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Anand-Ivell R, Heng K, Antonio L, Bartfai G, Casanueva FF, Maggi M, O'Neill TW, Punab M, Rastrelli G, Slowikowska-Hilczer J, Tournoy J, Vanderschueren D, Wu FC, Huhtaniemi IT, Ivell R. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) as an indicator of leydig cell insufficiency (LCI) in Middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism: reference range and threshold. Aging Male 2024; 27:2346322. [PMID: 38676285 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2024.2346322] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a circulating biomarker for Leydig cell functional capacity in men, also indicating Leydig Cell Insufficiency (LCI) and potential primary hypogonadism. Using results from large cohort studies we explore sources of biological and technical variance, and establish a reference range for adult men. It is constitutively secreted with little within-individual variation and reflects testicular capacity to produce testosterone. The main INSL3 assays available indicate good concordance with low technical variance; there is no effect of ethnicity. INSL3 declines with age from 35 years at about 15% per decade. Like low calculated free testosterone, and to a lesser extent low total testosterone, reduced INSL3 is significantly associated with increasing age-related morbidity, including lower overall sexual function, reflecting LCI. Consequently, low INSL3 (≤0.4 ng/ml; ca. <2 SD from the population mean) might serve as an additional biochemical marker in the assessment of functional hypogonadism (late-onset hypogonadism, LOH) where testosterone is in the borderline low range. Excluding individuals with low LCI (INSL3 ≤ 0.4 ng/ml) leads to an age-independent (> 35 years) reference range (serum) for INSL3 in the eugonadal population of 0.4 - 2.3 ng/ml, with low INSL3 prospectively identifying individuals at risk of increased future morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
| | - Leen Antonio
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, KU, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gyorgy Bartfai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Albert Szent-Gyorgy Medical University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Felipe F Casanueva
- Department of Medicine, Santiago de Compostela University, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago (IDIS), CIBER de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutricion (CB06/03), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology and Andrology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Terence W O'Neill
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Margus Punab
- Andrology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, and Institute of Clinical Medicine, and Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Endocrinology and Andrology Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Jos Tournoy
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, and Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Leuven, KU, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick Cw Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, UK
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Donizetti A, Calicchio M, Romano MZ, Rosati L, Turco M, Carrese AM, del Gaudio R, Ferrandino I, Aniello F. Expression of Insl3 Protein in Adult Danio rerio. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5419. [PMID: 38791457 PMCID: PMC11122137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a biomarker for Leydig cells in the testes of vertebrates, and it is principally involved in spermatogenesis through specific binding with the RXFP2 receptor. This study reports the insl3 gene transcript and the Insl3 prepropeptide expression in both non-reproductive and reproductive tissues of Danio rerio. An immunohistochemistry analysis shows that the hormone is present at a low level in the Leydig cells and germ cells at all stages of Danio rerio testis differentiation. Considering that the insl3 gene is transcribed in Leydig cells, our results highlight an autocrine and paracrine function of this hormone in the Danio rerio testis, adding new information on the Insl3 mode of action in reproduction. We also show that Insl3 and Rxfp2 belonging to Danio rerio and other vertebrate species share most of the amino acid residues involved in the ligand-receptor interaction and activation, suggesting a conserved mechanism of action during vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Donizetti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Mauro Calicchio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Luigi Rosati
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Manuela Turco
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Anna Maria Carrese
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Rosanna del Gaudio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Ida Ferrandino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
| | - Francesco Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.); (M.C.); (L.R.); (M.T.); (A.M.C.); (R.d.G.); (I.F.)
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Hallberg I, Olsson H, Lau A, Wallander S, Snell A, Bergman D, Holst BS. Endocrine and dog factors associated with semen quality. Sci Rep 2024; 14:718. [PMID: 38184699 PMCID: PMC10771459 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51242-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of factors associated with semen quality may help in investigations of the aetiology and pathophysiology. We investigated the correlation between biomarkers for testicular cell function (anti-müllerian hormone, AMH, Inhibin B, testosterone, free androgen-index (testosterone/sex-hormone binding globulin), insulin like peptide 3, INSL-3), alkaline phosphate (ALP), canine prostate-specific esterase (CPSE), and heterophilic antibodies with dog variables, semen quality, and fertility. Blood and semen were collected from 65 Bernese Mountain Dogs. We evaluated total sperm count, motility and morphological parameters. The semen quality ranged from poor to excellent, with an average total sperm count of 1.1 × 109 and 50% morphologically normal spermatozoa (MNS). Age and abnormal testicular consistency correlated with decreased motility and MNS. Higher ALP correlated with higher total sperm count. AMH could not be detected in seminal plasma. AMH in blood correlated with head defects and high AMH concentration correlated with a severe decline in several semen parameters. Testosterone was negatively and CPSE positively correlated with age. No correlations were found for INSL-3, inhibin B, or heterophilic antibodies. Our findings contribute to the understanding of factors associated with semen quality in dogs, particularly related to Sertoli cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Hallberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Hannah Olsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angus Lau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stina Wallander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Snell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Bergman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ström Holst
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, The Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Albrethsen J, Østergren PB, Norup PB, Sønksen J, Fode M, Kistorp C, Nordsborg NB, Solheim SA, Mørkeberg J, Main KM, Juul A. Serum Insulin-like Factor 3, Testosterone, and LH in Experimental and Therapeutic Testicular Suppression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2834-2839. [PMID: 37235781 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad291] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a Leydig cell biomarker, but little is known about the circulating concentration of INSL3 during hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular suppression. AIM To study the concomitant changes in serum concentrations of INSL3, testosterone, and LH during experimental and therapeutic testicular suppression. METHODS We included serum samples from 3 different cohorts comprising subjects before and after testicular suppression: (1) 6 healthy young men who were treated with androgens (Sustanon, Aspen Pharma, Dublin, Ireland); 2) 10 transgender girls (male sex assigned at birth) who were treated with 3-monthly GnRH agonist injections (Leuprorelinacetat, Abacus Medicine, Copenhagen, Denmark); and (3) 55 patients with prostate cancer who were randomized to surgical castration (bilateral subcapsular orchiectomy) or treatment with GnRH agonist (Triptorelin, Ipsen Pharma, Kista, Sweden). Serum INSL3 and testosterone concentrations were quantified in stored serum samples using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methodologies, and LH was measured by an ultrasensitive immunoassay. RESULTS The circulating concentrations of INSL3, testosterone, and LH decreased during experimental testicular suppression in healthy young men by Sustanon injections and subsequently returned to baseline levels after release of suppression. All 3 hormones decreased during therapeutic hormonal hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular suppression in transgender girls and in patients with prostate cancer. CONCLUSION INSL3 resembles testosterone as a sensitive marker of testicular suppression and reflects Leydig cell function, also during exposure to exogenous testosterone. Serum INSL3 measurements may complement testosterone as a Leydig cell marker in male reproductive disorders, during therapeutic testicular suppression as well as in surveillance of illicit use of androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Albrethsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Busch Østergren
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Badsberg Norup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Sønksen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Fode
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Caroline Kistorp
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sara Amalie Solheim
- Science and Research, Anti Doping Denmark, 2660 Brøndby, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - 2730 Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Mørkeberg
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital - 2730 Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet and University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Munari EV, Amer M, Amodeo A, Bollino R, Federici S, Goggi G, Giovanelli L, Persani L, Cangiano B, Bonomi M. The complications of male hypogonadism: is it just a matter of low testosterone? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1201313. [PMID: 37455904 PMCID: PMC10338218 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1201313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The history of diagnosing hypogonadism and hypotestosteronemia shows us the many steps that were necessary to achieve our current knowledge and the ability to improve these patients' well-being. Moreover, so far, criteria for diagnosing hypotestosteronemia varies according to the underlying condition, and according to the consensus or guideline adopted. Furthermore, besides the many signs and symptoms, there are several complications associated with low testosterone levels such as osteoporosis, metabolic alterations, as well as cardiovascular disorders. However, data are often conflicting regarding the severity, timing or even the real clinical relevance of these complications, although these studies often lack essential information such as gonadotropin levels or the underlying cause of hypogonadism. The present review focus on the complications of male hypogonadism according to the cause of testosterone deficiency, highlighting the lack of information found in many studies investigating its effects. We thereby stress the necessity to always perform a complete evaluation of the type of hypogonadism (including at least gonadotropins and secondary causes) when investigating the effects of low testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Myriam Amer
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Amodeo
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ruggiero Bollino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Federici
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Goggi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanelli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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A 35-bp Conserved Region Is Crucial for Insl3 Promoter Activity in Mouse MA-10 Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315060. [PMID: 36499388 PMCID: PMC9738330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone insulin-like 3 (INSL3) is produced almost exclusively by Leydig cells of the male gonad. INSL3 has several functions such as fetal testis descent and bone metabolism in adults. Insl3 gene expression in Leydig cells is not hormonally regulated but rather is constitutively expressed. The regulatory region of the Insl3 gene has been described in various species; moreover, functional studies have revealed that the Insl3 promoter is regulated by various transcription factors that include the nuclear receptors AR, NUR77, COUP-TFII, LRH1, and SF1, as well as the Krüppel-like factor KLF6. However, these transcription factors are also found in several tissues that do not express Insl3, indicating that other, yet unidentified factors, must be involved to drive Insl3 expression specifically in Leydig cells. Through a fine functional promoter analysis, we have identified a 35-bp region that is responsible for conferring 70% of the activity of the mouse Insl3 promoter in Leydig cells. All tri- and dinucleotide mutations introduced dramatically reduced Insl3 promoter activity, indicating that the entire 35-bp sequence is required. Nuclear proteins from MA-10 Leydig cells bound specifically to the 35-bp region. The 35-bp sequence contains GC- and GA-rich motifs as well as potential binding elements for members of the CREB, C/EBP, AP1, AP2, and NF-κB families. The Insl3 promoter was indeed activated 2-fold by NF-κB p50 but not by other transcription factors tested. These results help to further define the regulation of Insl3 gene transcription in Leydig cells.
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Adamczewska D, Słowikowska-Hilczer J, Walczak-Jędrzejowska R. The Fate of Leydig Cells in Men with Spermatogenic Failure. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:570. [PMID: 35455061 PMCID: PMC9028943 DOI: 10.3390/life12040570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic cells in the testicle, Leydig cells, located in the interstitial compartment, play a vital role in male reproductive tract development, maintenance of proper spermatogenesis, and overall male reproductive function. Therefore, their dysfunction can lead to all sorts of testicular pathologies. Spermatogenesis failure, manifested as azoospermia, is often associated with defective Leydig cell activity. Spermatogenic failure is the most severe form of male infertility, caused by disorders of the testicular parenchyma or testicular hormone imbalance. This review covers current progress in knowledge on Leydig cells origin, structure, and function, and focuses on recent advances in understanding how Leydig cells contribute to the impairment of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renata Walczak-Jędrzejowska
- Department of Andrology and Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland; (D.A.); (J.S.-H.)
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8
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Zhai X, Shu M, Guo Y, Yao S, Wang Y, Han S, Song C, Chuai Y, Wang Q, Ma F, Chen F, Zhou M, Shang W. Efficacy of low-dose hCG on FET cycle in patients with recurrent implantation failure. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1053592. [PMID: 36506075 PMCID: PMC9726871 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1053592] [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: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study patients' new treatment methods and mechanisms of repeated implantation failure. DESIGN A retrospective study. SETTING In vitro fertilization (IVF) unit in a Three-A hospital. PATIENTS Ninety-three patients with repeated implantation failure in IVF and embryo transfer. INTERVENTIONS the luteal phase support. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES According to whether human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG) was added, the two groups were divided into an observation group and a control group, and the clinical outcomes of the two groups were compared. Furthermore, 20 patients were selected for whole exome sequencing to investigate the mechanism. RESULTS The observation group's clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were significantly higher than those in the control group (P=0.004). Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes were significantly enriched in embryo implantation or endometrial receptivity processes, such as microtubule-based movement, NABA CORE MATRISOME, superoxide anion generation, protein localization to vacuole, extracellular matrix organization, fertilization, microtubule-based transport, cell junction organization, microtubule cytoskeleton organization. Furthermore, variants detected in these pathway genes were missense mutations that affect the protein's biological activity but do not effectuate its inactivation. CONCLUSIONS Adding HCG in the luteal phase might improve the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in RIF patients. The potential pathogenesis of RIF genetic level may be caused by microtubule-based movement, extracellular matrix organization, and the Superoxide Anion generation pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhai
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Shu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Guo
- Department of Biology, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Art and Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shun Yao
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shujie Han
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chunlan Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunhai Chuai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qihang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shang
- Navy Clinical Medical School, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Shang,
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Kizilay G, Bayram S, Ersoy O, Cerkezkayabekir A, Sapmaz-Metin M, Karaca T. Role of JNK, TGF-β1, Akt, IL-1β and INSL-3 in proanthocyanidin protection against apoptosis in diabetic rat testis. Biotech Histochem 2021; 97:363-371. [PMID: 34789048 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2021.2002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated how proanthocyanidin treatment altered c-Jun N-terminal kinases, transforming growth factor beta 1, serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, interleukin 1 beta and insulin-like 3 expression in the testis of diabetic rats. We used 24 Wistar albino male rats divided into four groups. Group 1 was untreated control. Group 2 was treated with 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) for 5 days. Group 3 was treated with 40 mg/kg STZ + 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidin once daily for six weeks. Group 4 was treated with 40 mg/kg STZ + 250 mg/kg proanthocyanidin. Superoxide dismutase activity was reduced in groups 3 and 4 compared to group 2. Glutathione peroxidase activity was increased significantly in groups 3 and 4 compared to groups 1 and 2. Catalase activity was decreased in group 4 compared to group 2. We found that proanthocyanidin increased cell proliferation in diabetic testis. Phospho-JNK and TGF-β1 immunostaining was decreased groups 3 and 4 compared to group 2, while p-Akt immunostaining was increased in groups 3 and 4. The number of IL-1β immunostained cells in groups 3 and 4 was decreased compared to group 2. INSL-3 immunostaining was increased significantly in group 3 compared to group 2. Our findings indicate that proanthocyanidin ameliorated diabetes related testicular dysfunction. Proanthocyanidin contributes to a balanced oxidant-antioxidant status, and balanced proliferation and apoptosis activity in the germinal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnur Kizilay
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Sinasi Bayram
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Onur Ersoy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | | | - Melike Sapmaz-Metin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
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10
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Anti-Müllerian hormone, testosterone, and insulin-like peptide 3 as biomarkers of Sertoli and Leydig cell function during deslorelin-induced testicular downregulation in the dog. Theriogenology 2021; 175:100-110. [PMID: 34534687 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in male infertility is not fully understood. We used the downregulated testis as a model of gonadotropin-dependent infertility. Serum testosterone and AMH concentrations were studied in five adult male Beagles implanted (day 0) with 4.7 mg deslorelin (Suprelorin®, Virbac) (DES group). Testicular expression of LH receptor (LHR) and androgen receptor (AR), AMH, type 2 AMH receptor (AMHR2), INSL3 and its receptor (RXFP2) was evaluated 112 days (16 weeks) after deslorelin treatment by qPCR and immunohistochemistry, and compared to untreated adult (CON, n = 6) and prepubertal (PRE, n = 8) dogs. Serum testosterone concentration decreased significantly by the onset of aspermia on study day 14 (four dogs) or day 21 (one dog), and was baseline on day 105 (week 15). In contrast, serum AMH started to increase only after the onset of aspermia and reached the maximum detectable concentration of the assay by day 49-105 in individual dogs. Testicular LHR gene expression in DES was lower than in CON and PRE (P < 0.0001), while AR gene expression in DES was similar to CON and significantly higher than PRE (P < 0.0001). Testicular AMH expression in DES was intermediate compared to the lowest mRNA levels found in CON and the highest in PRE (P ≤ 0.006). AMHR2 gene expression was similar between groups. AMH protein was detected in Sertoli cells only, while AMHR2 immunoreactivity was principally detected in Leydig cells which appeared to be increased in DES. INSL3 and RXFP2 gene expression was significantly downregulated in the DES testis along with noticeably weak Leydig cell immunosignals compared to CON. In conclusion, deslorelin treatment caused testicular LH insensitivity without affecting androgen sensitivity, and de-differentiation of Sertoli and Leydig cells. In DES, upregulation of the AMH-AMHR2 feed-back loop and downregulation of the INSL3-RXFP2 feed-forward loop are paracrine-autocrine mechanisms that may additionally regulate testosterone production independent of gonadotropins. Our results support AMH and INSL3 as unique biomarkers and paracrine-autocrine regulators of testis function involved in the intimate interplay between Sertoli and Leydig cells.
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11
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Johannsen TH, Ljubicic ML, Young J, Trabado S, Petersen JH, Linneberg A, Albrethsen J, Juul A. Serum insulin-like factor 3 quantification by LC-MS/MS in male patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Klinefelter syndrome. Endocrine 2021; 71:578-585. [PMID: 33483888 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02609-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is an emerging testicular marker, yet larger studies elucidating the clinical role of INSL3 in patients with hypogonadism are lacking. The aim was to describe serum INSL3 concentrations analyzed by LC-MS/MS methodology in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). METHODS This was a combined study from two tertiary centers in Denmark and France analyzing INSL3 concentrations by LC-MS/MS. In total, 103 patients with HH and 82 patients with KS were grouped into treated (HH: n = 96; KS: n = 71) or untreated (HH: n = 7; KS: n = 11). Treatment modalities included testosterone and hCG. Serum concentrations and standard deviation (SD) scores of INSL3, total testosterone, and LH according to age and treatment were evaluated. RESULTS In both HH and KS, INSL3 concentrations were low. In HH, INSL3 was low regardless of treatment, except for some hCG-treated patients with normal concentrations. In untreated HH, testosterone was low, while normal to high in most testosterone- and hCG-treated patients. In untreated KS, INSL3 and testosterone concentrations were low to normal, while in testosterone-treated KS, serum INSL3 was low in most patients. INSL3 SD scores were significantly lower in untreated HH than in untreated KS (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The dichotomy between lower INSL3 and higher testosterone concentrations, particularly observed in hCG-treated patients with HH, confirms that INSL3 is a different marker of Leydig cell function than testosterone. However, the clinical application of INSL3 in males with hypogonadism remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trine Holm Johannsen
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacques Young
- Paris-Saclay University and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Séverine Trabado
- Molecular Genetics, Pharmacogenomics, and Hormonology, Inserm U1185, Université Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bicêtre Hospital, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Jørgen Holm Petersen
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Allan Linneberg
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, The Capital Region, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Albrethsen
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Dept. of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Maffezzoni F, Porcelli T, Delbarba A, Pezzaioli LC, Properzi M, Cappelli C, Castelli F, Quiros-Roldan ME, Ferlin A. Hypogonadism and bone health in men with HIV. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e782-e790. [PMID: 33128905 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The advent of new classes of antiretroviral drugs has improved the survival of people with HIV, and several ageing-related conditions, including hypogonadism and osteoporosis, have emerged. However, both are silent conditions, and are underestimated, underdiagnosed, and not adequately treated. Several factors, including the effects of the virus, antiretroviral therapy, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities, contribute to testicular dysfunction, which in turn has important effects on bone health. The prevalence of hypogonadism is approximately 20% among men with HIV, but extreme variability in the laboratory and clinical assessment of hypogonadism is reported. The prevalence of osteoporosis is 10-30%, but the poor quality of most studies does not allow definitive conclusions on clinical management. Nonetheless, the early and detailed evaluation of gonadal function and bone health is crucial for improving the quality of life of men with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Maffezzoni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Teresa Porcelli
- Endocrinology, Montichiari Hospital, L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Delbarba
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Letizia Chiara Pezzaioli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martina Properzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Cappelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Castelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Quiros-Roldan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia and L'Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale degli Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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13
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Zhu C, Luo W, Li Z, Zhang X, Hu J, Zhao S, Jiao X, Qin Y. New theca-cell marker insulin-like factor 3 is associated with premature ovarian insufficiency. Fertil Steril 2020; 115:455-462. [PMID: 33041054 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in different stages of ovarian insufficiency and its role in the evaluation of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING University-based center for reproductive medicine. PATIENT(S) A total of 145 women, including 48 patients with POI (25 IU/L < follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH] ≤40 IU/L), 49 with biochemical POI (bPOI) (10 IU/L < FSH ≤25 IU/L) and 48 age-matched control women with normal ovarian reserve (FSH <10 IU/L), retrospectively included from the reproductive hospital affiliated with Shandong University between 2017 and 2019. INTERVENTION(S) Levels of INSL3 in the serum and follicular fluid assayed with a commercial radioimmunoassay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Level of INSL3 in serum and follicular fluid among control women and patients with bPOI and POI, its association with different ovarian reserve markers, and its predictive value for bPOI and POI. RESULT(S) The serum INSL3 level continuously declined with the progress of ovarian insufficiency. It showed strong negative association with FSH (-0.655) and luteinizing hormone (-0.433), but positively correlated with antimüllerian hormone (0.617), inhibin B (0.400), antral follicle count (0.630), and testosterone (0.180). Additionally, the circulating INSL3 served as a good predictor for bPOI and POI. No statistically significant difference of INSL3 levels in follicular fluid was observed between bPOI patients and control women. CONCLUSION(S) For the first time our study has revealed an INSL3 deficiency in women with POI, indicating that circulating INSL3 could serve as a promising theca-cell specific marker for POI. Future research on the role of INSL3 in modulating follicular development, steroidogenesis, and POI pathogenesis is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Zhu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuqing Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiruo Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingmei Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shidou Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Jiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingying Qin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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14
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Panagidis A, Kostopoulou E, Rojas Gil AP, Sinopidis X, Kourea H, Skiadopoulos S, Georgiou G, Spiliotis BE. Correlation between insulin-like peptide 3 and appendix testis length in congenital cryptorchidism. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1283-1289. [PMID: 32668093 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM The appendix testis (AT) is a vestigial remnant of Müller's paramesonephric duct. Insulin-like 3 hormone (INSL3) is produced in the Leydig cells of the testis. We investigated the possible correlation between AT length and plasma INSL3 concentrations in patients with congenital cryptorchidism (CCO) and patients with hydrocele, who served as controls. METHODS A total of 40 patients with CCO and 34 patients with hydrocele and orthotopic testes were investigated. Sixteen patients presented high cryptorchidism and 24 low cryptorchidism. During surgery, AT was identified in 34 patients with CCO (high cryptorchidism:15, low cryptorchidism:19) and 28 controls. Plasma INSL3 levels were measured with a spectrophotometry enzyme immunoassay Elisa sandwich technique. RESULTS AT was present in 85.0% of the boys with CCO and 82.4% of the controls. A significant positive correlation was found between the AT length and INSL3 concentrations in CCO patients. CONCLUSIONS A longer AT may reflect better testicular function in boys with CCO, since it is correlated with higher INSL3 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Panagidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karamandaneion General Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Eirini Kostopoulou
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas Gil
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Xenophon Sinopidis
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Helen Kourea
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Spyros Skiadopoulos
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - George Georgiou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Karamandaneion General Hospital, Patras, Greece
| | - Bessie E Spiliotis
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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15
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Santi D, Ivell R, Anand-Ivell R, De Toni L, Fanelli F, Mezzullo M, Pelusi C, Pagotto U, Belli S, Granata ARM, Roli L, Rochira V, Trenti T, Ferlin A, Simoni M. Effects of acute hCG stimulation on serum INSL3 and 25-OH vitamin D in Klinefelter syndrome. Andrology 2020; 8:1720-1727. [PMID: 32593193 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has recently been suggested that the hypergonadotropic hypogonadism characterizing Klinefelter syndrome (KS) might not be due to a steroidogenic dysfunction per se, but mainly to an altered testosterone (T) secretion into the bloodstream. However, the Leydig cell functionality remains incompletely studied in KS, and new markers should be considered. Previous data indicated that chronic hCG stimulation influences the production of both insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-VD) in eugonadal men. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate INSL3 and 25-VD serum levels, as markers of Leydig cell functionality, in association with sex steroids, after an acute hCG test in a group of KS patients and healthy volunteers. METHODS A retrospective analysis of a prospective case-control clinical trial was carried out. KS patients (n = 11) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 11) provided a basal blood sample (V0) immediately followed by a single intramuscular injection of hCG 5000 IU. Blood samples were taken in the following five days (V1-V5). RESULTS At baseline, INSL3 was lower in KS patients compared with controls (P = .007). When adjusted for INSL3 levels, the production of steroids was similar between KS patients and controls. 25-VD was in the insufficient range both in KS patients and in controls and was not different (P = .064). Acute hCG stimulation increased neither INSL3 nor 25-VD in both KS patients and controls. In controls, an inverse correlation was detected between INSL3 levels and body mass index (P = .020) and waist circumference (P = .020). CONCLUSIONS INSL3 secretion is independent from steroidogenesis, and its production is mostly not influenced by acute hCG stimulation both in KS men and in controls. INSL3 serum levels should be considered as a marker of Leydig cell differentiation and numbers rather than steroidogenesis. 25-VD serum levels are also not increased by a single acute hCG administration, which was not able to restore the normal concentrations of 25-VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Santi
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes and Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes and Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Carla Pelusi
- Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes and Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Unit of Endocrinology and Prevention and Care of Diabetes and Centre for Applied Biomedical Research, Sant'Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Belli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonio R M Granata
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Roli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Rochira
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Anatomy Pathology, Azienda USL of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Modena, Modena, Italy.,Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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16
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Sansone A, Kliesch S, Isidori AM, Schlatt S. AMH and INSL3 in testicular and extragonadal pathophysiology: what do we know? Andrology 2019; 7:131-138. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Sansone
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology Münster Germany
- Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology Food Science and Endocrinology – Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - S. Kliesch
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology Münster Germany
| | - A. M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine Section of Medical Pathophysiology Food Science and Endocrinology – Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - S. Schlatt
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology Institute of Reproductive and Regenerative Biology Münster Germany
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17
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Harrison SM, Bush NC, Wang Y, Mucher ZR, Lorenzo AJ, Grimsby GM, Schlomer BJ, Büllesbach EE, Baker LA. Insulin-Like Peptide 3 (INSL3) Serum Concentration During Human Male Fetal Life. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:596. [PMID: 31611843 PMCID: PMC6737488 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), a protein hormone produced by Leydig cells, may play a crucial role in testicular descent as male INSL3 knockout mice have bilateral cryptorchidism. Previous studies have measured human fetal INSL3 levels in amniotic fluid only. Objective: To measure INSL3 serum levels and mRNA in fetal umbilical cord blood and fetal testes, respectively. Design: INSL3 concentrations were assayed on 50 μl of serum from male human fetal umbilical cord blood by a non-commercial highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay. For secondary confirmation, quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure INSL3 relative mRNA expression in 7 age-matched human fetal testes. Setting: UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Patients or other Participants: Twelve human male umbilical cord blood samples and 7 human male testes were obtained from fetuses 14-21 weeks gestation. Male sex was verified by leukocyte genomic DNA SRY PCR. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Human male fetal INSL3 cord blood serum concentrations and testicular relative mRNA expression. Results: INSL3 serum concentrations during human male gestational weeks 15-20 were 2-4 times higher than published prepubertal male levels and were 5-100 times higher than previous reports of INSL3 concentrations obtained from amniotic fluid. Testicular fetal INSL3 mRNA relative expression was low from weeks 14-16, rose significantly weeks 17 and 18, and returned to low levels at week 21. Conclusions: These findings further support the role of INSL3 in human testicular descent and could prove relevant in uncovering the pathophysiology of cryptorchidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M. Harrison
- Clinical R&D Sequencing Platform, Broad Institute, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Yi Wang
- Endocrinology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zachary R. Mucher
- Department of Urology, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Armando J. Lorenzo
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Bruce J. Schlomer
- Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Erika E. Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Linda A. Baker
- John W. Duckett MD Laboratory in Pediatric Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Linda A. Baker
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18
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Albrethsen J, Frederiksen H, Andersson AM, Anand-Ivell R, Nordkap L, Bang AK, Jørgensen N, Juul A. Development and validation of a mass spectrometry-based assay for quantification of insulin-like factor 3 in human serum. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 56:1913-1920. [DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2018-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background:
The circulating level of the peptide hormone insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a promising diagnostic marker reflecting Leydig cell function in the male. Few commercial immunoassays of varying quality exist. Therefore, we decided to develop and validate a precise method for quantification of INSL3 by mass spectrometry.
Methods:
We developed an assay in which the INSL3 A-chain is released from the INSL3 A-B heterodimer by chemical reduction and alkylation. The alkylated INSL3 A-chain is quantitated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), as substitute for serum INSL3. The method was compared to a validated and sensitive in-house serum INSL3 immunoassay using 97 serum samples from 12 healthy boys during pubertal transition. Adult levels were determined based on sera from 72 adult healthy males aged 18–40 years.
Results:
An LC-MS/MS assay with limit of detection and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.06 and 0.15 ng/mL, respectively, and intra-assay CVs <9% in the relevant ranges was obtained. The LC-MS/MS compared well with the in-house immunoassay (Deming regression slope: 1.28; Pearson correlation: R=0.86). INSL3 concentrations increased with pubertal maturation in healthy boys. INSL3 concentrations were above the LOQ in all samples from the adult men. The mean (±2 SD range)for serum INSL3 concentrations in the adult men was 2.2 (0.5–3.9) ng/mL.
Conclusions:
We have developed a robust and sensitive method suitable for quantitation of serum INSL3 in a clinical setting using LC-MS/MS instrumentation available in modern clinical laboratories. The method paves the way for future studies into the clinical role of serum INSL3 measurements.
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Karakas SE, Surampudi P. New Biomarkers to Evaluate Hyperandrogenemic Women and Hypogonadal Men. Adv Clin Chem 2018; 86:71-125. [PMID: 30144842 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Androgens can have variable effects on men and women. Women may be evaluated for androgen excess for several reasons. Typically, young premenopausal women present with clinical symptoms of hirsutism, alopecia, irregular menses, and/or infertility. The most common cause of these symptoms is polycystic ovary syndrome. After menopause, even though ovaries stop producing estrogen, they continue to produce androgen, and women can have new onset of hirsutism and alopecia. Laboratory evaluation involves measurement of the major ovarian and adrenal androgens. In women, age, phase of the menstrual cycle, menopausal status, obesity, metabolic health, and sex hormone-binding proteins significantly affect total-androgen levels and complicate interpretation. This review will summarize the clinically relevant evaluation of hyperandrogenemia at different life stages in women and highlight pitfalls associated with interpretation of commonly used hormone measurements. Hypogonadism in men is a clinical syndrome characterized by low testosterone and/or low sperm count. Symptoms of hypogonadism include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased vitality, decreased muscle mass, increased adiposity, depressed mood, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadism is a common disorder in aging men. Hypogonadism is observed rarely in young boys and adolescent men. Based on the defects in testes, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary glands, hypogonadism can be broadly classified as primary, secondary, and mixed hypogonadism. Diagnosis of hypogonadism in men is based on symptoms and laboratory measurement. Biomarkers in use/development for hypogonadism are classified as hormonal, Leydig and Sertoli cell function, semen, genetic/RNA, metabolic, microbiome, and muscle mass-related. These biomarkers are useful for diagnosis of hypogonadism, determination of the type of hypogonadism, identification of the underlying causes, and therapeutic assessment. Measurement of serum testosterone is usually the most important single diagnostic test for male hypogonadism. Patients with primary hypogonadism have low testosterone and increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Patients with secondary hypogonadism have low testosterone and low or inappropriately normal LH and FSH. This review provides an overview of hypogonadism in men and a detailed discussion of biomarkers currently in use and in development for diagnosis thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidika E Karakas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Prasanth Surampudi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Di Nisio A, De Toni L, Rocca MS, Ghezzi M, Selice R, Taglialavoro G, Ferlin A, Foresta C. Negative Association Between Sclerostin and INSL3 in Isolated Human Osteocytes and in Klinefelter Syndrome: New Hints for Testis-Bone Crosstalk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:2033-2041. [PMID: 29452406 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The regulation of bone mass by the testis is a well-recognized mechanism, but the role of Leydig-specific marker insulin-like 3 peptide (INSL3) on the most abundant bone cell population, osteocytes, is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between INSL3 and sclerostin, an osteocyte-specific protein that negatively regulates bone formation. DESIGN Serum sclerostin and INSL3 levels were evaluated in Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and healthy controls. In vitro effect of INSL3 on sclerostin production was evaluated in human cultured osteocytes. PATIENTS A total of 103 KS patients and 60 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum sclerostin and INSL3 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteocytes were isolated by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting. Sclerostin expression was evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescence, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Measurement of bone mineral density was done by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck. RESULTS Sclerostin levels were significantly increased in KS subjects, and negatively correlated with INSL3 levels in both cohorts and with bone mineral density in the KS group. Stimulation of cultured osteocytes with INSL3 at 10-7 M significantly decreased both sclerostin messenger RNA and protein expression. CONCLUSIONS We report a negative association between the testicular hormone INSL3 and the osteocytic negative regulator of bone formation, sclerostin. We further explored this association in vitro and showed that INSL3 was able to reduce sclerostin expression. These results add further knowledge on the emerging role of sclerostin as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Ghezzi
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Riccardo Selice
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Taglialavoro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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21
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Rossato M, Barban M, Vettor R. Elevated Plasma Levels of the Novel Hormone INSL3 in a Woman with Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. Int J Biol Markers 2018; 22:159-60. [PMID: 17549672 DOI: 10.1177/172460080702200210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Rossato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Clinica Medica 3, University of Padua, Italy.
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22
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Ferlin A, De Toni L, Agoulnik AI, Lunardon G, Armani A, Bortolanza S, Blaauw B, Sandri M, Foresta C. Protective Role of Testicular Hormone INSL3 From Atrophy and Weakness in Skeletal Muscle. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:562. [PMID: 30323788 PMCID: PMC6172310 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgens are primarily involved in muscle growth, whilst disease-driven muscle wasting is frequently associated with hypogonadism. The Leydig cells of the testes also produce the peptide-hormone Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3). INSL3 displays anabolic activity on bone, a target tissue of androgens, and its plasma concentrations are diminished in male hypogonadism. Here we tested the role of INSL3 on muscle mass regulation, in physiological and pathological conditions. Studies on C2C12 cell line showed that INSL3, acting on his specific receptor RXFP2, promotes skeletal muscle protein synthesis through the Akt/mTOR/S6 pathway. Next, studies on Rxfp2 -/- mice showed that INSL3 is required to prevent excessive muscle loss after denervation. Mechanistically, denervated Rxfp2 -/- mice lacked the compensatory activation of the Akt/mTOR/S6 pathway and showed an abnormal ubiquitin-proteasome system activation. Lack of INSL3 activity resulted also in reduced contractile force. These findings underlie a role of INSL3/RXFP2 in protein turnover, contributing to muscle wasting in male hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | | | - Andrea Armani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sergia Bortolanza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Bert Blaauw
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marco Sandri
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Carlo Foresta
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Lorenzen M, Boisen IM, Mortensen LJ, Lanske B, Juul A, Blomberg Jensen M. Reproductive endocrinology of vitamin D. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 453:103-112. [PMID: 28342856 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin D is a versatile hormone with several functions beyond its well-established role in maintenance of skeletal health and calcium homeostasis. The effects of vitamin D are mediated by the vitamin D receptor, which is expressed together with the vitamin D metabolizing enzymes in the reproductive tissues. The reproductive organs are therefore responsive to and able to metabolize vitamin D locally. The exact role remains to be clarified but several studies have suggested a link between vitamin D and production/release of reproductive hormones into circulation, which will be the main focus of this review. Current evidence is primarily based on small human association studies and rodent models. This highlights the need for randomized clinical trials, but also functional animal and human in vitro studies, and larger, prospective cohort studies are warranted. Given the high number of men and women suffering from reproductive problems and abnormal endocrinology research addressing the role of vitamin D in reproductive endocrinology may be of clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Lorenzen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Marie Boisen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Li Juel Mortensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Beate Lanske
- Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anders Juul
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Blomberg Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Bone and Mineral Research, HSDM/HMS, Harvard University, 188 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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24
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van Brakel J, de Muinck Keizer-Schrama SMPF, Hazebroek FWJ, Dohle GR, de Jong FH. INSL3 and AMH in patients with previously congenital or acquired undescended testes. J Pediatr Surg 2017; 52:1327-1331. [PMID: 28487028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2017.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous reports no differences in Leydig and Sertoli cell function were found between congenital undescended testis (CUDT) and acquired UDT (AUDT) on the basis of serum levels of LH, testosterone, FSH or inhibin B. This study tried to detect differences in Leydig and Sertoli cell function between CUDT and AUDT using insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). METHOD 118 men with a history of UDT (CUDT N=55 (6/55 bilateral), AUDT N=63 (15/63 bilateral)) were investigated. Differences between CUDT and AUDT, influence of age at surgery in CUDT, and effect of spontaneous descent or orchiopexy in AUDT were evaluated. RESULTS For INSL3, no significant differences were found. AMH levels in bilateral CUDT were significantly lower compared with bilateral AUDT (6.4 (1.7-11.4) vs 13.2 (6.1-30.1) μg/l, p=0.02). AMH levels in unilateral CUDT were significantly higher than in bilateral CUDT (12.1 (2.4-43.7) vs. 6.4 (1.7-11.4) μg/l, p=0.02). CONCLUSION No differences in Leydig cell function on the basis of INSL3 levels between the different UDT groups were found. Sertoli cell function evaluated by AMH, was more negatively affected in bilateral CUDT in comparison with bilateral AUDT and unilateral CUDT. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE RATING Level III Treatment Study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn van Brakel
- Department of Urology, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Frans W J Hazebroek
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Gert R Dohle
- Department of Urology, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Frank H de Jong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Ivell R, Agoulnik AI, Anand‐Ivell R. Relaxin-like peptides in male reproduction - a human perspective. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:990-1001. [PMID: 27933606 PMCID: PMC5406299 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The relaxin family of peptide hormones and their cognate GPCRs are becoming physiologically well-characterized in the cardiovascular system and particularly in female reproductive processes. Much less is known about the physiology and pharmacology of these peptides in male reproduction, particularly as regards humans. H2-relaxin is involved in prostate function and growth, while insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major product of the testicular Leydig cells and, in the adult, appears to modulate steroidogenesis and germ cell survival. In the fetus, INSL3 is a key hormone expressed shortly after sex determination and is responsible for the first transabdominal phase of testicular descent. Importantly, INSL3 is becoming a very useful constitutive biomarker reflecting both fetal and post-natal development. Nothing is known about roles for INSL4 in male reproduction and only very little about relaxin-3, which is mostly considered as a brain peptide, or INSL5. The former is expressed at very low levels in the testes, but has no known physiology there, whereas the INSL5 knockout mouse does exhibit a testicular phenotype with mild effects on spermatogenesis, probably due to a disruption of glucose homeostasis. INSL6 is a major product of male germ cells, although it is relatively unexplored with regard to its physiology or pharmacology, except that in mice disruption of the INSL6 gene leads to a disruption of spermatogenesis. Clinically, relaxin analogues may be useful in the control of prostate cancer, and both relaxin and INSL3 have been considered as sperm adjuvants for in vitro fertilization. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
- School of Veterinary and Medical SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamLE12 5RDUK
| | - Alexander I Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of MedicineFlorida International UniversityMiamiFLUSA
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Chávez-Saldaña M, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Yokoyama-Rebollar E, Landero-Huerta DA, Rojas-Castañeda JC, Taja-Chayeb L, Cuevas-Alpuche JO, Zambrano E. Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with nonsyndromic cryptorchidism in Mexican patients. Andrologia 2017; 50. [DOI: 10.1111/and.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Chávez-Saldaña
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - R. M. Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - E. Yokoyama-Rebollar
- Departamento de Genética Humana; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - D. A. Landero-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - J. C. Rojas-Castañeda
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Pediatría; Ciudad de México México
| | - L. Taja-Chayeb
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular y Farmacogenética; Instituto Nacional de Cancerología; Ciudad de México México
| | | | - E. Zambrano
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción; Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán; Ciudad de México México
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Hannan MA, Kawate N, Fukami Y, Weerakoon WWPN, Büllesbach EE, Inaba T, Tamada H. Effects of long-acting GnRH antagonist, degarelix acetate, on plasma insulin-like peptide 3, testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, and scrotal circumference in male goats. Theriogenology 2016; 88:228-235. [PMID: 27793455 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We recently reported that plasma insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) concentrations increased soon after endogenous and exogenous stimulations of LH in male goats and bulls. However, the effects of LH suppression on INSL3 secretion are unknown in domestic animals. Here, we examined the effects of a long-acting GnRH antagonist (degarelix acetate; 4 mg/kg) on the secretions of plasma INSL3 and testosterone in two phases, an immediate and a long-term phase in male goats (n = 6; aged, 13-16 months). During the immediate phase, blood was taken at 15-minute intervals for 8 hours on Days -5, 0, and 3. The GnRH antagonist was administered after 2-hour sampling of Day 0. Moreover, a daily blood sample was taken from Day 0 to Day 7, followed by twice a week until 9 weeks and finally at week 10. The scrotal circumference was recorded before treatment and continued biweekly until week 10. Concentrations of LH, INSL3, and testosterone in plasma were determined by EIA and the pulsatile nature of secretion analyzed using pulse XP software. The mean concentrations, pulse frequency (per hour), and pulse amplitude (peak-nadir) of plasma LH and testosterone reduced from pretreatment to posttreatment Day 0 and Day 3 (P < 0.05). A decline in mean concentrations, pulse frequency, and pulse amplitude of INSL3 was exhibited on posttreatment Day 3 compared with pretreatment (P < 0.01). During long-term sampling, a decline (P < 0.01) in plasma testosterone and INSL3 concentrations was observed 1 day after treatment and remained lower until 8.5 weeks after treatment, and thereafter returned to pretreatment levels. A reduction in scrotal circumference was recorded 4 weeks after treatment and remained lower until 10 weeks after treatment (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the acute regulation of INSL3 by LH was confirmed by reduction of plasma INSL3 levels within 3 days after GnRH antagonist treatment in male goats. Although the onset of suppression of testosterone was more rapid than that of INSL3, the low levels persisted for 8.5 weeks for both hormones, and subsequently the concentrations returned to pretreatment levels. A significant reduction in testicular size was also observed. The quick, long-lasting, and transient suppression of testosterone and INSL3 after a single injection implies a potential application of this antagonist in reversible long-term chemical castration in male goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Y Fukami
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - W W P N Weerakoon
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - E E Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - T Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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Yetim A, Yetim Ç, Baş F, Erol OB, Çığ G, Uçar A, Darendeliler F. Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Inhibin-A, but not Inhibin-B or Insulin-Like Peptide-3, may be Used as Surrogates in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents: Preliminary Results. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2016; 8:288-97. [PMID: 27125339 PMCID: PMC5096492 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.3253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine problem in adolescents with an increasing prevalence of 30%. Pursuing new biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of PCOS in adolescents is currently an active area of research. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3), inhibin-A (INH-A), and inhibin-B (INH-B) in adolescents with PCOS and also to determine the association, if any, between these hormones and clinical/laboratory findings related with hyperandrogenism. METHODS The study group comprised 53 adolescent girls aged between 14.5 and 20 years who were admitted to our outpatient clinic with symptoms of hirsutism and/or irregular menses and diagnosed as having PCOS in accordance with the Rotterdam criteria. Twenty-six healthy peers, eumenorrheic for at least two years and body mass index-matched, constituted the controls. Fasting blood samples for hormones [luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione (D4-A), total/free testosterone (T/fT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), AMH, INSL3, INH-A, INH-B] were drawn after an overnight fast. RESULTS In the PCOS group, 83% of the subjects were oligomenorrheic/amenorrheic and 87% had hirsutism. The LH, LH/FSH ratio, total T, fT, free androgen-index (FAI), DHEAS levels were significantly higher (p=0.005, p=0.042, p=0.047, p<0.001, p=0.007, p=0.014, respectively) and SHBG was significantly lower (p=0.004) in PCOS patients as compared to the controls. Although the INSL-3 and INH-B levels showed no difference between the groups (p>0.05), AMH and INH-A levels were found to be significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the controls (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). In multiple linear regression analysis, WC SDS (p=0.028), logD4-A (p=0.033), logSHBG (p=0.031), and total ovarian volume (p=0.045) had significant effects on AMH levels, and LH (p=0.003) on INH-A levels. In receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off values for AMH and INH-A were 6.1 ng/mL (sensitivity 81.1%) and 12.8 pg/mL (sensitivity 86.8%), respectively, to diagnose PCOS. When AMH and INH-A were used in combination, the sensitivity (96.2%) increased. CONCLUSION INSL3 and INH-B were not found to have diagnostic value in adolescents with PCOS. On the other hand, it was shown that INH-A could be used as a new diagnostic biomarker in addition to AMH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Yetim
- İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey, Phone: +90 505 369 00 35 E-mail:
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Acute regulation of plasma insulin-like peptide 3 concentrations by luteinizing hormone in male goats. Theriogenology 2016; 86:749-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ferlin A, De Toni L, Sandri M, Foresta C. Relaxin and insulin-like peptide 3 in the musculoskeletal system: from bench to bedside. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 174:1015-1024. [PMID: 27059798 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscles and bones form a joined functional unit sharing a complex mechanical, biochemical and hormonal crosstalk. A number of factors, including sex hormones, physiologically regulate the musculoskeletal system. Striking gender differences in muscle and bone mass, and function are mainly caused by distinct actions exerted by oestrogens and androgens. However, relaxin and relaxin-related peptides, such as insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), might contribute to these sex-associated differences in physiological and pathological conditions (such as osteoporosis and sarcopenia). Relaxin is a 'pregnancy' hormone, but it is also produced from the prostate gland, and has recently attracted attention as a potential drug for cardiovascular disorders and fibrosis. In contrast, INSL3 is a male-specific hormone produced by the Leydig cells of the testis with a fundamental role in testicular descent during fetal life. Recent evidence suggests that both hormones have interesting roles in the musculoskeletal system. Relaxin and INSL3, by finely tuning bone formation and resorption, are involved in bone remodelling processes, and relaxin contributes to the healing of injured ligaments and promotes skeletal muscle regeneration. Here, we review the most recent findings on the effects of relaxin and INSL3 on skeletal muscle and the cell components of bone. In the light of the experimental evidence available and animal models, their clinical implications are also discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Recent Progress in the Understanding of Relaxin Family Peptides and their Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Sandri
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Padova, Italy.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Operative Unit of Andrology and Medicine of Human Reproduction, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:10-26. [PMID: 27143445 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.
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Tremblay MA, Mendoza-Villarroel RE, Robert NM, Bergeron F, Tremblay JJ. KLF6 cooperates with NUR77 and SF1 to activate the human INSL3 promoter in mouse MA-10 leydig cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:163-73. [PMID: 26874000 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Insulin-like 3 (INSL3), a Leydig cell-specific hormone, is essential for testis descent during foetal life and bone metabolism in adults. Despite its essential roles in male reproductive and bone health, very little is known regarding its transcriptional regulation in Leydig cells. To date, few transcription factors have been shown to activate INSL3 promoter activity: the nuclear receptors AR, NUR77, COUP-TFII and SF1. To identify additional regulators, we have isolated and performed a detailed analysis of a 1.1 kb human INSL3 promoter fragment. Through 5' progressive deletions and site-directed mutagenesis, we have mapped a 10 bp element responsible for about 80% of INSL3 promoter activity in Leydig cells. This element is identical to the CPE element of the placental-specific glycoprotein-5 (PSG5) promoter that is recognized by the developmental regulator Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6). Using PCR and western blotting, we found that KLF6 is expressed in several Leydig and Sertoli cell lines. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry on adult mouse testis revealed the presence of KLF6 in the nuclei of both Leydig and Sertoli cells. KLF6 binds to the 10 bp KLF element at -108 bp and activates the -1.1 kb human, but not the mouse, INSL3 promoter. KLF6-mediated activation of the human INSL3 promoter required an intact KLF element as well as Leydig/Sertoli-enriched factors because KLF6 did not stimulate the human INSL3 promoter activity in CV-1 fibroblast cells. Consistent with this, we found that KLF6 transcriptionally cooperates with NUR77 and SF1. Collectively, our results identify KLF6 as a regulator of human INSL3 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime A Tremblay
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Francis Bergeron
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- ReproductionMother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada Centre for Research in ReproductionDevelopment and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Halls ML, Bathgate RAD, Sutton SW, Dschietzig TB, Summers RJ. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCV. Recent advances in the understanding of the pharmacology and biological roles of relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4, the receptors for relaxin family peptides. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:389-440. [PMID: 25761609 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Relaxin, insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), relaxin-3, and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for the relaxin family peptide (RXFP) receptors 1-4, respectively. RXFP1 activates pleiotropic signaling pathways including the signalosome protein complex that facilitates high-sensitivity signaling; coupling to Gα(s), Gα(i), and Gα(o) proteins; interaction with glucocorticoid receptors; and the formation of hetero-oligomers with distinctive pharmacological properties. In addition to relaxin-related ligands, RXFP1 is activated by Clq-tumor necrosis factor-related protein 8 and by small-molecular-weight agonists, such as ML290 [2-isopropoxy-N-(2-(3-(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)phenylcarbamoyl)phenyl)benzamide], that act allosterically. RXFP2 activates only the Gα(s)- and Gα(o)-coupled pathways. Relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide, and its cognate receptor RXFP3 is a target for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and autism. A variety of peptide agonists, antagonists, biased agonists, and an allosteric modulator target RXFP3. Both RXFP3 and the related RXFP4 couple to Gα(i)/Gα(o) proteins. INSL5 has the properties of an incretin; it is secreted from the gut and is orexigenic. The expression of RXFP4 in gut, adipose tissue, and β-islets together with compromised glucose tolerance in INSL5 or RXFP4 knockout mice suggests a metabolic role. This review focuses on the many advances in our understanding of RXFP receptors in the last 5 years, their signal transduction mechanisms, the development of novel compounds that target RXFP1-4, the challenges facing the field, and current prospects for new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Halls
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Ross A D Bathgate
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Steve W Sutton
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Thomas B Dschietzig
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
| | - Roger J Summers
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.L.H., R.J.S.); Neuropeptides Division, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (R.A.D.B.); Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Janssen Research & Development, LLC, San Diego, California (S.W.S.); Immundiagnostik AG, Bensheim, Germany (T.B.D.); and Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Mitte, Medical Clinic for Cardiology and Angiology, Berlin, Germany (T.B.D.)
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Chang WH, Li SS, Wu MH, Pan HA, Lee CC. Phthalates might interfere with testicular function by reducing testosterone and insulin-like factor 3 levels. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2658-70. [PMID: 26385792 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do phthalates create a male reproductive hormone imbalance by down-regulating the secretion of testosterone and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3)? SUMMARY ANSWER Our study suggests that exposure to phthalates is related to a reduction in the secretion of testosterone and INSL3 in adult males. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is evidence that exposure to phthalates, an abundant group of industrial plasticizers, negatively affects testosterone biosynthesis, but little is known about the mechanism in men. The hypothesis that exposure to phthalates reduces the levels of testosterone and INSL3, a marker of Leydig cell function, is underexplored. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This case-control study of 176 men ran from 2010 to 2012. Infertile men were recruited through infertility clinics in Taiwan, fertile men were recruited from childbirth preparation classes and all were categorized based on the World Health Organization definition of infertility and by the diagnoses of obstetricians. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Urinary concentrations of 11 phthalate metabolites were measured, along with serum levels of FSH, LH, total testosterone (TT), estradiol, sex hormone-binding globulin and Inhibin B. Androgen status indices including free testosterone (fT) and the free androgen index (FAI) were calculated. The circulating INSL3 level was evaluated using a radioimmunoassay. Non-parametric analyses, trend tests and linear regression models were used. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Urinary mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) and mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate were significantly higher in infertile than in fertile men. Serum Inhibin B, the Inhibin B : FSH ratio, the TT : LH ratio and INSL3 were significantly lower in infertile men. In multiple regression models controlled for potential confounders, there is an inverse association between urinary levels of mono-methyl phthalate (MMP), mono-iso-butyl phthalate (MiBP), MEHP, MEHP% and serum TT (P = 0.001, 0.007, 0.042 and 0.012, respectively). The inverse associations were also found between urinary levels of MiBP, monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP), MEHP, MEHP% and serum fT (P = 0.028, 0.017, 0.045 and 0.027, respectively); between urinary levels of MMP, MEHP, MEHP% and the TT : LH ratio (P = 0.004, 0.029 and 0.039, respectively); between urinary levels of MMP, MiBP, MnBP, MBzP, MEHP and the FAI (P = 0.002, 0.008, 0.037, 0.028, 0.042 and 0.016, respectively). Urinary MBzP and MEHP% were negatively associated with a decrease in serum INSL3 (P = 0.049 and <0.001). We also observed a strong inverse relationship between MEHP% quartiles and serum TT, fT, the TT : LH ratio and INSL3 (Ptrend = 0.003, 0.080, 0.002 and 0.012, respectively). Serum INSL3, TT, fT and the TT : LH ratio were lower for men in the highest MEHP% quartile than in the reference group (P = 0.007, 0.002, 0.090 and 0.001, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A potential limitation is using a single urine and blood sample to predict urinary phthalate metabolites and reproductive hormone status over long periods. However, there is evidence that a single measure provides a reliable result in population studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Non-occupational exposure to phthalates, including di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, might lead to adverse effects on testicular/Leydig cell function and be of concern owing to the ubiquitous multisource exposure to phthalates among the general population. Although our findings are in agreement with recent experimental data, more studies are required to draw firm conclusions on the relation of INSL3 to phthalate exposure or testicular/Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Sih-Syuan Li
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsing Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-An Pan
- An-An Women and Children Clinic, 286 Kaiyuan Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan Research Center of Environmental Trace Toxic Substance, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 70403, Taiwan
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Hannan MA, Fukami Y, Kawate N, Sakase M, Fukushima M, Pathirana IN, Büllesbach EE, Inaba T, Tamada H. Plasma insulin-like peptide 3 concentrations are acutely regulated by luteinizing hormone in pubertal Japanese Black beef bulls. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1530-5. [PMID: 26318230 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) is a major secretory product of testicular Leydig cells. The mechanism of acute regulation of INSL3 secretion is still unknown. The present study was undertaken in pubertal beef bulls to (1) determine the temporal relationship of pulsatile secretion among LH, INSL3, and testosterone and (2) monitor acute regulation of INSL3 secretion by LH using GnRH analogue and hCG. Blood samples were collected from Japanese Black beef bulls (N = 6) at 15-minute intervals for 8 hours. Moreover, blood samples were collected at -0.5, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours after GnRH treatment and -0.5, 0, 2, 4, and 8 hours on the day of treatment (Day 0), and Days 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 after hCG treatment. Concentrations of LH, INSL3, and testosterone determined by EIAs indicated that secretion in the general circulation was pulsatile. The frequency of LH, INSL3, and testosterone pulses was 4.7 ± 0.9, 3.8 ± 0.2, and 1.0 ± 0.0, respectively, during the 8-hour period. Seventy percent of these INSL3 pulses peaked within 1 hour after a peak of an LH pulse had occurred. The mean increase (peak per basal concentration) of testosterone pulses was higher (P < 0.001) than that of INSL3 pulses. After GnRH treatment, LH concentrations increased (P < 0.01) dramatically 1 hour after treatment and remained high (P < 0.05) until the end of sampling, whereas an elevated (P < 0.05) INSL3 concentration occurred at 1, 2, 5, and 6 hours after treatment. Testosterone concentrations increased (P < 0.01) 1 hour after the treatment and remained high until the end of sampling. After hCG treatment, an increase of INSL3 concentration occurred at 2 and 4 hours, and Days 2, 4, and 8 after treatment (P < 0.05), whereas in case of testosterone, concentrations remained high (P < 0.01) until Day 8 after treatment. The increase (maximum per pretreatment concentration) of INSL3 concentrations after injecting GnRH or hCG was much lower (P < 0.001) than that of testosterone. In conclusion, secretion of INSL3 in blood of bulls occurred in a pulsatile manner. We inferred an acute regulation of INSL3 by LH in bulls because INSL3 concentrations increased immediately after endogenous and exogenous LH stimulation. The increase of INSL3 concentrations by LH was much lower than that of testosterone in bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hannan
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Y Fukami
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - N Kawate
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan.
| | - M Sakase
- Northern Center of Agricultural Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Wadayama, Hyogo, Japan
| | - M Fukushima
- Northern Center of Agricultural Technology, General Technological Center of Hyogo Prefecture for Agriculture, Forest and Fishery, Wadayama, Hyogo, Japan
| | - I N Pathirana
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka
| | - E E Büllesbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - T Inaba
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - H Tamada
- Department of Advanced Pathobiology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
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Nistal M, Paniagua R, González-Peramato P, Reyes-Múgica M. Perspectives in pediatric pathology, chapter 4. Pubertal and adult testis. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2015; 18:187-202. [PMID: 25993606 DOI: 10.2350/12-11-1271-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Nistal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ricardo Paniagua
- Department of Cell Biology, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar González-Peramato
- Department of Pathology, Hospital La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Calle Arzobispo Morcillo #2, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Miguel Reyes-Múgica
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, One Children's Hospital Drive, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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Rossato M, Dassie F, Silvestrin V, Martini C, Vettor R, Maffei P. Insulin-like factor 3 plasma levels in acromegaly before and after somatostatin analog treatment. Endocrine 2015; 48:705-8. [PMID: 24917446 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-014-0310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Rossato
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Clinica Medica 3, University of Padova, School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padova, Italy,
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Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, Vicari E, Mongioi' L, Favilla V, Morgia G, Cimino S, Russo G, La Vignera S. The gonadal function in obese adolescents: review. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:1133-42. [PMID: 24923899 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-014-0107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This review deals with the relationship between obesity in male adolescents and gonadal function. The article is structured in two main paragraphs; the first one is about population studies that have assessed puberty timing and its mode of onset in relation with body weight to evaluate if and how the latter can influence the gonadal function in this phase of life. These studies analyze issues such as increased BMI and early onset of male puberty, gender differences, secular trend toward early onset of puberty in males, effects of a different body composition on male puberty and consequences of a different stage of childhood obesity on the onset of male puberty. The second paragraph examines the possible mechanisms through which, obesity may alter the timing of puberty in young males, including the role of SHBG, leptin, insulin resistance, ghrelin, GH-IGF-1 axis, AR polymorphisms, primary testicular dysfunction, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4) and liver function abnormalities. However, despite the numerous studies in the literature, the etiology of gonadal disfunction in obese adolescents on puberty remains uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita A Condorelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Pediatric Sciences, University of Catania, Policlinico "G. Rodolico", Via S. Sofia 78, Building 4, Room 2C18, 95123, Catania, Italy
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Zhang H, Lu Y, Luo B, Yan S, Guo X, Dai J. Proteomic analysis of mouse testis reveals perfluorooctanoic acid-induced reproductive dysfunction via direct disturbance of testicular steroidogenic machinery. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:3370-85. [PMID: 24940614 DOI: 10.1021/pr500228d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant suspected of being an endocrine disruptor; however, mechanisms of male reproductive disorders induced by PFOA are poorly understood. In this study, male mice were exposed to 0, 0.31, 1.25, 5, and 20 mg PFOA/kg/day by oral gavage for 28 days. PFOA significantly damaged the seminiferous tubules and reduced testosterone and progesterone levels in the testis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PFOA exposure reduced sperm quality. We identified 93 differentially expressed proteins between the control and the 5 mg/kg/d PFOA treated mice using a quantitative proteomic approach. Among them, insulin like-factor 3 (INSL3) and cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1) as Leydig-cell-specific markers were significantly decreased. We examined in detail the expression patterns of CYP11A1 and associated genes involved in steroidogenesis in the mouse testis. PFOA inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of CYP11A1 and the mRNA levels of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, in vitro study showed the reduction in progesterone levels was accompanied by decreased expression of CYP11A1 in cAMP-stimulated mLTC-1 cells. Our findings indicate that PFOA exposure can impair male reproductive function, possibly by disturbing testosterone levels, and CPY11A1 may be a major steroidogenic enzyme targeted by PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, 100101, P.R. China
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Trabado S, Lamothe S, Maione L, Bouvattier C, Sarfati J, Brailly-Tabard S, Young J. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome as models for studying hormonal regulation of human testicular endocrine functions. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2014; 75:79-87. [PMID: 24815726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Men with Kallmann syndrome (KS) and those with congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with normal olfaction share a chronic, usually profound deficit, in FSH and LH, the two pituitary gonadotropins. Many studies indicate that this gonadotropin deficiency is already present during fetal life, thus explaining the micropenis, cryptorchidism and marked testicular hypotrophy already present at birth. In addition, neonatal activation of gonadotropin secretion is compromised in boys with severe CHH/Kallmann, preventing the first phase of postnatal testicular activation. Finally, CHH is characterized by the persistence, in the vast majority of cases, of gonadotropin deficiency at the time of puberty and during adulthood. This prevents the normal pubertal testicular reactivation required for physiological sex steroid and testicular peptide production, and for spermatogenesis. CHH/KS thus represents a pathological paradigm that can help to unravel, in vivo, the role of each gonadotropin in human testicular exocrine and endocrine functions at different stages of development. Recombinant gonadotropins with pure LH or FSH activity have been used to stimulate Leydig's cells and Sertoli's cells, respectively, and thereby to clarify their paracrine interaction in vivo. The effects of these pharmacological probes can be assessed by measuring the changes they provoke in circulating testicular hormone concentrations. This review discusses the impact of chronic gonadotropin deficiency on the endocrine functions of the interstitial compartment, which contains testosterone-, estradiol- and INSL3-secreting Leydig's cells. It also examines the regulation of inhibin B and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) secretion in the seminiferous tubules, and the insights provided by studies of human testicular stimulation with recombinant gonadotropins, used either individually or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Trabado
- Inserm U693, université Paris-Sud, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratoire d'hormonologie et génétique, hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Sophie Lamothe
- Service d'endocrinologie et des maladies de la reproduction, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Luigi Maione
- Service d'endocrinologie et des maladies de la reproduction, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Claire Bouvattier
- Département d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Julie Sarfati
- Service d'endocrinologie et des maladies de la reproduction, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sylvie Brailly-Tabard
- Inserm U693, université Paris-Sud, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Laboratoire d'hormonologie et génétique, hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
| | - Jacques Young
- Inserm U693, université Paris-Sud, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Service d'endocrinologie et des maladies de la reproduction, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
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41
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Johansen ML, Anand-Ivell R, Mouritsen A, Hagen CP, Mieritz MG, Søeborg T, Johannsen TH, Main KM, Andersson AM, Ivell R, Juul A. Serum levels of insulin-like factor 3, anti-Müllerian hormone, inhibin B, and testosterone during pubertal transition in healthy boys: a longitudinal pilot study. Reproduction 2014; 147:529-35. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-13-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a promising marker of Leydig cell function with potentially high clinical relevance. Limited data of INSL3 levels in relation to other reproductive hormones in healthy pubertal boys exist. In this study, we aimed to evaluate longitudinal serum changes in INSL3 compared with LH, FSH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) during puberty in healthy boys. Ten boys were included from the longitudinal part of the COPENHAGEN Puberty Study. Pubertal evaluation, including testicular volume, was performed and blood samples were drawn every 6 months for 5 years. Serum concentrations of testosterone were determined by a newly developed LC–MS/MS method, and serum concentrations of INSL3, AMH, inhibin B, FSH, and LH respectively were determined by validated immunoassays. The results showed that serum INSL3 levels increased progressively with increasing age, pubertal onset, and testicular volume. In six of the ten boys, LH increased before the first observed increase in INSL3. In the remaining four boys, the increase in LH and INSL3 was observed at the same examination. The increases in serum concentrations of LH, testosterone, and INSL3 were not parallel or in ordered succession and varied interindividually. We demonstrated that INSL3 concentrations were tightly associated with pubertal onset and increasing testicular volume. However, the pubertal increases in LH, INSL3, and testosterone concentrations were not entirely parallel, suggesting that INSL3 and testosterone may be regulated differently. Thus, we speculate that INSL3 provides additional information on Leydig cell differentiation and function during puberty compared with traditional markers of testicular function.
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Minagawa I, Sagata D, Pitia AM, Kohriki H, Shibata M, Sasada H, Hasegawa Y, Kohsaka T. Dynamics of insulin-like factor 3 and its receptor expression in boar testes. J Endocrinol 2014; 220:247-61. [PMID: 24464024 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Relaxin-like factor (RLF), now mainly known as insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3), is essential for testis descent during fetal development; however, its function in the adult testis is still being elucidated. As a major step toward understanding the as-yet-unknown function of INSL3 in boars, this study aimed to develop a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for boar INSL3, characterize the dynamics of INSL3 expression during development, and demonstrate the expression of the INSL3 hormone-receptor system in the testis. All samples were collected from Duroc boars. The sensitivity of the assay system established was 8.2 pg/well (164 pg/ml), and no cross-reactivity with other hormones, such as porcine relaxin, was observed. Circulating INSL3 was shown to increase progressively during development. INSL3 secreted from the Leydig cells was released not only into the blood circulation but also into the interstitial and seminiferous compartments in sufficient concentrations. A testicular fractionation study revealed that its receptor RXFP2 transcripts were expressed mainly in testicular germ cells. In addition, INSL3 bound to the germ cell membranes in a hormone-specific and saturable manner. These results reveal that INSL3 secreted into the interstitial compartment from the Leydig cells is transported into the seminiferous compartments, where its receptor RXFP2 is expressed mainly in the germ cells to which INSL3 binds, suggesting that INSL3 functions as a paracrine factor on seminiferous germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itaru Minagawa
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction and Physiology, Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan Division of Animal Resource Production, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan Shizuoka Swine and Poultry Experimental Station, Kikugawa, Shizuoka, Japan Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan School of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Sciences High-Tech Research Center, Kitasato University, Towada, Japan
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43
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Trabado S, Maione L, Bry-Gauillard H, Affres H, Salenave S, Sarfati J, Bouvattier C, Delemer B, Chanson P, Le Bouc Y, Brailly-Tabard S, Young J. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) in men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism/Kallmann syndrome and effects of different modalities of hormonal treatment: a single-center study of 281 patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E268-75. [PMID: 24243640 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a testicular hormone secreted during fetal life, the neonatal period, and after puberty. OBJECTIVE To measure INSL3 levels in a large series of men with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH)/ Kallmann syndrome (KS), in order to assess its diagnostic value and to investigate its regulation. PATIENTS We studied 281 CHH/KS patients (91 untreated, 96 receiving T, and 94 receiving combined gonadotropin therapy [human chorionic gonadotropin, hCG, and FSH]) and 72 age-matched healthy men. METHODS Serum INSL3 was immunoassayed with a validated RIA. RESULTS Mean (±SD) INSL3 levels (pg/mL) were 659 ± 279 in controls and lower (60 ± 43; P < .001) in untreated CHH/KS patients, with no overlap between the two groups, when the threshold of 250 pg/mL was used. Basal INSL3 levels were lower in both untreated CHH/KS men with cryptorchidism than in those with intrascrotal testes and in patients with testicular volumes below 4 mL. Significant positive correlations between INSL3 and both serum total T and LH levels were observed in untreated CHH/KS. Mean INSL3 levels remained low in T-treated CHH/KS patients and were significantly higher in men receiving combined hCG-FSH therapy (P < .001), but the increase was lower cryptorchid patients. FSH-hCG combination therapy or hCG monotherapy, contrary to T and FSH monotherapies, significantly increased INSL3 levels in CHH/KS. CONCLUSIONS INSL3 is as sensitive a marker as T for the evaluation of altered Leydig cell function in CHH/KS patients. INSL3 levels correlate with LH levels in CHH/KS men showing, together with the rise in INSL3 levels during hCG therapy, that INSL3 secretion seems not constitutively secreted during adulthood but is dependence on pituitary LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Séverine Trabado
- Université de Paris-Sud (S.T., L.M., S.S., P.C., J.S., C.B., S.B.T., J.Y.), Faculté de Médecine Paris-Sud, Unité Mixte de Recherche-S693, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, F-94276, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (S.T., S.B.T.), Hôpital de Bicêtre, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, F-94275, France; Service d'Endocrinologie et des Maladies de la Reproduction (L.M., H.B.G., H.A., S.S., J.S., P.C., J.Y.), Département de Pédiatrie Endocrinienne (C.B.), Hôpital de Bicêtre, F-94275, France; Service d'Endocrinologie (B.D.), Centre Hospitalier Robert Debré, Reims F-51092, France; Inserm U693 (S.T., L.M., P.C., S.B.T., J.Y.), IFR93, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, F94275, France; and Laboratoire d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Hôpital Trousseau (Y.L.B.), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris and Université Pierre et Marie Curie and Inserm UMRS-938, Paris F-75012, France
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44
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Ivell R, Heng K, Anand-Ivell R. Insulin-Like Factor 3 and the HPG Axis in the Male. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:6. [PMID: 24478759 PMCID: PMC3902607 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis comprises pulsatile GnRH from the hypothalamus impacting on the anterior pituitary to induce expression and release of both LH and FSH into the circulation. These in turn stimulate receptors on testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells, respectively, to promote steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. Both Leydig and Sertoli cells exhibit negative feedback to the pituitary and/or hypothalamus via their products testosterone and inhibin B, respectively, thereby allowing tight regulation of the HPG axis. In particular, LH exerts both acute control on Leydig cells by influencing steroidogenic enzyme activity, as well as chronic control by impacting on Leydig cell differentiation and gene expression. Insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) represents an additional and different endpoint of the HPG axis. This Leydig cell hormone interacts with specific receptors, called RXFP2, on Leydig cells themselves to modulate steroidogenesis, and on male germ cells, probably to synergize with androgen-dependent Sertoli cell products to support spermatogenesis. Unlike testosterone, INSL3 is not acutely regulated by the HPG axis, but is a constitutive product of Leydig cells, which reflects their number and/or differentiation status and their ability therefore to produce various factors including steroids, together this is referred to as Leydig cell functional capacity. Because INSL3 is not subject to the acute episodic fluctuations inherent in the HPG axis itself, it serves as an excellent marker for Leydig cell differentiation and functional capacity, as in puberty, or in monitoring the treatment of hypogonadal patients, and at the same time buffering the HPG output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ivell
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia ; Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology , Dummerstorf , Germany
| | - Kee Heng
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide , Adelaide, SA , Australia
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45
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Bay K, Anand-Ivell R. Human Testicular Insulin-Like Factor 3 and Endocrine Disrupters. VITAMINS & HORMONES 2014; 94:327-48. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800095-3.00012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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46
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Anand-Ivell R, Tremellen K, Dai Y, Heng K, Yoshida M, Knight PG, Hale GE, Ivell R. Circulating insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) in healthy and infertile women. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:3093-102. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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47
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Abstract
Findings in the past few years have advanced understanding of the crosstalk between testis and bone and could contribute to defining an improved clinical approach to the biochemical diagnosis and therapeutic management of hypogonadism and male osteoporosis. This Review focuses on the Leydig cells of the testis. Other than being responsible for steroidogenesis and production of testosterone, the function of these cells is fundamental to bone health in at least two other ways: Leydig cells produce insulin-like 3 (INSL3), which has a role in osteoblast function, and they contribute to 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D. Impairment of testicular function leads to low levels of testosterone, INSL3 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D and consequently to an increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Clinical Pathology & Center for Human Reproduction Pathology, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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48
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Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome, 47,XXY (KS), is the most frequent sex chromosome aberration in males, affecting 1 in 660 newborn boys. The syndrome is characterized by testicular destruction with extensive fibrosis and hyalinization of the seminiferous tubules resulting in small testes, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and azoospermia in the majority of cases. Until recently, infertility was considered an untreatable condition in KS. However, with the development of new advanced assisted reproductive techniques such as testicular sperm extraction (TESE) combined with ICSI it seems that KS patients should no longer be labelled as infertile. Especially, microdissection (micro)-TESE has proved to be an advantageous procedure for the identification of testicular spermatozoa in KS. The aim of this review was to describe current knowledge on the testicular changes occurring in KS, the associated changes in reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis, and the existing possibilities of biological fatherhood in 47,XXY patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Aksglaede
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Section 5064, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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49
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Anand-Ivell R, Dai Y, Ivell R. Neohormones as biomarkers of reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2013; 99:1153-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Bathgate RAD, Halls ML, van der Westhuizen ET, Callander GE, Kocan M, Summers RJ. Relaxin family peptides and their receptors. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:405-80. [PMID: 23303914 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00001.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are seven relaxin family peptides that are all structurally related to insulin. Relaxin has many roles in female and male reproduction, as a neuropeptide in the central nervous system, as a vasodilator and cardiac stimulant in the cardiovascular system, and as an antifibrotic agent. Insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3) has clearly defined specialist roles in male and female reproduction, relaxin-3 is primarily a neuropeptide involved in stress and metabolic control, and INSL5 is widely distributed particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. Although they are structurally related to insulin, the relaxin family peptides produce their physiological effects by activating a group of four G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), relaxin family peptide receptors 1-4 (RXFP1-4). Relaxin and INSL3 are the cognate ligands for RXFP1 and RXFP2, respectively, that are leucine-rich repeat containing GPCRs. RXFP1 activates a wide spectrum of signaling pathways to generate second messengers that include cAMP and nitric oxide, whereas RXFP2 activates a subset of these pathways. Relaxin-3 and INSL5 are the cognate ligands for RXFP3 and RXFP4 that are closely related to small peptide receptors that when activated inhibit cAMP production and activate MAP kinases. Although there are still many unanswered questions regarding the mode of action of relaxin family peptides, it is clear that they have important physiological roles that could be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A D Bathgate
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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