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Jiang D, Yang Y, Han X, Li Q, Li P, Xu Y, Chao L. Fluorene-9-bisphenol impaired male fertility through disrupting the testicular function and local microenvironment. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 284:116880. [PMID: 39142115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Past studies have observed that BHPF induces multi-organ toxicity, however, whether it induces damage to male reproductive system and the specific mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, male mice were given 0, 2, 10 or 50 mg/kg/day of BHPF by gavage for 35 days to observe its effect on reproductive organ and sperm quality. The results indicated that BHPF decreased sperm count and sperm motility in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, our results demonstrated that BHPF triggered the proliferation inhibition and cell death of germ cells in vivo and in vitro. Also, BHPF reduced the expression of function markers for germ cells, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, indicating its damage to function of testis cells. Simultaneously, testicular microenvironment was found to be altered by BHPF, as presented with declined testosterone level and decreased expression of local microenvironment regulators. Overall, our findings indicated the detrimental effects of BHPF on male reproductive function in mice, suggesting testicular function and local microenvironment disturbance as mechanism underlying testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Jiang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xiaojuan Han
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qianni Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Linyi People's Hospital, Shandong University, No. 27, East Section of Jiefang Road, Lin'yi, Shandong 276003, China
| | - Lan Chao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 Wenhua West Road, Ji'nan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Kose H, Sivrikaya A, Menevse E. Maternal Fed Zinc-Deficient Diet: Effects on Relaxin Family Peptides and Oxidant System in the Testis and Liver Tissue of Male Offspring. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04113-8. [PMID: 38407794 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Today, the studies are limited on roles of insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), insulin-like peptide 7 (INSL7), and relaxin family peptide receptor 1 (RXFP1) which are synthesized by the testis. It is aimed to investigate the levels of the sex hormone as testosterone and the family of insulin-like proteins (relaxin family peptides), which are important in the puberty transition, in the testicular and liver tissues of male offspring born to female rats fed a zinc-deficient diet during the pregnancy, and in the changes in lipid peroxidation markers. The study was performed on 40 male offspring. In Group I: Control group, both male offspring and mothers were fed with standard rat chow. In Group II: Zinc deficient diet, both male offspring and mothers were fed a zinc-deficient diet (2.8 mg/kg zinc). In Group III: Normal diet, male offspring fed standard rat chow for 45 days (66th day) after being separated from their mothers with a maternal zinc-deficient diet. In Group IV: Zinc-supplemented diet, offspring fed with zinc supplemented (5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal zinc sulfate, i.p.) in addition to standard rat chow after being separated from their mothers with maternal zinc deficiency until the termination of the study (66th day). Our study suggests that zinc-supplemented diets play an important role in the changes in INSL3, INSL7, RXFP1, and testosterone levels during spermatogenesis. INSL7, INSL3, and RXFP1 levels were higher in zinc-supplemented group than the zinc-deficient diet group. Liver levels of INSL3, INSL7, and MDA were significantly different in zinc-deficiency diet group than zinc-supplemented group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamiyet Kose
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sivrikaya
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Esma Menevse
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey.
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Campesi I, Capobianco G, Cano A, Lodde V, Cruciani S, Maioli M, Sotgiu G, Idda ML, Puci MV, Ruoppolo M, Costanzo M, Caterino M, Cambosu F, Montella A, Franconi F. Stratification of Amniotic Fluid Cells and Amniotic Fluid by Sex Opens Up New Perspectives on Fetal Health. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2830. [PMID: 37893203 PMCID: PMC10604128 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amniotic fluid is essential for fetus wellbeing and is used to monitor pregnancy and predict fetal outcomes. Sex affects health and medicine from the beginning of life, but knowledge of its influence on cell-depleted amniotic fluid (AF) and amniotic fluid cells (AFCs) is still neglected. We evaluated sex-related differences in AF and in AFCs to extend personalized medicine to prenatal life. AFCs and AF were obtained from healthy Caucasian pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis at the 16th-18th week of gestation for advanced maternal age. In the AF, inflammation biomarkers (TNFα, IL6, IL8, and IL4), malondialdehyde, nitrites, amino acids, and acylcarnitines were measured. Estrogen receptors and cell fate (autophagy, apoptosis, senescence) were measured in AFCs. TNFα, IL8, and IL4 were higher in female AF, whereas IL6, nitrites, and MDA were similar. Valine was higher in male AF, whereas several acylcarnitines were sexually different, suggesting a mitochondrial involvement in establishing sex differences. Female AFCs displayed higher expression of ERα protein and a higher ERα/ERβ ratio. The ratio of LC3II/I, an index of autophagy, was higher in female AFCs, while LC3 gene was similar in both sexes. No significant sex differences were found in the expression of the lysosomal protein LAMP1, while p62 was higher in male AFCs. LAMP1 gene was upregulated in male AFCs, while p62 gene was upregulated in female ones. Finally, caspase 9 activity and senescence linked to telomeres were higher in female AFCs, while caspase 3 and β-galactosidase activities were similar. This study supports the idea that sex differences start very early in prenatal life and influence specific parameters, suggesting that it may be relevant to appreciate sex differences to cover knowledge gaps. This might lead to improving the diagnosis of risk prediction for pregnancy complications and achieving a more satisfactory monitoring of fetus health, even preventing future diseases in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Campesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
- Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Giampiero Capobianco
- Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinic, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Antonella Cano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Valeria Lodde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Sara Cruciani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Margherita Maioli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.S.); (M.V.P.)
| | - Maria Laura Idda
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Mariangela Valentina Puci
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (G.S.); (M.V.P.)
| | - Margherita Ruoppolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Costanzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna Caterino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.R.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- CEINGE—Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.ar.l., 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Cambosu
- Genetics and Developmental Biology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Andrea Montella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.C.); (V.L.); (S.C.); (M.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Flavia Franconi
- Laboratory of Sex-Gender Medicine, National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
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Ivell R, Mamsen LS, Andersen CY, Anand-Ivell R. Expression and Role of INSL3 in the Fetal Testis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:868313. [PMID: 35464060 PMCID: PMC9019166 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.868313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a small peptide hormone of the insulin-relaxin family which is produced and secreted by the fetal Leydig cells in the testes only. It appears to be undetectable in female fetuses. In the human fetus INSL3 synthesis begins immediately following gonadal sex determination at weeks 7 to 8 post coitum and the peptide can be detected in amniotic fluid 1 to 2 weeks later. INSL3 acts through a unique G-protein-coupled receptor, called RelaXin-like Family Peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), which is expressed by the mesenchymal cells of the gubernacular ligament linking the testes to the inguinal wall. The role of INSL3 in the male fetus is to cause a thickening of the gubernaculum which then retains the testes in the inguinal region, while the remainder of the abdominal organs grow away in an antero-dorsal direction. This represents the first phase of testis descent and is followed later in pregnancy by the second inguino-scrotal phase whereby the testes pass into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. INSL3 acts as a significant biomarker for Leydig cell differentiation in the fetus and may be reduced by maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, such as xenoestrogens or phthalates, leading to cryptorchidism. INSL3 may have other roles within the fetus, but as a Leydig cell biomarker its reduction acts also as a surrogate for anti-androgen action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
| | - Linn Salto Mamsen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Yding Andersen
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Section 5712, Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Cryptorchidism, i.e., undescended testis, is one of the most common genital malformations in newborn male babies. The birth rate of cryptorchidism varies from 1.6 to 9.0 %. Etiology of disrupted testicular descent is complex and predisposing causes include genetic, hormonal, environmental, lifestyle and maternal factors. Testicular descent occurs in two major steps and testicular hormones and normal function of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis are important for normal descent. Several gene mutations are associated with syndromic cryptorchidism but they are rarely found in boys with isolated undescended testis. Testicular regression can also cause an empty scrotum. Normal male genital phenotype indicates that the boy has had functioning testis during development. Torsion of the testis can cause testicular regression but in many cases the reason for vanishing testis remains elusive. In this narrative review we discuss genetics of cryptorchidism and testicular regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi P Elamo
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
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6
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Ivell R, Alhujaili W, Kohsaka T, Anand-Ivell R. Physiology and evolution of the INSL3/RXFP2 hormone/receptor system in higher vertebrates. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 299:113583. [PMID: 32800774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the insulin-like peptide hormone INSL3 and its cognate receptor RXFP2 (relaxin-family peptide receptor 2) have existed throughout chordate evolution, their physiological diversification appears to be linked closely with mammalian emergence and radiation. In contrast, they have been lost in birds and reptiles. Both hormone and receptor are expressed from autosomal genes which have maintained their synteny across vertebrate evolution. Whereas the INSL3 gene comprises only two exons closely linked to the JAK3 gene, RXFP2 is normally encoded by 18 exons. Both genes, however, are subject to alternative splicing to yield a variety of possibly inactive or antagonistic molecules. In mammals, the INSL3-RXFP2 dyad has maintained a probably primitive association with gametogenesis, seen also in fish, whereby INSL3 promotes the survival, growth and differentiation of male germ cells in the testis and follicle development in the ovary. In addition, however, the INSL3/RXFP2 system has adopted a typical 'neohormone' profile, essential for the promotion of internal fertilisation and viviparity; fetal INSL3 is essential for the first phase of testicular descent into a scrotum, and also appears to be associated with male phenotype, in particular horn and skeletal growth. Circulating INSL3 is produced exclusively by the mature testicular Leydig cells in male mammals and acts as a potent biomarker for testis development during fetal and pubertal development as well as in ageing. As such it can be used also to monitor seasonally breeding animals as well as to investigate environmental or lifestyle conditions affecting development. Nevertheless, most information about INSL3 and RXFP2 comes from a very limited selection of species; it will be especially useful to gain further information from a more diverse range of animals, especially those whose evolution has led them to express unusual reproductive phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK; School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK.
| | - Waleed Alhujaili
- School of Bioscience, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, LE2 5RD, UK
| | - Tetsuya Kohsaka
- Dept. of Applied Life Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
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Mäkelä JA, Koskenniemi JJ, Virtanen HE, Toppari J. Testis Development. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:857-905. [PMID: 30590466 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Production of sperm and androgens is the main function of the testis. This depends on normal development of both testicular somatic cells and germ cells. A genetic program initiated from the Y chromosome gene sex-determining region Y (SRY) directs somatic cell specification to Sertoli cells that orchestrate further development. They first guide fetal germ cell differentiation toward spermatogenic destiny and then take care of the full service to spermatogenic cells during spermatogenesis. The number of Sertoli cells sets the limits of sperm production. Leydig cells secrete androgens that determine masculine development. Testis development does not depend on germ cells; that is, testicular somatic cells also develop in the absence of germ cells, and the testis can produce testosterone normally to induce full masculinization in these men. In contrast, spermatogenic cell development is totally dependent on somatic cells. We herein review germ cell differentiation from primordial germ cells to spermatogonia and development of the supporting somatic cells. Testicular descent to scrota is necessary for normal spermatogenesis, and cryptorchidism is the most common male birth defect. This is a mild form of a disorder of sex differentiation. Multiple genetic reasons for more severe forms of disorders of sex differentiation have been revealed during the last decades, and these are described along with the description of molecular regulation of testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juho-Antti Mäkelä
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaakko J Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Helena E Virtanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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De Toni L, Agoulnik AI, Sandri M, Foresta C, Ferlin A. INSL3 in the muscolo-skeletal system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 487:12-17. [PMID: 30625346 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bone and skeletal muscle are currently considered a unified functional unit, showing complementary regulation at mechanical, biochemical, paracrine and metabolic levels. This functional unit undergoes a central hormonal regulation which is mainly ascribed to sex steroids and, in particular, androgens. However, recent evidence suggest that another testicular hormone lines the classical anabolic effect of testosterone on bone and muscle, the insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) acting on its specific receptor RXFP2. This minireview focuses on the most recent findings describing the role of INSL3/RXFP2 axis on the muscolo-skeletal system, from the mechanistic insights to the phenotypic consequences. Pathophysiological and therapeutic widenings deriving from available data are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, 33199, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Marco Sandri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Colombo 3, 35100, Padova, Italy; Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129, Padova, Italy.
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
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Harrison SM, Bush NC, Wang Y, Mucher ZR, Lorenzo AJ, Grimsby GM, Schlomer BJ, Büllesbach EE, Baker LA. Insulin-Like Peptide 3 (INSL3) Serum Concentration During Human Male Fetal Life. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:596. [PMID: 31611843 PMCID: PMC6737488 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), a protein hormone produced by Leydig cells, may play a crucial role in testicular descent as male INSL3 knockout mice have bilateral cryptorchidism. Previous studies have measured human fetal INSL3 levels in amniotic fluid only. Objective: To measure INSL3 serum levels and mRNA in fetal umbilical cord blood and fetal testes, respectively. Design: INSL3 concentrations were assayed on 50 μl of serum from male human fetal umbilical cord blood by a non-commercial highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. For secondary confirmation, quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure INSL3 relative mRNA expression in 7 age-matched human fetal testes. Setting: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Patients or other Participants: Twelve human male umbilical cord blood samples and 7 human male testes were obtained from fetuses 14-21 weeks gestation. Male sex was verified by leukocyte genomic DNA SRY PCR. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Human male fetal INSL3 cord blood serum concentrations and testicular relative mRNA expression. Results: INSL3 serum concentrations during human male gestational weeks 15-20 were 2-4 times higher than published prepubertal male levels and were 5-100 times higher than previous reports of INSL3 concentrations obtained from amniotic fluid. Testicular fetal INSL3 mRNA relative expression was low from weeks 14-16, rose significantly weeks 17 and 18, and returned to low levels at week 21. Conclusions: These findings further support the role of INSL3 in human testicular descent and could prove relevant in uncovering the pathophysiology of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Harrison
- Clinical R&D Sequencing Platform, Broad Institute, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zachary R. Mucher
- Department of Urology, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Armando J. Lorenzo
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bruce J. Schlomer
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Erika E. Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Linda A. Baker
- John W. Duckett MD Laboratory in Pediatric Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Linda A. Baker
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10
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Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major regulator of female reproductive physiology. Hum Reprod Update 2018; 24:639-651. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmy029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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11
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Anand-Ivell R, Cohen A, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Jönsson BAG, Bonde JP, Hougaard DM, Lindh CH, Toft G, Lindhard MS, Ivell R. Amniotic Fluid INSL3 Measured During the Critical Time Window in Human Pregnancy Relates to Cryptorchidism, Hypospadias, and Phthalate Load: A Large Case-Control Study. Front Physiol 2018; 9:406. [PMID: 29740335 PMCID: PMC5928321 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The period of the first to second trimester transition in human pregnancy represents a sensitive window for fetal organogenesis, particularly in regard to the development of the male reproductive system. This is a time of relative analytical inaccessibility. We have used a large national biobank of amniotic fluid samples collected at routine amniocentesis to determine the impacts of exogenous endocrine disruptor load on specific fetal biomarkers at this critical time. While adrenal and testicular steroids are highly correlated, they are also mostly positively influenced by increasing phthalate load, represented by the metabolites 7cx-MMeHP and 5cx-MEPP, by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure, and by smoking, suggesting an adrenal stress response. In contrast, the testis specific biomarkers insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and androstenedione are negatively impacted by the phthalate endocrine disruptors. Using a case-control design, we show that cryptorchidism and hypospadias are both significantly associated with increased amniotic concentration of INSL3 during gestational weeks 13-16, and some, though not all steroid biomarkers. Cases are also linked to a specifically increased variance in the Leydig cell biomarker INSL3 compared to controls, an effect exacerbated by maternal smoking. No influence of phthalate metabolites or PFOS was evident on the distribution of cases and controls. Considering that several animal and human studies have shown a negative impact of phthalate load on fetal and cord blood INSL3, respectively, the present results suggest that such endocrine disruptors may rather be altering the relative dynamics of testicular development and consequent hormone production, leading to a desynchronization of tissue organization during fetal development. Being born small for gestational age appears not to impact on the testicular biomarker INSL3 in second trimester amniotic fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arieh Cohen
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bent Nørgaard-Pedersen
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo A. G. Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jens-Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David M. Hougaard
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian H. Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten S. Lindhard
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Morgan K, Ruffman T, Bilkey DK, McLennan IS. Circulating anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) associates with the maturity of boys' drawings: Does AMH slow cognitive development in males? Endocrine 2017; 57:528-534. [PMID: 28593614 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1333-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE High levels of circulating anti-Müllerian hormone are unique to developing males, but the function of anti-Müllerian hormone in boys is unknown. In mice, anti-Müllerian hormone contributes to the male biases in the brain, but its receptors are present throughout non-sexually dimorphic portions of the brain. In humans, the speed of maturation is the most overt difference between girls and boys. We postulate that this is because anti-Müllerian hormone slows the maturation of the male human brain. METHODS One hundred and fourty three 5-year or 6-year-old boys and 38 age-matched girls drew a person and donated a blood sample. The children's drawings were blind-scored to generate a maturity index. The level of anti-Müllerian hormone and the other Sertoli cell hormone, inhibin B, were measured by ELISA. The relationship between the children's age, hormones and maturity index were examined by linear regression analysis. RESULTS The girls drew more complex and realistic person than the boys (32%, p = 0.001), with their drawings also being larger (39%, p = 0.037) and more coloured-in (235%, p = 0.0005). The maturity index in boys correlated with age (+r = 0.43, p < 0.0005) and anti-Müllerian hormone level (-r = -0.29, p < 0.0005). The association between maturity index and anti-Müllerian hormone level persisted when corrected for age and for inhibin B (r = -0.24, p = 0.0005). The calculated effect of the median level of anti-Müllerian hormone (1 nM) was equal to 0.81 months of development. The size and colouring of the drawings did not correlate with the boys' age, anti-Müllerian hormone or inhibin B. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study provides the first indicative evidence that circulating anti-Müllerian hormone may influence the development of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Morgan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ted Ruffman
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - David K Bilkey
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
- Brain Health Research Centre, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Ian S McLennan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, P.O. Box 913, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
- Brain Health Research Centre, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Ivell R, Agoulnik AI, Anand‐Ivell R. Relaxin-like peptides in male reproduction - a human perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:990-1001. [PMID: 27933606 PMCID: PMC5406299 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones and their cognate GPCRs are becoming physiologically well-characterized in the cardiovascular system and particularly in female reproductive processes. Much less is known about the physiology and pharmacology of these peptides in male reproduction, particularly as regards humans. H2-relaxin is involved in prostate function and growth, while insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major product of the testicular Leydig cells and, in the adult, appears to modulate steroidogenesis and germ cell survival. In the fetus, INSL3 is a key hormone expressed shortly after sex determination and is responsible for the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. Importantly, INSL3 is becoming a very useful constitutive biomarker reflecting both fetal and post-natal development. Nothing is known about roles for INSL4 in male reproduction and only very little about relaxin-3, which is mostly considered as a brain peptide, or INSL5. The former is expressed at very low levels in the testes, but has no known physiology there, whereas the INSL5 knockout mouse does exhibit a testicular phenotype with mild effects on spermatogenesis, probably due to a disruption of glucose homeostasis. INSL6 is a major product of male germ cells, although it is relatively unexplored with regard to its physiology or pharmacology, except that in mice disruption of the INSL6 gene leads to a disruption of spermatogenesis. Clinically, relaxin analogues may be useful in the control of prostate cancer, and both relaxin and INSL3 have been considered as sperm adjuvants for in vitro fertilization. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
- School of Veterinary and Medical SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of MedicineFlorida International UniversityMiamiFLUSA
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Ibuprofen results in alterations of human fetal testis development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44184. [PMID: 28281692 PMCID: PMC5345102 DOI: 10.1038/srep44184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Among pregnant women ibuprofen is one of the most frequently used pharmaceutical compounds with up to 28% reporting use. Regardless of this, it remains unknown whether ibuprofen could act as an endocrine disruptor as reported for fellow analgesics paracetamol and aspirin. To investigate this, we exposed human fetal testes (7–17 gestational weeks (GW)) to ibuprofen using ex vivo culture and xenograft systems. Ibuprofen suppressed testosterone and Leydig cell hormone INSL3 during culture of 8–9 GW fetal testes with concomitant reduction in expression of the steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and HSD17B3, and of INSL3. Testosterone was not suppressed in testes from fetuses younger than 8 GW, older than 10–12 GW, or in second trimester xenografted testes (14–17 GW). Ex vivo, ibuprofen also affected Sertoli cell by suppressing AMH production and mRNA expression of AMH, SOX9, DHH, and COL2A1. While PGE2 production was suppressed by ibuprofen, PGD2 production was not. Germ cell transcripts POU5F1, TFAP2C, LIN28A, ALPP and KIT were also reduced by ibuprofen. We conclude that, at concentrations relevant to human exposure and within a particular narrow ‘early window’ of sensitivity within first trimester, ibuprofen causes direct endocrine disturbances in the human fetal testis and alteration of the germ cell biology.
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Chávez-Saldaña M, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Yokoyama-Rebollar E, Landero-Huerta DA, Rojas-Castañeda JC, Taja-Chayeb L, Cuevas-Alpuche JO, Zambrano E. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in Mexican patients. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Chávez-Saldaña
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - R. M. Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - E. Yokoyama-Rebollar
- Departamento de Genética Humana; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - D. A. Landero-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - J. C. Rojas-Castañeda
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - L. Taja-Chayeb
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Farmacogenética; Instituto Nacional de Cancerología; Ciudad de México México
| | | | - E. Zambrano
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; Ciudad de México México
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Mitsui T, Araki A, Goudarzi H, Miyashita C, Ito S, Sasaki S, Kitta T, Moriya K, Cho K, Morioka K, Kishi R, Shinohara N, Takeda M, Nonomura K. Effects of adrenal androgens during the prenatal period on the second to fourth digit ratio in school-aged children. Steroids 2016; 113:46-51. [PMID: 27343975 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between the levels of adrenal steroid hormones in cord blood and the second to fourth digit ratio (2D/4D), which is regarded as an indirect method to investigate the putative effects of prenatal exposure to androgens, in school-aged children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of the 514 mother-child pairs who participated in the prospective cohort study of birth in Sapporo between 2002 and 2005, the following adrenal steroid hormone levels in 294 stored cord blood samples (135 males and 159 females) were measured; cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). A total of 190 out of 350 children who were currently school-aged and contactable for this survey sent back photocopies of their palms for 2D/4D measurements. RESULTS 2D/4D in all right hands, left hands, and mean values was significantly lower in males than in females (p<0.01). DHEA levels were significantly higher in females. A multivariate regression model showed that 2D/4D negatively correlated with DHEA in males only (p<0.01). No correlations were observed in the other adrenal steroid hormones tested in males or in any adrenal steroid hormones in females. CONCLUSION DHEA is mainly secreted in large amounts by the adrenal gland and is transformed into active sex-steroid hormones in peripheral tissues. The present study demonstrated that sex differences in digits were influenced by adrenal androgens during the prenatal period, possibly through intracrinological processes for androgen receptors located in fetal cartilaginous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Japan; Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ito
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Keita Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takeda
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Japan
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Toft G, Jönsson BA, Bonde JP, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, Cohen A, Lindh CH, Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R, Lindhard MS. Perfluorooctane Sulfonate Concentrations in Amniotic Fluid, Biomarkers of Fetal Leydig Cell Function, and Cryptorchidism and Hypospadias in Danish Boys (1980-1996). ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2016; 124:151-6. [PMID: 26046833 PMCID: PMC4710602 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1409288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) may potentially disturb fetal Leydig cell hormone production and male genital development. OBJECTIVES We aimed to study the associations between levels of amniotic fluid PFOS, fetal steroid hormone, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) and the prevalence of cryptorchidism and hypospadias. METHODS Using the Danish National Patient Registry, we selected 270 cryptorchidism cases, 75 hypospadias cases, and 300 controls with stored maternal amniotic fluid samples available in a Danish pregnancy-screening biobank (1980-1996). We used mass spectrometry to measure PFOS in amniotic fluid from 645 persons and steroid hormones in samples from 545 persons. INSL3 was measured by immunoassay from 475 persons. Associations between PFOS concentration in amniotic fluid, hormone levels, and genital malformations were assessed by confounder-adjusted linear and logistic regression. RESULTS The highest tertile of PFOS exposure (> 1.4 ng/mL) in amniotic fluid was associated with a 40% (95% CI: -69, -11%) lower INSL3 level and an 18% (95% CI: 7, 29%) higher testosterone level compared with the lowest tertile (< 0.8 ng/mL). Amniotic fluid PFOS concentration was not associated with cryptorchidism or hypospadias. CONCLUSIONS Environmental PFOS exposure was associated with steroid hormone and INSL3 concentrations in amniotic fluid, but was not associated with cryptorchidism or hypospadias in our study population. Additional studies are needed to determine whether associations with fetal hormone levels may have long-term implications for reproductive health. CITATION Toft G, Jönsson BA, Bonde JP, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Hougaard DM, Cohen A, Lindh CH, Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R, Lindhard MS. 2016. Perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in amniotic fluid, biomarkers of fetal Leydig cell function, and cryptorchidism and hypospadias in Danish boys (1980-1996). Environ Health Perspect 124:151-156; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1409288.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Toft
- Department of Occupational Medicine, and
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Address correspondence to G. Toft, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Oluf Palmes Allé 43-45, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. Telephone: 45 871 68202. E-mail:
| | - Bo A.G. Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bent Nørgaard-Pedersen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David M. Hougaard
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arieh Cohen
- Danish Center for Neonatal Screening, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian H. Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Morten S. Lindhard
- Department of Pediatrics, Regional Hospital of Randers, Randers, Denmark
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby, Denmark
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Marie C, Vendittelli F, Sauvant-Rochat MP. Obstetrical outcomes and biomarkers to assess exposure to phthalates: A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 83:116-36. [PMID: 26118330 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Studies of the effects on pregnancy outcomes of in utero exposure to phthalates, contaminants that are widely present in the environment, have yielded conflicting results. In addition, the mode of assessment of exposure varies between studies. The aim of this review was therefore to establish a current state of knowledge of the phthalates and metabolites involved in unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. Extant data were analyzed to determine which biomarker is the best suited to assess the relation between in utero exposure to phthalates and pregnancy outcomes. This review of the literature was conducted using the database of PubMed. A search was made of studies investigating exposure to phthalates and the following birth outcomes: preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks), change in gestational age, change in body size at birth (birth weight, length, head circumference), anti-androgenic function, decreased anogenital distance, cryptorchidism, hypospadias and congenital malformation. The methodological approach adopted in each study was examined, in particular the methods used for exposure assessment (biomarkers and/or questionnaire). Thirty-five studies were included. Premature birth and decreased anogenital distance were the most commonly reported outcomes resulting from a moderate level of exposure to phthalates. The principal metabolites detected and involved were primary metabolites of di-2(ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl-phthalate (DnBP). No clear conclusion could be drawn with regard to gestational age at birth, body size at birth and congenital malformations. In epidemiological studies, maternal urine is the most suitable matrix to assess the association between in utero exposure to phthalates and pregnancy outcomes: in contrast to other matrices (cord blood, amniotic fluid, meconium and milk), sampling is easy, non-invasive and, can be repeated to assess exposure throughout pregnancy. Oxidative metabolites are the most relevant biomarkers since they are not prone to external contamination. Further epidemiological studies are required during pregnancy to i) determine the role of phthalates other than DEHP [currently replaced by various substitution products, in particular diisononyl-phthalate (DiNP)]; ii) establish the effect of phthalates on other outcomes (body size adjusted for gestational age, and congenital malformations); iii) determine the pathophysiological pathways; and iv) identify the most suitable time for biomarker determination of in utero exposure to phthalates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Marie
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, EA 4681, PEPRADE (Périnatalité, grossesse, Environnement, PRAtiques médicales et DEveloppement), 28 place Henri-Dunant BP 38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - Françoise Vendittelli
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Clermont-Ferrand, 58 Rue Montalembert, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, EA 4681, PEPRADE (Périnatalité, grossesse, Environnement, PRAtiques médicales et DEveloppement), 28 place Henri-Dunant BP 38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; AUDIPOG (Association des Utilisateurs de Dossiers informatisés en Pédiatrie, Obstétrique et Gynécologie) RTH Laennec Medical University, 7 rue Guillaume Paradin, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Sauvant-Rochat
- Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, EA 4681, PEPRADE (Périnatalité, grossesse, Environnement, PRAtiques médicales et DEveloppement), 28 place Henri-Dunant BP 38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Faculté de Pharmacie, Département Santé Publique et Environnement, 28 place Henri-Dunant BP 38, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to phthalates may pose a threat to human male reproduction. However, additional knowledge about the in vivo effect in humans is needed, and reported associations with genital abnormalities are inconclusive. We aimed to study prenatal di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) exposure in relation to cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and human fetal Leydig cell function. METHODS We studied 270 cryptorchidism cases, 75 hypospadias cases, and 300 controls. Second-trimester amniotic fluid samples were available from a Danish pregnancy-screening biobank (n = 25,105) covering 1980-1996. We assayed metabolites of DEHP and DiNP (n = 645) and steroid hormones (n = 545) by mass spectrometry. We assayed insulin-like factor 3 by immunoassay (n = 475) and analyzed data using linear or logistic regression. RESULTS Mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (5cx-MEPP, DEHP metabolite) was not consistently associated with cryptorchidism or hypospadias. However, we observed an 18% higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5%-33%) testosterone level, and a 41% lower (-56% to -21%) insulin-like factor 3 level in the highest 5cx-MEPP tertile compared with the lowest. Mono(4-methyl-7-carboxyheptyl) phthalate (7cx-MMeHP, DiNP metabolite) showed elevated odds ratio point estimates for having cryptorchidism (odds ratio = 1.28 [95% CI = 0.80 to 2.01]) and hypospadias (1.69 [0.78 to 3.67]), but was not consistently associated with the steroid hormones or insulin-like factor 3. CONCLUSIONS Data on the DEHP metabolite indicate possible interference with human male fetal gonadal function. Considering the DiNP metabolite, we cannot exclude (nor statistically confirm) an association with hypospadias and, less strongly, with cryptorchidism.
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Mitsui T, Araki A, Imai A, Sato S, Miyashita C, Ito S, Sasaki S, Kitta T, Moriya K, Cho K, Morioka K, Kishi R, Nonomura K. Effects of prenatal Leydig cell function on the ratio of the second to fourth digit lengths in school-aged children. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120636. [PMID: 25746668 PMCID: PMC4352042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal sex hormones can induce abnormalities in the reproductive system and adversely impact on genital development. We investigated whether sex hormones in cord blood influenced the ratio of the second to fourth digit lengths (2D/4D) in school-aged children. Of the 514 children who participated in a prospective cohort study on birth in Sapporo between 2002 and 2005, the following sex hormone levels were measured in 294 stored cord blood samples (135 boys and 159 girls); testosterone (T), estradiol (E), progesterone, LH, FSH, inhibin B, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3). A total of 350 children, who were of school age and could be contacted for this survey, were then requested via mail to send black-and-white photocopies of the palms of both the left and right hands. 2D/4D was calculated in 190 children (88 boys and 102 girls) using photocopies and derived from participants with the characteristics of older mothers, a higher annual household income, higher educational level, and fewer smokers among family members. 2D/4D was significantly lower in males than in females (p<0.01). In the 294 stored cord blood samples, T, T/E, LH, FSH, Inhibin B, and INSL3 levels were significantly higher in samples collected from males than those from females. A multivariate regression model revealed that 2D/4D negatively correlated with INSL3 in males and was significantly higher in males with <0.32 ng/mL of INSL3 (p<0.01). No correlations were observed between other hormones and 2D/4D. In conclusion, 2D/4D in school-aged children, which was significantly lower in males than in females, was affected by prenatal Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayako Imai
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sakiko Sato
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ito
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keita Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Teerds KJ, Huhtaniemi IT. Morphological and functional maturation of Leydig cells: from rodent models to primates. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:310-28. [PMID: 25724971 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells (LC) are the sites of testicular androgen production. Development of LC occurs in the testes of most mammalian species as two distinct growth phases, i.e. as fetal and pubertal/adult populations. In primates there are indications of a third neonatal growth phase. LC androgen production begins in embryonic life and is crucial for the intrauterine masculinization of the male fetal genital tract and brain, and continues until birth after which it rapidly declines. A short post-natal phase of LC activity in primates (including human) termed 'mini-puberty' precedes the period of juvenile quiescence. The adult population of LC evolves, depending on species, in mid- to late-prepuberty upon reawakening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and these cells are responsible for testicular androgen production in adult life, which continues with a slight gradual decline until senescence. This review is an updated comparative analysis of the functional and morphological maturation of LC in model species with special reference to rodents and primates. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched between December 2012 and October 2014. Studies published in languages other than English or German were excluded, as were data in abstract form only. Studies available on primates were primarily examined and compared with available data from specific animal models with emphasis on rodents. RESULTS Expression of different marker genes in rodents provides evidence that at least two distinct progenitor lineages give rise to the fetal LC (FLC) population, one arising from the coelomic epithelium and the other from specialized vascular-associated cells along the gonad-mesonephros border. There is general agreement that the formation and functioning of the FLC population in rodents is gonadotrophin-responsive but not gonadotrophin-dependent. In contrast, although there is in primates some controversy on the role of gonadotrophins in the formation of the FLC population, there is consensus about the essential role of gonadotrophins in testosterone production. Like the FLC population, adult Leydig cells (ALC) in rodents arise from stem cells, which have their origin in the fetal testis. In contrast, in primates the ALC population is thought to originate from FLC, which undergo several cycles of regression and redifferentiation before giving rise to the mature ALC population, as well as from differentiation of stem cells/precursor cells. Despite this difference in origin, both in primates and rodents the formation of the mature and functionally active ALC population is critically dependent on the pituitary gonadotrophin, LH. From studies on rodents considerable knowledge has emerged on factors that are involved besides LH in the regulation of this developmental process. Whether the same factors also play a role in the development of the mature primate LC population awaits further investigation. CONCLUSION Distinct populations of LC develop along the life span of males, including fetal, neonatal (primates) and ALC. Despite differences in the LC lineages of rodents and primates, the end product is a mature population of LC with the main function to provide androgens necessary for the maintenance of spermatogenesis and extra-gonadal androgen actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja J Teerds
- Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, De Elst 1, 6709 WD, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, W12 0NN London, UK Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Johansen ML, Anand-Ivell R, Mouritsen A, Hagen CP, Mieritz MG, Søeborg T, Johannsen TH, Main KM, Andersson AM, Ivell R, Juul A. Serum levels of insulin-like factor 3, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and testosterone during pubertal transition in healthy boys: a longitudinal pilot study. Reproduction 2014; 147:529-35. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a promising marker of Leydig cell function with potentially high clinical relevance. Limited data of INSL3 levels in relation to other reproductive hormones in healthy pubertal boys exist. In this study, we aimed to evaluate longitudinal serum changes in INSL3 compared with LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during puberty in healthy boys. Ten boys were included from the longitudinal part of the COPENHAGEN Puberty Study. Pubertal evaluation, including testicular volume, was performed and blood samples were drawn every 6 months for 5 years. Serum concentrations of testosterone were determined by a newly developed LC–MS/MS method, and serum concentrations of INSL3, AMH, inhibin B, FSH, and LH respectively were determined by validated immunoassays. The results showed that serum INSL3 levels increased progressively with increasing age, pubertal onset, and testicular volume. In six of the ten boys, LH increased before the first observed increase in INSL3. In the remaining four boys, the increase in LH and INSL3 was observed at the same examination. The increases in serum concentrations of LH, testosterone, and INSL3 were not parallel or in ordered succession and varied interindividually. We demonstrated that INSL3 concentrations were tightly associated with pubertal onset and increasing testicular volume. However, the pubertal increases in LH, INSL3, and testosterone concentrations were not entirely parallel, suggesting that INSL3 and testosterone may be regulated differently. Thus, we speculate that INSL3 provides additional information on Leydig cell differentiation and function during puberty compared with traditional markers of testicular function.
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Anand-Ivell R, Ivell R. Regulation of the reproductive cycle and early pregnancy by relaxin family peptides. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:472-479. [PMID: 23994019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2013] [Revised: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones are structurally closely related to one another sharing a heterodimeric A-B structure, like that of insulin. They may also be active as unprocessed B-C-A pro-forms. Relaxin has been shown to pay a key role within the ovary, being involved in follicle growth, and ovulation. Relaxin is produced in large amounts also by the corpus luteum where it acts as an endocrine hormone positively affecting implantation, placentation and vascularization during the all-important first trimester phase of pregnancy establishment. Relaxin exerts its functions via the receptor RXFP1. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in contrast acts through the related receptor RXFP2, and plays an essential role in the production of androgens within growing antral follicles. INSL3 is also produced in large amounts by the male fetus shortly after sex determination, where it controls the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. However, this fetal INSL3 is also able to influence placental and maternal physiology, indicating associations with later preeclampsia and/or fetal growth restriction. Other members of this relaxin-like family of peptides, such as INSL4, INSL5 and INSL6 are less well studied, though all suggest modulatory roles in ovarian and/or placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Ivell
- Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, 18196 Dummerstorf, Germany.
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24
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Bay K, Anand-Ivell R. Human Testicular Insulin-Like Factor 3 and Endocrine Disrupters. VITAMINS & HORMONES 2014; 94:327-48. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800095-3.00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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25
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Mazaud-Guittot S, Nicolas Nicolaz C, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, Coiffec I, Ben Maamar M, Balaguer P, Kristensen DM, Chevrier C, Lavoué V, Poulain P, Dejucq-Rainsford N, Jégou B. Paracetamol, aspirin, and indomethacin induce endocrine disturbances in the human fetal testis capable of interfering with testicular descent. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:E1757-67. [PMID: 24030937 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Masculinization depends on the fetal testis. Exposure of the human fetus during pregnancy to paracetamol and/or to other mild analgesics is associated with an increased risk of cryptorchidism. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine whether mild analgesics disrupted the morphology and endocrine function of the human testis. DESIGN We used an in vitro system based on the culture of human fetal testes exposed or not to paracetamol, its metabolite N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-arachidonoylethanolamide (AM404), aspirin, indomethacin, and ketoconazole at 10(-4) to 10(-7) M. SETTING The study was conducted at the University of Rennes I. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Human fetal testes were from pregnant women after induced abortion, between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation (GW). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Testosterone (RIA), anti-Müllerian hormone (ELISA), insulin-like factor 3 (RIA), and prostaglandin (PG) D2 and PGE2 (ELISA) were assayed in the medium. Testicular cells were counted using histology and image analysis. The possible nuclear receptor-mediated activities of the analgesics were investigated using reporter cell lines expressing estrogen, androgen, and peroxisome proliferator-activated γ receptors. RESULTS Indomethacin and aspirin stimulated testosterone production, particularly by the younger testes (8-9 GW vs 10-12 GW). Paracetamol, AM404, and ketoconazole decreased insulin-like factor 3 levels. Aspirin stimulated whereas ketoconazole inhibited AMH production. PGE2 levels were inhibited by paracetamol and aspirin in the 7 to 12 GW testes and by indomethacin but only in 7 to 9.86 GW testes. The inhibitory trends seen for PGD2 were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Analgesics at concentrations relevant to human exposure cause endocrine disturbances in the fetal testis. We suggest that the fetal human testis displays slight critical age windows for sensitivity to direct exposure to aspirin, indomethacin, and paracetamol. The analgesic-induced inhibition of INSL3 may be the mechanism by which analgesics increase the risk of cryptorchidism. Greater caution is required concerning consumption of analgesics during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail-Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1085, Campus de Beaulieu, F-35042 Rennes, France.
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26
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Kuijper E, Ket J, Caanen M, Lambalk C. Reproductive hormone concentrations in pregnancy and neonates: a systematic review. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:33-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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27
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Anand-Ivell R, Dai Y, Ivell R. Neohormones as biomarkers of reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1153-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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28
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Bathgate RAD, Halls ML, van der Westhuizen ET, Callander GE, Kocan M, Summers RJ. Relaxin family peptides and their receptors. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:405-80. [PMID: 23303914 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00001.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 379] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are seven relaxin family peptides that are all structurally related to insulin. Relaxin has many roles in female and male reproduction, as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system, as a vasodilator and cardiac stimulant in the cardiovascular system, and as an antifibrotic agent. Insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3) has clearly defined specialist roles in male and female reproduction, relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide involved in stress and metabolic control, and INSL5 is widely distributed particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Although they are structurally related to insulin, the relaxin family peptides produce their physiological effects by activating a group of four G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4 (RXFP1-4). Relaxin and INSL3 are the cognate ligands for RXFP1 and RXFP2, respectively, that are leucine-rich repeat containing GPCRs. RXFP1 activates a wide spectrum of signaling pathways to generate second messengers that include cAMP and nitric oxide, whereas RXFP2 activates a subset of these pathways. Relaxin-3 and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for RXFP3 and RXFP4 that are closely related to small peptide receptors that when activated inhibit cAMP production and activate MAP kinases. Although there are still many unanswered questions regarding the mode of action of relaxin family peptides, it is clear that they have important physiological roles that could be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A D Bathgate
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Brief maternal exposure of rats to the xenobiotics dibutyl phthalate or diethylstilbestrol alters adult-type Leydig cell development in male offspring. Asian J Androl 2013; 15:261-8. [PMID: 23314658 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2012.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal exposure to estrogenic xenobiotics or phthalates has been implicated in the distortion of early male reproductive development, referred to in humans as the testicular dysgenesis syndrome. It is not known, however, whether such early gestational and/or lactational exposure can influence the later adult-type Leydig cell phenotype. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to dibutyl phthalate (DBP; from gestational day (GD) 14.5 to postnatal day (PND) 6) or diethylstilbestrol (DES; from GD14.5 to GD16.5) during a short gestational/lactational window, and male offspring subsequently analysed for various postnatal testicular parameters. All offspring remained in good health throughout the study. Maternal xenobiotic treatment appeared to modify specific Leydig cell gene expression in male offspring, particularly during the dynamic phase of mid-puberty, with serum INSL3 concentrations showing that these compounds led to a faster attainment of peak values, and a modest acceleration of the pubertal trajectory. Part of this effect appeared to be due to a treatment-specific impact on Leydig cell proliferation during puberty for both xenobiotics. Taken together, these results support the notion that maternal exposure to certain xenobiotics can also influence the development of the adult-type Leydig cell population, possibly through an effect on the Leydig stem cell population.
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Virtanen HE, Adamsson A. Cryptorchidism and endocrine disrupting chemicals. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 355:208-20. [PMID: 22127307 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Prospective clinical studies have suggested that the rate of congenital cryptorchidism has increased since the 1950s. It has been hypothesized that this may be related to environmental factors. Testicular descent occurs in two phases controlled by Leydig cell-derived hormones insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. Disorders in fetal androgen production/action or suppression of Insl3 are mechanisms causing cryptorchidism in rodents. In humans, prenatal exposure to potent estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been associated with increased risk of cryptorchidism. In addition, epidemiological studies have suggested that exposure to pesticides may also be associated with cryptorchidism. Some case-control studies analyzing environmental chemical levels in maternal breast milk samples have reported associations between cryptorchidism and chemical levels. Furthermore, it has been suggested that exposure levels of some chemicals may be associated with infant reproductive hormone levels.
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Bay K, Andersson AM. Human testicular insulin-like factor 3: in relation to development, reproductive hormones and andrological disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 34:97-109. [PMID: 20550598 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2010.01074.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Knockout of the gene encoding insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) results in cryptorchidism in mice due to disruption of the transabdominal phase of testicular descent. This finding was essential for understanding the complete course of testis descensus, and wound up years of speculations regarding the endocrine regulation of this process. INSL3 is, along with testosterone, a major secretory product of testicular Leydig cells. In addition to its crucial function in testicular descent, INSL3 is suggested to play a paracrine role in germ cell survival and an endocrine role in bone metabolism. INSL3 is produced in human prenatal and neonatal, and in adult Leydig cells to various extents, and is in a developmental context regulated like testosterone, with production during second trimester, an early postnatal peak and increasing secretion during puberty, resulting in high adult serum levels. INSL3 production is entirely dependent on the state of Leydig cell differentiation, and is stimulated by the long-term trophic effects mediated by luteinizing hormone (LH). Once differentiated, Leydig cells apparently express INSL3 in a constitutive manner, and the hormone is thereby insensitive to the acute, steroidogenic effects of LH, which for example is an important factor in the regulation of testosterone. Clinically, serum INSL3 levels can turn out to be a usable tool to monitor basal Leydig cell function in patients with various disorders affecting Leydig cell function. According to animal studies, foetal INSL3 production is, directly or indirectly, sensitive to oestrogenic or anti-androgenic compounds. This provides important insight into the mechanism by which maternal exposure to endocrine disrupters can result in cryptorchidism in the next generation. Conclusively, INSL3 is an interesting testicular hormone with potential clinical value as a marker for Leydig cell function. It should be considered on a par with testosterone in the evaluation of testicular function and the consequences of Leydig cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Bay
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is the subject of a fast expanding literature reflecting increasing clinical application, particularly as a diagnostic parameter. This review summarizes the recent INSL3 literature published within the last 12-18 months. RECENT FINDINGS Significant inroads have been made to understand how INSL3 is working in testicular descent. It also has other functions in the adult, for example in bone metabolism, extending its role as a largely gender-specific hormone. Advances in molecular pharmacology have increased our understanding of INSL3 interaction with its specific receptor, RXFP2, and delivered new high-affinity antagonists. INSL3 is increasingly being used to assess Leydig cell functional capacity within the testis, independently of factors affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, being a robust parameter by comparison with testosterone. Particularly in the aging male, metabolic syndrome, and the effects of adiposity on testis function, INSL3 is a valuable adjunct to the standard clinical repertoire. SUMMARY The Leydig cell hormone INSL3 is responsible for the first phase of testicular descent during pregnancy and may have multiple roles as a gender-specific circulating hormone in the adult reflecting Leydig cell functional capacity. In women, INSL3 is a paracrine factor within the ovary and probably placenta, in which it may have a fetal gender-specific role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Australia.
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Anand-Ivell R, Hiendleder S, Viñoles C, Martin GB, Fitzsimmons C, Eurich A, Hafen B, Ivell R. INSL3 in the ruminant: a powerful indicator of gender- and genetic-specific feto-maternal dialogue. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19821. [PMID: 21603619 PMCID: PMC3095623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hormone Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major secretory product of the Leydig cells from both fetal and adult testes. Consequently, it is a major gender-specific circulating hormone in the male fetus, where it is responsible for the first phase of testicular descent, and in the adult male. In most female mammals, circulating levels are very low, corresponding to only a small production of INSL3 by the mature ovaries. Female ruminants are exceptional in exhibiting high INSL3 gene expression by the thecal cells of antral follicles and by the corpora lutea. We have developed a specific and sensitive immunoassay to measure ruminant INSL3 and show that, corresponding to the high ovarian gene expression, non-pregnant adult female sheep and cows have up to four times the levels observed in other female mammals. Significantly, this level declines during mid-pregnancy in cows carrying a female fetus, in which INSL3 is undetectable. However, in cows carrying a male fetus, circulating maternal INSL3 becomes elevated further, presumably due to the transplacental transfer of fetal INSL3 into the maternal circulation. Within male fetal blood, INSL3 is high in mid-pregnancy (day 153) corresponding to the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent, and shows a marked dependence on paternal genetics, with pure bred or hybrid male fetuses of Bos taurus (Angus) paternal genome having 30% higher INSL3 levels than those of Bos indicus (Brahman) paternity. Thus INSL3 provides the first example of a gender-specific fetal hormone with the potential to influence both placental and maternal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Anand-Ivell
- Sansom Institute, and School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stefan Hiendleder
- Robinson Institute and School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Carolina Viñoles
- School of Animal Biology M092, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Graeme B. Martin
- School of Animal Biology M092, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carolyn Fitzsimmons
- Robinson Institute and School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Eurich
- Robinson Institute and School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bettina Hafen
- Robinson Institute and School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Ivell
- Robinson Institute and School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Complete testicular descent is a sign of, and a prerequisite for, normal testicular function in adult life. The process of testis descent is dependent on gubernacular growth and reorganization, which is regulated by the Leydig cell hormones insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and testosterone. Investigation of the role of INSL3 and its receptor, relaxin-family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2), has contributed substantially to our understanding of the hormonal control of testicular descent. Cryptorchidism is a common congenital malformation, which is seen in 2-9% of newborn boys, and confers an increased risk of infertility and testicular cancer in adulthood. Although some cases of isolated cryptorchidism in humans can be ascribed to known genetic defects, such as mutations in INSL3 or RXFP2, the cause of cryptorchidism remains unknown in most patients. Several animal and human studies are currently underway to test the hypothesis that in utero factors, including environmental and maternal lifestyle factors, may be involved in the etiology of cryptorchidism. Overall, the etiology of isolated cryptorchidism seems to be complex and multifactorial, involving both genetic and nongenetic components.
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Reslan OM, Khalil RA. Molecular and vascular targets in the pathogenesis and management of the hypertension associated with preeclampsia. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 2011; 8:204-26. [PMID: 20923405 DOI: 10.2174/187152510792481234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes and vasodilation of the uterine and systemic circulation in order to meet the metabolic demands of the mother and developing fetus. Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the foremost complications of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PE have been elusive, but some parts of the puzzle have begun to unravel. Genetic factors such as leptin gene polymorphism, environmental and dietary factors such as Ca(2+) and vitamin D deficiency, and co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes may increase the susceptibility of pregnant women to develop PE. An altered maternal immune response may also play a role in the development of PE. Although the pathophysiology of PE is unclear, most studies have implicated inadequate invasion of cytotrophoblasts into the uterine artery, leading to reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischemia/hypoxia. Placental ischemia induces the release of biologically active factors such as growth factor inhibitors, anti-angiogenic factors, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-inducible factors, and antibodies to vascular angiotensin II (AngII) receptor. These bioactive factors could cause vascular endotheliosis and consequent increase in vascular resistance and blood pressure, as well as glomerular endotheliosis with consequent proteinuria. The PE-associated vascular endotheliosis could be manifested as decreased vasodilator mediators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin and hyperpolarizing factor and increased vasoconstrictor mediators such as endothelin-1, AngII and thromboxane A₂. PE could also involve enhanced mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction including intracellular Ca(2+), and Ca(2+) sensitization pathways such as protein kinase C and Rho-kinase. PE-associated changes in the extracellular matrix composition and matrix metalloproteinases activity also promote vascular remodeling and further vasoconstriction in the uterine and systemic circulation. Some of these biologically active factors and vascular mediators have been proposed as biomarkers for early prediction or diagnosis of PE, and as potential targets for prevention or treatment of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ossama M Reslan
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratory, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
The testes are essential endocrine regulators of fetal masculinization and male development and are, themselves, subject to hormonal regulation during gestation. This review focuses, primarily, on this latter control of testicular function. Data available suggest that, in most mammalian species, the testis goes through a period of independent function before the fetal hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis develops at around 50% of gestation. This pituitary-independent phase coincides with the most critical period of fetal masculinization. Thereafter, the fetal testes appear to become pituitary hormone-dependent, concurrent with declining Leydig cell function, but increasing Sertoli cell numbers. The two orders of mammals most commonly used for these types of studies (rodents and primates) appear to represent special cases within this general hypothesis. In terms of testicular function, rodents are born ‘early’ before the pituitary-dependent phase of fetal development, while the primate testis is dependent upon placental gonadotropin released during the pituitary-independent phase of development.
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Johnson KJ, Robbins AK, Wang Y, McCahan SM, Chacko JK, Barthold JS. Insulin-like 3 exposure of the fetal rat gubernaculum modulates expression of genes involved in neural pathways. Biol Reprod 2010; 83:774-82. [PMID: 20631401 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.110.085175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like 3 (INSL3) signaling directs fetal gubernacular development and testis descent, but the actions of INSL3 in the gubernaculum are poorly understood. Using microarray gene expression profiling of fetal male rat gubernaculum explants exposed to 10 or 100 nM INSL3, significant changes in expression were identified for approximately 900 genes. Several of the genes showing the largest inductions regulate neuronal development or activity, including Pnoc (34-fold), Nptx2 (9-fold), Nfasc (4-fold), Gfra3 (3-fold), Unc5d (3-fold), and Crlf1 (3-fold). Bioinformatics analysis revealed BMP and WNT signaling pathways and several gene ontologies related to neurogenesis were altered by INSL3. Promoter response elements significantly enriched in the INSL3-regulated gene list included consensus sequences for MYB, REL, ATF2, and TEF transcription factors. Comparing in vivo gene expression profiles of male and female rat fetal gubernaculum showed expression of the Bmp, Wnt, and neurodevelopmental genes induced by INSL3 was higher in males. Using quantitative RT-PCR, the microarray data were confirmed, and the induction of Bmp3, Chrdl2, Crlf1, Nptx2, Pnoc, Wnt4, and Wnt5a mRNA levels were examined over a range of INSL3 concentrations (0.1-100 nM) in male and female gubernaculum. In both sexes, an increasing gene expression response was observed between 0.1 and 10 nM INSL3. These data suggest that INSL3 signaling in the fetal gubernaculum induces morphogenetic programs, including BMP and WNT signaling, and support other rodent data suggesting a role for these pathways in development of the gubernaculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamin J Johnson
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, USA.
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Abstract
Cryptorchidism is a common genital anomaly diagnosed at birth or during childhood. Genetic and/or environmental factors that alter expression or function of hormones crucial for testicular descent, insulin-like 3, and testosterone, may contribute to cryptorchidism. When identified at birth, surgical treatment is indicated by 6 months of age if testes fail to descend, or at the time of diagnosis in older children. A laparoscopic approach is preferred for abdominal testes. Early surgical therapy may reduce the risk of subfertility and/or malignancy.
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Sheppard SJ, Khalil RA. Risk factors and mediators of the vascular dysfunction associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2010; 10:33-52. [PMID: 20041838 DOI: 10.2174/187152910790780096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes and vasodilation in the uterine and systemic circulation in order to meet the metabolic demands of the mother and developing fetus. Hypertension in pregnancy (HTN-Preg) and preeclampsia (PE) are major complications and life-threatening conditions to both the mother and fetus. PE is precipitated by various genetic, dietary and environmental factors. Although the initiating events of PE are unclear, inadequate invasion of cytotrophoblasts into the uterine artery is thought to reduce uteroplacental perfusion pressure and lead to placental ischemia/hypoxia. Placental hypoxia induces the release of biologically active factors such as growth factor inhibitors, anti-angiogenic proteins, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-inducible factors, and antibodies to vascular angiotensin II receptor. These bioactive factors affect the production/activity of various vascular mediators in the endothelium, smooth muscle and extracellular matrix, leading to severe vasoconstriction and HTN. As an endothelial cell disorder, PE is associated with decreased vasodilator mediators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin and hyperpolarizing factor and increased vasoconstrictor mediators such as endothelin, angiotensin II and thromboxane A(2). PE also involves enhanced mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction including intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), and [Ca(2+)](i) sensitization pathways such as protein kinase C, Rho-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Changes in extracellular matrix composition and matrix metalloproteases activity also promote vascular remodeling and further vasoconstriction in the uterine and systemic circulation. Characterization of the predisposing risk factors, the biologically active factors, and the vascular mediators associated with PE holds the promise for early detection, and should help design specific genetic and pharmacological tools for the management of the vascular dysfunction associated with HTN-Preg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Sheppard
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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Kong RCK, Shilling PJ, Lobb DK, Gooley PR, Bathgate RAD. Membrane receptors: structure and function of the relaxin family peptide receptors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 320:1-15. [PMID: 20138959 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Revised: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The receptors for members of the relaxin peptide family have only recently been discovered and are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Relaxin and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) interact with the leucine-rich-repeat-containing GPCRs (LGRs) LGR7 and LGR8, respectively. These receptors show closest similarity to the glycoprotein hormone receptors and contain large ectodomains with 10 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) but are unique members of the LGR family (class C) as they have an LDL class A (LDLa) module at their N-terminus. In contrast, relaxin-3 and INSL5 interact with another class of type I GPCRs which lack a large ectodomain, the peptide receptors GPCR135 and GPCR142, respectively. These receptors are now classified as relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors, RXFP1 (LGR7), RXFP2 (LGR8), RXFP3 (GPCR135) and RXFP4 (GPCR142). This review outlines the identification of the peptides and receptors, their expression profiles and physiological roles and the functional interactions of the peptides with their unique receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy C K Kong
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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Anand-Ivell R, Heng K, Hafen B, Setchell B, Ivell R. Dynamics of INSL3 Peptide Expression in the Rodent Testis1. Biol Reprod 2009; 81:480-7. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R. Biology of insulin-like factor 3 in human reproduction. Hum Reprod Update 2009; 15:463-76. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmp011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Bay K, Cohen AS, Jørgensen FS, Jørgensen C, Lind AM, Skakkebaek NE, Andersson AM. Insulin-like factor 3 levels in second-trimester amniotic fluid. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2008; 93:4048-51. [PMID: 18611973 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2008-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to animal studies, the testicular Leydig cell hormone insulin-like factor 3 (Insl3) exerts a fundamental role in abdominal testis translocation, which occurs in the beginning of the second trimester in humans. Despite this, human prenatal INSL3 production has been poorly investigated. METHODS Amniotic fluid from 91 pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis was analyzed for INSL3 and testosterone (T) levels. Data were related to gestational age (15-25 wk) at amniocentesis and to sex (45 males and 48 females). RESULTS INSL3 was present in amniotic fluid from all but one of the investigated male fetuses (range: <0.02-0.36 ng/ml; mean +/- sd: 0.12 +/- 0.07), whereas the hormone was undetectable in the female fetuses. T was significantly higher in male (range: 0.54-1.71 nmol/liter; mean +/- sd: 1.04 +/- 0.30) as compared with in female amniotic fluid (range: 0.19-0.50 nmol/liter; mean +/- sd: 0.34 +/- 0.06) (P < 0.001). In males there was no correlation between INSL3 and T. A statistically borderline negative association was found between INSL3 and gestational age (P = 0.07), whereas the corresponding association was not significant for T (P = 0.12). In contrast, T in females correlated positively with gestational age (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS INSL3 is clearly present in human male amniotic fluid in the second trimester, where abdominal testis translocation takes place. In contrast, the hormone is undetectable in female amniotic fluid. The prenatal presence of INSL3 supports the hypothesis that this hormone is essential for testicular descent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Bay
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, GR 5064, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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