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Liu L, Karim Z, Schlörer N, de la Torre X, Botrè F, Zoschke C, Parr MK. Biotransformation of anabolic androgenic steroids in human skin cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 237:106444. [PMID: 38092130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In comparison to well-known drug-metabolizing organs such as the liver, the metabolic capacity of human skin is still not well elucidated despite the widespread use of topical drug application. To gain a comprehensive insight into anabolic steroid metabolism in the skin, six structurally related anabolic androgenic steroids, testosterone, metandienone, methyltestosterone, clostebol, dehydrochloromethyltestosterone, and methylclostebol, were applied to human keratinocytes and fibroblasts derived from the juvenile foreskin. Phase I metabolites obtained from incubation media were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 5α-reductase activity was predominant in the metabolic pathways as supported by the detection of 5α-reduced metabolites after incubation of testosterone, methyltestosterone, clostebol, and methylclostebol. Additionally, the stereochemistry structures of fully reduced metabolites (4α,5α-isomers) of clostebol and methylclostebol were newly confirmed in this study by the help of inhouse synthesized reference materials. The results provide insights into the steroid metabolism in human skin cells with respect to the characteristics of the chemical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Liu
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ziaul Karim
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nils Schlörer
- Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Francesco Botrè
- Laboratorio Antidoping FMSI, Largo Giulio Onesti 1, 00197 Rome, Italy; REDs - Research and Expertise on Antidoping sciences, ISSUL - Institute de sciences du sport, Université de Lausanne, Synathlon 3224 - Quartier Centre, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christian Zoschke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety, Department of Veterinary Drugs, Gerichtstr. 49, 13347 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Kristina Parr
- Institute of Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 2+4, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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Oakley J, Hill M, Giess A, Tanguy M, Elgar G. Long read sequencing characterises a novel structural variant, revealing underactive AKR1C1 with overactive AKR1C2 as a possible cause of severe chronic fatigue. J Transl Med 2023; 21:825. [PMID: 37978513 PMCID: PMC10655400 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Causative genetic variants cannot yet be found for many disorders with a clear heritable component, including chronic fatigue disorders like myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). These conditions may involve genes in difficult-to-align genomic regions that are refractory to short read approaches. Structural variants in these regions can be particularly hard to detect or define with short reads, yet may account for a significant number of cases. Long read sequencing can overcome these difficulties but so far little data is available regarding the specific analytical challenges inherent in such regions, which need to be taken into account to ensure that variants are correctly identified. Research into chronic fatigue disorders faces the additional challenge that the heterogeneous patient populations likely encompass multiple aetiologies with overlapping symptoms, rather than a single disease entity, such that each individual abnormality may lack statistical significance within a larger sample. Better delineation of patient subgroups is needed to target research and treatment. METHODS We use nanopore sequencing in a case of unexplained severe fatigue to identify and fully characterise a large inversion in a highly homologous region spanning the AKR1C gene locus, which was indicated but could not be resolved by short-read sequencing. We then use GC-MS/MS serum steroid analysis to investigate the functional consequences. RESULTS Several commonly used bioinformatics tools are confounded by the homology but a combined approach including visual inspection allows the variant to be accurately resolved. The DNA inversion appears to increase the expression of AKR1C2 while limiting AKR1C1 activity, resulting in a relative increase of inhibitory GABAergic neurosteroids and impaired progesterone metabolism which could suppress neuronal activity and interfere with cellular function in a wide range of tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an example of how long read sequencing can improve diagnostic yield in research and clinical care, and highlights some of the analytical challenges presented by regions containing tandem arrays of genes. It also proposes a novel gene associated with a novel disease aetiology that may be an underlying cause of complex chronic fatigue. It reveals biomarkers that could now be assessed in a larger cohort, potentially identifying a subset of patients who might respond to treatments suggested by the aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Národni 8, 11694, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Giess
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Mélanie Tanguy
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK
| | - Greg Elgar
- Scientific Research and Development, Genomics England, London, UK.
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3
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Gong S, Gaccioli F, Aye ILMH, Avellino G, Cook E, Lawson ARJ, Harvey LMR, Smith GCS, Charnock-Jones DS. The human placenta exhibits a unique transcriptomic void. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112800. [PMID: 37453066 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The human placenta exhibits a unique genomic architecture with an unexpectedly high mutation burden and many uniquely expressed genes. The aim of this study is to identify transcripts that are uniquely absent or depleted in the placenta. Here, we show that 40 of 46 of the other organs have no selectively depleted transcripts and that, of the remaining six, the liver has the largest number, with 26. In contrast, the term placenta has 762 depleted transcripts. Gene Ontology analysis of this depleted set highlighted multiple pathways reflecting known unique elements of placental physiology. For example, transcripts associated with neuronal function are in the depleted set-as expected given the lack of placental innervation. However, this demonstrated overrepresentation of genes involved in mitochondrial function (p = 5.8 × 10-10), including PGC-1α, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and genes involved in polyamine metabolism (p = 2.1 × 10-4).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungsam Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Francesca Gaccioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Irving L M H Aye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Giulia Avellino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Cook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Overview of human 20 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C1): Functions, regulation, and structural insights of inhibitors. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 351:109746. [PMID: 34780792 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human aldo-keto reductase family 1C1 (AKR1C1) is an important enzyme involved in human hormone metabolism, which is mainly responsible for the metabolism of progesterone in the human body. AKR1C1 is highly expressed and has an important relationship with the occurrence and development of various diseases, especially some cancers related to hormone metabolism. Nowadays, many inhibitors against AKR1C1 have been discovered, including some synthetic compounds and natural products, which have certain inhibitory activity against AKR1C1 at the target level. Here we briefly reviewed the physiological and pathological functions of AKR1C1 and the relationship with the disease, and then summarized the development of AKR1C1 inhibitors, elucidated the interaction between inhibitors and AKR1C1 through molecular docking results and existing co-crystal structures. Finally, we discussed the design ideals of selective AKR1C1 inhibitors from the perspective of AKR1C1 structure, discussed the prospects of AKR1C1 in the treatment of human diseases in terms of biomarkers, pre-receptor regulation and single nucleotide polymorphisms, aiming to provide new ideas for drug research targeting AKR1C1.
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5
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Bertrand JA, Woodward DF, Sherwood JM, Spenlehauer A, Silvestri C, Piscitelli F, Marzo VD, Yamazaki M, Sakimura K, Inoue Y, Watanabe K, Overby DR. Deletion of the gene encoding prostamide/prostaglandin F synthase reveals an important role in regulating intraocular pressure. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2021; 165:102235. [PMID: 33418484 PMCID: PMC9251352 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Prostamide/prostaglandin F synthase (PM/PGFS) is an enzyme with very narrow substrate specificity and is dedicated to the biosynthesis of prostamide F2α and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α.). The importance of this enzyme, relative to the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) series, in providing functional tissue prostamide F2α levels was determined by creating a line of PM/PGFS gene deleted mice. Deletion of the gene encoding PM/PGFS (Fam213b / Prxl2b) was accomplished by a two exon disruption. Prostamide F2α levels in wild type (WT) and PM/PGFS knock-out (KO) mice were determined by LC/MS/MS. Deletion of Fam213b (Prxl2b) had no observed effect on behavior, appetite, or fertility. In contrast, tonometrically measured intraocular pressure was significantly elevated by approximately 4 mmHg in PM/PGFS KO mice compared to littermate WT mice. Outflow facility was measured in enucleated mouse eyes using the iPerfusion system. No effect on pressure dependent outflow facility occurred, which is consistent with the effects of prostamide F2α and PGF2α increasing outflow through the unconventional pathway. The elevation of intraocular pressure caused by deletion of the gene encoding the PM/PGFS enzyme likely results from a diversion of the endoperoxide precursor pathway to provide increased levels of those prostanoids known to raise intraocular pressure, namely prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and thromboxane A2 (TxA2). It follows that PM/PGFS may serve an important regulatory role in the eye by providing PGF2α and prostamide F2α to constrain the influence of those prostanoids that raise intraocular pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques A Bertrand
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - David F Woodward
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; JeniVision Inc., 5270, California Ave., Irvine, CA 92617, United States.
| | - Joseph M Sherwood
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Spenlehauer
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Département de Médecine, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6; Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 4G5
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei, 34 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Département de Médecine, Université Laval, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6; Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 4G5; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via Campi Flegrei, 34 80078 Pozzuoli (NA), Italy; Faculté des sciences de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation, Université Laval, 2425 Rue de l'Agriculture Bureau 1122, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6; Institut sur la Nutrition et les Aliments Fonctionnels, 440 Boulevard Hochelaga, Québec, QC, Canada, G1V 0A6
| | - Maya Yamazaki
- Dept. of Cellular Neurobiology (currently Dept. of Animal Model Development), Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan; Dept of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Dept. of Cellular Neurobiology (currently Dept. of Animal Model Development), Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Yoko Inoue
- Dept. of Cellular Neurobiology (currently Dept. of Animal Model Development), Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Kikuko Watanabe
- Faculty of Nutrition, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, 651-2180, Japan
| | - Darryl R Overby
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, Prince Consort Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
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Kim J, Coradetti ST, Kim YM, Gao Y, Yaegashi J, Zucker JD, Munoz N, Zink EM, Burnum-Johnson KE, Baker SE, Simmons BA, Skerker JM, Gladden JM, Magnuson JK. Multi-Omics Driven Metabolic Network Reconstruction and Analysis of Lignocellulosic Carbon Utilization in Rhodosporidium toruloides. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 8:612832. [PMID: 33585414 PMCID: PMC7873862 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.612832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
An oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides is a promising host for converting lignocellulosic biomass to bioproducts and biofuels. In this work, we performed multi-omics analysis of lignocellulosic carbon utilization in R. toruloides and reconstructed the genome-scale metabolic network of R. toruloides. High-quality metabolic network models for model organisms and orthologous protein mapping were used to build a draft metabolic network reconstruction. The reconstruction was manually curated to build a metabolic model using functional annotation and multi-omics data including transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and RB-TDNA sequencing. The multi-omics data and metabolic model were used to investigate R. toruloides metabolism including lipid accumulation and lignocellulosic carbon utilization. The developed metabolic model was validated against high-throughput growth phenotyping and gene fitness data, and further refined to resolve the inconsistencies between prediction and data. We believe that this is the most complete and accurate metabolic network model available for R. toruloides to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonhoon Kim
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Samuel T Coradetti
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Young-Mo Kim
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Yuqian Gao
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Junko Yaegashi
- Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Jeremy D Zucker
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Nathalie Munoz
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Erika M Zink
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Kristin E Burnum-Johnson
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Scott E Baker
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
| | - Blake A Simmons
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey M Skerker
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - John M Gladden
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Jon K Magnuson
- Department of Energy, Agile BioFoundry, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Department of Energy, Joint BioEnergy Institute, Emeryville, CA, United States.,Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States
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7
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Mares L, Vilchis F, Chávez B, Ramos L. Molecular genetic analysis of AKR1C2-4 and HSD17B6 genes in subjects 46,XY with hypospadias. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:689.e1-689.e12. [PMID: 32732174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The formation of the male urethra depends to enzyme-mediated testosterone (T) conversion into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Two metabolic pathways could be operating in the fetal testis to synthesize androgens: 1) the "classic" route (T→DHT) mediated by SRD5A2 and 2) a "backdoor" pathway in which DHT is synthesized by aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C2 (AKR1C2), AKR1C3, and AKR1C4 enzymes without formation of a T intermediate. OBJECTIVE We studied four genes of the "backdoor" pathway in karyotypic males with hypospadias to ascertain whether gene defects in AKRs impair urethral DHT formation that result in hypospadias. DESIGN AND PATIENTS The coding regions of the AKR1C2-4 and HSD17B6 genes were analyzed by PCR-SSCP and sequencing in a cohort of 25 Mexican patients (0.3-9 year-old-children) with 46,XY-hypospadias. Chi-squared tests was performed to evaluate the distribution of genotypes, alleles, and the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium. The effect of the genetic variants was investigated by in silico studies. RESULTS Screening studies revealed distinct genotypic patterns at different exons of AKR1C2-4 whereas HSD17B6 presented a wild-type sequence. The DNA analyses detected two synonymous variants (c.327C>T, c.666T>C/unreported) in AKR1C2. The AKR1C3 had two variants (c.15C>G, c.230A>G), two unreported variants (c.538T>C, c.596G>A), and one silent variant (c.312G>A). Two variants (c.434C>G, c.931C>G) were identified in AKR1C4. All variants were in H-W equilibrium without structural changes. DISCUSSION Hypospadias have been associated with defects that alter androgen biosynthesis in the human fetal testis, specifically 5α-DHT. We selected four candidate genes involved in the "backdoor" pathway for the formation of 5α-DHT. Molecular assays of the AKR1C2, AKR1C3, and AKR1C4 genes revealed a total of nine genetic single nucleotide variants. Several variants in the AKR1C genes have been associated with a variety of human pathologies. However, our studies suggest that active steroid biosynthesis via AKR1C might not be involved in hypospadias. Additionally, genetic research suggests a low involvement in the "backdoor" 5α-DHT pathway during human sexual development, specifically, the differentiation of male external genitalia. CONCLUSION These results indicate that substitutions in AKR1C2-4 are polymorphisms and all genetic variants lacks deleterious significant association with hypospadias. The data suggest that inactivating mutations in the AKR1C2-4 and HSD17B6 genes are an infrequent cause of hypospadias, which might weaken the contribution of the "backdoor" pathway to embryonic urethral masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Mares
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - F Vilchis
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - B Chávez
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - L Ramos
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico.
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Tokarz J, Lintelmann J, Möller G, Adamski J. Substrate multispecificity among 20β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 members. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 510:110822. [PMID: 32315721 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Steroids regulate many physiological processes. Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) modulate the levels of steroids in pre- and post-receptor metabolism. The subfamily of 20β-HSD type 2 currently comprises six members from six different species. The zebrafish ortholog converts cortisone to 20β-dihydrocortisone and is involved in the catabolism of the stress hormone cortisol. Here, we elucidated the substrate preferences of all 20β-HSD type 2 enzymes towards a selected panel of steroids. For quantification of the substrates and their respective 20β-reduced products, we first developed and validated a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry based method. Applying this method to activity assays with recombinantly expressed enzymes, our findings indicate that the 20β-HSD type 2 enzymes catalyze the 20β-reduction of a plethora of steroids of the glucocorticoid biosynthesis pathway. The observed multispecificity among the homologous 20β-HSD type 2 enzymes implies different physiological roles in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Tokarz
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Jutta Lintelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Möller
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research, Neuherberg, Germany; Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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9
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Wan R, Kong X, Yang Y, Tao S, Chen Y, Teichmann AT, Wieland FH. Role of human 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms (AKR1C1-AKR1C3) in the extrahepatic metabolism of the steroidal aromatase inactivator Formestane. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 198:105527. [PMID: 31733346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The clinical use of the steroidal aromatase inhibitor Formestane (4-hydroxandrostenedione, 4-OHA) in the treatment of advanced ER+ breast cancer has been discontinued, and therefore, interest in this remarkable drug has vanished. As a C-19 sterol, 4-OHA can undergo extensive intracellular metabolism depending on the expression of specific enzymes in the corresponding cells. We used the metabolites 4β-hydroxyandrosterone, 4β-hydroxyepiandrosterone and its 17β-reduced derivative as standards for the proof of catalytic activity present in the cell culture medium and expressed by the isolated enzymes. All of the aldo-keto reductases AKR1C1, AKR1C2, AKR1C3 and AKR1C4 catalysed the reduction of the 3-keto-group and the Δ4,5 double bond of 4-OHA at the same time. Molecular docking experiments using microscale thermophoresis and the examination of the kinetic behaviour of the isolated enzymes with the substrate 4-OHA proved that AKR1C3 had the highest affinity for the substrate, whereas AKR1C1 was the most efficient enzyme. Both enzymes (AKR1C1and AKR1C3) are highly expressed in adipose tissue and lungs, exhibiting 3β-HSD activity. The possibility that 4-OHA generates biologically active derivatives such as the androgen 4-hydroxytestosterone or some 17β-hydroxy derivatives of the 5α-reduced metabolites may reawaken interest in Formestane, provided that a suitable method of administration can be developed, avoiding oral or intramuscular depot-injection administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runlan Wan
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medical Electrophysiology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Xi Kong
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Youzhe Yang
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Siwen Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Youyou Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Alexander Tobias Teichmann
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Frank Heinrich Wieland
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Gynaecology and Breast Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China.
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Penning TM. AKR1C3 (type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/prostaglandin F synthase): Roles in malignancy and endocrine disorders. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 489:82-91. [PMID: 30012349 PMCID: PMC6422768 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aldo-Keto-Reductase 1C3 (type 5 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)/prostaglandin (PG) F2α synthase) is the only 17β-HSD that is not a short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase. By acting as a 17-ketosteroid reductase, AKR1C3 produces potent androgens in peripheral tissues which activate the androgen receptor (AR) or act as substrates for aromatase. AKR1C3 is implicated in the production of androgens in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and polycystic ovarian syndrome; and is implicated in the production of aromatase substrates in breast cancer. By acting as an 11-ketoprostaglandin reductase, AKR1C3 generates 11β-PGF2α to activate the FP receptor and deprives peroxisome proliferator activator receptorγ of its putative PGJ2 ligands. These growth stimulatory signals implicate AKR1C3 in non-hormonal dependent malignancies e.g. acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AKR1C3 moonlights by acting as a co-activator of the AR and stabilizes ubiquitin ligases. AKR1C3 inhibitors have been used clinically for CRPC and AML and can be used to probe its pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor M Penning
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics and Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1315 BRBII/III 421 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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11
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Alternative (backdoor) androgen production and masculinization in the human fetus. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000002. [PMID: 30763313 PMCID: PMC6375548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Masculinization of the external genitalia in humans is dependent on formation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through both the canonical androgenic pathway and an alternative (backdoor) pathway. The fetal testes are essential for canonical androgen production, but little is known about the synthesis of backdoor androgens, despite their known critical role in masculinization. In this study, we have measured plasma and tissue levels of endogenous steroids in second trimester human fetuses using multidimensional and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Results show that androsterone is the principal backdoor androgen in the male fetal circulation and that DHT is undetectable (<1 ng/mL), while in female fetuses, there are significantly lower levels of androsterone and testosterone. In the male, intermediates in the backdoor pathway are found primarily in the placenta and fetal liver, with significant androsterone levels also in the fetal adrenal. Backdoor intermediates, including androsterone, are only present at very low levels in the fetal testes. This is consistent with transcript levels of enzymes involved in the alternate pathway (steroid 5α-reductase type 1 [SRD5A1], aldo-keto reductase type 1C2 [AKR1C2], aldo-keto reductase type 1C4 [AKR1C4], cytochrome P450 17A1 [CYP17A1]), as measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR). These data identify androsterone as the predominant backdoor androgen in the human fetus and show that circulating levels are sex dependent, but also that there is little de novo synthesis in the testis. Instead, the data indicate that placental progesterone acts as substrate for synthesis of backdoor androgens, which occurs across several tissues. Masculinization of the human fetus depends, therefore, on testosterone and androsterone synthesis by both the fetal testes and nongonadal tissues, leading to DHT formation at the genital tubercle. Our findings also provide a solid basis to explain why placental insufficiency is associated with disorders of sex development in humans. Fetal human masculinisation depends on testosterone production by the testes and an alternative “backdoor” androgen. This study shows that this androgen is likely to be androsterone, which is sexually dimorphic in the fetus but does not come from the testes; instead, synthesis probably depends on placental substrates. The human penis starts to develop before birth from a structure called the genital tubercle. This process is dependent on the secretion of testosterone from the fetal testes and subsequent conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by enzymes in the genital tubercle. Recently, an alternative "backdoor" route to the formation of DHT, which does not require testosterone, has also been shown to be essential for normal development of the human penis. In this study we provide evidence indicating that androsterone is the major backdoor androgen involved in human masculinization and that it is produced in nongonadal tissues. Steroid hormone levels were measured in the plasma of second trimester human fetuses, and testosterone and androsterone were the only androgens with higher levels in males than in females. Analysis of tissue steroid levels showed that plasma androsterone did not primarily originate from the testes but, instead, was probably formed in other tissues via metabolism of placental progesterone. These data indicate, therefore, that masculinization of the human fetus depends on steroid hormone secretion from both the testes and the placenta, and would explain why placental dysfunction is associated with disorders of sex development.
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C-4 sterol demethylation enzymes distinguish bacterial and eukaryotic sterol synthesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:5884-5889. [PMID: 29784781 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1802930115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols are essential eukaryotic lipids that are required for a variety of physiological roles. The diagenetic products of sterol lipids, sterane hydrocarbons, are preserved in ancient sedimentary rocks and are utilized as geological biomarkers, indicating the presence of both eukaryotes and oxic environments throughout Earth's history. However, a few bacterial species are also known to produce sterols, bringing into question the significance of bacterial sterol synthesis for our interpretation of sterane biomarkers. Recent studies suggest that bacterial sterol synthesis may be distinct from what is observed in eukaryotes. In particular, phylogenomic analyses of sterol-producing bacteria have failed to identify homologs of several key eukaryotic sterol synthesis enzymes, most notably those required for demethylation at the C-4 position. In this study, we identified two genes of previously unknown function in the aerobic methanotrophic γ-Proteobacterium Methylococcus capsulatus that encode sterol demethylase proteins (Sdm). We show that a Rieske-type oxygenase (SdmA) and an NAD(P)-dependent reductase (SdmB) are responsible for converting 4,4-dimethylsterols to 4α-methylsterols. Identification of intermediate products synthesized during heterologous expression of SdmA-SdmB along with 13C-labeling studies support a sterol C-4 demethylation mechanism distinct from that of eukaryotes. SdmA-SdmB homologs were identified in several other sterol-producing bacterial genomes but not in any eukaryotic genomes, indicating that these proteins are unrelated to the eukaryotic C-4 sterol demethylase enzymes. These findings reveal a separate pathway for sterol synthesis exclusive to bacteria and show that demethylation of sterols evolved at least twice-once in bacteria and once in eukaryotes.
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de Mello Martins AGG, Allegretta G, Unteregger G, Haupenthal J, Eberhard J, Hoffmann M, van der Zee JA, Junker K, Stöckle M, Müller R, Hartmann RW, Ohlmann CH. CYP17A1-independent production of the neurosteroid-derived 5α-pregnan-3β,6α-diol-20-one in androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell lines under serum starvation and inhibition by Abiraterone. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 174:183-191. [PMID: 28890368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
CYP17A1-independent intratumoral steroid hormone synthesis is regarded as one possible explanation for resistance to treatment with the CYP17-inhibitor Abiraterone (Abi). The aim of our study was therefore to investigate the steroid metabolism of prostate cancer cells under serum starvation and the effects of Abi treatment. We assessed steroid metabolism in a panel of prostate cancer cells under serum starvation by radioactivity detector-coupled HPLC and HPLC-ESI-ToF-mass spectrometry after treatment with pregnenolone, progesterone and allopregnanolone. We further evaluated the effects of Abi on steroid metabolism of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) by enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Androgen-responsive cell lines metabolized pregnenolone primarily to mitogenic steroid 5α-pregnan-3β,6α-diol-20-one under serum starvation. Co-administration of Abi lead to detectable concentrations of the Abi metabolite Δ4-Abi (D4A), known to inhibit enzymes other than CYP17A1 in steroid metabolism. In addition, co-administration of Abi abrogated pregnenolone metabolism and resulted in a CYP17A1-independent significant increase of DHEA (13- to >100-fold) and DHT (2.5-fold) in androgen-responsive cells. Our results demonstrate the CYP17A1-independent formation of 5α-pregnan-3β,6α-diol-20-one by androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells under serum starvation and its inhibition by Abi. Its metabolism from pregnenolone suggests a major steroidogenesis shift in these cells, hinting at a neuroendocrine transdifferentiation phenomenon. The marked increase of DHEA levels by Abi resembles the steroidogenic pathways in nervous tissue, in a manner that precludes CYP17A1 activity. To which extent these processes are responsible or involved in the development of resistance to Abi, needs to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio G Gomes de Mello Martins
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Allegretta
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Gerhard Unteregger
- Saarland University, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Jörg Haupenthal
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jens Eberhard
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Michael Hoffmann
- Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jill A van der Zee
- Saarland University, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Kerstin Junker
- Saarland University, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Michael Stöckle
- Saarland University, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rolf Müller
- Department of Microbial Natural Products (MINS), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Carsten-H Ohlmann
- Saarland University, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, 66424 Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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14
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Piergiorge RM, de Miranda AB, Guimarães AC, Catanho M. Functional Analogy in Human Metabolism: Enzymes with Different Biological Roles or Functional Redundancy? Genome Biol Evol 2017; 9:1624-1636. [PMID: 28854631 PMCID: PMC5737724 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evx119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since enzymes catalyze almost all chemical reactions that occur in living organisms, it is crucial that genes encoding such activities are correctly identified and functionally characterized. Several studies suggest that the fraction of enzymatic activities in which multiple events of independent origin have taken place during evolution is substantial. However, this topic is still poorly explored, and a comprehensive investigation of the occurrence, distribution, and implications of these events has not been done so far. Fundamental questions, such as how analogous enzymes originate, why so many events of independent origin have apparently occurred during evolution, and what are the reasons for the coexistence in the same organism of distinct enzymatic forms catalyzing the same reaction, remain unanswered. Also, several isofunctional enzymes are still not recognized as nonhomologous, even with substantial evidence indicating different evolutionary histories. In this work, we begin to investigate the biological significance of the cooccurrence of nonhomologous isofunctional enzymes in human metabolism, characterizing functional analogous enzymes identified in metabolic pathways annotated in the human genome. Our hypothesis is that the coexistence of multiple enzymatic forms might not be interpreted as functional redundancy. Instead, these enzymatic forms may be implicated in distinct (and probably relevant) biological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Mina Piergiorge
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio Basílio de Miranda
- Laboratório de Biologia Computacional e Sistemas, Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Guimarães
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Catanho
- Laboratório de Genômica Funcional e Bioinformática, Fiocruz, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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15
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Fleck SC, Churchwell MI, Doerge DR. Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of zearalenone following oral and intravenous administration in juvenile female pigs. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 106:193-201. [PMID: 28552786 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a well-studied mycotoxin whose potent estrogenic properties have been used by international regulatory bodies to set health-based guidance values for ZEN exposure in grain-based foods from changes in hormonally responsive tissues of juvenile female pigs. The role of metabolism in determining estrogenic responses in vivo is a major uncertainty in inter-species extrapolation to humans and in assessing the potential for added susceptibility in sensitive subpopulations. This study evaluated the metabolism of ZEN and pharmacokinetics in ∼2 month-old female pigs using oral and intravenous dosing. The absolute bioavailability (AUCoral/AUCIV) of receptor-active ZEN aglycone was 1.8 ± 0.80%, consistent with extensive pre-systemic Phase II conjugation. Reductive metabolism to α-zearalenol (α-ZEL) was extensive, with smaller amounts of β-ZEL. When combined with its higher binding affinity, relative to ZEN and β-ZEL, α-ZEL was the predominant contributor to total estrogen receptor ligand activity (∼90%) after oral dosing with ZEN. The apparent similarities of reductive and Phase II conjugation metabolism of ZEN between pigs and humans support the use of juvenile female pigs as a sensitive model for risk assessments of estrogenic effects from dietary ZEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie C Fleck
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Mona I Churchwell
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States
| | - Daniel R Doerge
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, United States.
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16
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Robic A, Feve K, Riquet J, Prunier A. Transcript levels of genes implicated in steroidogenesis in the testes and fat tissue in relation to androstenone accumulation in fat of pubertal pigs. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 57:1-9. [PMID: 27285831 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study was performed to measure messenger RNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes in testes and fat tissue and determine whether they are related to fat androstenone level. Real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments were performed on 26 testes and 12 adipose tissue samples from pubertal boars using 21 genes. The absence of significant correlations between fat androstenone and the transcriptional activity of the SRD5A2 and SRD5A3 genes but the high correlation coefficient with that of the SRD5A1 gene (r = 0.62, P < 0.05) suggests that the enzyme coded by SRD5A1 is mainly responsible for the last step of androstenone synthesis. The testicular transcriptional activities of CYP17, CYP11A1, CYP19A, AKR1C-pig6, SRD5A1, LHCGR, and AR were significantly correlated. Only transcriptional levels of CYP17, CYP11A1, CYP19A, SRD5A1, and AKR1C-pig6 were correlated with the fat concentration of androstenone (0.57 < r < 0.70, P < 0.05) confirming that the amount of androstenone stored in fat is related to the production in testes of androstenone and more generally to all sex steroids. Altogether, our data are in favor of a preponderant role of AKR1C-pig6 instead of HSD17B3 for testicular synthesis of steroids. Concerning fat tissue, our data do not support a significant de novo biosynthesis of steroids in porcine adipose tissues. The presence of transcripts coding for steroid enzymes, especially those of AKR1C-pig6, suggests that steroids can be transformed. None of transcript abundance was related to androstenone accumulation (P > 0.1). Therefore, steroids synthesized elsewhere can be transformed in fat tissue but synthesis of androstenone is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Robic
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan 31320, France.
| | - K Feve
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan 31320, France
| | - J Riquet
- GenPhySE, Université de Toulouse, INRA, INPT, ENVT, Castanet-Tolosan 31320, France
| | - A Prunier
- PEGASE, Agrocampus Ouest, INRA, Saint-Gilles 35590, France
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Giatti S, Melcangi RC, Pesaresi M. The other side of progestins: effects in the brain. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 57:R109-26. [PMID: 27339142 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Progestins are a broad class of progestational agents widely differing in their chemical structures and pharmacological properties. Despite emerging data suggest that progestins, besides their action as endometrial protection, can also have multiple nonreproductive functions, much remains to be discovered regarding the actions exerted by these molecules in the nervous system. Here, we report the role exerted by different progestins, currently used for contraception or in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapies, in regulating cognitive functions as well as social behavior and mood. We provide evidence that the effects and mechanisms underlying their actions are still confusing due to the use of different estrogens and progestins as well as different doses, duration of exposure, route of administration, baseline hormonal status and age of treated women. We also discuss the emerging issue concerning the relevant increase of these substances in the environment, able to deeply affect aquatic wildlife as well as to exert a possible influence in humans, which may be exposed to these compounds via contaminated drinking water and seafood. Finally, we report literature data showing the neurobiological action of progestins and in particular their importance during neurodegenerative events. This is extremely interesting, since some of the progestins currently used in clinical practice exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in the nervous system, opening new promising opportunities for the use of these molecules as therapeutic agents for trauma and neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Pesaresi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular SciencesCenter of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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18
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Lin SX, Shi R, Hu XJ, Penning TM. Current physico-biochemistry in steroid research and status of structural biology for steroid-converting enzymes. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 161:1-4. [PMID: 27196263 PMCID: PMC5278676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S X Lin
- Axe of Endocrinology and Nephrology, CHU research center and Faculty of Medicine, Laval University; Quebec, Canada.
| | - R Shi
- Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-Informatique, IBIS et PROTEO, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles-Eugène Marchand, Québec City, Canada
| | - X J Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - T M Penning
- Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, Department of Systems, Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
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