1
|
Park JE, Lee SG, Lee SJ, Yu WJ, Kim JM. Downregulation of the Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein and Aromatase in Steroidogenic KGN Human Granulosa Cells after Exposure to Bisphenol A. Dev Reprod 2023; 27:185-193. [PMID: 38292236 PMCID: PMC10824569 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2023.27.4.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Although increasing evidence of cause-and-effect relationship between BPA exposure and female reproductive disorders have been suggested through many studies, the precise biochemical and molecular mechanism(s) by which BPA interferes with steroidogenesis in the ovarian cells still remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to discover the steroidogenic biomarker(s) associated with BPA treatment in human granulosa cell line, KGN. In this study, our results obtained via the analysis of steroidogenesis-related protein expression in KGN cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analyses revealed that the expression levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and aromatase decreased considerably and gradually after BPA treatment in a dose-dependent manner under BPA treatment. Further, remarkable decreases in their expression levels at the cellular levels were also confirmed via immunocytochemistry, and subsequent StAR and aromatase mRNA expression levels showed profiles similar to those observed for their proteins, i.e., both StAR and aromatase mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased under BPA treatment at concentrations ≥0.1 μM. We observed that follicle stimulating hormone upregulated StAR and aromatase protein expression levels; however, this effect was suppressed in the presence of BPA. Regarding the steroidogenic effects of BPA on KGN cells, controversies remain regarding the ultimate outcomes. Nevertheless, we believe that the results here presented imply that KGN cells have a good cellular and steroidogenic machinery for evaluating endocrine disruption. Therefore, StAR and aromatase could be stable and sensitive biomarkers in KGN cells for the cellular screening of the potential risk posed by exogenous and environmental chemicals to female reproductive (endocrine) function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Park
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan
49201, Korea
| | - Seung Gee Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan
49201, Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Lee
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology
Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology,
Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Wook-Joon Yu
- Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology
Research Group, Korea Institute of Toxicology,
Daejeon 34114, Korea
| | - Jong-Min Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology,
College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Busan
49201, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iden JA, Raphael-Mizrahi B, Awida Z, Naim A, Zyc D, Liron T, Kasher M, Livshits G, Vered M, Gabet Y. The Anti-Tumorigenic Role of Cannabinoid Receptor 2 in Colon Cancer: A Study in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044060. [PMID: 36835468 PMCID: PMC9961974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, particularly cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2 in mice and CNR2 in humans), has controversial pathophysiological implications in colon cancer. Here, we investigate the role of CB2 in potentiating the immune response in colon cancer in mice and determine the influence of CNR2 variants in humans. Comparing wild-type (WT) mice to CB2 knockout (CB2-/-) mice, we performed a spontaneous cancer study in aging mice and subsequently used the AOM/DSS model of colitis-associated colorectal cancer and a model for hereditary colon cancer (ApcMin/+). Additionally, we analyzed genomic data in a large human population to determine the relationship between CNR2 variants and colon cancer incidence. Aging CB2-/- mice exhibited a higher incidence of spontaneous precancerous lesions in the colon compared to WT controls. The AOM/DSS-treated CB2-/- and ApcMin/+CB2-/- mice experienced aggravated tumorigenesis and enhanced splenic populations of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells along with abated anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Importantly, corroborative genomic data reveal a significant association between non-synonymous variants of CNR2 and the incidence of colon cancer in humans. Taken together, the results suggest that endogenous CB2 activation suppresses colon tumorigenesis by shifting the balance towards anti-tumor immune cells in mice and thus portray the prognostic value of CNR2 variants for colon cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Ana Iden
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Bitya Raphael-Mizrahi
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Zamzam Awida
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Aaron Naim
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Zyc
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tamar Liron
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Melody Kasher
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Department of Morphological Studies, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Gregory Livshits
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Department of Morphological Studies, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Marilena Vered
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yankel Gabet
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pietrowski D, Grgic M, Haslinger I, Marschalek J, Schneeberger C. Co-cultivation of human granulosa cells with ovarian cancer cells leads to a significant increase in progesterone production. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 307:1593-1597. [PMID: 36651983 PMCID: PMC10110669 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-06914-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In humans, granulosa cells (GCs) are part of the follicle and nourish the growing oocyte. GCs produce estrogen and, after ovulation, progesterone. They are embedded in a multicellular tissue structure of the ovary, which consists of a variety of different cell types that are essential for the physiological function of the ovary. However, the extent to which individual ovarian cell types contribute to overall functionality has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the effects of co-culturing human granulosa cells with ovarian cancer cells on their progesterone and estrogen production in an in vitro model. METHODS After seeding, the cells were stimulated with 200 µM forskolin in DMEM for 72 h and the medium of the different cell culture experiments was collected. Subsequently, progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were determined using an Elisa assay. RESULTS Morphologically, it was striking that the cells self-organize and form spatially separated areas. Compared to culturing granulosa cells alone, co-culturing human granulosa cells together with the ovarian cancer cell line OvCar-3 resulted in a significant increase in progesterone production (20.3 ng/ml versus 50.2 ng/ml; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Using a simple in vitro model, we highlight the importance of cellular crosstalk between different ovarian cells in a complex cellular network and that it strongly influences granulosa cell hormone production. This could have potential implications for the procedure of transplanting endocrine tissues after cryopreservation, as it highlights the importance of survival of all cells for the functionality of the transplanted tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Detlef Pietrowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martina Grgic
- FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Science, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabella Haslinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Marschalek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Schneeberger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou XY, Li X, Zhang J, Li Y, Wu XM, Yang YZ, Zhang XF, Ma LZ, Liu YD, Wang Z, Chen SL. Plasma metabolomic characterization of premature ovarian insufficiency. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:2. [PMID: 36600288 PMCID: PMC9814329 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) patients are predisposed to metabolic disturbances, including in lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism, and metabolic disorders appear to be a prerequisite of the typical long-term complications of POI, such as cardiovascular diseases or osteoporosis. However, the metabolic changes underlying the development of POI and its subsequent complications are incompletely understood, and there are few studies characterizing the disturbed metabolome in POI patients. The aim of this study was to characterize the plasma metabolome in POI by using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) metabolomics and to evaluate whether these disturbances identified in the plasma metabolome relate to ovarian reserve and have diagnostic value in POI. METHODS This observational study recruited 30 POI patients and 30 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls in the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, from January 2018 to October 2020. Fasting venous blood was collected at 9:00 am on days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle and centrifuged for analysis. An untargeted quantitative metabolomic analysis was performed using UHPLC-MS/MS. RESULTS Our study identified 48 upregulated and 21 downregulated positive metabolites, and 13 upregulated and 48 downregulated negative metabolites in the plasma of POI patients. The differentially regulated metabolites were involved in pathways such as caffeine metabolism and ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis. Six metabolites with an AUC value > 0.8, including arachidonoyl amide, 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoic acid, dihexyl nonanedioate, 18-HETE, cystine, and PG (16:0/18:1), were correlated with ovarian reserve and thus have the potential to be diagnostic biomarkers of POI. CONCLUSION This UHPLC-MS/MS untargeted metabolomics study revealed differentially expressed metabolites in the plasma of patients with POI. The differential metabolites may not only be involved in the aetiology of POI but also contribute to its major complications. These findings offer a panoramic view of the plasma metabolite changes caused by POI, which may provide useful diagnostic and therapeutic clues for POI disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Yu Zhou
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Min Wu
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhen Yang
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Fei Zhang
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin-Zi Ma
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Dong Liu
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wang
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi-Ling Chen
- grid.416466.70000 0004 1757 959XCenter for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No 1838 Guangzhou Northern Road, Guangzhou, 510515 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martínez-Peña AA, Petrik JJ, Hardy DB, Holloway AC. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol increases vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion through a cyclooxygenase-dependent mechanism in rat granulosa cells. Reprod Toxicol 2022:S0890-6238(22)00064-8. [PMID: 35588954 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
While the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of cannabis, have been studied extensively in the central nervous system, there is limited knowledge about its effects on the female reproductive system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of THC on the expression and secretion of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the ovary, and to determine if these effects were mediated by prostaglandins. Spontaneously immortalized rat granulosa cells (SIGCs) were exposed to THC for 24hours. Gene expression, proliferation and TNFα-induced apoptosis were evaluated in the cells and concentrations of VEGF and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a known regulator of VEGF production, were determined in the media. To evaluate the role of the prostanoid pathway, cells were pre-treated with cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors prior to THC exposure. THC-exposed SIGCs had a significant increase in VEGF and PGE2 secretion, along with an increase in proliferation and cell survival when challenged with an apoptosis-inducing factor. Pre-treatment with COX inhibitors reversed the THC-induced increase in both PGE2 and VEGF secretion. Alterations in granulosa cell function, such as the ones observed after THC exposure, may impact essential ovarian processes including folliculogenesis and ovulation, which could in turn affect female reproductive health and fertility. With the ongoing increase in cannabis use and potency, further study on the impact of cannabis and its constituents on female reproductive health is required.
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu Y, Xu H, Yin X, Liu X, Ma Z, Zhao Z. 17 β-Estradiol alleviates oxidative damage in osteoblasts by regulating miR-320/RUNX2 signaling pathway. J Biosci 2021; 46. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
7
|
Li Z, He X, Zhang X, Zhang J, Guo X, Sun W, Chu M. Analysis of Expression Profiles of CircRNA and MiRNA in Oviduct during the Follicular and Luteal Phases of Sheep with Two Fecundity ( FecB Gene) Genotypes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102826. [PMID: 34679847 PMCID: PMC8532869 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
CircRNA and miRNA, as classes of non-coding RNA, have been found to play pivotal roles in sheep reproduction. There are many reports of circRNA and miRNA in the ovary and uterus, but few in the oviduct. In this study, RNA-Seq was performed to analyze the expression profile of circRNA and miRNA in the oviduct during the follicular phase and luteal phase of sheep with FecBBB and FecB++ genotypes. The results showed that a total of 3223 circRNAs and 148 miRNAs were identified. A total of 15 DE circRNAs and 40 DE miRNAs were found in the comparison between the follicular phase and luteal phase, and 1 DE circRNA and 18 DE miRNAs were found in the comparison between the FecBBB genotype and FecB++ genotype. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the host genes of DE circRNAs were mainly enriched in the Rap1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions. Novel_circ_0004065, novel_circ_0005109, novel_circ_0012086, novel_circ_0014274 and novel_circ_0001794 were found to be possibly involved in the oviductal reproduction process. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the target genes of DE miRNAs were mainly enriched in insulin secretion, the cAMP signaling pathway, the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, the Rap1 signaling pathway and the TGF-β signaling pathway, and the target genes LPAR1, LPAR2, FGF18, TACR3, BMP6, SMAD4, INHBB, SKP1 and TGFBR2 were found to be associated with the reproductive process. Miranda software was used to identify 27 miRNAs that may bind to 13 DE circRNAs, including miR-22-3p (target to novel_circ_0004065), miR-127, miR-136 (target to novel_circ_0000417), miR-27a (target to novel_circ_0014274) and oar-miR-181a (target to novel_circ_ 0017815). The results of this study will help to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs and miRNAs in sheep reproduction. Our study, although not establishing direct causal relationships of the circRNA and miRNA changes, enriches the sheep circRNA and miRNA database and provides a basis for further studies on sheep reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.L.); (X.H.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoyun He
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.L.); (X.H.)
| | - Xiaosheng Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.G.)
| | - Jinlong Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.G.)
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Tianjin Institute of Animal Sciences, Tianjin 300381, China; (X.Z.); (J.Z.); (X.G.)
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (M.C.); Tel.: +86-0514-8797-9213 (W.S.); +86-010-6281-9850 (M.C.)
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (Z.L.); (X.H.)
- Correspondence: (W.S.); (M.C.); Tel.: +86-0514-8797-9213 (W.S.); +86-010-6281-9850 (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Costa L, Moreia-Pinto B, Felgueira E, Ribeiro A, Rebelo I, Fonseca BM. The major endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) induces apoptosis of human granulosa cells. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2021; 171:102311. [PMID: 34126378 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a crucial role in human reproduction. Changes in anandamide (AEA) levels affect reproductive events and has already been suggested as biomarker of reproductive potential of male and female gametes. Although cannabinoid-receptor 1 (CB1) was already identified in human granulosa cells (hGCs) the ECS was not characterized on granulosa cells line COV434 nor the effects of AEA on GCs viability and function depicted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the ECS elements and explore the effects of AEA on both COV434 and hGCs. Our results revealed that hGCs express the full enzymatic machinery responsible for AEA metabolism as well as cannabinoid receptors. In addition, AEA induced a reduction in both COV434 and hGCs viability in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Nevertheless, the effects of AEA in cell viability was independent of either CB1 or CB2 receptors. There was no ROS release in both cell models; however, AEA induced morphological changes, presenting chromatin condensation at 72 h, and variation on mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, AEA induced an increase in caspase -3/-7 activities in both cell models, but in hGCs there was also an increase in caspase 8 activity. This study supports the idea that ECS balance is crucial for folliculogenesis and oocyte quality as dysregulated AEA levels may compromise female fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal; Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - B Moreia-Pinto
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - E Felgueira
- Unidade de Medicina da Reprodução Dra. Ingeborg Chaves, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, Portugal
| | - A Ribeiro
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| | - I Rebelo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
| | - B M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratório de Bioquímica, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade do Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hashiesh HM, Sharma C, Goyal SN, Jha NK, Ojha S. Pharmacological Properties, Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Mechanisms of JWH133, a CB2 Receptor-Selective Agonist. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:702675. [PMID: 34393784 PMCID: PMC8363263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.702675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system has attracted attention as a pharmacological target for several pathological conditions. Cannabinoid (CB2)-selective agonists have been the focus of pharmacological studies because modulation of the CB2 receptor (CB2R) can be useful in the treatment of pain, inflammation, arthritis, addiction, and cancer among other possible therapeutic applications while circumventing CNS-related adverse effects. Increasing number of evidences from different independent preclinical studies have suggested new perspectives on the involvement of CB2R signaling in inflammation, infection and immunity, thus play important role in cancer, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and metabolic diseases. JWH133 is a synthetic agonist with high CB2R selectivity and showed to exert CB2R mediated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. Cumulative evidences suggest that JWH133 protects against hepatic injury, renal injury, cardiotoxicity, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer as well as against oxidative damage and inflammation, inhibits fibrosis and apoptosis, and acts as an immunosuppressant. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the polypharmacological properties and therapeutic potential of JWH133. This review also presents molecular mechanism and signaling pathways of JWH133 under various pathological conditions except neurological diseases. Based on the available data, this review proposes the possibilities of developing JWH133 as a promising therapeutic agent; however, further safety and toxicity studies in preclinical studies and clinical trials in humans are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hebaallah Mamdouh Hashiesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Santoro A, Mele E, Marino M, Viggiano A, Nori SL, Meccariello R. The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:972. [PMID: 33478092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
Collapse
|
11
|
Meccariello R, Santoro A, D'Angelo S, Morrone R, Fasano S, Viggiano A, Pierantoni R. The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1113. [PMID: 32046164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is a cell-signalling system widely distributed in biological tissues that includes endogenous ligands, receptors, and biosynthetic and hydrolysing machineries. The impairment of the ES has been associated to several pathological conditions like behavioural, neurological, or metabolic disorders and infertility, suggesting that the modulation of this system may be critical for the maintenance of health status and disease treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exert long-term effects on gene expression without any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, affecting health maintenance and influencing both disease load and resistance. This potentially reversible "epigenetic" modulation of gene expression occurs through the chemical modification of DNA and histone protein tails or the specific production of regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Recent findings demonstrate the epigenetic modulation of the ES in biological tissues; in the same way, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists induce widespread or gene-specific epigenetic changes with the possibility of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the offspring explained by the transmission of deregulated epigenetic marks in the gametes. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epigenetics of the ES, with particular attention on the emerging role in reproduction and fertility.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hohmann T, Feese K, Greither T, Ghadban C, Jäger V, Dehghani F, Grabiec U. Synthetic Cannabinoids Influence the Invasion of Glioblastoma Cell Lines in a Cell- and Receptor-Dependent Manner. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E161. [PMID: 30709059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The current treatment of glioblastoma is not sufficient, since they are heterogeneous and often resistant to chemotherapy. Earlier studies demonstrated effects of specific cannabinoid receptor (CB) agonists on the invasiveness of glioblastoma cell lines, but the exact mechanism remained unclear. Three human glioblastoma cell lines were treated with synthetic CB ligands. The effect of cannabinoids on microRNAs (miRs), Akt, and on the expression of proliferation and apoptosis markers were analyzed. Furthermore, in a model of organotypic hippocampal slice cultures cannabinoid mediated changes in the invasiveness were assessed. MicroRNAs and the activation of Akt which are related to cell migration, apoptosis, and proliferation were evaluated and found not to be associated with changes in the invasiveness after treatment with CB ligands. Also proliferation and/or apoptosis were not altered after treatment. The effects of cannabinoids on invasiveness could be blocked by the application of receptor antagonists and are likely mediated via CB₁/CB₂. In conclusion, our results suggest that cannabinoids can influence glioblastoma cell invasion in a receptor and cell type specific manner that is independent of proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, cannabinoids can potentially be used in the future as an addition to current therapy.
Collapse
|
13
|
Pirone A, Lenzi C, Briganti A, Abbate F, Levanti M, Abramo F, Miragliotta V. Spatial distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 and fatty acid amide hydrolase in the cat ovary and oviduct. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:417-22. [PMID: 28478955 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Involvement of the endocannabinoid system in female reproduction has been extensively described in humans with the cognate receptors and ligands being found in the ovaries and genital tract. In human, an imbalance of the endocannabinoid system is linked with both ectopic pregnancy and infertility. In bovine species anandamide levels regulate aspects of sperm-oviduct interaction. Here we report the immunohistochemical distribution of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in cat ovary and oviduct, using paraffin-embedded tissue samples and commercially available antibodies. We found a differential expression of both CB1R and FAAH during different stages of ovarian function and in the oviduct. CB1R was detected only in tertiary follicle granulosa cells while more immature follicles were negative. FAAH was instead found in ovarian pre-antral follicles, the oocyte cytoplasm, and in granulosa cells of primary, secondary and tertiary follicles. Secondary and tertiary follicles were also FAAH immunoreactive. Luteal cells were immunopositive for both CB1R and FAAH. Because CBR1 in oviduct was found only in ciliated cells, it might represent a specific marker at least in cats. In contrast, FAAH immunoreactivity was observed in both ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The present study may thus serve as the starting point for further investigations on the role of the endocannabinoid system in cat reproduction. Additional work will be needed to assess whether the morphological distribution of CB1R and FAAH changes in different conditions such as pre-pubertal age, follicular phase of the sexual cycle and pregnancy.
Collapse
|
14
|
López-Cardona AP, Pérez-Cerezales S, Fernández-González R, Laguna-Barraza R, Pericuesta E, Agirregoitia N, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Agirregoitia E. CB 1 cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development via PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. FASEB J 2017; 31:3372-3382. [PMID: 28428264 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201601382rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoids have been recognized as mediators of practically all reproductive events in mammals. However, little is known about the role of this system in oocyte maturation. In a mouse model, we observed that activation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) during in vitro oocyte maturation modulated the phosphorylation status of Akt and ERK1/2 and enhanced the subsequent embryo production. In the absence of CB1, in vivo oocyte maturation was impaired and embryo development delayed. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) was unable to rescue these effects. Finally, we confirmed abnormal oocyte maturation rather than impaired embryonic transport through the oviduct in CB1 knockouts. Our data suggest that cannabinoid agonists may be useful in vitro maturation supplements. For in vitro fertilization patients intolerant to gonadotropins, this could be a promising and only option.-López-Cardona, A. P., Pérez-Cerezales, S., Fernández-González, R., Laguna-Barraza, R., Pericuesta, E., Agirregoitia, N., Gutiérrez-Adán, A., Agirregoitia, E. CB1 cannabinoid receptor drives oocyte maturation and embryo development via PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia López-Cardona
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain.,Groupo de Investigación (G.I.)-Biogénesis, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Serafín Pérez-Cerezales
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Fernández-González
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Laguna-Barraza
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Pericuesta
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Naiara Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Adán
- Department of Animal Reproduction, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ekaitz Agirregoitia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hohmann T, Grabiec U, Ghadban C, Feese K, Dehghani F. The influence of biomechanical properties and cannabinoids on tumor invasion. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11:54-67. [PMID: 27149140 PMCID: PMC5308229 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1183867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabinoids are known to have an anti-tumorous effect, but the underlying mechanisms are only sparsely understood. Mechanical characteristics of tumor cells represent a promising marker to distinguish between tumor cells and the healthy tissue. We tested the hypothesis whether cannabinoids influence the tumor cell specific mechanical and migratory properties and if these factors are a prognostic marker for the invasiveness of tumor cells. METHODS 3 different glioblastoma cell lines were treated with cannabinoids and changes of mechanical and migratory properties of single cells were measured using atomic force microscopy and time lapse imaging. The invasiveness of cell lines was determined using a co-culture model with organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. RESULTS We found that cannabinoids are capable of influencing migratory and mechanical properties in a cell line specific manner. A network analysis revealed a correlation between a "generalized stiffness" and the invasiveness for all tumor cell lines after 3 and 4 d of invasion time: r3d = -0.88 [-0.52;-0.97]; r4d = -0.90 [-0.59;-0.98]. CONCLUSIONS Here we could show that a "generalized stiffness" is a profound marker for the invasiveness of a tumor cell population in our model and thus might be of high clinical relevance for drug testing. Additionally cannabinoids were shown to be of potential use for therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hohmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Urszula Grabiec
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Chalid Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kerstin Feese
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Faramarz Dehghani
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jafarpour A, Dehghani F, Korf H. Identification of an endocannabinoid system in the rat pars tuberalis—a possible interface in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system? Cell Tissue Res 2017; 368:115-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2544-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|