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Mondaca JM, Uzair ID, Castro Guijarro AC, Flamini MI, Sanchez AM. Molecular Basis of LH Action on Breast Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion via Kinase and Scaffold Proteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:630147. [PMID: 33614634 PMCID: PMC7893099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.630147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem affecting women worldwide. Approximately 80% of diagnosed cases are hormone-dependent breast cancers. These hormones are known to stimulate tumor development and progression. In this setting, tentative evidence suggests that luteinizing hormone (LH) may also play a role in tumors. In BC cells that express functional LH receptors (LHR), this hormone regulates cell migration and invasion by controlling several kinases that activate actin cytoskeletal proteins. In this article, we show that LH induces phosphorylation of paxillin and its translocation toward the plasmatic membrane, where focal adhesion complexes are assembled. This process is triggered via a rapid extra-gonadal LHR signaling to Src/FAK/paxillin, which results in the phosphorylation/activation of the nucleation promoter factors cortactin and N-WASP. As a consequence, Arp2/3 complexes induce actin polymerization, essential to promote cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, thus enhancing metastatic spread of tumoral cells. Our findings provide relevant information about how gonadotrophins exert their action in BC. This information helps us understand the extragonadal effects of LH on BC metastasis. It may provide new perspectives for therapeutic treatment, especially for women with high serum levels of gonadotrophins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselina Magali Mondaca
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ivonne Denise Uzair
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ana Carla Castro Guijarro
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marina Inés Flamini
- Laboratorio de Biología Tumoral, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Angel Matias Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Movimiento Celular, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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Szymańska K, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. The gonadotropin system, lessons from animal models and clinical cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:561-587. [PMID: 30264954 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review article centers upon family of gonadotropin hormones which consists of two pituitary hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as one non-pituitary hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by placenta, and their receptors. Gonadotropins play an essential role in proper sexual development, puberty, gametogenesis, maintenance of pregnancy and male sexual differentiation during the fetal development. They belong to the family of glycoprotein hormones thus they constitute heterodimeric proteins built of common α subunit and hormone-specific β-subunit. Hitherto, several mutations in genes encoding both gonadotropins and their receptors have been identified in humans. Their occurrence resulted in a number of different phenotypes including delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, hermaphroditism, infertility and hypogonadism. In order to understand the effects of mutations on the phenotype observed in affected patients, detailed molecular studies are required to map the relationship between the structure and function of gonadotropins and their receptors. Nonetheless, in vitro assays are often insufficient to understand physiology. Therefore, several animal models have been developed to unravel the physiological roles of gonadotropins and their receptors.
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Schüler-Toprak S, Treeck O, Ortmann O. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071587. [PMID: 28754015 PMCID: PMC5536074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is well known as a malignancy being strongly influenced by female steroids. Pregnancy is a protective factor against breast cancer. Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a candidate hormone which could mediate this antitumoral effect of pregnancy. For this review article, all original research articles on the role of HCG in breast cancer were considered, which are listed in PubMed database and were written in English. The role of HCG in breast cancer seems to be a paradox. Placental heterodimeric HCG acts as a protective agent by imprinting a permanent genomic signature of the mammary gland determining a refractory condition to malignant transformation which is characterized by cellular differentiation, apoptosis and growth inhibition. On the other hand, ectopic expression of β-HCG in various cancer entities is associated with poor prognosis due to its tumor-promoting function. Placental HCG and ectopically expressed β-HCG exert opposite effects on breast tumorigenesis. Therefore, mimicking pregnancy by treatment with HCG is suggested as a strategy for breast cancer prevention, whereas targeting β-HCG expressing tumor cells seems to be an option for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schüler-Toprak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Oliver Treeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Olaf Ortmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Caritas-Hospital St. Josef, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Casarini L, Santi D, Marino M. Impact of gene polymorphisms of gonadotropins and their receptors on human reproductive success. Reproduction 2015; 150:R175-84. [PMID: 26370242 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins and their receptors' genes carry several single-nucleotide polymorphisms resulting in endocrine genotypes modulating reproductive parameters, diseases, and lifespan leading to important implications for reproductive success and potential relevance during human evolution. Here we illustrate common genotypes of the gonadotropins and gonadotropin receptors' genes and their clinical implications in phenotypes relevant for reproduction such as ovarian cycle length, age of menopause, testosterone levels, polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancer. We then discuss their possible role in human reproduction and adaptation to the environment. Gonadotropins and their receptors' variants are differently distributed among human populations. Some hints suggest that they may be the result of natural selection that occurred in ancient times, increasing the individual chance of successful mating, pregnancy, and effective post-natal parental cares. The gender-related differences in the regulation of the reproductive endocrine systems imply that many of these genotypes may lead to sex-dependent effects, increasing the chance of mating and reproductive success in one sex at the expenses of the other sex. Also, we suggest that sexual conflicts within the FSH and LH-choriogonadotropin receptor genes contributed to maintain genotypes linked to subfertility among humans. Because the distribution of polymorphic markers results in a defined geographical pattern due to human migrations rather than natural selection, these polymorphisms may have had only a weak impact on reproductive success. On the contrary, such genotypes could acquire relevant consequences in the modern, developed societies in which parenthood attempts often occur at a later age, during a short, suboptimal reproductive window, making clinical fertility treatments necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy Unit of EndocrinologyDepartment of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural SciencesCenter for Genomic ResearchUniversity of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, ItalyAzienda USL of ModenaNOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Schmitz CR, Souza CABD, Genro VK, Matte U, Conto ED, Cunha-Filho JS. LH (Trp8Arg/Ile15Thr), LHR (insLQ) and FSHR (Asn680Ser) polymorphisms genotypic prevalence in women with endometriosis and infertility. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:991-7. [PMID: 25935136 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To verify if polymorphisms of LH (Trp8Arg/Ile15Thr), LH receptor (insLQ), and FSH receptor (Asn680Ser) are associated with endometriosis and infertility. METHODS This is a prospective case-control study. Sixty-seven patients with endometriosis and infertility (study group) and 65 healthy fertile patients (control group) were enrolled in the study between July 2010 and July 2013. All patients had their endometriosis diagnosis made or excluded by laparoscopic surgery; study group was submitted to the surgery for infertility investigation and control group for tubal ligation. Day-3 serum hormones were collected from all patients. Analysis of nucleotide mutations for LH polymorphisms (Trp8Arg and Ile15Thr), LHR polymorphism (insLQ), and FSHR polymorphism (Asn680Ser) were performed by PCR. RESULTS Day-3 FSH, estradiol and LH serum levels were not different between the groups, while CA-125 was higher in patients with endometriosis and infertility. All polymorphisms studied were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The prevalence of insLQ was significantly higher in patients with endometriosis and infertility (P = 0.005). Allele occurrence in control group was 0.10 versus 0.25 in infertile endometriosis group (P = 0.001). There was no difference regarding Trp8Arg/Ile15Thr (P > 0.05) and Asn680Ser (P > 0.05) prevalence between groups. CONCLUSION This is the first time that prevalence of insLQ was shown to be higher in patients with endometriosis and infertility than in healthy fertile patients. There was no difference in LH and FSHR polymorphisms' prevalence between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Regina Schmitz
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Clinics of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos St, 2350, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-903, Brazil,
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Abstract
This chapter presents an overview of the gene polymorphisms underlying the functions of ovarian receptors and their clinical implications in the female fecundity. A selection of genetic studies revealing significant associations between receptor polymorphisms, gene mutations, and some pathological conditions (i.e., female infertility, premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis) are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Universtita 4, Modena, 41121, Italy
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Polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes as markers of ovarian reserve and response in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:970-8.e1. [PMID: 23380184 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since gonadotropins are the fundamental hormones that control ovarian activity, genetic polymorphisms may alter gonadal responsiveness to glycoproteins; hence they are important regulators of hormone activity at the target level. The establishment of the pool of primordial follicles takes place during fetal life and is mainly under genetic control. Consequently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in gonadotropins and their receptors do not seem to be associated with any significant modification in the endowment of nongrowing follicles in the ovary. Indeed, the age at menopause, a biological characteristic strongly related to ovarian reserve, as well as markers of functional ovarian reserve such as anti-Müllerian hormone and antral follicle count, are not different in women with different genetic variants. Conversely, some polymorphisms in FSH receptor (FSHR) seem to be associated with modifications in ovarian activity. In particular, studies suggest that the Ser680 genotype for FSHR is a factor of relative resistance to FSH stimulation resulting in slightly higher FSH serum levels, thus leading to a prolonged duration of the menstrual cycle. Moreover, some FSHR gene polymorphisms show a positive association with ovarian response to exogenous gonadotropin administration, hence exhibiting some potential for a pharmacogenetic estimation of the FSH dosage in controlled ovarian stimulation. The study of SNPs of the FSHR gene is an interesting field of research that could provide us with new information about the way each woman responds to exogenous gonadotropin administration during ovulation induction.
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Datta K, Hyduke DR, Suman S, Moon BH, Johnson MD, Fornace AJ. Exposure to ionizing radiation induced persistent gene expression changes in mouse mammary gland. Radiat Oncol 2012; 7:205. [PMID: 23216862 PMCID: PMC3551737 DOI: 10.1186/1748-717x-7-205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast tissue is among the most sensitive tissues to the carcinogenic actions of ionizing radiation and epidemiological studies have linked radiation exposure to breast cancer. Currently, molecular understanding of radiation carcinogenesis in mammary gland is hindered due to the scarcity of in vivo long-term follow up data. We undertook this study to delineate radiation-induced persistent alterations in gene expression in mouse mammary glands 2-month after radiation exposure. Methods Six to eight week old female C57BL/6J mice were exposed to 2 Gy of whole body γ radiation and mammary glands were surgically removed 2-month after radiation. RNA was isolated and microarray hybridization performed for gene expression analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was used for biological interpretation of microarray data. Real time quantitative PCR was performed on selected genes to confirm the microarray data. Results Compared to untreated controls, the mRNA levels of a total of 737 genes were significantly (p<0.05) perturbed above 2-fold of control. More genes (493 genes; 67%) were upregulated than the number of downregulated genes (244 genes; 33%). Functional analysis of the upregulated genes mapped to cell proliferation and cancer related canonical pathways such as ‘ERK/MAPK signaling’, ‘CDK5 signaling’, and ‘14-3-3-mediated signaling’. We also observed upregulation of breast cancer related canonical pathways such as ‘breast cancer regulation by Stathmin1’, and ‘HER-2 signaling in breast cancer’ in IPA. Interestingly, the downregulated genes mapped to fewer canonical pathways involved in cell proliferation. We also observed that a number of genes with tumor suppressor function (GPRC5A, ELF1, NAB2, Sema4D, ACPP, MAP2, RUNX1) persistently remained downregulated in response to radiation exposure. Results from qRT-PCR on five selected differentially expressed genes confirmed microarray data. The PCR data on PPP4c, ELF1, MAPK12, PLCG1, and E2F6 showed similar trend in up and downregulation as has been observed with the microarray. Conclusions Exposure to a clinically relevant radiation dose led to long-term activation of mammary gland genes involved in proliferative and metabolic pathways, which are known to have roles in carcinogenesis. When considered along with downregulation of a number of tumor suppressor genes, our study has implications for breast cancer initiation and progression after therapeutic radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Rd, Washington, DC, NW 20057-1468, USA.
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Ahmad FK, Deris S, Othman NH. The inference of breast cancer metastasis through gene regulatory networks. J Biomed Inform 2011; 45:350-62. [PMID: 22179053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2011.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 11/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation during breast cancer is one of the most difficult problems among oncologists because this regulation is likely comprised of complex genetic interactions. Given this complexity, a computational study using the Bayesian network technique has been employed to construct a gene regulatory network from microarray data. Although the Bayesian network has been notified as a prominent method to infer gene regulatory processes, learning the Bayesian network structure is NP hard and computationally intricate. Therefore, we propose a novel inference method based on low-order conditional independence that extends to the case of the Bayesian network to deal with a large number of genes and an insufficient sample size. This method has been evaluated and compared with full-order conditional independence and different prognostic indices on a publicly available breast cancer data set. Our results suggest that the low-order conditional independence method will be able to handle a large number of genes in a small sample size with the least mean square error. In addition, this proposed method performs significantly better than other methods, including the full-order conditional independence and the St. Gallen consensus criteria. The proposed method achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.79203, whereas the full-order conditional independence and the St. Gallen consensus criteria obtained 0.76438 and 0.73810, respectively. Furthermore, our empirical evaluation using the low-order conditional independence method has demonstrated a promising relationship between six gene regulators and two regulated genes and will be further investigated as potential breast cancer metastasis prognostic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F K Ahmad
- Graduate Department of Computer Science, Universiti Utara Malaysia, 06010 Sintok, Kedah, Malaysia.
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Casarini L, Pignatti E, Simoni M. Effects of polymorphisms in gonadotropin and gonadotropin receptor genes on reproductive function. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2011; 12:303-21. [PMID: 21912887 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-011-9192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins, the action of which is mediated at the level of their gonadal receptors, play a key role in sexual development, reproductive functions and in metabolism. The involvement of the gonadotropins and their receptor genotypes on reproductive function are widely studied. A large number of gonadotropins and their receptors gene polymorphisms are known, but the only one considerable as a clear, absolute genetic marker of reproductive features or disfunctions is the FSHR Asn680Ser polymorphism, since it modulates ovarian response to FSH. The aim of these studies would to be the prediction of the genetic causes of sex-related diseases to enable a customized clinical setting based on individual response of patients undergoing gonadotropin stimulation. In this review we discuss the latest information about the effects of polymorphisms of the gonadotropins and their receptor genes on reproductive functions of both male and female, and discuss their patho-physiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Altmäe S, Hovatta O, Stavreus-Evers A, Salumets A. Genetic predictors of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: where do we stand today? Hum Reprod Update 2011; 17:813-28. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmr034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Cui J, Miner BM, Eldredge JB, Warrenfeltz SW, Dam P, Xu Y, Puett D. Regulation of gene expression in ovarian cancer cells by luteinizing hormone receptor expression and activation. BMC Cancer 2011; 11:280. [PMID: 21711548 PMCID: PMC3141782 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-11-280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2010] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since a substantial percentage of ovarian cancers express gonadotropin receptors and are responsive to the relatively high concentrations of pituitary gonadotropins during the postmenopausal years, it has been suggested that receptor activation may contribute to the etiology and/or progression of the neoplasm. The goal of the present study was to develop a cell model to determine the impact of luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor (LHR) expression and LH-mediated LHR activation on gene expression and thus obtain insights into the mechanism of gonadotropin action on ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) carcinoma cells. Methods The human ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV-3, was stably transfected to express functional LHR and incubated with LH for various periods of time (0-20 hours). Transcriptomic profiling was performed on these cells to identify LHR expression/activation-dependent changes in gene expression levels and pathways by microarray and qRT-PCR analyses. Results Through comparative analysis on the LHR-transfected SKOV-3 cells exposed to LH, we observed the differential expression of 1,783 genes in response to LH treatment, among which five significant families were enriched, including those of growth factors, translation regulators, transporters, G-protein coupled receptors, and ligand-dependent nuclear receptors. The most highly induced early and intermediate responses were found to occupy a network impacting transcriptional regulation, cell growth, apoptosis, and multiple signaling transductions, giving indications of LH-induced apoptosis and cell growth inhibition through the significant changes in, for example, tumor necrosis factor, Jun and many others, supportive of the observed cell growth reduction in in vitro assays. However, other observations, e.g. the substantial up-regulation of the genes encoding the endothelin-1 subtype A receptor, stromal cell-derived factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor II, all of which are potential therapeutic targets, may reflect a positive mediation of ovarian cancer growth. Conclusion Overall, the present study elucidates the extensive transcriptomic changes of ovarian cancer cells in response to LH receptor activation, which provides a comprehensive and objective assessment for determining new cancer therapies and potential serum markers, of which over 100 are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Valkenburg O, Uitterlinden A, Piersma D, Hofman A, Themmen A, de Jong F, Fauser B, Laven J. Genetic polymorphisms of GnRH and gonadotrophic hormone receptors affect the phenotype of polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:2014-22. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Kuijper TM, Ruigrok-Ritstier K, Verhoef-Post M, Piersma D, Bruysters MW, Berns EM, Themmen AP. LH receptor gene expression is essentially absent in breast tumor tissue: implications for treatment. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 302:58-64. [PMID: 19356624 PMCID: PMC2692988 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/20/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, breast cancer is the most frequently occurring malignancy in women. Early age at full term pregnancy has a protective effect against breast cancer. Evidence coming from a rat breast cancer model suggests a possible role for the pregnancy hormone hCG, a ligand of the LH receptor, as a mediator for this effect. In a previous study, we found that a common polymorphism in the LH receptor associates with tumor progression in premenopausal breast cancer patients, as carriers of the variant receptor showed a shorter disease free survival compared to non-carriers. How hCG and its receptor exert their effects on breast cancer, however, is unclear. One possibility is that these effects take place through LH receptors present in the ovaries, thereby influencing steroid hormone production. Another possibility is that the effects take place through LH receptors present in breast tumor cells themselves, as some studies have detected the receptor in both normal and neoplastic breast tissues and in breast cancer cell lines. To investigate whether a direct effect of LH signaling in breast cancer is likely, we measured LH receptor mRNA expression levels in 1551 breast tumors and 42 different human breast cancer cell lines using a qRT-PCR with a wide dynamic range. In addition, associations between LH receptor expression and clinico-pathologic factors were investigated. Assay validation showed that as little as ?10 copies per reaction volume of LH receptor cDNA could still be detected by our assay. We show that LH receptors are undetectable in 62% of breast tumor samples and 41 of 42 breast cancer cell lines. For the remaining samples we found expression levels to be very low. Although low, expression of the LH receptor appears to be associated with normal breast cells, favorable tumor characteristics and low tumor percentage. Since expression of the LH receptor in breast cancer cells is very low, it almost excludes the possibility of direct signaling effects. We therefore conclude that signaling effects of the LH receptor on breast cancer most likely take place by an indirect pathway through the ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Martijn Kuijper
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Miriam Verhoef-Post
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Djura Piersma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn W.P. Bruysters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els M.J.J. Berns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel P.N. Themmen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Polymorphisms of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor gene: association with maldescended testes and male infertility. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2008; 18:193-200. [PMID: 18300940 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0b013e3282f4e98c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maldescended testes are the most common genital anomaly in newborns and are associated with testicular malignancy and infertility. As the inguinoscrotal phase of testis descent is androgen-dependent and requires integrity of the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), we investigated whether nonsynonymous polymorphisms of the LHCGR gene are associated with maldescended testes. METHODS This was a retrospective case-control study including 278 patients with maldescended testes, 277 infertile men without maldescensus and 271 controls with normal sperm concentrations. Clinical and endocrinological workup of the patients was performed. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis was performed by GeneScan and TaqMan technology. RESULTS Men with maldescended testes had significantly lower testis volumes, higher serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) but similar testosterone levels compared with both the control groups. The insLQ polymorphism in exon 1 (rs4539842) and the N291S SNP in exon 10 (rs12470652), showing increased receptor sensitivity in vitro, were not differently distributed between patients and controls. The S312N SNP in exon 10 (rs2293275) was significantly less frequent in men with maldescended testes than in controls. This difference was confirmed when infertile men with and without maldescensus were considered together. CONCLUSIONS In men with maldescensus, a high LH drive maintains normal testosterone levels but this LH resistance is not associated with any particular LHCGR genotype. A significant association with the S312N polymorphism in exon 10 of the LHCGR is correlated to the spermatogenetic damage rather than to the maldescensus itself. Either the LHCGR itself or another genomic region linked to this SNP, possibly the germ cell-specific TFIIA-alpha/beta-like factor gene transcribed from the same genomic region in the opposite direction, is a risk factor for male infertility.
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Piersma D, Themmen APN, Look MP, Klijn JGM, Foekens JA, Uitterlinden AG, Pols HAP, Berns EMJJ. GnRH and LHR gene variants predict adverse outcome in premenopausal breast cancer patients. Breast Cancer Res 2008; 9:R51. [PMID: 17692113 PMCID: PMC2206727 DOI: 10.1186/bcr1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2007] [Revised: 07/30/2007] [Accepted: 08/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer development and progression are dependent on estrogen activity. In premenopausal women, estrogen production is mainly regulated through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. METHODS We have investigated the prognostic significance of two variants of genes involved in the HPG-axis, the GnRH (encoding gonadotropin-releasing hormone) 16Trp/Ser genotype and the LHR (encoding the luteinizing hormone receptor) insLQ variant, in retrospectively collected premenopausal breast cancer patients with a long follow-up (median follow-up of 11 years for living patients). RESULTS Carriership was not related with breast cancer risk (the case control study encompassed 278 premenopausal cases and 1,758 premenopausal controls). A significant adverse relationship of the LHR insLQ and GnRH 16Ser genotype with disease free survival (DFS) was observed in premenopausal (hormone receptor positive) breast cancer patients. In particular, those patients carrying both the GnRH 16Ser and LHR insLQ allele (approximately 25%) showed a significant increased risk of relapse, which was independent of traditional prognostic factors (hazard ratio 2.14; 95% confidence interval 1.32 to 3.45; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION We conclude that the LHR insLQ and GnRH 16Ser alleles are independently associated with shorter DFS in premenopausal patients. When validated, these findings may provide a lead in the development of tailored treatment for breast cancer patients carrying both polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djura Piersma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Axel PN Themmen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maxime P Look
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan GM Klijn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John A Foekens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André G Uitterlinden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Huibert AP Pols
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Els MJJ Berns
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Piersma D, Verhoef-Post M, Look MP, Uitterlinden AG, Pols HAP, Berns EMJJ, Themmen APN. Polymorphic variations in exon 10 of the luteinizing hormone receptor: functional consequences and associations with breast cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 276:63-70. [PMID: 17709176 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 06/29/2007] [Accepted: 06/30/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphic variation of the LHR gene may affect receptor function and accordingly may influence ovarian steroid hormone action, including steroid hormone-dependent clinical outcome. The functional effects of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), i.e. LHR 291Asn/Ser (rs12470652) and 312Ser/Asn (rs2293275) in the biologically interesting exon 10 of the LHR gene are described. Furthermore, ethnic diversity in allele frequencies and genotype distributions of both SNPs was determined. In addition associations with breast cancer were studied in 751 breast cancer patients. In vitro transfection studies revealed altered glycosylation status and increased receptor sensitivity for the 291Ser LHR variant. No functional consequences were observed for the 312SerAsn LHR SNP. The LHR 312Asn allele was slightly more often present in two independent breast cancer patient cohorts as compared to controls (OR=1.15; p=0.03 and 1.26; p=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, although functional changes of the LHR 291Ser candidate allele were observed, no associations with breast cancer were found, while the LHR 312Asn allele can be regarded as a weak breast cancer risk allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djura Piersma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Kuorelahti A, Rulli S, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) up-regulates wnt5b and wnt7b in the mammary gland, and hCGbeta transgenic female mice present with mammary Gland tumors exhibiting characteristics of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway activation. Endocrinology 2007; 148:3694-703. [PMID: 17510243 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Transgenic (TG) mice expressing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) beta-subunit under the ubiquitin C promoter, presenting with a moderately elevated level of LH/hCG bioactivity develop multiple neoplasms secondary to the endocrine abnormalities, including mammary gland tumors after the age of 9 months. The increased levels of circulating estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin of the TG females after puberty boost the lobuloalveolar development in the mammary gland resulting ultimately in the formation of estrogen and progesterone receptor-negative, malignant tumors. These tumors have a similar histopathology with those observed in TG mice with activated wnt/beta-catenin pathway, showing increased expression of beta-catenin, also a common finding in human breast tumors. Transdifferentiation is observed in mammary tumors of the hCGbeta TG mice, accompanied by abnormal expression of the Wnt genes in the tumorous and nontumorous mammary gland tissue. Specifically we found increased expression of Wnt5b in the TG mammary glands at the age of 3 months and up-regulation of Wnt7b and -5b in the subsequently appearing tumors. Importantly, hCG was found to up-regulate these wnt ligands in mouse mammary gland, independent of the changes in ovarian steroidogenesis. Thus, the hCGbeta-overexpressing TG mice represent a novel model that links enhanced hCG action to dysregulated wnt signaling in the mammary gland, resulting in beta-catenin-stabilizing mammary tumorigenesis. The novel finding of hCG up-regulating wnt7b and wnt5b could contribute to pregnancy-induced breast cancer in humans.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/genetics
- Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human/metabolism
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
- Female
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Mammary Glands, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Glands, Animal/physiology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/physiopathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Myoepithelioma/metabolism
- Myoepithelioma/pathology
- Myoepithelioma/physiopathology
- Ovariectomy
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Progesterone/metabolism
- Up-Regulation/physiology
- Wnt Proteins/metabolism
- beta Catenin/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Kuorelahti
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, and Turku Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland
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20
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Udler M, Maia AT, Cebrian A, Brown C, Greenberg D, Shah M, Caldas C, Dunning A, Easton D, Ponder B, Pharoah P. Common Germline Genetic Variation in Antioxidant Defense Genes and Survival After Diagnosis of Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:3015-23. [PMID: 17634480 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.10.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The prognosis of breast cancer varies considerably among individuals, and inherited genetic factors may help explain this variability. Of particular interest are genes involved in defense against reactive oxygen species (ROS) because ROS are thought to cause DNA damage and contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer. Patients and Methods We examined associations between 54 polymorphisms that tag the known common variants (minor allele frequency > 0.05) in 10 genes involved in oxidative damage repair (CAT, SOD1, SOD2, GPX1, GPX4, GSR, TXN, TXN2, TXNRD1, and TXNRD2) and survival in 4,470 women with breast cancer. Results Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GPX4 ( rs713041 and rs757229 ) were associated with all-cause mortality even after adjusting for multiple hypothesis testing (adjusted P = .0041 and P = .0035). These SNPs are correlated with each other (r2 = 0.61). GPX4 rs713041 is located near the selenocysteine insertion sequence element in the GPX4 3′ untranslated region, and the rare allele of this SNP is associated with an increased risk of death, with a hazard ratio of 1.27 per rare allele carried (95% CI, 1.13 to 11.43). This effect was not attenuated after adjusting for tumor stage, grade, or estrogen receptor status. We found that the common allele is preferentially expressed in normal lymphocytes, normal breast, and breast tumors compared with the rare allele, but there were no differences in total levels of GPX4 mRNA across genotypes. Conclusion These data provide strong support for the hypothesis that common variation in GPX4 is associated with prognosis after a diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Udler
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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21
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Kerkelä E, Skottman H, Friden B, Bjuresten K, Kere J, Hovatta O. Exclusion of coding-region mutations in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor genes as the cause of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Fertil Steril 2007; 87:603-6. [PMID: 17074323 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2006.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2006] [Revised: 06/28/2006] [Accepted: 06/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To sequence the coding regions of the luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) genes to find out if polymorphisms in them are responsible for the severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in Swedish patients. DESIGN A mutation analysis of gonadotropin receptor genes from women undergoing gonadotropin treatment. SETTING The Fertility Unit of Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden. PATIENT(S) A set of 10 well-characterized patients with severe OHSS, and 10 control women who did not develop OHSS after FSH stimulation. An additional 11 patients and 41 control women were screened for a two-amino-acid insertion in the first exon of the LHR gene. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Changes in the sequence of the receptor genes between patients and controls. RESULT(S) No association was found between polymorphisms of the coding region of LHR or FSHR genes and the development of OHSS. Incidence of the two-amino-acid insertion in the first exon of the LHR gene was slightly higher in patients than in controls, but no statistically significant difference was seen. CONCLUSION LHR and FSHR coding polymorphisms are not a major cause of severe OHSS in Swedish patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erja Kerkelä
- Department of Biosciences, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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22
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Piersma D, Verhoef-Post M, Berns EMJJ, Themmen APN. LH receptor gene mutations and polymorphisms: an overview. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 260-262:282-6. [PMID: 17030087 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2005.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2005] [Accepted: 11/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Djura Piersma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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23
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Barron AM, Verdile G, Martins RN. Gonadotropins: potential targets for preventive and therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer’s disease. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.2217/14796708.1.2.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Increased prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women has led to an interest in the role of hormonal changes in the neurodegenerative process. In particular, research has been directed towards investigating the effect of changes in sex hormone levels following reproductive senescence. Clinical trials of hormone-replacement therapy for the prevention of AD are proving contentious, and considerably more research is necessary before the benefit of the hormone replacement strategy can be ascertained. However, evidence is now emerging to support the notion that increased gonadotropin levels may confer an increased risk of AD. Gonadotropins have been implicated in the metabolism of β-amyloid, a key protein that is central to the pathogenesis of AD. Gonadotropin reduction represents a promising new target for therapeutic intervention in AD and, potentially, dementia in general. In this review, the authors discuss the therapeutic and preventive potential of gonadotropin-reducing agents in the management of AD.
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24
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Themmen APN. An update of the pathophysiology of human gonadotrophin subunit and receptor gene mutations and polymorphisms. Reproduction 2005; 130:263-74. [PMID: 16123233 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
New information about mutations and polymorphisms in the genes for the gonadotrophins and their receptors has become available in the last few years. In this short review mutations and polymorphisms in gonadotrophins, their receptors and their pathophysiological effects and implications are discussed. An increasingly clear picture about the structure–function relationships of gonadotrophin action is emerging from the combining the types and the locations of the mutations with their phenotypic effects and the information about the crystal structure of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel P N Themmen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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25
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Gion M, Daidone MG. Circulating biomarkers from tumour bulk to tumour machinery: promises and pitfalls. Eur J Cancer 2005; 40:2613-22. [PMID: 15541962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2004.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2004] [Revised: 07/25/2004] [Accepted: 07/26/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we provide a working classification for circulating biomarkers according to their potential clinical application. We broadly divided biomarkers into four groups: (i) biomarkers of cancer risk, (ii) biomarkers of tumour-host interactions, (iii) biomarker of tumour burden, and (iv) function-related biomarkers. We hope this classification will provide a framework to which the results of future studies can be added. We also discuss the promises and pitfalls in the optional use of biomarkers in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gion
- Associazione ABO, c/o Centro Regionale Indicatori Biochimici di Tumore, Ospedale Civile, Venice 30122, Italy.
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26
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Grieu F, Li WQ, Iacopetta B. Genetic polymorphisms in the MMP-2 and MMP-9 genes and breast cancer phenotype. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2004; 88:197-204. [PMID: 15609121 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-004-0595-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been shown to play important roles in cancer progression. In this study we examined whether common genetic variants in two key MMPs are associated with phenotypic features of breast cancers and patient outcome. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of MMP-2 (-1306 C-->T) abolishes Sp1 binding and is associated with lower transcriptional activity, while another in the promoter region of MMP-9 (-1562 C-->T) increases the transcription of this gene. MMP-2 TT homozygous patients had smaller tumors (p=0.006) and contained lower concentrations of estrogen receptor (ER; p=0.002) compared to patients with the MMP-2 CC or CT genotype. Homozygosity for the MMP-2 -1306 T allele was associated with markedly different patient survival depending upon tumor ER status. For patients with ER negative tumors, the MMP-2 TT genotype was associated with poor survival (2/8 patients alive at end of study, 25%) compared to the CC or CT genotypes (59/70, 84%; p < 0.001). For patients with ER positive tumors, the MMP-2 TT genotype was associated with a trend for very good survival (10/10, 100%) compared to the CC or CT genotypes (130/157, 83%; p=0.16). The MMP-9 -1562 T allele was associated with features of good prognosis including non-ductal type histology, positive ER status and the absence of TP53 mutation. Patients with MMP-9 -1562 CT or TT genotypes showed marginally better prognosis compared to CC homozygotes (p=0.06). These findings suggest that breast cancer phenotype and outcome can be influenced by common functional polymorphisms in MMP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Grieu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands
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27
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Iacopetta B, Grieu F, Joseph D. The -174 G/C gene polymorphism in interleukin-6 is associated with an aggressive breast cancer phenotype. Br J Cancer 2004; 90:419-22. [PMID: 14735187 PMCID: PMC2409577 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6601545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Serum and tissue levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been implicated in the biological phenotype of breast carcinoma. A common G/C polymorphism at position −174 of the IL-6 promoter can influence the expression level of this gene. We therefore investigated for associations between this polymorphism and various phenotypic features in a series of 256 breast cancers. Individuals who were homozygous for the C allele (n=55) were more likely to have higher-grade tumours (P=0.039) with ductal histology (P=0.030) compared to those harbouring at least one wild-type G allele (n=201). Homozygosity for the C allele was also associated with significantly worse overall survival (P=0.031). We conclude that the −174 C allele of IL-6 is associated with a more aggressive breast cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Iacopetta
- School of Surgery and Pathology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands 6009, Australia.
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28
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Oettel M. Testosterone metabolism, dose-response relationships and receptor polymorphisms: selected pharmacological/toxicological considerations on benefits versus risks of testosterone therapy in men. Aging Male 2003; 6:230-56. [PMID: 15006261 DOI: 10.1080/13685530312331309772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review selected toxicological problems related to testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men are discussed. Applying "classical" pharmacological/toxicological findings (e.g. animal studies on short- and long-term toxicity) to clinical situations is not very helpful. Molecular biological knowledge and especially evaluation of epidemiological studies, as well as intervention studies, on testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men are more useful. Potential risks include overdosage for lifestyle reasons, e.g. excessive muscle building and reduction of visceral obesity, when erythrocytosis occurs concomitantly. Modern galenic formulations of testosterone administration (e.g. transdermal gel, suitable testosterone esters for intramuscular application and newer oral preparations) avoid supraphysiological serum concentrations, therefore significantly reducing the toxicological risk. A hypothetical model of the toxicological risks of testosterone therapy is given that is based on the influence of testosterone metabolism (aromatization vs. reduction) of the respective parameter/target chosen. Finally, the great influence of polymorphisms of the androgen receptor on the assessment of toxicological risk and on the individualization of androgen therapy is shown. Already existing national, continental and international guidelines or recommendations for the testosterone therapy should be harmonized.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Oettel
- Jenapharm GmbH & Co. KG, Otto-Schott-Strasse 15, 07745 Jena, Germany
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