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Xue H, Dong J, Xu H, Huang X, Dai H, Hao C. Tiaogeng Yijing decoction improves the pregnancy outcomes of patients with poor ovarian response undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:3935-3941. [PMID: 29043003 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of the Tiaogeng Yijing decoction on patients with poor ovarian response (POR) undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), in addition to the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects. A total of 40 patients were randomly and equally assigned to the treatment or control group. Patients in the treatment group received the Tiaogeng Yijing decoction continuously for three menstrual cycles in addition to microstimulation, while patients in the control group underwent microstimulation only. The following molecules were measured following treatment: Serum levels of sex hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH); follicular fluid levels of cytokines, including growth differentiation factor (GDF)-9, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and endometrial levels of cytokines, including integrin αVβ3, TGF-β1, LIF, G-CSF and VEGF. In addition, the antral follicle count (AFC), mean ovarian diameter (MOD) and pregnancy outcomes were measured. The results revealed that the Tiaogeng Yijing decoction significantly decreased serum levels of FSH and E2, and significantly increased serum AMH levels, the AFC, follicular fluid levels of GDF-9, TGF-β1 and VEGF, and endometrial levels of integrin αVβ3, TGF-β1 and VEGF, in addition to pregnancy outcomes (all P<0.05 vs. the control group). However, no significant differences were found in the MOD or levels of LH, LIF and G-CSF. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the Tiaogeng Yijing decoction promotes pregnancy outcomes in patients with POR undergoing IVF-ET, and that this effect may be associated with the upregulation of TGF-β1 and VEGF in the follicular fluid and endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xue
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Juan Dong
- Department of Preventive Treatment of Disease, Shandong Qingdao Hospital of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Huijun Xu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Reproductive Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Huangguan Dai
- Reproductive Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Cuifang Hao
- Reproductive Center, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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Wang Y, Bilandzic M, Ooi GT, Findlay JK, Stenvers KL. Endogenous inhibins regulate steroidogenesis in mouse TM3 Leydig cells by altering SMAD2 signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 436:68-77. [PMID: 27465829 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that inhibins act in an autocrine manner on Leydig cells using a pre-pubertal Leydig cell line, TM3, as a model of immature Leydig cells. The expression of Inha, Inhba, and Inhbb in TM3 cells was determined by RT-PCR and the production of the inhibin-alpha subunit was confirmed by western blot. Knockdown of Inha expression resulted in significant decreases in the expression of Leydig cell markers Cyp17a1, Cyp11a1, Nr5a1, and Insl3. Western blot showed that activin A, TGFβ1 and TGFβ2 activated SMAD2, and that knockdown of Inha expression in TM3 cells enhanced both activin A- and TGFβ-induced SMAD2 activation. SB431542, a chemical inhibitor of the TGFβ/activin type I receptors, blocked ligand-induced SMAD2 activation and the downregulation of Cyp17a1 expression. Our findings demonstrate that TGFβs and activin A negatively regulate steroidogenic gene expression in TM3 cells via ALK4/5 and SMAD2 and endogenous inhibins can counter this regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
| | - Maree Bilandzic
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Guck T Ooi
- Sun BioMedical Technologies, 209 W. Ridgecrest Blvd, Suite A, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, USA
| | - Jock K Findlay
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
| | - Kaye L Stenvers
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
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Huang X, Jin J, Shen S, Xia Y, Xu P, Zou X, Wang H, Yi L, Wang Y, Gao Q. Modulation of expression of 17-Hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (CYP17) and P450 aromatase (CYP19) by inhibition of MEK1 in a human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:201-5. [PMID: 26526982 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1106470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The differential steroid production in the theca and granulosa cells in ovary are resulted from unique enzyme expression profiles. Among them, c-fos, a downstream target of mitogen and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (MEK/ERK) signaling, takes part in this compartment. In this study, we investigated the effect of c-fos on the steady-state levels of CYP17 and CYP19 in human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) by inhibiting MEK/ERK pathway with PD98059. As a result, our finding demonstrated the distinct distribution patterns of CYP17 and CYP19 in KGN. Moreover, the MEK/ERK pathway functions to inhibit the production of CYP17, while enhance the production of CYP19 in granulosa cells, probably involving a c-fos-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, factors such as c-fos may play a crucial role in the down-regulation of CYP17 and up-regulation of CYP19 in granulosa cells, thereby suppressing androstenedione synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huang
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Jiewen Jin
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Shanmei Shen
- b Divisions of Endocrinology , The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yanjie Xia
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Pei Xu
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Xiang Zou
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Hongwei Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Long Yi
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Yong Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
| | - Qian Gao
- a State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Life Science & Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University , Nanjing , China and
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Patel SS, Beshay VE, Escobar JC, Carr BR. 17α-Hydroxylase (CYP17) expression and subsequent androstenedione production in the human ovary. Reprod Sci 2010; 17:978-86. [PMID: 20720262 DOI: 10.1177/1933719110379055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, in women, only the theca cells in the ovary and the zona reticularis layer of the adrenal cortex are believed to synthesize androgens. Interestingly, their neighboring cell layers, the granulosa cells and the zona glomerulosa cells, respectively, do not produce androgens. Recent literature has highlighted the role of the activator protein (AP-1) transcription factor, c-Fos, in the dynamics of this structural and functional relationship. Differential expression of c-Fos is believed to result in distinct patterns of steroidogenesis among these compartments in both the ovary and the adrenal glands. Clinically, deficient c-Fos levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In this review, we discuss the pivotal role of c-Fos in controlling the expression of CYP17 and hence androgen production in various organ systems throughout the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satin S Patel
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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5
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Sreenivasulu G, Senthilkumaran B. A role for cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase during shift in steroidogenesis occurring in ovarian follicles prior to oocyte maturation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 115:77-85. [PMID: 19500725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2008] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase (P450c17) is regarded as one of the key enzymes involved in the steroidogenic shift that occurs prior to oocyte maturation in teleosts. Role of P450c17 in the shift in steroidogenesis during oocyte maturation is a contentious issue even after identification of a novel type of P450c17 that lacks lyase activity. To understand the role of P450c17 in steroidogenic shift explicitly, a full length cDNA encoding p450c17 from ovary of air-breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus was cloned. p450c17 transiently expressed in COS-7 cells converted progesterone to androstenedione through 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and catfish p450c17 was found to be expressed ubiquitously with relatively higher levels in gonads, brain, kidney and gills. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed the presence of P450C17 in follicular layer of ovarian follicle, interstitial cells and spermatocytes of testis. p450c17 expression and ratio of lyase to hydroxylase was high in preparatory and pre-spawning phases of ovary and low in spawning phase. Expression of p450c17 correlated well with testicular recrudescence with maximum expression in preparatory and spawning phases. Neither protein expression nor lyase/hydroxylase activity changed significantly during hCG-induced oocyte maturation, in vitro and in vivo though mRNA levels increased. These results tend to suggest that the ovarian follicles attains capacity to produce maximum precursor steroid levels before spawning that might contribute to the shift in steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sreenivasulu
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, PO Central University, Gachibowli, Hyderabad 500 046, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Beshay VE, Havelock JC, Sirianni R, Ye P, Suzuki T, Rainey WE, Carr BR. The mechanism for protein kinase C inhibition of androgen production and 17alpha-hydroxylase expression in a theca cell tumor model. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:4802-9. [PMID: 17895316 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2007-1394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), there is increased formation of androgens by thecal cells. Moreover, PCOS ovaries have been shown to have decreased levels of c-fos transcription factor. We hypothesize that c-fos expression inhibits 17alpha-hydroxylase 17,20 lyase (CYP17) activity in the human ovary, and its decreased expression seen in PCOS may lead to elevated CYP17 transcription, resulting in increased androgen production. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to define the role of the activator protein-1 transcription factors, namely c-fos, in the regulation of CYP17 expression in theca cells. METHODS Human ovarian thecal-like tumor cells were used for all experiments. The following techniques were used: steroid quantification, mRNA extraction, microarray analysis, transfection, small interfering RNA, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Stimulation of human ovarian thecal-like tumor cells with the protein kinase A pathway activator forskolin resulted in stimulation of C19 androgen production. In contrast, treatment with the protein kinase C pathway activator tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) resulted in decreased androgen production with a shift toward C21 progesterone production. TPA also led to complete inhibition of CYP17. Microarray data showed a 37-fold increase in c-fos after treatment with TPA. Transfection with steroidogenic factor 1 resulted in an increase in CYP17 promoter activity, which was significantly inhibited in the presence of c-fos. c-fos gene silencing led to an increase in CYP17 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemical staining for c-fos in ovaries demonstrated strong staining in granulosa cells, but not theca. CONCLUSIONS The activator protein-1 transcription factor c-fos plays a role in the inhibition of CYP17 expression. The decreased levels of c-fos expression in polycystic ovaries may be responsible for increased CYP17 levels in PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor E Beshay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75235-9032, USA
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7
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Seto-Young D, Leonardi O, Park A, Holcomb K, Salehi M, Chang P, Yih M, Rosenwaks Z, Poretsky L. Hormonally active nontransformed human ovarian cell culture from oophorectomy specimens: methods of development and initial characterization. HORMONE RESEARCH 2005; 64:238-47. [PMID: 16260896 DOI: 10.1159/000089349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2004] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We repeatedly established a nontransformed steroidogenically active human ovarian cell culture derived from oophorectomy specimens. The cells maintained steroidogenic activity for 3-5 passages (6-8 weeks) and responded to stimulation by insulin and gonadotropin. With pregnenolone as substrate, LH stimulated progesterone production up to 124% and FSH up to 121%. Insulin alone stimulated progesterone production up to 135%, in the presence of LH up to 191%, and in the presence of FSH up to 170%. With dehydroisoandrosterone (DHA) as substrate, insulin alone stimulated testosterone production up to 117%, and in the presence of LH (but not FSH) up to 125%. With androstenedione as substrate, insulin alone stimulated estradiol production up to 133%, FSH alone up to 188%, and LH with insulin up to 217%. With progesterone as substrate and in the presence of LH (but not FSH), 17-alpha-hydroxylase activity was stimulated up to 131%. With DHA as substrate and in the presence of LH, 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3-beta-HSD) activity was stimulated up to 139%. With androstenedione as substrate, insulin alone stimulated aromatase activity up to 202%, LH up to 208%, and FSH up to 251%. Under the same conditions, in the presence of LH and insulin, aromatase activity was stimulated up to 342%, and in the presence of FSH and insulin, up to 318%. With testosterone as substrate, insulin alone stimulated aromatase activity up to 122%. With testosterone as substrate, in the presence of LH and insulin, aromatase activity was stimulated up to 136%, and in the presence of FSH and insulin, up to 156%. Immunocytochemistry studies directly confirmed presence of aromatase and 3-beta-HSD in these cultured cells. We conclude that a steroidogenically active nontransformed long-term human ovarian cell culture can be repeatedly established from oophorectomy specimens, providing uninterrupted supply of cultured human ovarian cells for a variety of studies of ovarian physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Seto-Young
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10003, USA
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Peng C. The TGF-beta superfamily and its roles in the human ovary and placenta. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2004; 25:834-44. [PMID: 14532952 DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily consists of a large group of growth and differentiation factors, such as TGF-betas, activins, inhibins, growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). These molecules act through specific receptor complexes that are composed of type I and type II serine/threonine receptor kinases. The receptor kinases subsequently activate Smad proteins, which then propagate the signals into the nucleus to regulate target gene expression. Several ligands in this family, such as TGF-betas, activins, inhibins, BMP-15, and GDF-9, play important roles in regulating human ovarian functions, including follicle development and maturation. Activin and TGF-beta are also involved in regulating placental development and functions. Abnormal expression or function of these ligands has been found in several pathological conditions. This review summarizes the role of the TGF-beta superfamily in human ovarian and placental regulation and function, and the potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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Calp MK, Matsumoto JA, Van Der Kraak G. Activin and transforming growth factor-beta as local regulators of ovarian steroidogenesis in the goldfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2003; 132:142-50. [PMID: 12765654 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-6480(03)00060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the hypothesis that activin and TGFbeta(1) serve as local regulators of ovarian function in the goldfish. Initial studies demonstrated the presence of TGFbeta in the ovary through the use RT-PCR, which amplified a 225 bp product from early vitellogenic (EVIT) and prematurational full-grown (PFG) follicles. This transcript showed high homology to TGFbeta in other teleosts. Both goldfish recombinant activin B and human recombinant TGFbeta(1) suppressed basal testosterone production by EVIT follicles incubated in vitro. Activin B also inhibited hCG-stimulated testosterone production by EVIT follicles. Our experiments suggest that activin B mediates these effects through actions at sites upstream of cholesterol formation and/or mobilization in the steroidogenic pathway, and through mechanisms that were independent of effects on cAMP formation. In experiments with PFG follicles, TGFbeta(1) decreased basal testosterone production. Activin B did not affect T production by PFG follicles, suggesting that this hormone has differential effects on steroidogenesis in the goldfish ovary depending on the stage of ovarian maturity. In other tests with PFG follicles, TGFbeta(1) and activin B, to a limited extent, inhibited the conversion of 17 alpha-OHP to the maturation-inducing hormone, 17 alpha,20 beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one. In conclusion, this study shows that TGF is expressed in the goldfish ovary, and that both activin and TGFbeta affect steroid production, which provides evidence that these members of the TGFbeta superfamily may act as local regulators of ovarian function in a teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kathryn Calp
- Department of Zoology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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10
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Abstract
Paracrine and autocrine growth factors can affect many different aspects of ovarian follicle development. Many members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) family of growth factors and their receptors are expressed in developing follicles. However, the presence and function of the family of the TGFbeta signaling molecules known as Smads have not been evaluated during follicle development. We have demonstrated that two Smad family members that function as mediators for both activin and TGFbeta are expressed in granulosa cells of preantral follicles but not in large antral follicles. Smad2 expression, but not Smad3 expression, returns in luteal cells. Both Smad2 and Smad3 are translocated to the nucleus of granulosa cells in response to treatment with either TGFbeta or activin. However, Smad2 is more responsive to activin stimulation, and Smad3 is more responsive to TGFbeta stimulation. Stage-specific expression and differing ligand sensitivity of signaling molecules may work together to allow different effects of TGFbeta family ligands using the same signaling pathways over the course of follicular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Magee-Womens Research Institute and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology of the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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11
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Herrmann M, Scholmerich J, Straub RH. Influence of cytokines and growth factors on distinct steroidogenic enzymes in vitro: a short tabular data collection. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2002; 966:166-86. [PMID: 12114270 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2002.tb04213.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, TNF, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta) and growth factors (EGF, bFGF, aFGF, and KGF) play an important role in modulation of hormone secretion by directly influencing specific enzyme steps of steroidogenesis in various endocrine cell types. For this tabular data collection, the following enzyme steps were considered: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17-alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17), 17-beta-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, aromatase complex, 5-alpha-reductase, P450c21, DHEAS sulfatase, and DHEA sulfotransferase. This collection summarizes the current information on how the mentioned cytokines and growth factors influence particular enzyme steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Herrmann
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, University of Saarland, 66041 Saarbrücken, Germany
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Wood
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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13
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the direct effect of metformin on thecal cell androgen production. SETTING Basic science research laboratory, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas. INTERVENTION(S) Human ovarian theca-like tumor cells were treated with various concentrations of metformin in the presence and absence of forskolin for 48 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Media were collected, and radioimmunoassay (RIA) for progesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), androstenedione, and testosterone was performed. The effect of metformin on the expression of various enzymes involved in theca cell steroidogenesis was examined. RESULT(S) Metformin (50 microM and 200 microM) significantly inhibited androstenedione production from both forskolin-stimulated and unstimulated theca cells. Testosterone production was also significantly inhibited in forskolin-treated cells in the presence of 200 microM of metformin-treated compared with forskolin-only-treated cells. Western blot analysis revealed that metformin significantly inhibited the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and 17 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP17) expression in cells stimulated with forskolin compared with forskolin treatment alone. There was no significant change in either 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3 beta HSD) or cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1) protein expression. Northern analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression of CYP17 mRNA in forskolin-stimulated cells treated with metformin (200 microM) compared with forskolin-only-treated cells, however, there was no significant change in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein mRNA expression. CONCLUSION(S) Our results suggest that metformin may have a direct effect on thecal cells' androgen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Attia
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75235-9032, USA
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14
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Kazeto Y, Ijiri S, Todo T, Adachi S, Yamauchi K. Molecular cloning and characterization of Japanese eel ovarian P450c17 (CYP17) cDNA. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2000; 118:123-33. [PMID: 10753574 DOI: 10.1006/gcen.1999.7449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
As a first step in investigating the mechanism underlying the steroidogenic shift from the production of ovarian androgens (vitellogenic stage) to that of 17alpha-hydroxylated progestins (maturational stage) in Japanese eel during induced oogenesis, a cDNA encoding Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) ovarian P450c17 (CYP17: steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase/C(17-20) lyase) was cloned and sequenced. This cDNA contained the complete coding region representing 510 amino acid residues, which showed high sequence homology to those of rainbow trout (74%) and mammals (45-55%). The protein encoded by this cDNA possessed high enzymatic activities of 17alpha-hydroxylase and C(17-20) lyase, thus quickly converting pregnenolone and progesterone to their respective delta(4) and delta(5) C19 products. P450c17 produced a single transcript of 2.4 kb in length, as assessed by Northern blot. Transcript levels of this enzyme significantly increased throughout artificially induced ovarian development. Considering this together with the previous data showing that C(17-20) lyase activity decreased from the vitellogenic to the maturational stage, whereas 17alpha-hydroxylase activity increased, the present data suggest that changes in C(17-20) lyase activity (the production of androgens) do not depend on transcriptional changes of the P450c17 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Kazeto
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University, 3-1-1 Minato-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido, 041-8611, Japan.
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15
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Abstract
The hyperandrogenism of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) appears to be due to dysregulation of steroidogenesis within the ovaries and adrenal glands. P450c17 is the key enzyme that regulates androgen synthesis. It is the only enzyme known to have the capacity to convert C21-precursors to the androgen pre-hormones, the 17-ketosteroids. It is a single enzyme with two activities, 17-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase. Thus, its regulation is a significant factor in the expression of hyperandrogenism. Androgen secretion is LH-dependent in the ovary and ACTH-dependent in the adrenal glands. The androgenic response to each of these tropic hormones seems to be modulated by intra-ovarian or intra-adrenal autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This modulation serves to regulate steroid hormone secretion in tissue-specific ways. Insulin, IGFs and inhibin are among the many growth factors capable of augmenting the response to LH and ACTH. The insulin/IGF system stimulates P450c17 mRNA expression and activities in the ovaries and adrenal glands. An integrating link between insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia may be serine phosphorylation, which inhibits activity of the insulin receptor and promotes the 17,20-lyase activity of P450c17. However, it must be kept in mind that there is some evidence for the existence of P450c17-independent pathways of androgen biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Qin
- The University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital, IL 60637-1470, USA
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