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Rapp K, Wei S, Roberts M, Yao S, Fei SS, Gao L, Ray K, Wang A, Godiah R, Han L. Transcriptional profiling of mucus production and modification in rhesus macaque endocervical cells under hormonal regulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.18.541362. [PMID: 37292621 PMCID: PMC10245652 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.541362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Objective Endocervical mucus production is a key regulator of fertility throughout the menstrual cycle. With cycle-dependent variability in mucus quality and quantity, cervical mucus can either facilitate or block sperm ascension into the upper female reproductive tract. This study seeks to identify genes involved in the hormonal regulation of mucus production, modification, and regulation through profiling the transcriptome of endocervical cells from the non-human primate, the Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta). Design Experimental. Setting Translational science laboratory. Intervention We treated differentiated primary endocervical cultures with estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) to mimic peri-ovulatory and luteal-phase hormonal changes. Using RNA-sequencing, we identified differential expression of gene pathways and mucus producing and modifying genes in cells treated with E2 compared to hormone-free conditions and E2 compared to E2-primed cells treated with P4. Main Outcome Measures We pursued differential gene expression analysis on RNA-sequenced cells. Sequence validation was done using qPCR. Results Our study identified 158 genes that show significant differential expression in E2-only conditions compared to hormone-free control, and 250 genes that show significant differential expression in P4-treated conditions compared to E2-only conditions. From this list, we found hormone-induced changes in transcriptional profiles for genes across several classes of mucus production, including ion channels and enzymes involved in post-translational mucin modification that have not previously been described as hormonally regulated. Conclusion Our study is the first to use an in vitro culture system to create an epithelial-cell specific transcriptome of the endocervix. As a result, our study identifies new genes and pathways that are altered by sex-steroids in cervical mucus production.
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Palma-Vera SE, Reyer H, Langhammer M, Reinsch N, Derezanin L, Fickel J, Qanbari S, Weitzel JM, Franzenburg S, Hemmrich-Stanisak G, Schoen J. Genomic characterization of the world's longest selection experiment in mouse reveals the complexity of polygenic traits. BMC Biol 2022; 20:52. [PMID: 35189878 PMCID: PMC8862358 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01248-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term selection experiments are a powerful tool to understand the genetic background of complex traits. The longest of such experiments has been conducted in the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), generating extreme mouse lines with increased fertility, body mass, protein mass and endurance. For >140 generations, these lines have been maintained alongside an unselected control line, representing a valuable resource for understanding the genetic basis of polygenic traits. However, their history and genomes have not been reported in a comprehensive manner yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a summary of the breeding history and phenotypic traits of these lines along with their genomic characteristics. We further attempt to decipher the effects of the observed line-specific patterns of genetic variation on each of the selected traits. RESULTS Over the course of >140 generations, selection on the control line has given rise to two extremely fertile lines (>20 pups per litter each), two giant growth lines (one lean, one obese) and one long-distance running line. Whole genome sequencing analysis on 25 animals per line revealed line-specific patterns of genetic variation among lines, as well as high levels of homozygosity within lines. This high degree of distinctiveness results from the combined effects of long-term continuous selection, genetic drift, population bottleneck and isolation. Detection of line-specific patterns of genetic differentiation and structural variation revealed multiple candidate genes behind the improvement of the selected traits. CONCLUSIONS The genomes of the Dummerstorf trait-selected mouse lines display distinct patterns of genomic variation harbouring multiple trait-relevant genes. Low levels of within-line genetic diversity indicate that many of the beneficial alleles have arrived to fixation alongside with neutral alleles. This study represents the first step in deciphering the influence of selection and neutral evolutionary forces on the genomes of these extreme mouse lines and depicts the genetic complexity underlying polygenic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio E Palma-Vera
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany.
| | - Henry Reyer
- Institute of Genome Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Martina Langhammer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Reinsch
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Lorena Derezanin
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Research Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerns Fickel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Research Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
- University of Potsdam, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Saber Qanbari
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Joachim M Weitzel
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Jennifer Schoen
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Research Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
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Ng HH, Soula M, Rivas B, Wilson KJ, Marugan JJ, Agoulnik AI. Anti-apoptotic and Matrix Remodeling Actions of a Small Molecule Agonist of the Human Relaxin Receptor, ML290 in Mice With Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Front Physiol 2021; 12:650769. [PMID: 34305630 PMCID: PMC8293094 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.650769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, often lead to chronic kidney failure. The peptide hormone relaxin has been shown to have therapeutic effects in various organs. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that ML290, a small molecule agonist of the human relaxin receptor (RXFP1), is able to target the kidney to remodel the extracellular matrix and reduce apoptosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). UUO was performed on the left kidney of humanized RXFP1 mice, where the right kidneys served as contralateral controls. Mice were randomly allocated to receive either vehicle or ML290 (30 mg/kg) via daily intraperitoneal injection, and kidneys were collected for apoptosis, RNA, and protein analyses. UUO significantly increased expression of pro-apoptotic markers in both vehicle- and ML290-treated mice when compared to their contralateral control kidneys. Specifically, Bax expression and Erk1/2 activity were upregulated, accompanied by an increase of TUNEL-positive cells in the UUO kidneys. Additionally, UUO induced marked increase in myofibroblast differentiation and aberrant remodeling on the extracellular matrix. ML290 suppressed these processes by promoting a reduction of pro-apoptotic, fibroblastic, and inflammatory markers in the UUO kidneys. Finally, the potent effects of ML290 to remodel the extracellular matrix were demonstrated by its ability to reduce collagen gene expression in the UUO kidneys. Our data indicate that daily administration of ML290 has renal protective effects in the UUO mouse model, specifically through its anti-apoptotic and extracellular matrix remodeling properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooi Hooi Ng
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mariluz Soula
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Bryan Rivas
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Kenneth J Wilson
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Juan J Marugan
- NIH Chemical Genomics Center, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Pereira MM, Mainigi M, Strauss JF. Secretory products of the corpus luteum and preeclampsia. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 27:651-672. [PMID: 33748839 PMCID: PMC8222764 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), there are still many unknowns and controversies in the field. Women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium have been found to have an unexpected increased risk of PE compared to women who receive embryos in a natural FET cycle. The differences in risk have been hypothesized to be related to the absence or presence of a functioning corpus luteum (CL). OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE To evaluate the literature on secretory products of the CL that could be essential for a healthy pregnancy and could reduce the risk of PE in the setting of FET. SEARCH METHODS For this review, pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline (updated June 2020) using common keywords applied in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, CL physiology and preeclampsia. We also screened the complete list of references in recent publications in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for study selection or appraisal were utilized. OUTCOMES The CL is a major source of multiple factors regulating reproduction. Progesterone, estradiol, relaxin and vasoactive and angiogenic substances produced by the CL have important roles in regulating its functional lifespan and are also secreted into the circulation to act remotely during early stages of pregnancy. Beyond the known actions of progesterone and estradiol on the uterus in early pregnancy, their metabolites have angiogenic properties that may optimize implantation and placentation. Serum levels of relaxin are almost undetectable in pregnant women without a CL, which precludes some maternal cardiovascular and renal adaptations to early pregnancy. We suggest that an imbalance in steroid hormones and their metabolites and polypeptides influencing early physiologic processes such as decidualization, implantation, angiogenesis and maternal haemodynamics could contribute to the increased PE risk among women undergoing programmed FET cycles. WIDER IMPLICATIONS A better understanding of the critical roles of the secretory products of the CL during early pregnancy holds the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of ART based on programmed FET cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Monica Mainigi
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
| | - Jerome F Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
- Centre for Research on Reproduction and Women’s Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,19104 USA
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Pereira MM, Torrado J, Sosa C, Zócalo Y, Bia D. Role of arterial impairment in preeclampsia: should the paradigm shift? Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 320:H2011-H2030. [PMID: 33797272 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01005.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a worldwide pregnancy complication with serious short- and long-term maternal and neonatal consequences. Our understanding of preeclampsia pathophysiology has significantly evolved over the last decades with the recognition that impaired arterial function and structure may occur early in the course of pregnancy, preceding the clinic-humoral syndrome and driving long-term cardiovascular disease risk in the future of these patients. Although an early abnormal placentation may be the inciting event for a large proportion of cases, there is growing evidence that challenges the placental hypothesis in all affected women, since placental histopathology lesions thought to be characteristic are neither sensitive nor specific markers for the disorder. Recent hemodynamic investigations and studies on left ventricular function and structure in women with preeclampsia further challenge this universal paradigm and propose that placental dysfunction could be secondary to a maternal cardiovascular maladaptation to pregnancy in certain patients. Supporting this hypothesis, certain vascular features, which are characteristically enhanced in normal pregnancy allowing a healthy vascular adaptation, are absent in preeclampsia and comparable to the nonpregnant population. However, arterial biomechanics in preeclampsia may only not cope with hemodynamic demands of pregnancy but also impose additional detrimental loads to the maternal heart ("impaired left-ventricle-aorta coupling") and transmit pressure and flow disturbances into the fetoplacental circulation ("impaired large arteries-microcirculation coupling"). In this review, we analyze the major role of the arterial dysfunction in the cardiovascular maladaptation hypothesis of preeclampsia, shed light on its potential etiopathogenic link, and discuss the complementary nature of the placental and cardiovascular theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- María M Pereira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Juan Torrado
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Claudio Sosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology "C", Pereira-Rossell Hospital, School of Medicine, Republic University, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Yanina Zócalo
- Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico Arterial, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Republic University, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Daniel Bia
- Centro Universitario de Investigación, Innovación y Diagnóstico Arterial, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Republic University, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Wang Y, Li YQ, Tian MR, Wang N, Zheng ZC. Role of relaxin in diastasis of the pubic symphysis peripartum. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:91-101. [PMID: 33511175 PMCID: PMC7809669 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i1.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Separation of the pubic symphysis can occur during the peripartum period. Relaxin (RLX) is a hormone primarily secreted by the corpus luteum that can mediate hemodynamic changes during pregnancy as well as loosen the pelvic ligaments. However, it is unknown whether RLX is associated with peripartum pubic symphysis separation and if the association is affected by other factors.
AIM To study the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation and evaluate other factors that might affect this association.
METHODS We performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women between April 2019 and January 2020. Baseline demographic characteristics, including gestational age, weight, neonatal weight, delivery mode and duration of the first and second stages of labor, were recorded. The clinical symptoms were used as a screening index during pregnancy, and the patients with pubic symphysis and inguinal pain were examined by color Doppler ultrasonography to determine whether there was pubic symphysis separation. Serum RLX concentrations were evaluated 1 d after delivery using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and pubic symphysis separation was diagnosed based on postpartum X-ray examination. We used an independent-sample t test to analyze the association between serum RLX levels and peripartum pubic symphysis separation. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation was confounded by other factors, and the association between RLX and the severity of pubic symphysis separation was also assessed. We used Pearson correlation analysis to determine the factors related to RLX levels as well as the correlation between the degree of pubic symphysis separation and activities of daily living (ADL) and pain.
RESULTS A total of 54 women were enrolled in the study, with 15 exhibiting (observational group) and 39 not exhibiting (control group) peripartum pubic symphysis separation. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of maternal age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, delivery modes, or duration of the first or second stages of labor between the 2 groups. We did, however, note a statistically significant difference in serum RLX concentrations and neonatal weight between the observational and control groups (122.3 ± 0.7 µg/mL vs 170.4 ± 42.3 µg/mL, P < 0.05; 3676.000 ± 521.725 g vs 3379.487 ± 402.420 g, P < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses showed that serum RLX level [odds ratio (OR): 1.022) and neonatal weight (OR: 1.002) were associated with pubic symphysis separation peripartum. The degree of separation of the pubic symphysis was negatively correlated with ADL and positively correlated with pain. There was no statistically significant association between serum RLX levels and the severity of pubic symphysis separation after adjusting for confounding factors.
CONCLUSION Serum RLX levels and neonatal weight were associated with the occurrence, but not the severity, of peripartum pubic symphysis separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian 271000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian 271000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Mei-Rong Tian
- Department of Obstetrics, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian 271000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Rehabilitation Centre, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zun-Cheng Zheng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian 271000, Shandong Province, China
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Xie C, Bekpen C, Künzel S, Keshavarz M, Krebs-Wheaton R, Skrabar N, Ullrich KK, Tautz D. A de novo evolved gene in the house mouse regulates female pregnancy cycles. eLife 2019; 8:44392. [PMID: 31436535 PMCID: PMC6760900 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The de novo emergence of new genes has been well documented through genomic analyses. However, a functional analysis, especially of very young protein-coding genes, is still largely lacking. Here, we identify a set of house mouse-specific protein-coding genes and assess their translation by ribosome profiling and mass spectrometry data. We functionally analyze one of them, Gm13030, which is specifically expressed in females in the oviduct. The interruption of the reading frame affects the transcriptional network in the oviducts at a specific stage of the estrous cycle. This includes the upregulation of Dcpp genes, which are known to stimulate the growth of preimplantation embryos. As a consequence, knockout females have their second litters after shorter times and have a higher infanticide rate. Given that Gm13030 shows no signs of positive selection, our findings support the hypothesis that a de novo evolved gene can directly adopt a function without much sequence adaptation. Different species have specific genes that set them apart from other species. Yet exactly how these species-specific genes originate is not fully known. The traditional view is that existing old genes are duplicated to make a ‘spare’ copy, which can change through mutations into a new gene with a new role gradually over time. Despite there being lots of evidence supporting this theory, not all new genes found in recent years can be traced back to older genes. This led to an alternative view – that recently evolved genes can also appear ‘de novo’, and come from regions of random DNA sequences that did not previously code for a protein. So far, the possibility of genes forming de novo during evolution has largely been supported by comparing and analyzing the genomes of related species. However, very little is known about the biological role these de novo genes play. Now, Xie et al. have generated a list of recently evolved de novo mouse genes, and carried out a detailed analysis of one de novo gene expressed in females at the time when embryos implant into the uterus wall. To study the role of this gene, Xie et al. created a strain of knock-out mice that have a defunct version of the protein coded by the gene. Loss of this protein caused female mice to have their second litter after a shorter period of time and increased the likelihood that female mice would terminate their newborn pups. This suggests that this newly discovered de novo gene is involved in regulating the female reproductive cycles of mice. Further analysis showed that this de novo gene counteracts the action of an older gene that promotes the implantation of embryos. This gene has therefore likely evolved due to the benefit it offers mothers, as it protects them from experiencing the increased physiological stress caused by a premature second pregnancy. These findings support the idea that genes which have evolved de novo can have an essential biological purpose despite coming from random DNA sequences. This establishes that de novo evolution of genes is the second major mechanism of how new genes with significant biological roles can form in the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xie
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Cemalettin Bekpen
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Sven Künzel
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Rebecca Krebs-Wheaton
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Neva Skrabar
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Kristian Karsten Ullrich
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Diethard Tautz
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
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Maeda KJ, Showmaker KC, Johnson AC, Garrett MR, Sasser JM. Spontaneous superimposed preeclampsia: chronology and expression unveiled by temporal transcriptomic analysis. Physiol Genomics 2019; 51:342-355. [PMID: 31125289 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00020.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE), a multifactorial pregnancy-specific syndrome accounting for up to 8% of pregnancy complications, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. PE is also associated with long-term risk of hypertension and stroke for both mother and fetus. Currently, the only "cure" is delivery of the baby and placenta, largely because the pathogenesis of PE is not yet fully understood. PE is associated with impaired vascular remodeling at the maternal-fetal interface and placental insufficiency; however, specific factors contributing to this impairment have not been identified. To identify molecular pathways involved in PE, we examined temporal transcriptomic changes occurring within the uterus, uterine implantation sites, and placentae from the Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) rat model of superimposed PE compared with Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. We hypothesized that targeted gene analysis and whole transcriptome analysis would identify genetic factors that contribute to development of the preeclamptic phenotype in the Dahl S rat and unveil novel biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and mechanistic pathways in PE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and whole genome microarray analysis were performed on isolated total RNA from uterus (day 0), uterine implantation sites (days 7 and 10), and placenta (days 14 and 20). We found 624, 332, 185, and 366 genes to be differentially expressed between Dahl S (PE) and SD (normal pregnancy) on days 0, 7, 10, and 14, respectively. Our data revealed numerous pathways that may play a role in the pathophysiology of spontaneous superimposed PE and allow for further investigation of novel therapeutic targets and biomarker development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji J Maeda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Kurt C Showmaker
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Molecular and Genomics Core, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ashley C Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Molecular and Genomics Core, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Michael R Garrett
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Molecular and Genomics Core, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Medicine (Nephrology), University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Jennifer M Sasser
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Large-scale genome-wide meta-analysis of polycystic ovary syndrome suggests shared genetic architecture for different diagnosis criteria. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007813. [PMID: 30566500 PMCID: PMC6300389 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology. Affected women frequently have metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance and dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. PCOS is diagnosed with two different sets of diagnostic criteria, resulting in a phenotypic spectrum of PCOS cases. The genetic similarities between cases diagnosed based on the two criteria have been largely unknown. Previous studies in Chinese and European subjects have identified 16 loci associated with risk of PCOS. We report a fixed-effect, inverse-weighted-variance meta-analysis from 10,074 PCOS cases and 103,164 controls of European ancestry and characterisation of PCOS related traits. We identified 3 novel loci (near PLGRKT, ZBTB16 and MAPRE1), and provide replication of 11 previously reported loci. Only one locus differed significantly in its association by diagnostic criteria; otherwise the genetic architecture was similar between PCOS diagnosed by self-report and PCOS diagnosed by NIH or non-NIH Rotterdam criteria across common variants at 13 loci. Identified variants were associated with hyperandrogenism, gonadotropin regulation and testosterone levels in affected women. Linkage disequilibrium score regression analysis revealed genetic correlations with obesity, fasting insulin, type 2 diabetes, lipid levels and coronary artery disease, indicating shared genetic architecture between metabolic traits and PCOS. Mendelian randomization analyses suggested variants associated with body mass index, fasting insulin, menopause timing, depression and male-pattern balding play a causal role in PCOS. The data thus demonstrate 3 novel loci associated with PCOS and similar genetic architecture for all diagnostic criteria. The data also provide the first genetic evidence for a male phenotype for PCOS and a causal link to depression, a previously hypothesized comorbid disease. Thus, the genetics provide a comprehensive view of PCOS that encompasses multiple diagnostic criteria, gender, reproductive potential and mental health. We performed an international meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies combining over 10,000,000 genetic markers in more than 10,000 European women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 100,000 controls. We found three new risk variants associated with PCOS. Our data demonstrate that the genetic architecture does not differ based on the diagnostic criteria used for PCOS. We also demonstrate a genetic pathway shared with male pattern baldness, representing the first evidence for shared disease biology in men, and shared genetics with depression, previously postulated based only on observational studies.
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10
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Shero MR, Bergfelt DR, Testa JW, Adams GP. Pairing ultrasonography with endocrinology to elucidate underlying mechanisms of successful pregnancy in the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 255:78-89. [PMID: 29051074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Reproductive success is one of the central tenets of conservation management programs, yet the inability to study underlying physiological processes in a minimally-invasive manner and the unpredictable nature of wild animal populations leaves large gaps in our knowledge of factors critical to successful reproduction in wild species. This study integrated ultrasonography of the reproductive tract and analysis of reproductive hormones in 172 northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) to identify intrinsic factors associated with reinitiating embryonic growth at the end of diapause. Within the first 3-4 weeks of active gestation, pregnant fur seals (n = 126) had a larger corpus luteum and fewer antral follicles than non-pregnant fur seals, or those still in diapause (n = 46). This suggests that the conceptus drives changes in ovarian status to convey its presence to the female. Morphological changes in the reproductive tract associated with pregnancy were not reflected in differences in endocrine profiles (estradiol, estrone, progesterone, and relaxin) between pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. Hormone concentrations correlated more strongly with calendar date than with the presence or size of the conceptus, demonstrating that none of these reproductive hormones were reliable markers for early pregnancy diagnosis. Instead, the northern fur seal's long diestrus may serve to reduce the probability of a temporal mismatch between corpus luteum regression and embryo implantation. Indeed, conception rates were high and confirmed rates of pregnancy loss were relatively low (11%). In this study, minimally-invasive ultrasonography was used in wild pinnipeds to detect very early pregnancy (embryonic vesicles >2 mm) in combination with ovarian and endocrine dynamics at the time of embryo implantation, shedding light on mechanisms for maternal recognition of pregnancy. This study is also the first to track whether these same animals carried the embryo to term, by observing fur seals during the birthing season the following year. Data do not support the notion that decreased pregnancy rates or higher pregnancy loss rates are major contributing factors to the northern fur seal's population decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle R Shero
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3101 Science Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508-4614, USA.
| | - Don R Bergfelt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
| | - J Ward Testa
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, 7600 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115-6349, USA.
| | - Gregg P Adams
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
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11
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Glynn DJ, Heng K, Russell DL, Sharkey DJ, Robertson SA, Anand-Ivell R, Ivell R. Male Seminal Relaxin Contributes to Induction of the Post-mating Cytokine Response in the Female Mouse Uterus. Front Physiol 2017; 8:422. [PMID: 28674503 PMCID: PMC5474474 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hormone relaxin is important in female reproduction for embryo implantation, cardiovascular function, and during labor and lactation. Relaxin is also synthesized in males by organs of the male tract. We hypothesized that relaxin might be one component of seminal plasma responsible for eliciting the female cytokine response induced in the uterus at mating. When recombinant relaxin was injected into the uterus of wild-type (Rln+/+) mice at estrus, it evoked the production of Cxcl1 mRNA and its secreted protein product CXCL1 in four of eight animals. Mating experiments were then conducted using mice with a null mutation in the relaxin gene (Rln−/− mice). qRT-PCR analysis of mRNA expression in wild-type females showed diminished uterine expression of several cytokine and chemokine genes in the absence of male relaxin. Similar differences were also noted comparing Rln−/− and Rln+/+ females mated to wild-type males. Quantification of uterine luminal fluid cytokine content confirmed that male relaxin provokes the production of CXCL10 and CSF3 in Rln+/+ females. Differences were also seen comparing Rln−/− and Rln+/+ females mated with Rln−/− males for CXCL1, CSF3, and CCL5, implying that endogenous relaxin in females might prime the uterus to respond appropriately to seminal fluid at coitus. Finally, pan-leukocyte CD45 mRNA was increased in wild-type matings compared to other combinations, implying that male and female relaxin may trigger leukocyte expansion in the uterus. We conclude that male and/or female relaxin may be important in activating the uterine cytokine/chemokine network required to initiate maternal immune adaptation to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Glynn
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia.,Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kee Heng
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Darryl L Russell
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah A Robertson
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South AustraliaAdelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Richard Ivell
- Robinson Research Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamUnited Kingdom
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12
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Distinct activation modes of the Relaxin Family Peptide Receptor 2 in response to insulin-like peptide 3 and relaxin. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3294. [PMID: 28607406 PMCID: PMC5468325 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03638-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) is a GPCR known for its role in reproductive function. It is structurally related to the human relaxin receptor RXFP1 and can be activated by human gene-2 (H2) relaxin as well as its cognate ligand insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3). Both receptors possess an N-terminal low-density lipoprotein type a (LDLa) module that is necessary for activation and is joined to a leucine-rich repeat domain by a linker. This linker has been shown to be important for H2 relaxin binding and activation of RXFP1 and herein we investigate the role of the equivalent region of RXFP2. We demonstrate that the linker’s highly-conserved N-terminal region is essential for activation of RXFP2 in response to both ligands. In contrast, the linker is necessary for H2 relaxin, but not INSL3, binding. Our results highlight the distinct mechanism by which INSL3 activates RXFP2 whereby ligand binding mediates reorientation of the LDLa module by the linker region to activate the RXFP2 transmembrane domains in conjunction with the INSL3 A-chain. In contrast, relaxin activation of RXFP2 involves a more RXFP1-like mechanism involving binding to the LDLa-linker, reorientation of the LDLa module and activation of the transmembrane domains by the LDLa alone.
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13
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Dai Y, Ivell R, Liu X, Janowski D, Anand-Ivell R. Relaxin-Family Peptide Receptors 1 and 2 Are Fully Functional in the Bovine. Front Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28634453 PMCID: PMC5459885 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In most mammals the peptide hormone relaxin is a key physiological component regulating early pregnancy and birth. However, synteny analysis shows that the gene encoding ovarian relaxin-2 is deleted in cows and sheep. While, these ruminants appear to exhibit a relaxin-like physiology, as in other mammals, until now a molecular understanding of this has been lacking. Cloning and expression analysis of the cognate bovine receptor for relaxin, RXFP1, as well as of the structurally related receptor, RXFP2, in female tissues, shows that these are expressed in a similar way to other mammals. RXFP1 transcripts are found in ovarian theca cells, endometrium, and myometrium, whereas RXFP2 transcripts are expressed in ovarian theca cells, oocytes, as well as in myometrium. Transfection of receptor-expressing gene constructs into HEK293 cells indicates that bovine RXFP1 has a greater EC50 at 10–50 nM for porcine or human relaxin, compared to human RXFP1. For bovine RXFP2, in contrast, the EC50 is <1 nM for its cognate ligand, bovine INSL3, but also 10–30 nM for porcine or human relaxin. Functional analysis shows that bovine myometrial cells are able to respond to exogenous relaxin and INSL3 with a significant increase in cAMP. Although expressing mRNA for both RXFP1 and RXFP2, bovine follicular theca cells only respond to INSL3 with a dose-dependent increase in cAMP. Altogether the results suggest that the cow is able to compensate for the missing hormone, and moreover imply that relaxin analogs could offer an important therapeutic option in treating female ruminant infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhenzi Dai
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany.,School of Biological Sciences, University of AdelaideAdelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xuan Liu
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Dana Janowski
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of NottinghamNottingham, United Kingdom.,Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal BiologyDummerstorf, Germany
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14
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Wong ASY, Ho ENM, Kwok WH, Leung GNW, Shen Y, Qi RZ, Yue SK, Wan TSM. Identification of porcine relaxin in plasma by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Drug Test Anal 2016; 9:1412-1420. [PMID: 27928890 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- April S. Y. Wong
- Racing Laboratory; The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Sha Tin Racecourse Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong, China
| | - Emmie N. M. Ho
- Racing Laboratory; The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Sha Tin Racecourse Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong, China
| | - W. H. Kwok
- Racing Laboratory; The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Sha Tin Racecourse Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong, China
| | - Gary N. W. Leung
- Racing Laboratory; The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Sha Tin Racecourse Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuehong Shen
- Division of Life Science; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong, China
| | - Robert Z. Qi
- Division of Life Science; The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Hong Kong, China
| | - Samuel K. Yue
- Minnesota Pain Center; Suite 122, 225 University Ave West St Paul MN 55103 USA
| | - Terence S. M. Wan
- Racing Laboratory; The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Sha Tin Racecourse Sha Tin N.T. Hong Kong, China
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15
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Marshall SA, Senadheera SN, Parry LJ, Girling JE. The Role of Relaxin in Normal and Abnormal Uterine Function During the Menstrual Cycle and Early Pregnancy. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:342-354. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719116657189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Marshall
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Laura J. Parry
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane E. Girling
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecology Research Centre, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Hu MJ, Shao XX, Wang JH, Wei D, Guo YQ, Liu YL, Xu ZG, Guo ZY. Mechanism for insulin-like peptide 5 distinguishing the homologous relaxin family peptide receptor 3 and 4. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29648. [PMID: 27404393 PMCID: PMC4939597 DOI: 10.1038/srep29648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin family peptides play a variety of biological functions by activating four G protein-coupled receptors, RXFP1-4. Among them, insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) and relaxin-3 share the highest sequence homology, but they have distinct receptor preference: INSL5 can activate RXFP4 only, while relaxin-3 can activate RXFP3, RXFP4, and RXFP1. Previous studies suggest that the A-chain is responsible for their different selectivity for RXFP1. However, the mechanism by which INSL5 distinguishes the homologous RXFP4 and RXFP3 remains unknown. In the present work, we chemically evolved INSL5 in vitro to a strong agonist of both RXFP4 and RXFP3 through replacement of its five B-chain residues with the corresponding residues of relaxin-3. We identified four determinants (B2Glu, B9Leu, B17Tyr, and a rigid B-chain C-terminus) on INSL5 that are responsible for its inactivity at RXFP3. In reverse experiments, we grafted these determinants onto a chimeric R3/I5 peptide, which contains the B-chain of relaxin-3 and the A-chain of INSL5, and retains full activation potency at RXFP3 and RXFP4. All resultant R3/I5 mutants retained high activation potency towards RXFP4, but most displayed significantly decreased or even abolished activation potency towards RXFP3, confirming the role of these four INSL5 determinants in distinguishing RXFP4 from RXFP3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Jun Hu
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Shao
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Hui Wang
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dian Wei
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qi Guo
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Li Liu
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeng-Guang Xu
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhan-Yun Guo
- Research Centre for Translational Medicine at East Hospital, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Conrad KP. G-Protein-coupled receptors as potential drug candidates in preeclampsia: targeting the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 for treatment and prevention. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:647-64. [PMID: 27385360 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Important roles for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified in the maternal physiological adaptations to pregnancy and in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. On this basis, GPCRs are potential therapeutic targets for preeclampsia. OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE In this review, vasopressin and apelin are initially considered in this context before the focus on the hormone relaxin and its cognate receptor, the relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1). Based on both compelling scientific rationale and a promising safety profile, the relaxin ligand-receptor system is comprehensively evaluated as a potential therapeutic endpoint in preeclampsia. SEARCH METHODS The published literature relating to the topic was searched through January 2016 using PubMed. OUTCOMES Relaxin is a peptide hormone secreted by the corpus luteum; it circulates in the luteal phase and during pregnancy. Activation of RXFP1 is vasodilatory; thus, relaxin supplementation is expected to at least partly restore the fundamental vasodilatory changes of normal pregnancy, thereby alleviating maternal organ hypoperfusion, which is a major pathogenic manifestation of severe preeclampsia. Specifically, by exploiting its pleiotropic hemodynamic attributes in preeclampsia, relaxin administration is predicted to (i) reverse robust arterial myogenic constriction; (ii) blunt systemic and renal vasoconstriction in response to activation of the angiotensin II receptor, type 1; (iii) mollify the action of endogenous vasoconstrictors on uterine spiral arteries with failed remodeling and retained smooth muscle; (iv) increase arterial compliance; (v) enhance insulin-mediated glucose disposal by promoting skeletal muscle vasodilation and (vi) mobilize and activate bone marrow-derived angiogenic progenitor cells, thereby repairing injured endothelium and improving maternal vascularity in organs such as breast, uterus, pancreas, skin and fat. By exploiting its pleiotropic molecular attributes in preeclampsia, relaxin supplementation is expected to (i) enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthesis and bioactivity, as well as directly reduce vascular smooth muscle cytosolic calcium, thus promoting vasodilation; (ii) improve the local angiogenic balance by augmenting arterial vascular endothelial and placental growth factor (VEGF and PLGF) activities; (iii) ameliorate vascular inflammation; (iv) enhance placental peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 alpha (PCG1α) expression, and hence, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) activity and (v) confer cytotrophoblast and endothelial cytoprotection. Insofar as impaired endometrial maturation (decidualization) predisposes to the development of preeclampsia, relaxin administration in the late secretory phase and during early pregnancy would be anticipated to improve decidualization, and hence trophoblast invasion and spiral artery remodeling, thereby reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Relaxin has a favorable safety profile both in the non-pregnant condition and during pregnancy. WIDER IMPLICATIONS There is a strong scientific rationale for RXFP1 activation in severe preeclampsia by administration of relaxin, relaxin analogs or small molecule mimetics, in order to mollify the disease pathogenesis for safe prolongation of pregnancy, thus allowing time for more complete fetal maturation, which is a primary therapeutic endpoint in treating the disease. In light of recent data implicating deficient or defective decidualization as a potential etiological factor in preeclampsia and the capacity of relaxin to promote endometrial maturation, the prophylactic application of relaxin to reduce the risk of preeclampsia is a plausible therapeutic approach to consider. Finally, given its pleiotropic and beneficial attributes particularly in the cardiovascular system, relaxin, although traditionally considered as a 'pregnancy' hormone, is likely to prove salutary for several disease indications in the non-pregnant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk P Conrad
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, PO Box 100274 M522, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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18
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Eidem HR, Rinker DC, Ackerman WE, Buhimschi IA, Buhimschi CS, Dunn-Fletcher C, Kallapur SG, Pavličev M, Muglia LJ, Abbot P, Rokas A. Comparing human and macaque placental transcriptomes to disentangle preterm birth pathology from gestational age effects. Placenta 2016; 41:74-82. [PMID: 27208410 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A major issue in the transcriptomic study of spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) in humans is the inability to collect healthy control tissue at the same gestational age (GA) to compare with pathologic preterm tissue. Thus, gene expression differences identified after the standard comparison of sPTB and term tissues necessarily reflect differences in both sPTB pathology and GA. One potential solution is to use GA-matched controls from a closely related species to tease apart genes that are dysregulated during sPTB from genes that are expressed differently as a result of GA effects. METHODS To disentangle genes whose expression levels are associated with sPTB pathology from those linked to GA, we compared RNA sequencing data from human preterm placentas, human term placentas, and rhesus macaque placentas at 80% completed gestation (serving as healthy non-human primate GA-matched controls). We first compared sPTB and term human placental transcriptomes to identify significantly differentially expressed genes. We then overlaid the results of the comparison between human sPTB and macaque placental transcriptomes to identify sPTB-specific candidates. Finally, we overlaid the results of the comparison between human term and macaque placental transcriptomes to identify GA-specific candidates. RESULTS Examination of relative expression for all human genes with macaque orthologs identified 267 candidate genes that were significantly differentially expressed between preterm and term human placentas. 29 genes were identified as sPTB-specific candidates and 37 as GA-specific candidates. Altogether, the 267 differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched for a variety of developmental, metabolic, reproductive, immune, and inflammatory functions. Although there were no notable differences between the functions of the 29 sPTB-specific and 37 GA-specific candidate genes, many of these candidates have been previously shown to be dysregulated in diverse pregnancy-associated pathologies. DISCUSSION By comparing human sPTB and term transcriptomes with GA-matched control transcriptomes from a closely related species, this study disentangled the confounding effects of sPTB pathology and GA, leading to the identification of 29 promising sPTB-specific candidate genes and 37 genes potentially related to GA effects. The apparent similarity in functions of the sPTB and GA candidates may suggest that the effects of sPTB and GA do not correspond to biologically distinct processes. Alternatively, it may reflect the poor state of knowledge of the transcriptional landscape underlying placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley R Eidem
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - David C Rinker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Program in Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - William E Ackerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Irina A Buhimschi
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Catalin S Buhimschi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Caitlin Dunn-Fletcher
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Suhas G Kallapur
- Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Mihaela Pavličev
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Louis J Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Patrick Abbot
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
| | - Antonis Rokas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; Program in Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.
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19
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Haase N, Golic M, Herse F, Rugor J, Linz D, Solano ME, Müller DN, Dechend R. Relaxin Treatment in an Ang-II-Based Transgenic Preeclamptic-Rat Model. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150743. [PMID: 26963382 PMCID: PMC4786114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Relaxin is a peptide related to pregnancy that induces nitric oxide-related and gelatinase-related effects, allowing vasodilation and pregnancy-related adjustments permitting parturition to occur. Relaxin controls the hemodynamic and renovascular adaptive changes that occur during pregnancy. Interest has evolved regarding relaxin and a therapeutic principle in preeclampsia and heart failure. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy disorder, featuring hypertension, proteinuria and placental anomalies. We investigated relaxin in an established transgenic rat model of preeclampsia, where the phenotype is induced by angiotensin (Ang)-II production in mid pregnancy. We gave recombinant relaxin to preeclamtic rats at day 9 of gestation. Hypertension and proteinuria was not ameliorated after relaxin administration. Intrauterine growth retardation of the fetus was unaltered by relaxin. Heart-rate responses and relaxin levels documented drug effects. In this Ang-II-based model of preeclampsia, we could not show a salubrious effect on preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Haase
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michaela Golic
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Herse
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julianna Rugor
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Linz
- Klinik für Innere Medizin III, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Maria Emilia Solano
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Laboratory for Experimental Feto-Maternal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik N. Müller
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a joint cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz and the Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
- HELIOS-Klinikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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20
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Abstract
The development of sexually dimorphic morphology and the potential for sexually dimorphic behavior in Drosophila are regulated by the Fruitless (Fru) and Doublesex (Dsx) transcription factors. Several direct targets of Dsx have been identified, but direct Fru targets have not been definitively identified. We show that Drosophila leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor 3 (Lgr3) is regulated by Fru and Dsx in separate populations of neurons. Lgr3 is a member of the relaxin-receptor family and a receptor for Dilp8, necessary for control of organ growth. Lgr3 expression in the anterior central brain of males is inhibited by the B isoform of Fru, whose DNA binding domain interacts with a short region of an Lgr3 intron. Fru A and C isoform mutants had no observed effect on Lgr3 expression. The female form of Dsx (Dsx(F)) separately up- and down-regulates Lgr3 expression in distinct neurons in the abdominal ganglion through female- and male-specific Lgr3 enhancers. Excitation of neural activity in the Dsx(F)-up-regulated abdominal ganglion neurons inhibits female receptivity, indicating the importance of these neurons for sexual behavior. Coordinated regulation of Lgr3 by Fru and Dsx marks a point of convergence of the two branches of the sex-determination hierarchy.
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Lee YS, De Vadder F, Tremaroli V, Wichmann A, Mithieux G, Bäckhed F. Insulin-like peptide 5 is a microbially regulated peptide that promotes hepatic glucose production. Mol Metab 2016; 5:263-270. [PMID: 27069866 PMCID: PMC4811983 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Revised: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Insulin-like peptide 5 (INSL5) is a recently identified gut hormone that is produced predominantly by L-cells in the colon, but its function is unclear. We have previously shown that colonic expression of the gene for the L-cell hormone GLP-1 is high in mice that lack a microbiota and thus have energy-deprived colonocytes. Our aim was to investigate if energy deficiency also affected colonic Insl5 expression and to identify a potential role of INSL5. METHODS We analyzed colonic Insl5 expression in germ-free (GF), conventionally raised (CONV-R), conventionalized (CONV-D) and antibiotic-treated mice, and also assessed the effect of dietary changes on colonic Insl5 expression. In addition, we characterized the metabolic phenotype of Insl5-/- mice. RESULTS We showed that colonic Insl5 expression was higher in GF and antibiotic-treated mice than in CONV-R mice, whereas Insl5 expression in the brain was higher in CONV-R versus GF mice. We also observed that colonic Insl5 expression was suppressed by increasing the energy supply in GF mice by colonization or high-fat feeding. We did not observe any differences in food intake, gut transit or oral glucose tolerance between Insl5-/- and wild-type mice. However, we showed impaired intraperitoneal glucose tolerance in Insl5-/- mice. We also observed improved insulin tolerance and reduced hepatic glucose production in Insl5-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that colonic Insl5 expression is regulated by the gut microbiota and energy availability. We propose that INSL5 is a hormone that could play a role in promoting hepatic glucose production during periods of energy deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shiuan Lee
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filipe De Vadder
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U855, Lyon 69372, France; Université de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France; Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne 69622, France
| | - Valentina Tremaroli
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anita Wichmann
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gilles Mithieux
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U855, Lyon 69372, France; Université de Lyon, Lyon 69008, France; Université Lyon 1, Villeurbanne 69622, France
| | - Fredrik Bäckhed
- The Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Section for Metabolic Receptology and Enteroendocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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22
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Halls ML, Bathgate RAD, Sutton SW, Dschietzig TB, Summers RJ. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCV. Recent advances in the understanding of the pharmacology and biological roles of relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4, the receptors for relaxin family peptides. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:389-440. [PMID: 25761609 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Relaxin, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), relaxin-3, and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for the relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors 1-4, respectively. RXFP1 activates pleiotropic signaling pathways including the signalosome protein complex that facilitates high-sensitivity signaling; coupling to Gα(s), Gα(i), and Gα(o) proteins; interaction with glucocorticoid receptors; and the formation of hetero-oligomers with distinctive pharmacological properties. In addition to relaxin-related ligands, RXFP1 is activated by Clq-tumor necrosis factor-related protein 8 and by small-molecular-weight agonists, such as ML290 [2-isopropoxy-N-(2-(3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl)benzamide], that act allosterically. RXFP2 activates only the Gα(s)- and Gα(o)-coupled pathways. Relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide, and its cognate receptor RXFP3 is a target for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and autism. A variety of peptide agonists, antagonists, biased agonists, and an allosteric modulator target RXFP3. Both RXFP3 and the related RXFP4 couple to Gα(i)/Gα(o) proteins. INSL5 has the properties of an incretin; it is secreted from the gut and is orexigenic. The expression of RXFP4 in gut, adipose tissue, and β-islets together with compromised glucose tolerance in INSL5 or RXFP4 knockout mice suggests a metabolic role. This review focuses on the many advances in our understanding of RXFP receptors in the last 5 years, their signal transduction mechanisms, the development of novel compounds that target RXFP1-4, the challenges facing the field, and current prospects for new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Steve W Sutton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Thomas B Dschietzig
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Roger J Summers
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
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Fénichel P, Lahlou N, Coquillard P, Panaïa-Ferrari P, Wagner-Mahler K, Brucker-Davis F. Cord blood insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) but not testosterone is reduced in idiopathic cryptorchidism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 82:242-7. [PMID: 24826892 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism, the most frequent congenital malformation in full-term male newborns, increases the risk of hypofertility and testicular cancer. Most cases remain idiopathic but epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested a role of both genetic and environmental factors. Physiological testicular descent is regulated by two major Leydig hormones: insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. OBJECTIVES To study the endocrine context at birth as a reflection of late pregnancy in isolated idiopathic cryptorchidism and to analyse the possible disruptions of INSL3 and/or testosterone. METHODS From a prospective case-control study at Nice University Hospital, we assessed 180 boys born after 34 weeks gestation: 52 cryptorchid (48 unilateral, 4 bilateral; 26 transient, 26 persistent), and 128 controls matched for term, weight and time of birth. INSL3 and testosterone were measured in cord blood and compared in both groups as were other components of the pituitary-gonadic axis: LH, HCG, FSH, AMH and SHBG. RESULTS INSL3 was decreased in cryptorchid boys (P = 0·031), especially transient cryptorchid (P = 0·029), while testosterone was unchanged as were the other hormones measured. INSL3 was significantly decreased (P = 0·018) in the group of 20 with nonpalpable testes compared with the group of 21 with palpable testes (15 suprascrotal, five inguinal, one high scrotal) according to Scorer classification. In the whole population, INSL3 correlated positively with LH and negatively with AMH, but with no other measured hormones. CONCLUSIONS INSL3 but not testosterone is decreased at birth in idiopathic cryptorchidism, especially in transient forms. This hormonal decrease may contribute to the impaired testicular descent along with genetic and anatomical factors. Whether foetal environment (nutritional and/or toxicological) interferes with INSL3 secretion in humans remains to be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Fénichel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Reproductive Medicine, CHU Nice, Nice, France; Institut National de la Recherche Médicale, UMR U1065, Université Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice, France
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24
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Yegorov S, Bogerd J, Good SV. The relaxin family peptide receptors and their ligands: new developments and paradigms in the evolution from jawless fish to mammals. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 209:93-105. [PMID: 25079565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin family peptide receptors (Rxfps) and their ligands, relaxin (Rln) and insulin-like (Insl) peptides, are broadly implicated in the regulation of reproductive and neuroendocrine processes in mammals. Most placental mammals harbour genes for four receptors, namely rxfp1, rxfp2, rxfp3 and rxfp4. The number and identity of rxfps in other vertebrates are immensely variable, which is probably attributable to intraspecific variation in reproductive and neuroendocrine regulation. Here, we highlight several interesting, but greatly overlooked, aspects of the rln/insl-rxfp evolutionary history: the ancient origin, recruitment of novel receptors, diverse roles of selection, differential retention and lineage-specific loss of genes over evolutionary time. The tremendous diversity of rln/insl and rxfp genes appears to have arisen from two divergent receptors and one ligand that were duplicated by whole genome duplications (WGD) in early vertebrate evolution, although several genes, notably relaxin in mammals, were also duplicated via small scale duplications. Duplication and loss of genes have varied across lineages: teleosts retained more WGD-derived genes, dominated by those thought to be involved in neuroendocrine regulation (rln3, insl5 and rxfp 3/4 genes), while eutherian mammals witnessed the diversification and rapid evolution of genes involved in reproduction (rln/insl3). Several genes that arose early in evolutionary history were lost in most mammals, but retained in teleosts and, to a lesser extent, in early diverging tetrapods. To elaborate on their evolutionary history, we provide updated phylogenies of the Rxfp1/2 and Rxfp3/4 receptors and their ligands, including new sequences from early diverging vertebrate taxa such as coelacanth, skate, spotted gar, and lamprey. We also summarize the recent progress made towards understanding the functional biology of Rxfps in non-mammalian taxa, providing a new conceptual framework for research on Rxfp signaling across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Yegorov
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sara V Good
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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