1
|
Buendía-González FO, Legorreta-Herrera M. The Similarities and Differences between the Effects of Testosterone and DHEA on the Innate and Adaptive Immune Response. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121768. [PMID: 36551196 PMCID: PMC9775255 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are steroids that modulate various processes in the body, ranging from reproduction, metabolism, and even immune response. The main androgens are testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These steroids modulate the development and function of immune response cells. Androgens are generally attributed to immunosuppressive effects; however, this is not always the case. Variations in the concentrations of these hormones induce differences in the innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immune response, which is concentration dependent. The androgens at the highest concentration in the organism that bind to the androgen receptor (AR) are DHEA and testosterone. Therefore, in this work, we review the effects of DHEA and testosterone on the immune response. The main findings of this review are that DHEA and testosterone induce similar but also opposite effects on the immune response. Both steroids promote the activation of regulatory T cells, which suppresses the Th17-type response. However, while testosterone suppresses the inflammatory response, DHEA promotes it, and this modulation is important for understanding the involvement of androgens in infectious (bacterial, viral and parasitic) and autoimmune diseases, as well as in the sexual dimorphism that occurs in these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fidel Orlando Buendía-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
| | - Martha Legorreta-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Química Computacional, Síntesis y Farmacología de Moléculas de Interés Biológico, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09230, Mexico
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
LaVere AA, Hamlin HJ, Lowers RH, Parrott BB, Ezenwa VO. Associations between testosterone and immune activity in alligators depend on bacteria species and temperature. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Russell H. Lowers
- Herndon Solutions Group, LLC, NASA Environmental and Medical Contract Kennedy Space Center FL USA
| | - Benjamin B. Parrott
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Savannah River Ecology Laboratory University of Georgia Aiken SC USA
| | - Vanessa O. Ezenwa
- Odum School of Ecology University of Georgia Athens GA USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia Athens GA USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on the immune function of mice in vivo and in vitro. Mol Immunol 2019; 112:283-290. [PMID: 31228660 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immune-regulating properties, while the mechanism of DHEA actions remains unclear. The present study aims to investigate the effect and possible mechanism of DHEA on immune function of mice in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced experimental inflammation model was constructed to analyze the regulation of DHEA on anti-oxidative and immune function in ICR mice; In vitro, the effects of DHEA on the biological functions of lymphocytes and macrophages were studied. The results showed that DHEA increased the activity of total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, while it decreased the level of reactive oxygen species in LPS-induced mice. Meanwhile, DHEA increased the proportion of T lymphocytes and decreased that of B lymphocytes in primary cultured spleen lymphocytes, and markedly enhanced the Th1/Th2 ratio in spleen T lymphocytes. Furthermore, DHEA significantly increased the Th1 type cytokine (IL-2 and IFN-α) and decreased the Th2 type cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) levels in LPS-induced mice or in primary cultured spleen T lymphocytes. In addition, DHEA improved the phagocytic ability, enhanced the NO production and increased the iNOS activity in peritoneal macrophages. Our data indicates that DHEA increases the macrophages function via improving NO content and up-regulating TNF-α expression levels; and it evoked a Th1 immuno-response and repressed a Th2 immuno-response through promoting a shift in Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-dominant immunity in vivo and in vitro. These results provide substantial evidence on the mechanism of DHEA-mediated immune function and the efficient protection against infectious and inflammatory response in animals and humans.
Collapse
|
4
|
Prall SP, Muehlenbein MP. DHEA Modulates Immune Function: A Review of Evidence. DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE 2018; 108:125-144. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
5
|
Hodges‐Simeon CR, Prall SP, Blackwell AD, Gurven M, Gaulin SJ. Adrenal maturation, nutritional status, and mucosal immunity in Bolivian youth. Am J Hum Biol 2017; 29. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean P. Prall
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles California90095
| | - Aaron D. Blackwell
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta Barbara California93106
| | - Michael Gurven
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta Barbara California93106
| | - Steven J.C. Gaulin
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta Barbara California93106
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Immunoendocrine interactions during HIV-TB coinfection: implications for the design of new adjuvant therapies. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:461093. [PMID: 26075241 PMCID: PMC4446458 DOI: 10.1155/2015/461093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, around 14 million individuals are coinfected with both tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In coinfected individuals, both pathogens weaken immunological system synergistically through mechanisms that are not fully understood. During both HIV and TB infections, there is a chronic state of inflammation associated to dramatic changes in immune cytokine and endocrine hormone levels. Despite this, the relevance of immunoendocrine interaction on both the orchestration of an effective immune response against both pathogens and the control of the chronic inflammation induced during HIV, TB, or both infections is still controversial. The present study reviews immunoendocrine interactions occurring during HIV and TB infections. We also expose our own findings on immunoendocrine cross talk in HIV-TB coinfection. Finally, we evaluate the use of adrenal hormones and their derivatives in immune-therapy and discuss the use of some of these compounds like the adjuvant for the prevention and treatment of TB in HIV patients.
Collapse
|
7
|
Prall SP, Muehlenbein MP. Dehydroepiandrosterone and multiple measures of functional immunity in young adults. Am J Hum Biol 2015; 27:877-80. [DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Prall
- Evolutionary Physiology and Ecology Laboratory; Department of Anthropology; Indiana University; Bloomington Indiana
| | - Michael P. Muehlenbein
- Evolutionary Physiology and Ecology Laboratory; Department of Anthropology; Indiana University; Bloomington Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prall SP, Ambu L, Nathan S, Alsisto S, Ramirez D, Muehlenbein MP. Androgens and innate immunity in rehabilitated semi-captive orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus morio) from Malaysian Borneo. Am J Primatol 2015; 77:642-50. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Prall
- Department of Anthropology; Indiana University; Bloomington Indiana
| | | | | | - Sylvia Alsisto
- Sabah Wildlife Department; Kota Kinabalu; Sabah Malaysia
| | - Diana Ramirez
- Sabah Wildlife Department; Kota Kinabalu; Sabah Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prall SP, Muehlenbein MP. Testosterone and Immune Function in Primates: A Brief Summary with Methodological Considerations. INT J PRIMATOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10764-014-9752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
10
|
Psychoneuroendocrine interventions aimed at attenuating immunosenescence: a review. Biogerontology 2013; 14:9-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s10522-012-9412-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The major target groups for an HIV vaccine include breastfeeding infants and adolescents. Differential immune maturity in these age groups may significantly impact vaccine efficacy, and should be taken into account when developing vaccines. Here we review these differences, with an emphasis on the immune response to vaccines for HIV and other pathogens. Recommendations for potential adaptation of current HIV vaccines are also made. RECENT FINDINGS An effective neonatal vaccine needs to be immunogenic in the presence of maternal antibody, and must induce cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses, neutralizing antibody responses, both systemic and mucosal. There is renewed hope in the possibility of stimulating neutralizing antibodies with HIV vaccination. DNA vaccines are promising for neonates, but will need appropriate boosting. Certain adjuvants and vector delivery systems are more suitable for neonates. Adolescents may have stronger immune responses to HIV vaccines than adults, and will also require induction of mucosal neutralizing humoral and cellular immunity. SUMMARY Some current HIV vaccine strategies may need adaptation for neonates and suitable product development should be accelerated. Vaccines could induce better responses in adolescents and therefore should not be discarded prematurely. Development of vaccines that have potential for these age groups is an urgent global priority.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hazeldine J, Arlt W, Lord JM. Dehydroepiandrosterone as a regulator of immune cell function. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 120:127-36. [PMID: 20060904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C19 steroid of adrenal origin. Notably, its secretion declines with age, a phenomenon referred to as the "adrenopause". For many years, the physiological significance of DHEA remained elusive. However, many studies have now shown that DHEA has significant immune modulatory function, exhibiting both immune stimulatory and anti-glucocorticoid effects. Although several of these studies are limited by the fact that they were carried out in rodents, who are incapable of adrenal DHEA production, and therefore have very low circulating levels of this steroid, evidence from the study of immune cells is now accumulating to suggest a role for DHEA in regulating human immunity. This ability to regulate immune function has raised interest in the therapeutic potential of DHEA as a treatment for the immunological abnormalities that arise in subjects with low circulating levels of this hormone. This has included attempts at reversing the impaired immune response of older individuals to vaccination and restoring immune regulation in patients with chronic autoimmune disease. This review summarises the reported effects of DHEA on immune function and discusses the therapeutic potential of this steroid in geriatric medicine and particularly in age-related disease with an immune component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Hazeldine
- MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Birmingham University Medical School, UK
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Caetano LC, Santello FH, Del Vecchio Filipin M, Brazão V, Caetano LN, Toldo MPA, Caldeira JC, do Prado JC. Trypanosoma cruzi: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and immune response during the chronic phase of the experimental Chagas’ disease. Vet Parasitol 2009; 163:27-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.03.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2009] [Revised: 03/25/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
14
|
Broccoletti T, Del Giudice E, Amorosi S, Russo I, Di Bonito M, Imperati F, Romano A, Pignata C. Steroid-induced improvement of neurological signs in ataxia-telangiectasia patients. Eur J Neurol 2008; 15:223-8. [PMID: 18290844 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2008.02060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A recent clinical observation reported on a dramatic improvement of neurological symptoms following short-term betamethasone administration in a child affected with ataxia-teleangiectasia (A-T). The aim of this study was to extend this observation to additional A-T patients followed at a single Immunodeficiency Center. Six consecutive patients (three males; mean age 16.3 years, range 5-30 years) were enrolled into this monocentric before-after trial. A cycle of oral betamethasone at the dosage of 0.1 mg/kg/day was administered for 10 days. The neurological evaluation was performed through the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia. Overall, five of the six patients exhibited a clear amelioration of the neurological performances. Only in two patients, a slight amelioration persisted 7 days after the therapy withdrawal, whilst in the other patients the score reached approximately the pre-treatment value at the end of the therapy. Twenty-eight of the 46 evaluated neurological items (60%) improved during therapy. The speech disturbance, finger chase and nose-finger test showed the more significant improvement. The clinical amelioration was inversely correlated with the level of cerebellum atrophy, as revealed by the magnetic resonance. Our data indicate that neurological signs in A-T are susceptible of beneficial pharmacological intervention even years after the disease onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Broccoletti
- Department of Pediatrics, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu D, Iruthayanathan M, Homan LL, Wang Y, Yang L, Wang Y, Dillon JS. Dehydroepiandrosterone stimulates endothelial proliferation and angiogenesis through extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-mediated mechanisms. Endocrinology 2008; 149:889-98. [PMID: 18079198 PMCID: PMC2275364 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) activates a plasma membrane receptor on vascular endothelial cells and phosphorylates ERK 1/2. We hypothesize that ERK1/2-dependent vascular endothelial proliferation underlies part of the beneficial vascular effect of DHEA. DHEA (0.1-10 nm) activated ERK1/2 in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) by 15 min, causing nuclear translocation of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylation of nuclear p90 ribosomal S6 kinase. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was dependent on plasma membrane-initiated activation of Gi/o proteins and the upstream MAPK kinase because the effect was seen with albumin-conjugated DHEA and was blocked by pertussis toxin or PD098059. A 15-min incubation of BAECs with 1 nm DHEA (or albumin-conjugated DHEA) increased endothelial proliferation by 30% at 24 h. This effect was not altered by inhibition of estrogen or androgen receptors or nitric oxide production. There was a similar effect of DHEA to increase endothelial migration. DHEA also increased the formation of primitive capillary tubes of BAECs in vitro in solubilized basement membrane. These rapid DHEA-induced effects were reversed by the inhibition of either Gi/o-proteins or ERK1/2. Additionally, DHEA enhanced angiogenesis in vivo in a chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. These findings indicate that exposure to DHEA, at concentrations found in human blood, causes vascular endothelial proliferation by a plasma membrane-initiated activity that is Gi/o and ERK1/2 dependent. These data, along with previous findings, define an important vascular endothelial cell signaling pathway that is activated by DHEA and suggest that this steroid may play a role in vascular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Iowa,Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cantiello M, Carletti M, Cannizzo FT, Nebbia C, Bellino C, Pié S, Oswald IP, Bollo E, Dacasto M. Effects of an illicit cocktail on serum immunoglobulins, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine gene expression in the veal calf. Toxicology 2007; 242:39-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2007.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2007] [Revised: 09/03/2007] [Accepted: 09/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
17
|
Oberbeck R, Deckert H, Bangen J, Kobbe P, Schmitz D. Dehydroepiandrosterone: a modulator of cellular immunity and heat shock protein 70 production during polymicrobial sepsis. Intensive Care Med 2007; 33:2207-13. [PMID: 17898998 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-007-0851-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 08/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE DHEA is an immunomodulatory steroid hormone that improves survival during systemic inflammation. A DHEA-induced modulation of heat shock protein response may be an alternative mechanism contributing to the beneficial effects of this hormone. We investigated the effect of DHEA administration on survival, cellular immune functions, and HSP-70 production in septic mice. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomized animal study, level I trauma center, university research laboratory. SUBJECTS Male NMRI mice. INTERVENTIONS Mice were subjected to sham operation (laparotomy, LAP) or sepsis (cecal ligation and puncture, CLP) with or without administration of either saline 0.9% (LAP, CLP) or 20 mg/kg DHEA subcutaneously (LAP/DHEA, CLP/DHEA). Survival was monitored over a 48-h period. Splenocyte apoptosis rate (AnnexinV binding), splenocyte proliferation ([3H]thymidine incorporation), TNF-alpha plasma concentration (ELISA), and HSP-70 concentration (ELISA) in tissue extracts from liver, lung, and spleen were monitored 48 h after onset of sepsis. RESULTS DHEA administration improved the survival of septic mice (78% vs. 50%). This effect was paralleled by increased splenocyte proliferation, decreased cellular apoptosis rate of splenocytes, and attenuation of TNF-alpha release. Furthermore, an increased HSP-70 concentration was observed in lungs and spleens of DHEA-treated septic animals. CONCLUSIONS DHEA-treatment decreased the mortality rate of septic mice. This was accompanied by improved cellular immune functions and an augmented heat shock response (HSP-70) of lungs and spleens. Further studies are required to demonstrate a direct relationship between the improved survival and the observed alterations in the immune system in DHEA-treated animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reiner Oberbeck
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Inhibited Immune Dysfunction Induced by LP-BM5 Leukemia Retrovirus Infection through Regulating Th1/Th2 Type Cytokine mRNA Expression and Oxidative Stress in Murine AIDS Model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.3746/jkfn.2006.35.10.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|