows a population density and feed dependent intercalving interval of 4-8 years. The trophoblast erodes the lumenal epithelium of the endometrium and stimulates upgrowths of blood vessel-containing stromal villi, which develop eventually into the broad, tightly folded lamellae of the zonary, endotheliochorial placenta. Significant quantities of leaked maternal erythrocytes and ferric iron are phagocytosed by specialized trophoblast cells in the haemophagous zones at the lateral edges of the placental band. Although the placenta itself is endocrinologically inert, the foetal gonads, which enlarge greatly during the second half of pregnancy can synthesize 5alpha-dihydryoprogesterone and other 5alpha pregnane derivatives from cholesterol and pregnenolone. These products may synergize with progestagens secreted by the 2-8 large corpora lutea which are always present in the maternal ovaries throughout gestation to maintain the pregnancy state.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Allen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine Equine Fertility Unit, University of Cambridge, Mertoun Paddocks, Woodditton Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9BH, UK.
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Allen WR, Mathias S, Ford M. Placentation in the African elephant, Loxodonta africana. IV. Growth and function of the fetal gonads. Reproduction 2005; 130:713-20. [PMID: 16264100 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The gonads, both ovaries and testes, of 44 elephant fetuses weighing 0.09–112 kg (6.1–21.3 months gestation) were examined grossly and histologically. As in equids, elephant fetal gonads undergo a phase of marked growth and enlargement during the second half of gestation, which is more pronounced in ovaries than testes due to growth and antrum formation of numerous follicles in the former. Stromal cells undergo hypertrophy and transformation to form zones of interstitial cells that are associated with the enlarged follicles in the ovaries and in which the primitive seminiferous tubules are embedded in the testes. The interstitial cells have the capacity to synthesize 5α-dihydroprogesterone and other 5α-reduced progestagens from cholesterol and pregnenelone and the hypothesis is raised that these fetal gonadal progestagens may supplement significantly the progestagens secreted by the multiple large corpora lutea of pregnancy in the elephant.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Allen
- University of Cambridge, Department of Veterinary Medicine Equine Fertility Unit, Mertoun Paddocks, Woodditton Road, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 9BH, UK.
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Abstract
The endocrine profiles in the periparturient mares are dominated by increasing concentrations of progestagens and decreasing oestrogens. These hormones are produced by precursors from the foetus, metabolized by the placenta and act primarily on the maternal uterus. The circulating concentrations of hormones in maternal plasma, generally, represent a small proportion of those metabolized by the foetus and utero-placental tissues. There is clear evidence that the foetal hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis initiates the process of foetal maturation and the hormonal cascade which culminates in parturition at term. The endocrine changes associated with abnormal pregnancy and abortion in late pregnancy are less well understood, as are the hormonal treatments needed to avert these problems. Further work is needed to establish the biological role of the various hormones present in pregnant mares and, in particular, those hormones which control myometrial quiescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Ousey
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Equine Fertility Unit, Newmarket, UK.
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Guryev O, Carvalho RA, Usanov S, Gilep A, Estabrook RW. A pathway for the metabolism of vitamin D3: unique hydroxylated metabolites formed during catalysis with cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:14754-9. [PMID: 14657394 PMCID: PMC299797 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2336107100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolites of vitamin D3 (D3) (cholecalciferol) are recognized as enzymatically formed chemicals in humans that can influence a wide variety of reactions that regulate a large number of cellular functions. The metabolism of D3 has been extensively studied, and a role for three different mitochondrial cytochrome P450s (CYP24A, CYP27A, and CYP27B1) has been described that catalyze the formation of the 24(OH), 25(OH), and 1(OH) metabolites of D3, respectively. The hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been most extensively studied and is widely recognized as a regulator of calcium and phosphorous metabolism. Hydroxylated metabolites of D3 interact with the nuclear receptor and thereby influence growth, cellular differentiation, and proliferation. In this article, we describe in vitro experiments using purified mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc (CYP11A1) reconstituted with the iron-sulfer protein, adrenodoxin, and the flavoprotein, adrenodoxin reductase, and show the NADPH and time-dependent formation of two major metabolites of D3 (i.e., 20-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 20,22-dihydroxyvitamin D3) plus two unknown minor metabolites. In addition, we describe the metabolism of 7-dehydrocholesterol by CYP11A1 to a single product identified as 7-dehydropregnenolone. Although the physiological importance of these hydroxylated metabolites of D3 and their in vivo formation and mode of action remain to be determined, the rate with which they are formed by CYP11A1 in vitro suggests an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Guryev
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9038, USA
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Foster SJ, Marshall DE, Houghton E, Gower DB. Investigations into the biosynthetic pathways for classical and ring B-unsaturated oestrogens in equine placental preparations and allantochorionic tissues. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2002; 82:401-11. [PMID: 12589948 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-0760(02)00224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In on-going studies of 'classical' and ring B-unsaturated oestrogens in equine pregnancy, the products of metabolism of [2,2,4,6,6-2H(5)]-testosterone and [16,16,17-2H(3)]-5,7-androstadiene-3 beta,17 beta-diol with equine placental subcellular preparations and allantochorionic villi have been identified. Using mixtures of unlabelled and [2H]-labelled steroid substrates has allowed the unequivocal identification of metabolites by twin-ion monitoring in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Two types of incubation were used: (i) static in vitro and (ii) dynamic in vitro. The latter involved the use of the Oxycell cartridge (Integra Bioscience Systems, St Albans, UK) whereby the tissue preparation was continuously supplied with supporting medium plus appropriate cofactors in the presence of uniform oxygenation. [2H(5)]-Testosterone was converted into [2H(4)]-oestradiol-17 beta, [2H(4)]-oestrone and [2H(3)]-6-dehydro-oestradiol-17 alpha in both placental and chorionic villi preparations, but to a greater extent in the latter, confirming the importance of the chorionic villi in oestrogen production in the horse. On the basis of GC-MS characteristics (M(+) m/z 477/482 (as O-methyl oxime-trimethyl silyl ether), evidence for 19-hydroxylation of testosterone was found in static incubations, while the presence of a 6-hydroxy-oestradiol-17 alpha was recorded in dynamic incubations (twin peaks in the mass spectrum at m/z 504/507, the molecular ion M(+)). It was not possible to determine the configuration at C-6. The formation of small, but significant, quantities of [2H(4)]-17 beta-dihydroequilin was also shown, and a biosynthetic pathway is proposed. In static incubations of placental microsomal fractions, the 17 beta-dihydro forms of both equilin and equilenin were shown to be major metabolites of [2H(3)]-5,7-androstadiene-3,17-diol. Using static incubations of chorionic villi, the deuterated substrate was converted into the 17 beta-dihydro forms of both equilin and equilenin, together with an unidentified metabolite (base peak, m/z 504/506). The isomeric 17-dihydroequilins were also obtained using the dynamic in vitro incubation of equine chorionic villi, together with the 17 beta-isomer of dihydroequilenin. Confirmation of the identity of 17 beta-dihydroequilin and 17 beta-dihydroequilenin was obtained by co-injection of the authentic unlabelled steroids with the phenolic fraction obtained from various incubations. Increases in the peak areas for the non-deuterated steroids (ions at m/z 414 (17 beta-dihydroequilin) and 412 (17 beta-dihydroequilenin) (both as bis-trimethyl silyl ether derivatives) were observed. Biosynthetic pathways for formation of the ring B-unsaturated oestrogens from 5,7-androstadiene-3 beta,17 beta-diol are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Foster
- Horseracing Forensic Laboratory Ltd., P.O. Box 150, Newmarket Road, Fordham, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 5WP, UK
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Machida N, Tanaka Y, Taya K, Nakamura T. An ovarian interstitial cell hamartoma in a newborn foal. J Comp Pathol 2001; 125:322-5. [PMID: 11798250 DOI: 10.1053/jcpa.2001.0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A case of congenital ovarian interstitial cell hamartoma in a thoroughbred foal that died of apparent nutritional myopathy (white-muscle disease) 14 h after birth is described. An incidental finding at necropsy was a pale brown, mushroom-shaped, pedunculated mass (6 x 4 x 3 cm) attached to the left ovary. On the cut surface, the mass had a peripheral rim of dense parenchyma (3-5 mm wide), surrounding a pale gelatinous core. Histologically, the mass consisted of a peripheral zone of densely packed large cells that were quite similar, morphologically, to fetal ovarian interstitial cells, and a central area of small nests of similar cells scattered within an extremely loose connective tissue matrix. Immunohistochemically, intracytoplasmic positive labelling for inhibin was detected in these cells. These observations suggest that the lesion was an ovarian interstitial cell hamartoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Machida
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Tokyo, Fuchu, 183-8509, Japan
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Abstract
In humans and mice, four different genetic defects in the nine biosynthetic steps from lanosterol to cholesterol have been identified. They impair the activity of a putative C3-sterol dehydrogenase (Nshdl, X-linked dominant bare patches/striated mutation in mice), the sterol delta 8-delta 7 isomerase/EBP (Ebp, X-linked dominant tattered mutation in mice; chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX2) in humans), the delta 24-sterol reductase (autosomal recessive desmosterolosis) and the delta 7-sterol reductase (DHCR7 gene, autosomal recessive Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome in humans). These inborn errors in postsqualene cholesterol metabolism result in dysmorphogenetic syndromes of variable severity. The X-linked dominant mutations result in mosaicism in females, as a result of X-inactivation, and midgestational lethality in males. The mechanisms by which the depletion of cholesterol or the accumulation of intermediates impair morphogenetic programs are unclear. So far, no cellular processes that require an intact cholesterol biosynthetic pathway have been identified, although the morphogenetic hedgehog-patched signaling cascade is a candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Moebius
- Institute of Biochemical Pharmacology, Peter-Mayr-Str. 1, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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HASEGAWA T, ISHIDA M, HARIGAYA T, ISHIDA N, MUKOYAMA H. Molecular Cloning, Nucleotide Sequence and Tissue Distribution of Equine Testicular 3.BETA.-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/.DELTA.5-.DELTA.4 Isomerase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid. J Equine Sci 1998. [DOI: 10.1294/jes.9.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Telhisa HASEGAWA
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Equine Research Institute, 321-4 Tokami-Cho, Utsunomiya 320-0856, Japan
| | - Michiyo ISHIDA
- Laboratory of Functional Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-Mita, Tama-Ku, Kawasaki 214-0033, Japan
| | - Toshio HARIGAYA
- Laboratory of Functional Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-Mita, Tama-Ku, Kawasaki 214-0033, Japan
| | - Nobushige ISHIDA
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Equine Research Institute, 321-4 Tokami-Cho, Utsunomiya 320-0856, Japan
| | - Harutaka MUKOYAMA
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Equine Research Institute, 321-4 Tokami-Cho, Utsunomiya 320-0856, Japan
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