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Grace MR, Vora NL, Smeester L, Dotters-Katz SK, Fry RC, Bae-Jump V, Boggess K. Sex-Dependent Differences in Mouse Placental Gene Expression following a Maternal High-Fat Diet. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e1273-e1280. [PMID: 36608700 PMCID: PMC10427734 DOI: 10.1055/a-2008-8286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In utero fetal exposures may have sex-specific placental gene responses. Our objective was to measure sex-based differences in placental gene expression from dams fed high-fat diet (HFD) versus control diet (CD). STUDY DESIGN We fed timed pregnant Friend virus B-strain dams either a CD (n = 5) or an HFD (n = 5). We euthanized dams on embryonic day 17.5 to collect placentas. We extracted placental RNA and hybridized it to a customized 96-gene Nanostring panel focusing on angiogenic, inflammatory, and growth genes. We compared normalized gene expression between CD and HFD, stratified by fetal sex, using analysis of variance. Pathway analysis was used to further interpret the genomic data. RESULTS Pups from HFD-fed dams were heavier than those from CD-fed dams (0.97 ± 0.06 vs. 0.84 ± 0.08 g, p < 0.001). Male pups were heavier than females in the HFD (0.99 ± 0.05 vs. 0.94 ± 0.06 g, p = 0.004) but not CD (0.87 ± 0.08 vs. 0.83 ± 0.07 g, p = 0.10) group. No sex-based differences in placental gene expression in CD-fed dams were observed. Among HFD-fed dams, placentas from female pups exhibited upregulation of 15 genes (q = 0.01). Network analyses identified a cluster of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, cellular function and maintenance, and endocrine system development and function (p = 1 × 10-23). The observed female-specific increased gene expression following in utero HFD exposure was predicted to be regulated by insulin (p = 5.79 × 10-13). CONCLUSION In female compared with male pups, in utero exposure to HFD upregulated placental gene expression in 15 genes predicted to be regulated by insulin. Sex-specific differences in placental expression of these genes should be further investigated. KEY POINTS · Male pups were heavier than female pups at the time of sacrifice when dams were fed an HFD.. · HFD was associated with upregulated gene expression in female placentas.. · Female-specific increased gene was predicted to be regulated by insulin..
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Grace
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Neeta L. Vora
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Sarah K. Dotters-Katz
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Victoria Bae-Jump
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, North Carolina
| | - Kim Boggess
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Luque EM, Díaz-Luján CM, Paira DA, de Loredo N, Torres PJ, Cantarelli VI, Fretes R, Motrich RD, Martini AC. Ghrelin misbalance affects mice embryo implantation and pregnancy success by uterine immune dysregulation and nitrosative stress. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1288779. [PMID: 38107518 PMCID: PMC10722256 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1288779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In a previous study we found that ghrelin (Ghrl) misbalance during the peri-implantation period significantly impaired fetus development. In this study we aimed to evaluate the putative mechanisms underlying these effects, including embryo implantation success, uterine nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, nitric oxide synthesis and the inflammatory/immune uterine profile. Methods Ghrelin misbalance was induced by injecting 4nmol/animal/day of Ghrl (hyperghrelinemia) or 6nmol/animal/day of a Ghrl antagonist (Ant: (D-Lys3)GHRP-6) from day 3 to 8 of pregnancy. Control animals (C) were injected with de vehicle. Females were euthanized at pregnancy day 8 and their uteri excised in order to evaluate: the percentage of reabsorbed embryos (microscopically), eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosine expression (by immunohistochemistry), nitrite synthesis (by Griess technique), VEGF, IL-10, IL-17, IL-6, MMP9 and GM-CSF expression (by qPCR) and leukocyte infiltration by flow cytometry (evaluating T cells, NK cells, granulocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages). Results Ant-treatment significantly increased the percentage of reabsorbed embryos and the uterine expression of eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosine. (D-Lys3)GHRP-6-treatment increased also the expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-17 and MMP9, and decreased that of IL-10 (anti-inflammatory). Moreover, Ant-treatment increased also the NK cells population and that of CD11b+ dendritic cells; and decreased T cells percentages. Similarly, hyperghrelinemia showed a significant increase vs. C on eNOS, iNOS and nytrotirosineuterine expression and a decrease in T cells percentages. Conclusion Ghrl misbalance during the peri-implantation period induces pro-inflammatory changes and nitrosative stress in the gravid uterus, impairing significantly embryo implantation and/or development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mercedes Luque
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cintia María Díaz-Luján
- Instituto de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Daniela Andrea Paira
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nicolás de Loredo
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pedro Javier Torres
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Verónica Inés Cantarelli
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Fretes
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubén Darío Motrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Carolina Martini
- Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET)/Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Córdoba, Argentina
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Coria-Caballero V, Jaramillo-Narvaez MDLL, Leon-Verdin MG, Martinez F, Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy ML, Barbosa-Sabanero G. Desacylghrelin modulates GHS-R1 receptor expression and cell differentiation in placental BeWo cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 577:112035. [PMID: 37506870 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and purpose: Ghrelin is the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1). Ghrelin, and GHS-R1, may have a role in placental growth and function, and its unacylated form desacylghrelin (DAG) could be involved in fetal growth. Nevertheless, the effects of DAG on placental function, and the receptor involved in its actions, remain to be determined. We aimed to investigate the effect of DAG in placental BeWo cells viability, proliferation, differentiation, and GSH-R1 expression. METHODS BeWo cells, a human trophoblast cell line, was cultured with 3 nM DAG during 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Cell viability, proliferation, differentiation (assessed by human Chorionic Gonadotropin quantification), and GSH-R1 expression were analyzed. To evaluate the mechanism of DAG effect on GSH-R1, 30 nM receptor antagonist ([D-Lys3]-GHRP-6) was added alone or in combination with 3 nM DAG during 12 h and 24 h. RESULTS DAG has no effect on cell proliferation or viability, but it has an inhibitory effect on cell differentiation. DAG had a stimulatory effect on GSH-R1 expression at 12 and 24 h (p = 0.029 and p = 0.025, respectively). On the contrary, culture with 48 h DAG inhibits GSH-R1 expression compared to the control (p = 0.005), while GSH-R1 antagonist inhibited the effect of DAG on GSH-R1 expression. DAG also reduces intracellular (p = 0.020) and secreted (p = 0.011) hCG concentration in BeWo cells. CONCLUSION DAG increases GHS-R1 expression, potentially mediated through GHS-R1 itself. DAG may also inhibit placental BeWo cell differentiation, suggesting a possible role of DAG in placental and fetal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Coria-Caballero
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus, Mexico
| | | | - Ma Guadalupe Leon-Verdin
- Department of Engineering Physics, Division of Sciences and Engineering, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus, Mexico
| | - Federico Martinez
- Biochemistry Department, Medicine Faculty, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus, Mexico.
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Sato T, Ida T, Shiimura Y, Matsui K, Oishi K, Kojima M. Insights Into the Regulation of Offspring Growth by Maternally Derived Ghrelin. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:852636. [PMID: 35250893 PMCID: PMC8894672 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.852636] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of fetal development by bioactive substances such as hormones and neuropeptides derived from the gestational mother is considered to be essential for the development of the fetus. On the other hand, it has been suggested that changes in the physiological state of the pregnant mother due to various factors may alter the secretion of these bioactive substances and induce metabolic changes in the offspring, such as obesity, overeating, and inflammation, thereby affecting postnatal growth and health. However, our knowledge of how gestational maternal bioactive substances modulate offspring physiology remains fragmented and lacks a systematic understanding. In this mini-review, we focus on ghrelin, which regulates growth and energy metabolism, to advance our understanding of the mechanisms by which maternally derived ghrelin regulates the growth and health of the offspring. Understanding the regulation of offspring growth by maternally-derived ghrelin is expected to clarify the fetal onset of metabolic abnormalities and lead to a better understanding of lifelong health in the next generation of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sato
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takahiro Sato, ; Masayasu Kojima,
| | - Takanori Ida
- Division for Identification and Analysis of Bioactive Peptides, Department of Bioactive Peptides, Frontier Science Research Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Shiimura
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kazuma Matsui
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kanae Oishi
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Masayasu Kojima
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Life Science, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takahiro Sato, ; Masayasu Kojima,
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Soranno LM, Jones AK, Pillai SM, Hoffman ML, Zinn SA, Govoni KE, Reed SA. Effects of poor maternal nutrition during gestation on ewe and offspring plasma concentrations of leptin and ghrelin. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106682. [PMID: 34607218 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Poor maternal nutrition during gestation can negatively affect offspring growth, development, and health. Leptin and ghrelin, key hormones in energy homeostasis and appetite control, may mediate these changes. We hypothesized that restricted- and over-feeding during gestation would alter plasma concentrations of leptin and ghrelin in ewes and offspring. Pregnant ewes (n = 37) were fed 1 of 3 diets starting on d 30 ± 0.02 of gestation until necropsy at d 135 of gestation or parturition: restricted- [RES; 60% National Research Council (NRC) requirements for total digestible nutrients, n = 13], control- (CON; 100% NRC, n = 11), or over-fed (OVER; 140% NRC, n = 13). Blood samples were collected from pregnant ewes at days 20, 30, 44, 72, 100, 128, and 142 of gestation. Offspring blood samples were collected within 24 h after birth (n = 21 CON, 25 RES, 23 OVER). Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were determined by RIA. Ewe data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with ewe as the repeated subject. Offspring data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure. Correlations between BW and leptin and ghrelin concentrations were identified using PROC CORR. At d 100, RES (5.39 ± 2.58 ng/mL) had decreased leptin concentrations compared with OVER (14.97 ± 2.48 ng/mL; P = 0.008) and at d 128, RES (6.39 ± 2.50 ng/mL) also had decreased leptin concentrations compared with OVER (13.61 ± 2.47 ng/mL; P = 0.04). At d 142, RES (0.26 ± 0.04 ng/mL) had increased ghrelin concentrations compared with CON (0.15 ± 0.04 ng/mL; P = 0.04). Leptin and ghrelin concentrations were also altered between days of gestation within a dietary treatment. In CON ewes, plasma concentrations of leptin were increased at d 30 (19.28 ± 7.43 ng/mL) compared with d 44 (5.20 ± 3.10 ng/mL; P = 0.03), and the plasma concentrations of ghrelin at d 128 (0.20 ± 0.03 ng/mL) were increased compared with d 30 (0.16 ± 0.03 ng/mL; P = 0.01) and d 100 (0.17 ± 0.03 ng/mL; P = 0.04). Maternal diet did not alter plasma ghrelin or leptin concentrations in the offspring (P > 0.50). There were no strong, significant correlations between ewe BW and leptin (r < 0.33; P > 0.06) or ghrelin (r > -0.47; P > 0.001) concentrations or lamb BW and leptin or ghrelin concentrations (r > -0.32, P > 0.06). Maternal alterations in circulating leptin and ghrelin may program changes in energy balance that could result in increased adiposity in adult offspring. Alterations in energy homeostasis may be a mechanism behind the long-lasting changes in growth, body composition, development, and metabolism in the offspring of poorly nourished ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Soranno
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - A K Jones
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - S M Pillai
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - M L Hoffman
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - S A Zinn
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - K E Govoni
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | - S A Reed
- Department of Animal Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA.
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The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059
expr 982648605 + 846360072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11059. [PMID: 34681721 PMCID: PMC8539660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059&set/a 934136356+984013925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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Schalla MA, Stengel A. The Role of the Gastric Hormones Ghrelin and Nesfatin-1 in Reproduction. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011059. [PMID: 34681721 PMCID: PMC8539660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin and nesfatin-1 are enteroendocrine peptide hormones expressed in rat X/A-like and human P/D1cells of the gastric mucosa. Besides their effect on food intake, both peptides are also implicated in various other physiological systems. One of these is the reproductive system. This present review illustrates the distribution of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 along the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis, their modulation by reproductive hormones, and effects on reproductive functions as well as highlighting gaps in current knowledge to foster further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha A. Schalla
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Andreas Stengel
- Charité Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Department for Psychosomatic Medicine, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Ioannis N, Eleni D, Dimitrios P, Katerina D, Thomas-Markos C, Maria S, Panagiotis G, Georgios S A. Age, gestational and heat stress effects on ghrelin secretion in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2021; 176:82-93. [PMID: 34597845 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It is known that heat stress decreases dry matter intake in cattle with impacts on milk production and fertility. Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone with suppressive effects on reproduction. In this study, we investigated the effects of heat stress and gestational status on ghrelin secretion and its possible associations with DMI in Holstein cattle. The study was conducted in a dairy farm without any artificial cooling measures. The animals were fed a total mixed ration twice daily; each morning the leftovers were removed and weighted. Lactating cows and heifers were used during the winter and the summer; in each season 8 groups were formed as following: non-pregnant cows (n = 10) and non-pregnant heifers (n = 10) and pregnant cows (3 groups, each n = 8) and heifers (3 groups, each n = 10), being at the 1st (days 65-90), the 2nd (days 114-144) and the 3rd (dry cows, days 198-220; heifers, days 192-230) trimester of gestation. In each season the blood samples were collected from all groups on the same day, 1 h prior to morning feeding. In the winter, the Temperature Humidity Index (THI) was 58 in the winter and 73 in the summer. Normal and acidified sera were stored at -20 °C and analyzed for cortisol, total and acylated ghrelin concentrations, respectively. T-Test and Welch-Satterthwaite were performed for continuous data comparison, while two-way ANOVA to test for differences between gestation and season. Feed refusals were higher (p < 0.01) during the summer compared to the winter. In cows, total ghrelin levels differed between gestation stages in winter and summer(p < 0.04), while acylated ghrelin levels differed by gestation stage in winter (p < 0.001) but not in summer. There was an effect of season by the gestational stage in the pattern of acylated (p < 0.001) but not of total ghrelin. In heifers, the pattern of total and acylated ghrelin secretion was not affected by season or gestation stage (p > 0.05). Both in cows and heifers, acylated ghrelin levels were lower in summer compared to winter, (p < 0.002). During the summer months the low ghrelin levels might explain the reduced feed consumption of heat stressed animals. We infer that the lactation-induced altered metabolic status of the animals governed the different ghrelin levels at various gestational stages in cows and heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanas Ioannis
- Clinic of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Dovolou Eleni
- Clinic of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece; Laboratory of Reproduction, Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly, Greece
| | - Psimadas Dimitrios
- Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dadouli Katerina
- Clinic of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece; Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Chouzouris Thomas-Markos
- Clinic of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Satra Maria
- Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgoulias Panagiotis
- Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Amiridis Georgios S
- Clinic of Obstetrics & Reproduction, Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.
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Armistead B, Johnson E, VanderKamp R, Kula-Eversole E, Kadam L, Drewlo S, Kohan-Ghadr HR. Placental Regulation of Energy Homeostasis During Human Pregnancy. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5838263. [PMID: 32417921 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Successful pregnancies rely on sufficient energy and nutrient supply, which require the mother to metabolically adapt to support fetal needs. The placenta has a critical role in this process, as this specialized organ produces hormones and peptides that regulate fetal and maternal metabolism. The ability for the mother to metabolically adapt to support the fetus depends on maternal prepregnancy health. Two-thirds of pregnancies in the United States involve obese or overweight women at the time of conception. This poses significant risks for the infant and mother by disrupting metabolic changes that would normally occur during pregnancy. Despite well characterized functions of placental hormones, there is scarce knowledge surrounding placental endocrine regulation of maternal metabolic trends in pathological pregnancies. In this review, we discuss current efforts to close this gap of knowledge and highlight areas where more research is needed. As the intrauterine environment predetermines the health and wellbeing of the offspring in later life, adequate metabolic control is essential for a successful pregnancy outcome. Understanding how placental hormones contribute to aberrant metabolic adaptations in pathological pregnancies may unveil disease mechanisms and provide methods for better identification and treatment. Studies discussed in this review were identified through PubMed searches between the years of 1966 to the present. We investigated studies of normal pregnancy and metabolic disorders in pregnancy that focused on energy requirements during pregnancy, endocrine regulation of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, cholesterol and lipid metabolism, and placental hormone regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Armistead
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Eugenia Johnson
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Robert VanderKamp
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Elzbieta Kula-Eversole
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Leena Kadam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Sascha Drewlo
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Hamid-Reza Kohan-Ghadr
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Leptin and Ghrelin in Excessive Gestational Weight Gain-Association between Mothers and Offspring. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102398. [PMID: 31096564 PMCID: PMC6566238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-thirds of pregnant women exceed gestational weight gain recommendations. Excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) appears to be associated with offspring's complications induced by mechanisms that are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbilical cord leptin (UCL) and ghrelin (UCG) concentrations are altered in full-term neonates born to EGWG mothers and whether neonatal anthropometric measurements correlate with UCL and UCG levels and maternal serum ghrelin and leptin as well as urine ghrelin concentrations. The study subjects were divided into two groups, 28 healthy controls and 38 patients with EGWG. Lower UCL and UCG levels were observed in neonates born to healthy mothers but only in male newborns. In the control group UCG concentrations correlated positively with neonatal birth weight, body length and head circumference. In the control group maternal serum ghrelin levels correlated negatively with neonatal birth weight, body length and head circumference as well as positively with chest circumference. In the EGWG group UCG concentrations correlated negatively with neonatal birth weight and birth body length. UCL correlated positively with birth body length in EGWG group and negatively with head circumference in the control group. In conclusion, EGWG is associated with disturbances in UCL and UCG concentrations.
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Jiang H, Yang XY, Zhu WJ. Networks of E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase in the pathogenesis of tubal pregnancy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2019; 35:346-350. [PMID: 30430889 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2018.1528578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are reported to involved in eutopic implantation by mediating cell adhesion. However, less is documented about their roles in ectopic implantation. This study was undertaken to evaluate the roles and networks of E-cadherin, β1 integrin, and FAK in tubal pregnancy. A total of 31 Fallopian tube specimens were obtained from tubal pregnant women. Immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to analyze the distributions and levels of E-cadherin, β1 integrin and phosphorylated-FAK (Pho-FAK) in the Fallopian tube epithelium. Normal Fallopian tube samples derived from non-pregnant women with benign genital diseases were used for comparison. E-cadherin presented in the cytomembrane of tubal epithelial cells and β1 integrin mainly expressed in the cytoplasm. A lowest-level of E-cadherin was detected in the implantation site (0.63 ± 0.29) when compared with the non-implantation site (0.95 ± 0.37) and the controls (0.89 ± 0.33) (P < 0.05). β1 integrin, as well as Pho-FAK in the implantation site (0.81 ± 0.35; 0.72 ± 0.24), showed a higher-level than that in the non-implantation site (0.59 ± 0.26; 0.48 ± 0.27) or the control group (0.38 ± 0.19; 0.36 ± 0.25) (p < .05). The decreased E-cadherin and increased β1 integrin are implicated in tubal pregnancy. The involvement of β1 integrin maybe depends on β1 integrin/FAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- a Department of Reproductive Endocrinology , Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital , Shenzhen , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- b Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology , Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- b Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology , Jinan University , Guangzhou , People's Republic of China
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Jiang H, Yang XY, Zhu WJ. Dysregulated erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) is involved in tubal pregnancy via regulating cell adhesion of the Fallopian tube epithelial cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:84. [PMID: 30176889 PMCID: PMC6122472 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0403-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase receptor erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) is abundant in the endometrium and plays a role in the establishment of eutopic implantation. A similar molecular mechanism may exist between uterine implantation and tubal implantation, therefore EphA2 involvement in tubal pregnancy is suspected. Due to the limited availability of human Fallopian tube specimens, EphA2 expression in human Fallopian tube epithelium remains largely unknown. METHODS A total of 31 women with tubal pregnancy and 41 non-pregnant women with benign uterine diseases were enrolled in this study. Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate the expression pattern of EphA2 in the Fallopian tube epithelium of non-pregnant women (n = 29) and women with tubal pregnancy (n = 17). The changes of EphA2 and its activated form, phosphorylated-EphA2 (Pho-EphA2), in the Fallopian tube epithelium from non-pregnant women (n = 12) and women with tubal pregnancy (n = 14) were compared by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS EphA2 was expressed throughout the Fallopian tube epithelium, including the isthmus, the ampulla and the infundibulum. EphA2 concentration remained unchanged throughout the whole menstrual cycle, irrespective of menstrual phases and tubal regions. EphA2 mRNA in the Fallopian tube epithelium did not differ between normal women and women with tubal pregnancy (P > 0.05). With respect to the protein level, a significantly higher ratio of EphA2 over Pho-EphA2 was shown in women with tubal pregnancy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS EphA2 is widely expressed in human Fallopian tube epithelium in a temporospatial-independent manner. Dysregulated EphA2 and its phosphorylation-dependent regulatory mechanism may unexpectedly enhance the cell adhesion activity of the Fallopian tube epithelial cells, leading to a mis-contact between the Fallopian tube epithelium and the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Jiang
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, 6# Ailong Road, Longgang Central District, Shenzhen City, 518172, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, 601# Huangpu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou City, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Jie Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Immunology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, 601# Huangpu Da Dao Xi, Guangzhou City, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang W, Zhang Z, Chen J, Tong D. Ghrelin is expressed in the pregnant mammary glands of dairy goats and promotes the cell proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 260:115-124. [PMID: 29366624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about ghrelin's effects on cell proliferation in pregnant mammary epithelial cells (MECs) even though it is known to be a mitogen for a variety of other cell types. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the expression and localization of ghrelin and its functional receptor, GHSR-1a, in the mammary glands of dairy goats during pregnancy and to investigate the direct role of ghrelin in cell proliferation of primary cultured MECs. Compared to the early stage (days 30) of pregnancy, the abundance of transcripts and protein of ghrelin and GHSR-1a were significantly greater in mid- and late-phases (between days 90 and days 120) of pregnancy (p < .05). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that ghrelin and GHSR-1a were predominantly localized in the alveolar and ductal mammary epithelial cells at various stages of pregnancy. In our in vitro experiments, ghrelin induced a dose- and time-dependent promotory effect on cell proliferation of MECs. At the dose of 103 pg/mL treatment 24 h, ghrelin augmented the expression of proliferation-related peptides (PCNA and cyclin B1). Furthermore, ghrelin promoted the expression of prolactin (PRL) and GHSR-1a in cultured MECs. Additionally, the stimulatory effects of ghrelin were blocked by d-Lys3-GHRP6, a selective antagonist of GHSR-1a. As the temporal changes in ghrelin and GHSR-1a expression in pregnant goat mammary glands coincided with the mammary growth and development during the pregnancy, activation of GHSR-1a signal transduction pathways by ghrelin may play a direct role in the regulation of mammary growth in dairy goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Zelin Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Jinxuan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
| | - Dewen Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China.
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15
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Effects of pregnancy and short-lasting acute feed restriction on total ghrelin concentration and metabolic parameters in dairy cattle. Theriogenology 2018; 106:141-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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16
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Sominsky L, Hodgson DM, McLaughlin EA, Smith R, Wall HM, Spencer SJ. Linking Stress and Infertility: A Novel Role for Ghrelin. Endocr Rev 2017; 38:432-467. [PMID: 28938425 DOI: 10.1210/er.2016-1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Infertility affects a remarkable one in four couples in developing countries. Psychological stress is a ubiquitous facet of life, and although stress affects us all at some point, prolonged or unmanageable stress may become harmful for some individuals, negatively impacting on their health, including fertility. For instance, women who struggle to conceive are twice as likely to suffer from emotional distress than fertile women. Assisted reproductive technology treatments place an additional physical, emotional, and financial burden of stress, particularly on women, who are often exposed to invasive techniques associated with treatment. Stress-reduction interventions can reduce negative affect and in some cases to improve in vitro fertilization outcomes. Although it has been well-established that stress negatively affects fertility in animal models, human research remains inconsistent due to individual differences and methodological flaws. Attempts to isolate single causal links between stress and infertility have not yet been successful due to their multifaceted etiologies. In this review, we will discuss the current literature in the field of stress-induced reproductive dysfunction based on animal and human models, and introduce a recently unexplored link between stress and infertility, the gut-derived hormone, ghrelin. We also present evidence from recent seminal studies demonstrating that ghrelin has a principal role in the stress response and reward processing, as well as in regulating reproductive function, and that these roles are tightly interlinked. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that stress may negatively impact upon fertility at least in part by stimulating a dysregulation in ghrelin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luba Sominsky
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Deborah M Hodgson
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.,School of Environmental & Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and IT, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- Mothers and Babies Research Centre, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Lookout Road, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales 2305, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science, The University of Newcastle, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Hannah M Wall
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Sarah J Spencer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
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González-Domínguez MI, Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy ML, Zaina S, Sabanero M, Daza-Benítez L, Malacara JM, Barbosa-Sabanero G. Association of cord blood des-acyl ghrelin with birth weight, and placental GHS-R1 receptor expression in SGA, AGA, and LGA newborns. Endocrine 2016; 53:182-91. [PMID: 26754660 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-015-0833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although ghrelin in cord blood has been associated to birth weight, its role in fetal and postnatal growth has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze total ghrelin, acyl ghrelin (AG), and des-acyl ghrelin (DAG) in cord blood of newborns with idiopathic birth weight alterations, and to evaluate protein expression of placental GHS-R1, in order to investigate their correlation with birth weight and placental weight. We performed a cross-sectional comparative study in umbilical cord blood and placentas from healthy mothers of SGA, AGA, and LGA (small, adequate and large for gestational age) term newborns (n = 20 per group). Cord blood total ghrelin, AG, and DAG were measured by ELISA, and placental GHS-R1 expression was evaluated by Western blot. Cord blood DAG was higher in SGA compared to AGA newborns (902.1 ± 109.1 and 597.4 ± 58.2 pg/ml, respectively, p = 0.01) while LGA and AGA showed similar values (627.2 ± 76.4 pg/ml for LGA, p = 0.80). DAG negatively correlated with birthweight (r = -0.31, p = 0.02) and placental weight (r = -0.33, p = 0.02). No differences in AG or total ghrelin were found. GHS-R1 protein in placenta was not differentially expressed among SGA, AGA, and LGA. Our results suggest a role of DAG in intrauterine growth. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the mechanisms by which DAG participates in fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha I González-Domínguez
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus. 20 de Enero No. 929 Col. Obregon, 37320, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Maria-Luisa Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus. 20 de Enero No. 929 Col. Obregon, 37320, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Silvio Zaina
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus. 20 de Enero No. 929 Col. Obregon, 37320, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Myrna Sabanero
- Biology Department, Natural and Exact Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Guanajuato Campus, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Manuel Malacara
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus. 20 de Enero No. 929 Col. Obregon, 37320, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Gloria Barbosa-Sabanero
- Medical Sciences Department, Health Sciences Division, University of Guanajuato, Leon Campus. 20 de Enero No. 929 Col. Obregon, 37320, Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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Menzies M, Seim I, Josh P, Nagaraj SH, Lees M, Walpole C, Chopin LK, Colgrave M, Ingham A. Cloning and tissue distribution of novel splice variants of the ovine ghrelin gene. BMC Vet Res 2014; 10:211. [PMID: 25350131 PMCID: PMC4172912 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-014-0211-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ghrelin axis is involved in the regulation of metabolism, energy balance, and the immune, cardiovascular and reproductive systems. The manipulation of this axis has potential for improving economically valuable traits in production animals, and polymorphisms in the ghrelin (GHRL) and ghrelin receptor (GHSR) genes have been associated with growth and carcass traits. Here we investigate the structure and expression of the ghrelin gene (GHRL) in sheep, Ovis aries. Results We identify two ghrelin mRNA isoforms, which we have designated Δex2 preproghrelin and Δex2,3 preproghrelin. Expression of Δex2,3 preproghrelin is likely to be restricted to ruminants, and would encode truncated ghrelin and a novel C-terminal peptide. Both Δex2 preproghrelin and canonical preproghrelin mRNA isoforms were expressed in a range of tissues. Expression of the Δex2,3 preproghrelin isoform, however, was restricted to white blood cells (WBC; where the wild-type preproghrelin isoform is not co-expressed), and gastrointestinal tissues. Expression of Δex2 preproghrelin and Δex2,3 preproghrelin mRNA was elevated in white blood cells in response to parasitic worm (helminth) infection in genetically susceptible sheep, but not in resistant sheep. Conclusions The restricted expression of the novel preproghrelin variants and their distinct WBC expression pattern during parasite infection may indicate a novel link between the ghrelin axis and metabolic and immune function in ruminants.
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Luque EM, Torres PJ, de Loredo N, Vincenti LM, Stutz G, Santillán ME, Ruiz RD, de Cuneo MF, Martini AC. Role of ghrelin in fertilization, early embryo development, and implantation periods. Reproduction 2014; 148:159-67. [PMID: 24821833 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In order to clarify the physiological role of ghrelin in gestation, we evaluated the effects of administration of exogenous ghrelin (2 or 4 nmol/animal per day) or its antagonist (6 nmol/animal per day of (d-Lys3)GHRP6) on fertilization, early embryo development, and implantation periods in mice. Three experiments were performed, treating female mice with ghrelin or its antagonist: i) starting from 1 week before copulation to 12 h after copulation, mice were killed at day 18 of gestation; ii) since ovulation induction until 80 h later, when we retrieved the embryos from oviducts/uterus, and iii) starting from days 3 to 7 of gestation (peri-implantation), mice were killed at day 18. In experiments 1 and 3, the antagonist and/or the highest dose of ghrelin significantly increased the percentage of atrophied fetuses and that of females exhibiting this finding or a higher amount of corpora lutea compared with fetuses (nCL/nF) (experiment 3: higher nCL/nF-atrophied fetuses: ghrelin 4, 71.4-71.4% and antagonist, 75.0-62.5% vs ghrelin 2, 46.2-15.4% and control, 10-0.0%; n=7-13 females/group; P<0.01). In experiment 2, the antagonist diminished the fertilization rate, and both, ghrelin and the antagonist, delayed embryo development (blastocysts: ghrelin 2, 62.5%; ghrelin 4, 50.6%; and antagonist, 61.0% vs control 78.4%; n=82-102 embryos/treatment; P<0.0001). In experiment 3, additionally, ghrelin (4 nmol/day) and the antagonist significantly diminished the weight gain of fetuses and dams during pregnancy. Our results indicate that not only hyperghrelinemia but also the inhibition of the endogenous ghrelin effects exerts negative effects on the fertilization, implantation, and embryo/fetal development periods, supporting the hypothesis that ghrelin (in 'adequate' concentrations) has a physiological role in early gestational events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mercedes Luque
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pedro Javier Torres
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nicolás de Loredo
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Laura María Vincenti
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Graciela Stutz
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Emilia Santillán
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Rubén Daniel Ruiz
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marta Fiol de Cuneo
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana Carolina Martini
- Facultad de Ciencias MédicasInstituto de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Santa Rosa 1085, X5000ESU Córdoba, Argentina
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Delporte C. Structure and physiological actions of ghrelin. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:518909. [PMID: 24381790 PMCID: PMC3863518 DOI: 10.1155/2013/518909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a gastric peptide hormone, discovered as being the endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide presenting a unique n-octanoylation modification on its serine in position 3, catalyzed by ghrelin O-acyl transferase. Ghrelin is mainly produced by a subset of stomach cells and also by the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and other tissues. Transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational processes generate ghrelin and ghrelin-related peptides. Homo- and heterodimers of growth hormone secretagogue receptor, and as yet unidentified receptors, are assumed to mediate the biological effects of acyl ghrelin and desacyl ghrelin, respectively. Ghrelin exerts wide physiological actions throughout the body, including growth hormone secretion, appetite and food intake, gastric secretion and gastrointestinal motility, glucose homeostasis, cardiovascular functions, anti-inflammatory functions, reproductive functions, and bone formation. This review focuses on presenting the current understanding of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor biology, as well as the main physiological effects of ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Delporte
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological and Nutritional Biochemistry, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 808 Route de Lennik, Bat G/E-CP611, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Lotfi A, Shahryar HA, Kaiya H. Effect of in ovo ghrelin administration on hatching results and post-hatching performance of broiler chickens. Livest Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2013.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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22
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Zhang W, Yu G, Huang Y, Xu D, Ren J, Jiang L, Wu C, Tong D. Expression of ghrelin and GHSR-1a in mammary glands of dairy goat during the lactation and the effects of gherlin on regulation of mammary function in vitro. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 370:20-31. [PMID: 23435366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have implicated the peripheral actions of ghrelin in reproductive tissues. The present study provides novel evidence for the expression of ghrelin and its functional receptor (GHSR-1a) in the mammary glands of dairy goat during lactation and the effects of ghrelin on regulation of mammary function in vitro. Ghrelin and GHSR-1a mRNA and protein were persistently detected in goat mammary glands throughout the lactation, and patterns of expression of ghrelin, GHSR-1a and β-casein were generally similar, with highest levels during peak milk yield (day 60-120 of lactation) and lower levels during late (day 180) of lactation. The distribution of ghrelin and GHSR-1a in the mammary glands were substantiated by immunohistochemical method, alveolar and ductal epithelial cells showed distinct immunoreactivity at the different stages of lactation, strong reactivity was seen in most epithelial cells during peak stage, in some alveoli, the vast majority of the epithelial cells were immunoreactivity. Ghrelin and GHSR-1a mRNA expression were demonstrated in cultured primary mammary epithelial cells (MECs). In addition, the results showed that ghrelin could induce a dose-dependent promotion on β-casein expression in cultured mammary tissues and MECs, and the stimulative effects on β-casein expression were blocked by D-Lys3-GHRP6 (a GHSR-1a antagonist). Additionally, ghrelin induced a dose-dependent promotion on cell proliferation. Our present findings suggest that ghrelin may play an important role in regulation of mammary function in lactating dairy goats via GHSR-1a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, PR China
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23
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Effects of ghrelin on developmental competence and gene expression of in vitro fertilized ovine embryos. Theriogenology 2013; 79:695-701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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24
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Fthenakis GC, Arsenos G, Brozos C, Fragkou IA, Giadinis ND, Giannenas I, Mavrogianni VS, Papadopoulos E, Valasi I. Health management of ewes during pregnancy. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 130:198-212. [PMID: 22356932 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of health management of ewes during pregnancy are as follows: (i) successful completion of pregnancy at term, (ii) birth of healthy and viable lambs, with optimal birth and potential weaning bodyweight, (iii) optimum milk production during the subsequent lactation and (iv) improved management in relation to drug residues in animal products. Knowledge of the physiological background of pregnancy in ewes: changes, mechanisms and interactions, during pregnancy is important for the overall health management of ewes during pregnancy. Health management of pregnant ewes includes diagnosis of pregnancy and evaluation of the number of foetuses borne, which will support strategies for subsequent management of the flock. Nutritional management of ewes depends upon the stage of lactation and specifically aims to (i) prevention of pregnancy toxaemia and other metabolic diseases during the peri-partum period, (ii) formation of colostrum in appropriate quantity and quality, (iii) production of lambs with normal future birth bodyweight and (iv) support of increased milk yield during the subsequent lactation. At the end of lactation, udder management of pregnant ewes includes its clinical examination, culling of ewes considered unsuitable for lactation and, possibly, the intramammary administration of antibiotics; objectives of that procedure are (i) to cure infections which have occurred during the previous lactation and (ii) to prevent development of new mammary infection during the dry period. Management of abortions includes the correct and timely diagnosis of the causative agent of the disorder, as well as the strategic administrations of chemotherapeutic agents, aiming to prevent abortions in flocks with confirmed infection with an abortifacient agent, especially if no appropriate vaccinations had been carried out before the mating season. During the final stage of pregnancy, health management of ewes includes administration of appropriate anthelmintic drugs, aiming to eliminate gastrointestinal helminthes (thus, increasing production output of ewes) and preventing the built-up of parasitic burdens in the environment (thus, reducing infection of lambs during their neonatal period). Vaccinations of pregnant ewes aim to protect these animals, as well as their offspring, especially against diseases which are a frequent cause of neonatal mortality (e.g., clostridial infections). Health management also aims to prevent the main metabolic disorders of pregnant ewes (i.e., pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia), as well as to monitor flocks for development of these disorders. Health management of pregnant ewes is completed with application of husbandry practices before the start of the lambing season. Finally, in some cases, health management may include induction and synchronisation of lambings, which is a management or therapeutic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Fthenakis
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece.
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Muccioli G, Lorenzi T, Lorenzi M, Ghè C, Arnoletti E, Raso GM, Castellucci M, Gualillo O, Meli R. Beyond the metabolic role of ghrelin: a new player in the regulation of reproductive function. Peptides 2011; 32:2514-21. [PMID: 22074955 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Revised: 10/23/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a gastric peptide, discovered by Kojima et al. (1999) [55] as a result of the search for an endogenous ligand interacting with the "orphan receptor" GHS-R1a (growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a). Ghrelin is composed of 28 aminoacids and is produced mostly by specific cells of the stomach, by the hypothalamus and hypophysis, even if its presence, as well as that of its receptors, has been demonstrated in many other tissues, not least in gonads. Ghrelin potently stimulates GH release and participates in the regulation of energy homeostasis, increasing food intake, decreasing energy output and exerting a lipogenetic effect. Furthermore, ghrelin influences the secretion and motility of the gastrointestinal tract, especially of the stomach, and, above all, profoundly affects pancreatic functions. Despite of these previously envisaged activities, it has recently been hypothesized that ghrelin regulates several aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology. In conclusion, ghrelin not only cooperates with other neuroendocrine factors, such as leptin, in the modulation of energy homeostasis, but also has a crucial role in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. In the current review we summarize the main targets of this gastric peptide, especially focusing on the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Muccioli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, Division of Medical Pharmacology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 13, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Shin YK, Martin B, Kim W, White CM, Ji S, Sun Y, Smith RG, Sévigny J, Tschöp MH, Maudsley S, Egan JM. Ghrelin is produced in taste cells and ghrelin receptor null mice show reduced taste responsivity to salty (NaCl) and sour (citric acid) tastants. PLoS One 2010; 5:e12729. [PMID: 20856820 PMCID: PMC2939079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The gustatory system plays a critical role in determining food preferences, food intake and energy balance. The exact mechanisms that fine tune taste sensitivity are currently poorly defined, but it is clear that numerous factors such as efferent input and specific signal transduction cascades are involved. Methodology/Principal Findings Using immunohistochemical analyses, we show that ghrelin, a hormone classically considered to be an appetite-regulating hormone, is present within the taste buds of the tongue. Prepro-ghrelin, prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC 1/3), ghrelin, its cognate receptor (GHSR), and ghrelin-O-acyltransferase (GOAT , the enzyme that activates ghrelin) are expressed in Type I, II, III and IV taste cells of mouse taste buds. In addition, ghrelin and GHSR co-localize in the same taste cells, suggesting that ghrelin works in an autocrine manner in taste cells. To determine a role for ghrelin in modifying taste perception, we performed taste behavioral tests using GHSR null mice. GHSR null mice exhibited significantly reduced taste responsivity to sour (citric acid) and salty (sodium chloride) tastants. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that ghrelin plays a local modulatory role in determining taste bud signaling and function and could be a novel mechanism for the modulation of salty and sour taste responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Kyong Shin
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bronwen Martin
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wook Kim
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Caitlin M. White
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sunggoan Ji
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Roy G. Smith
- Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jean Sévigny
- Centre de Recherche en Rhumatologie et Immunologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Matthias H. Tschöp
- Division of Endocrinology, Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry, Metabolic Diseases Institute, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Stuart Maudsley
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Josephine M. Egan
- National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nonoshita A, Nishi Y, Takushima S, Oshima M, Hosoda H, Kangawa K, Kojima M, Mifune H, Tanaka E, Hori D, Kamura T. Dynamics of placental ghrelin production and its receptor expression in a Dahl salt-sensitive rat model of intrauterine growth restriction. Placenta 2010; 31:358-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Miller DR, Blache D, Jackson RB, Downie EF, Roche JR. Metabolic maturity at birth and neonate lamb survival: Association among maternal factors, litter size, lamb birth weight, and plasma metabolic and endocrine factors on survival and behavior1. J Anim Sci 2010; 88:581-93. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2009-2170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Du C, Li H, Cao G, Xilingaowa, Wang C, Li C. Expression of the Orexigenic Peptide Ghrelin and the Type 1a Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor in Sheep Oocytes and Pre-implantation Embryos ProducedIn Vitro. Reprod Domest Anim 2010; 45:92-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01259.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Luque EM, Carlini VP, Vincenti LM, Puechagut P, Stutz G, Santillán ME, Ruiz RD, Martini AC, Fiol de Cuneo M. Effects of hexarelin (a ghrelin analogue) on fertilisation and the pre- and postnatal development of mice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:926-38. [DOI: 10.1071/rd09231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin (Ghr) has been associated with reproductive physiology and pre- and postnatal development. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of hexarelin (HEX; 100 or 200 µg kg−1 day−1), a therapeutic Ghr analogue, on: (1) embryo development 60 h post ovulation, induced pharmacologically, in pregnant mice; (2) the physical, neurobiological and sexual development of offspring of female mice injected with HEX during the first, second or third week of pregnancy or throughout the entire pregnancy; and (3) adult memory acquisition in these offspring. We also evaluated the effects of chronic HEX administration on memory acquisition in adult mice. Treatment of non-pregnant female mice with HEX decreased ovulation rate. However, treatment of pregnant mice with HEX at any time during pregnancy tended to accelerate offspring maturation, regardless of bodyweight. This effect was only significant on neurobiological parameters following treatment during the first week. HEX treatment during the first week and/or throughout the entire pregnancy resulted in impaired memory acquisition in the offspring, with female mice being more susceptible to these effects. Similar results were observed for the effects of chronic HEX treatment on memory acquisition in adult mice. In conclusion, HEX seems to exert differential effects depending on when it is administered. Because HEX has started to be used therapeutically, its deleterious effects on ovulation and memory acquisition must be further evaluated.
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Time-dependent changes in ghrelin-immunoreactivity in dissociated neuronal cultures of the newborn rat neocortex. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 158:86-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2009] [Revised: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Du C, Cao G, Wang C, Li H, Zhao Y, Cao J. Expression of the orexigenic peptide ghrelin in the sheep ovary. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2009; 36:89-98. [PMID: 19058947 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2008.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin has been implicated in the control of cell proliferation in reproductive tissue. Here, we provide evidence that both ghrelin mRNA and protein are present in ovarian follicles. Persistent expression of ghrelin was also demonstrated in sheep ovary throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy. In fact, the relative mRNA levels of ghrelin varied depending on the stage of the cycle, with the highest expression during the development of the corpora lutea (CL) and minimal expression in the regressing CL. A similar pattern was seen during pregnancy. Dynamic changes in the profile of ghrelin expression during the estrous cycle and throughout pregnancy suggest a precise regulation of ovarian expression of ghrelin, which could represent a potential role for ghrelin in the regulation of luteal development. In conclusion, the presence of the ghrelin signaling system within the sheep ovary especially in the oocytes opens up the possibility of a potential regulatory role of this novel molecule in reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenguang Du
- College of Animal Science and Animal Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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