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Abstract
Together, loss- and gain-of-function experiments have identified the bone-derived secreted molecule osteocalcin as a hormone with a broad reach in rodents and primates. Following its binding to one of three receptors, osteocalcin exerts a profound influence on various aspects of energy metabolism as well as steroidogenesis, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and thereby male fertility, electrolyte homeostasis, cognition, the acute stress response, and exercise capacity. Although this review focuses mostly on the regulation of energy metabolism by osteocalcin, it also touches on its other functions. Lastly, it proposes what could be a common theme between the functions of osteocalcin and between these functions and the structural functions of bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Karsenty
- Departments of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA;
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2
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Khosla S. Evidence in Humans for Bone as an Endocrine Organ Regulating Energy Metabolism. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2023; 31:100471. [PMID: 37576432 PMCID: PMC10417886 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2023.100471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence from animal models that bone, in addition to its traditional function of providing structural support for the organism, has a rich network of interactions with multiple other tissues. This perspective focuses on evidence from human studies demonstrating that bone is an endocrine organ regulating energy metabolism, with the specific examples being osteocalcin, lipocalin 2, RANKL, and sclerostin. Conversely, animal studies have also demonstrated that a key hormone regulating energy metabolism, leptin, regulates bone metabolism via the sympathetic nervous system. Studies in humans have established a role for the sympathetic nervous system in regulating bone turnover; indeed, the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting this pathway in humans to prevent postmenopausal bone loss is currently being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundeep Khosla
- Kogod Center on Aging and Endocrine Research Unit, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Jawich K, Rocca MS, Al Fahoum S, Alhalabi M, Di Nisio A, Foresta C, Ferlin A, De Toni L. RS 2247911 polymorphism of GPRC6A gene and serum undercarboxylated-osteocalcin are associated with testis function. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1673-1682. [PMID: 35482214 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01803-9] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Undercarboxylated-Osteocalcin (ucOCN), acting on its putative receptor GPRC6A, was shown to stimulate testosterone (T) production by Leydig cells in rodents, in parallel with the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) mediated by luteinizing hormone (LH). The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association among serum ucOCN, rs2247911 polymorphism of GPRC6A gene and the endocrine/semen pattern in a cohort of infertile males, possibly identifying an involvement of the ucOCN-GPRC6A axis on testis function. METHODS 190 males, including 74 oligozoospermic subjects, 58 azoosperminc patients and 58 normozoospermic controls, were prospectively recruited at the Orient Hospital for Infertility, Assisted Reproduction and Genetics in Syria (Study N. 18FP), from July 2018 to June 2020. Outpatient evaluation included the clinical history, anthropometrics and a fasting blood sampling for hormonals, serum OCN (both carboxylated and undercarboxylated), glycemic and lipid profile and screening for rs2247911 GPRC6A gene polymorphism. RESULTS Higher serum ucOCN associated with higher T and HDL-cholesterol (respectively: r = 0.309, P < 0.001 and r = 0.248, P = 0.001), and with lower FSH (r = - 0.327, P < 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (r = - 0.171; P = 0.018). Patients bearing the GG genotype of rs2247911 had higher sperm count compared to GA genotype (P = 0.043) and, compared to both AG and AA genotypes, had higher serum T (P = 0.004, P = 0.001) and lower triglycerides levels (P = 0.002, P < 0.001). Upon normalization for LH levels and body mass index, rs2274911 and ucOCN were significantly associated with higher serum T at linear stepwise regression analysis (P = 0.013, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest the involvement of ucOCN-GPRC6A axis in the regulation of T production by the testis, subsidiary to HPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Jawich
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - M Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - S Al Fahoum
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
| | - M Alhalabi
- Department of Embryology and Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - L De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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Berger JM, Karsenty G. Osteocalcin and the Physiology of Danger. FEBS Lett 2021; 596:665-680. [PMID: 34913486 PMCID: PMC9020278 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Bone biology has long been driven by the question as to what molecules affect cell differentiation or the functions of bone. Exploring this issue has been an extraordinarily powerful way to improve our knowledge of bone development and physiology. More recently, a second question has emerged: does bone have other functions besides making bone? Addressing this conundrum revealed that the bone-derived hormone osteocalcin affects a surprisingly large number of organs and physiological processes, including acute stress response. This review will focus on this emerging aspect of bone biology taking osteocalcin as a case study and will show how classical and endocrine functions of bone help to define a new functional identity for this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Meyer Berger
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Gerard Karsenty
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, NY, 10032, USA
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Chen H, Shang D, Wen Y, Liang C. Bone-Derived Modulators That Regulate Brain Function: Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683457. [PMID: 34179014 PMCID: PMC8222721 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone has traditionally been regarded as a structural organ that supports and protects the various organs of the body. Recent studies suggest that bone also acts as an endocrine organ to regulate whole-body metabolism. Particularly, homeostasis of the bone is shown to be necessary for brain development and function. Abnormal bone metabolism is associated with the onset and progression of neurological disorders. Recently, multiple bone-derived modulators have been shown to participate in brain function and neurological disorders, including osteocalcin, lipocalin 2, and osteopontin, as have bone marrow-derived cells such as mesenchymal stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, and microglia-like cells. This review summarizes current findings regarding the roles of these bone-derived modulators in the brain, and also follows their involvement in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. The content of this review may aide in the development of promising therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders via targeting bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhen Chen
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dewei Shang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuguan Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Liang
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Jaschke N, Sipos W, Hofbauer LC, Rachner TD, Rauner M. Skeletal endocrinology: where evolutionary advantage meets disease. Bone Res 2021; 9:28. [PMID: 34050126 PMCID: PMC8163738 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-021-00149-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of whole-body homeostasis by the skeleton is mediated by its capacity to secrete endocrine signaling molecules. Although bone-derived hormones confer several adaptive benefits, their physiological functions also involve trade-offs, thus eventually contributing to disease. In this manuscript, we discuss the origins and functions of two of the best-studied skeletal mediators, fibroblast growth factor 23 and osteocalcin, in an evolutionary context. Moreover, we provide a theoretical framework seeking to explain the broad involvement of these two hormones in amniote physiology as well as their potential to fuel the development and progression of diseases. Vice versa, we outline which perturbations might be amenable to manipulation of these systems and discuss limitations and ongoing challenges in skeletal endocrine research. Finally, we summarize unresolved questions and potential future studies in this thriving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai Jaschke
- Department of Medicine III & Center for Healthy Aging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sipos
- Clinical Department for Farm Animals, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz C Hofbauer
- Department of Medicine III & Center for Healthy Aging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tilman D Rachner
- Department of Medicine III & Center for Healthy Aging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martina Rauner
- Department of Medicine III & Center for Healthy Aging, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Matos B, Patrício D, Henriques MC, Freitas MJ, Vitorino R, Duarte IF, Howl J, Oliveira PA, Seixas F, Duarte JA, Ferreira R, Fardilha M. Chronic exercise training attenuates prostate cancer-induced molecular remodelling in the testis. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:311-327. [PMID: 33074478 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-020-00567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death in males worldwide and, in addition to impairing prostate function, also causes testicular adaptations. In this study, we aim to investigate the preventive effect of exercise training on PCa-induced testicular dysfunction. METHODS As a model, we used fifty Wistar Unilever male rats, randomly divided in four experimental groups. Prostate cancer was chemically and hormonally induced in two groups of animals (PCa groups). One control group and one PCa group was submitted to moderate intensity treadmill exercise training. Fifty weeks after the start of the training the animals were sacrificed and sperm, prostate, testis and serum were collected and analyzed. Sperm concentration and morphology, and testosterone serum levels were determined. In addition, histological analyses of the testes were performed, and testis proteomes and metabolomes were characterized. RESULTS We found that prostate cancer negatively affected testicular function, manifested as an arrest of spermatogenesis. Oxidative stress-induced DNA damage, arising from reduced testis blood flow, may also contribute to apoptosis of germ cells and consequential spermatogenic impairment. Decreased utilization of the glycolytic pathway, increased metabolism of ketone bodies and the accumulation of branched chain amino acids were also evident in the PCa animals. Conversely, we found that the treadmill training regimen activated DNA repair mechanisms and counteracted several metabolic alterations caused by PCa without impact on oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm a negative impact of prostate cancer on testis function and suggest a beneficial role for exercise training in the prevention of prostate cancer-induced testis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Matos
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Daniela Patrício
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Magda C Henriques
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Maria J Freitas
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Rui Vitorino
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Iola F Duarte
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - John Howl
- Molecular Pharmacology Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Science, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Center for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Seixas
- Animal and Veterinary Research Center (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - José A Duarte
- Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure (CIAFEL), Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rita Ferreira
- QOPNA & LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Margarida Fardilha
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Pi M, Nishimoto SK, Darryl Quarles L. Explaining Divergent Observations Regarding Osteocalcin/GPRC6A Endocrine Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6104945. [PMID: 33474566 PMCID: PMC7880225 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A new schema proposes that the bone-derived osteocalcin (Ocn) peptide hormone activates the G-protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A to directly regulate glucose and fat metabolism in liver, muscle, and fat, and to stimulate the release of metabolism-regulating hormones, including insulin, fibroblast growth factor 21, glucagon-like peptide 1, testosterone, and interleukin 6. Ocn/GPRC6A activation has also been implicated in cancer progression. GPRC6A is activated by cations, amino acids, and testosterone. The multiligand specificity, the regulation of energy metabolism in diverse tissues, and the coordinated release of metabolically active hormones make the GPRC6A endocrine networks unique. Recently, the significance of Ocn/GPRCA has been questioned. There is a lack of metabolic abnormalities in newly created genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mouse models. There are also paradoxical observations that GPRC6A may function as a tumor suppressor. In addition, discordant published studies have cast doubt on the function of the most prevalent uniquely human GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism. Explanations for these divergent findings are elusive. We provide evidence that the metabolic susceptibility of genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mice is influenced by environmental challenges and genetic differences in mouse strains. In addition, the GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism appears to be a gain-of-function variant. Finally, alternatively spliced isoforms of GPRC6A may alter ligand specificity and signaling that modulate oncogenic effects. Thus, genetic, post-translational and environmental factors likely account for the variable results regarding the functions of GPRC6A in animal models. Pending additional information, GPRC6A should remain a potential therapeutic target for regulating energy and fat metabolism, hormone production, and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Satoru Kenneth Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Correspondence: L. Darryl Quarles, MD, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA. . Current Affiliation: 965 Court Ave, Suite B226, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Lv Q, Zhou J, Liu J, Kang D, Zhang H. Serum osteocalcin is inversely associated with lower extremity atherosclerotic disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr J 2021; 68:137-144. [PMID: 33087644 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej20-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Serum osteocalcin (OCN) is closely related to metabolic risk factors, and the relationship between OCN and atherosclerosis has been investigated. However, it is still controversial. Herein, we explored the potential correlation between serum total OCN and lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) in 326 hospitalized Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Femoral intima-media thickness (F-IMT) and lower limb atherosclerotic plaque were assessed through color Doppler ultrasound. Subjects with LEAD had significantly lower serum OCN levels compared with those without LEAD (14.54 [14.10-14.89] ng/mL versus 16.79 [15.86-18.04] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that serum OCN levels were positively associated with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and negatively associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose (2hPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and F-IMT. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that OCN (OR 0.938, 95% confidence interval (CI 0.933-0.950, p = 0.003) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.985-0.996, p = 0.003) were independently and inversely associated with LEAD, while age (OR 1.140, 95% CI 1.127-1.148, p < 0.001), diabetes duration (OR 1.068, 95% CI 1.039-1.080, p < 0.005) and uric acid (UA) (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.002-1.007, p = 0.032) were independently and positively associated with LEAD. Additionally, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum OCN levels were negatively associated with F-IMT (standardized β = -0.180, p = 0.002). In Chinese patients with T2DM, serum OCN levels were independently and inversely correlated with LEAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihuan Lv
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiongjiong Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Kang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong, 250012, People's Republic of China
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Ge W, Chen M, Tian W, Chen J, Zhao Y, Xian H, Chen J, Xu Y. Global 3'UTR shortening and down-regulation of repeated element related piRNA play crucial roles in boys with cryptorchidism. Genomics 2021; 113:633-645. [PMID: 33485952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital defect in children's genitourinary system. Decades of research have identified both environmental and genetic factors contribute to the etiology. METHODS Small-RNA/mRNA-seq were performed on testicular tissues from cryptorchidism patients. Downstream analysis included mRNA expression, piRNA expression and miRNA expression. RESULTS We find a global downregulation of repeated element related piRNA expression as well as a global 3'UTR shortening of mRNAs in patients with cryptorchidism. We also find that genes with shortened 3'UTR which are highly enriched in vascular endothelial growth and protein ubiquitination, tend to be up-regulated in cryptorchidism. These results indicate that boys with cryptorchidism may not have normal piRNA functions to protect developmental tissues from transposon invasion. Dysregulated shortened 3'UTR genes may affect normal testicular tissue development. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings also provided the first landscape of gene regulation in cryptorchidism, especially in terms of post-transcriptional regulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Ge
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minhua Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinshuang Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hua Xian
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yunzhao Xu
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Qi N, Chen Y, Zeng Y, Bao M, Long X, Guo Y, Tan A, Gao Y, Zhang H, Yang X, Hu Y, Mo Z, Jiang Y. rs2274911 polymorphism in GPRC6A associated with serum E2 and PSA in a Southern Chinese male population. Gene 2020; 763:145067. [PMID: 32827681 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND rs2274911 (Pro91Ser, G > A) is a missense mutation located on the second exon of the GPRC6A gene. Increasing evidence revealed a significant association between the A allele of rs2274911 and male diseases, such as oligospermia, cryptorchidism, and prostate tumor. However, the function of rs2274911 in healthy males is unclear. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 1742 healthy men were selected from the Fangchenggang Area Male Health and Examination Survey (FAMHES). The association between rs2274911 and phenotype was evaluated. The cell characteristics of rs2274911 mutation (mu), wild-type GPRC6A (WT), and RFP control in human embryonic kidney (293T) and human prostate cancer (PC3) cells were analyzed. RNA sequencing was performed on PC3 cells. RESULTS E2 and PSA serum levels increased with the accumulation of the A allele (E2: G vs. A, -0.029 [-0.050, -0.008], P < 0.01, P trend = 0.027; PSA: G vs. A, -0.040 [-0.079, 0.000], P < 0.05, P trend = 0.048). rs2274911 enhanced the proliferation and invasion ability of PC3 or 293T cells and activated the ERK pathway. The genes were identified as rs2274911 mu-affected genes through RNA sequential analysis of rs2274911 mu, GPRC6A WT, and RFP control of PC3 cells. Most of these genes were related to cancer development processes, cAMP, and the ERK cell signaling pathway. CONCLUSION This project represents that rs2274911 is associated with E2 and PSA serum levels in Southern Chinese men. Rs2274991 mutation promotes 293T and PC3 cell proliferation in vitro. These results suggest that rs2274911 is a functional variant of GPRC6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Qi
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yanyu Zeng
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Mengying Bao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xinyang Long
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yajie Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Aihua Tan
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Chemotherapy, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yong Gao
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Haiying Zhang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yanling Hu
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
| | - Yonghua Jiang
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
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Kaune T, Ruffert C, Hesselbarth N, Damm M, Krug S, Cardinal von Widdern J, Masson E, Chen JM, Rebours V, Buscail L, Férec C, Grützmann R, Te Morsche RHM, Drenth JP, Cavestro GM, Zuppardo RA, Saftoiu A, Malecka-Panas E, Głuszek S, Bugert P, Lerch MM, Sendler M, Weiss FU, Zou WB, Deng SJ, Liao Z, Scholz M, Kirsten H, Hegyi P, Witt H, Michl P, Griesmann H, Rosendahl J. Analysis of GPRC6A variants in different pancreatitis etiologies. Pancreatology 2020; 20:1262-1267. [PMID: 32859544 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The G-protein-coupled receptor Class C Group 6 Member A (GPRC6A) is activated by multiple ligands and is important for the regulation of calcium homeostasis. Extracellular calcium is capable to increase NLRP3 inflammasome activity of the innate immune system and deletion of this proinflammatory pathway mitigated pancreatitis severity in vivo. As such this pathway and the GPRC6A receptor is a reasonable candidate gene for pancreatitis. Here we investigated the prevalence of sequence variants in the GPRC6A locus in different pancreatitis aetiologies. METHODS We selected 6 tagging SNPs with the SNPinfo LD TAG SNP Selection tool and the functional relevant SNP rs6907580 for genotyping. Cohorts from Germany, further European countries and China with up to 1,124 patients and 1,999 controls were screened for single SNPs with melting curve analysis. RESULTS We identified an association of rs1606365(G) with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in a German (odds ratio (OR) 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65-0.89, p = 8 × 10-5) and a Chinese cohort (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.96, p = 0.02). However, this association was not replicated in a combined cohort of European patients (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.99-1.41, p = 0.07). Finally, no association was found with acute and non-alcoholic chronic pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS Our results support a potential role of calcium sensing receptors and inflammasome activation in alcoholic chronic pancreatitis development. As the functional consequence of the associated variant is unclear, further investigations might elucidate the relevant mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kaune
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Claudia Ruffert
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Nico Hesselbarth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Marko Damm
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Sebastian Krug
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | | | - Emmanuelle Masson
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200, Brest, France; CHRU Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, Brest, France
| | - Jian-Min Chen
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200, Brest, France
| | - Vinciane Rebours
- Department of Gastroenterology and Pancreatology, Beaujon Hospital, APHP, Clichy, and Paris-Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Louis Buscail
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Pancréatologie, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Claude Férec
- Univ Brest, Inserm, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB, F-29200, Brest, France; CHRU Brest, Service de Génétique Médicale et de Biologie de la Reproduction, Brest, France
| | - Robert Grützmann
- Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Chirurgische Klinik, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rene H M Te Morsche
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud umc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Ph Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud umc, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Martina Cavestro
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Alessia Zuppardo
- Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adrian Saftoiu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - Ewa Malecka-Panas
- Department of Digestive Tract Diseases, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Stanislaw Głuszek
- Collegium Medicum (Medical College), Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
| | - Peter Bugert
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, German Red Cross Blood Service of Baden-Württemberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus M Lerch
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Sendler
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Frank Ulrich Weiss
- Department of Medicine A, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Wen-Bin Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun-Jiang Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuan Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Markus Scholz
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Kirsten
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE- Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Hegyi
- Institute for Translational Medicine and First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; First Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Heiko Witt
- Else Kröner-Fresenius-Zentrum für Ernährungsmedizin (EKFZ), Paediatric Nutritional Medicine, Technische Universität München (TUM), Freising, Germany
| | - Patrick Michl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Heidi Griesmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University, Halle, Germany.
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Turakhia Y, Chen HI, Marcovitz A, Bejerano G. A fully-automated method discovers loss of mouse-lethal and human-monogenic disease genes in 58 mammals. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:e91. [PMID: 32614390 PMCID: PMC7498332 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene losses provide an insightful route for studying the morphological and physiological adaptations of species, but their discovery is challenging. Existing genome annotation tools focus on annotating intact genes and do not attempt to distinguish nonfunctional genes from genes missing annotation due to sequencing and assembly artifacts. Previous attempts to annotate gene losses have required significant manual curation, which hampers their scalability for the ever-increasing deluge of newly sequenced genomes. Using extreme sequence erosion (amino acid deletions and substitutions) and sister species support as an unambiguous signature of loss, we developed an automated approach for detecting high-confidence gene loss events across a species tree. Our approach relies solely on gene annotation in a single reference genome, raw assemblies for the remaining species to analyze, and the associated phylogenetic tree for all organisms involved. Using human as reference, we discovered over 400 unique human ortholog erosion events across 58 mammals. This includes dozens of clade-specific losses of genes that result in early mouse lethality or are associated with severe human congenital diseases. Our discoveries yield intriguing potential for translational medical genetics and evolutionary biology, and our approach is readily applicable to large-scale genome sequencing efforts across the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatish Turakhia
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Heidi I Chen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amir Marcovitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gill Bejerano
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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14
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Pi M, Xu F, Ye R, Nishimoto SK, Kesterson RA, Williams RW, Lu L, Quarles LD. Humanized GPRC6A KGKY is a gain-of-function polymorphism in mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11143. [PMID: 32636482 PMCID: PMC7341878 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC6A is proposed to regulate energy metabolism in mice, but in humans a KGKY polymorphism in the third intracellular loop (ICL3) is proposed to result in intracellular retention and loss-of-function. To test physiological importance of this human polymorphism in vivo, we performed targeted genomic humanization of mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9) system to replace the RKLP sequence in the ICL3 of the GPRC6A mouse gene with the uniquely human KGKY sequence to create Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice. Knock-in of a human KGKY sequence resulted in a reduction in basal blood glucose levels and increased circulating serum insulin and FGF-21 concentrations. Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice demonstrated improved glucose tolerance, despite impaired insulin sensitivity and enhanced pyruvate-mediated gluconeogenesis. Liver transcriptome analysis of Gprc6a-KGKY-knockin mice identified alterations in glucose, glycogen and fat metabolism pathways. Thus, the uniquely human GPRC6A-KGKY variant appears to be a gain-of-function polymorphism that positively regulates energy metabolism in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Satoru K Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Robert A Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 720 20th Street South, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 19 S Manassas St., Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
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15
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Karsenty G. The facts of the matter: What is a hormone? PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008938. [PMID: 32589668 PMCID: PMC7319275 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Karsenty
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
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16
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Jørgensen CV, Bräuner‐Osborne H. Pharmacology and physiological function of the orphan GPRC6A receptor. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 126 Suppl 6:77-87. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christinna V. Jørgensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Hans Bräuner‐Osborne
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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17
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Zhou Y, Zhang D, Liu B, Hu D, Shen L, Long C, Yu Y, Lin T, Liu X, He D, Wei G. Bioinformatic identification of key genes and molecular pathways in the spermatogenic process of cryptorchidism. Genes Dis 2019; 6:431-440. [PMID: 31832523 PMCID: PMC6889044 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to determine key genes and pathways that could play important roles in the spermatogenic process of patients with cryptorchidism. The gene expression profile data of GSE25518 was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Microarray data were analyzed using BRB-Array Tools to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high azoospermia risk (HAZR) patients and controls. In addition, other analytical methods were deployed, including hierarchical clustering analysis, class comparison between patients with HAZR and the normal control group, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and the construction of a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. In total, 1015 upregulated genes and 1650 downregulated genes were identified. GO and KEGG analysis revealed enrichment in terms of changes in the endoplasmic reticulum cellular component and the endoplasmic reticulum protein synthetic process in the HAZR group. Furthermore, the arachidonic acid pathway and mTOR pathway were also identified as important pathways, while RICTOR and GPX8 were indentified as key genes involved in the spermatogenic process of patients with cryptorchidism. In present study, we found that changes in the synthesis of endoplasmic reticulum proteins, arachidonic acid and the mTOR pathway are important in the incidence and spermatogenic process of cryptorchidism. GPX8 and RICTOR were also identified as key genes associated with cryptorchidism. Collectively, these data may provide novel clues with which to explore the precise etiology and mechanism underlying cryptorchidism and cryptorchidism-induced human infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Deying Zhang
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
| | - Dong Hu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Chunlan Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Yihang Yu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
| | - Dawei He
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
| | - Guanghui Wei
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing 400014, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Children Urogenital Development and Tissue Engineering, China
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Urology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
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Kaufman JM, Lapauw B, Mahmoud A, T'Sjoen G, Huhtaniemi IT. Aging and the Male Reproductive System. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:906-972. [PMID: 30888401 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on fertility and reproductive hormone changes in aging men, the factors driving and modulating these changes, their clinical consequences, and the benefits and risks of testosterone (T) therapy. Aging is accompanied by moderate decline of gamete quality and fertility. Population mean levels show a mild total T decline, an SHBG increase, a steeper free T decline, and a moderate LH increase with important contribution of comorbidities (e.g., obesity) to these changes. Sexual symptoms and lower hematocrit are associated with low T and are partly responsive to T therapy. The relationship of serum T with body composition and metabolic health is bidirectional; limited beneficial effects of T therapy on body composition have only marginal effects on metabolic health and physical function. Skeletal changes are associated primarily with estradiol and SHBG. Cognitive decline is not consistently linked to low T and is not improved by T therapy. Although limited evidence links moderate androgen decline with depressive symptoms, T therapy has small beneficial effects on mood, depressive symptoms, and vitality in elderly patients with low T. Suboptimal T (and/or DHT) has been associated with increased risk of stroke, but not of ischemic heart disease, whereas an association with mortality probably reflects that low T is a marker of poor health. Globally, neither severity of clinical consequences attributable to low T nor the nature and magnitude of beneficial treatment effects justify the concept of some broadly applied "T replacement therapy" in older men with low T. Moreover, long-term safety of T therapy is not established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marc Kaufman
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ahmed Mahmoud
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilpo Tapani Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Ye R, Pi M, Nooh MM, Bahout SW, Quarles LD. Human GPRC6A Mediates Testosterone-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and mTORC1 Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2019; 95:563-572. [PMID: 30894404 DOI: 10.1124/mol.118.115014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is activated by testosterone and modulates prostate cancer progression. Most humans have a GPRC6A variant that contains a recently evolved KGKY insertion/deletion in the third intracellular loop (ICL3) (designated as GPRC6AICL3_KGKY) that replaces the ancestral KGRKLP sequence (GPRC6AICL3_RKLP) present in all other species. In vitro assays purport that human GPRC6AICL3_KGKY is retained intracellularly and lacks function. These findings contrast with ligand-dependent activation and coupling to mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling of endogenous human GPRC6AICL3_KGKY in PC-3 cells. To understand these discrepant results, we expressed mouse (mGPRC6AICL3_KGRKLP), human (hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY), and humanized mouse (mGPRC6AICL3_KGKY) GPRC6A into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Our results demonstrate that mGPRC6AICL3_KGRKLP acts as a classic G protein-coupled receptor, which is expressed at the cell membrane and internalizes in response to ligand activation by testosterone. In contrast, hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY and humanized mouse mGPRC6AICL3_KGKY are retained intracellularly in ligand naive cells, yet exhibit β-arrestin-dependent signaling responses, mitogen-activated protein kinase [i.e., extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)], and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation in response to testosterone, indicating that hGPRC6AICL3_KGKY is functional. Indeed, testosterone stimulates time- and dose-dependent activation of ERK, protein kinase B, and mTORC1 signaling in wild-type PC-3 cells that express endogenous GPRC6AICL3_KGKY In addition, testosterone stimulates GPRC6A-dependent cell proliferation in wild-type PC-3 cells and inhibits autophagy by activating mTORC1 effectors eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 and Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1. Testosterone activation of GPRC6A has the obligate requirement for calcium in the incubation media. In contrast, in GPRC6A-deficient cells, the effect of testosterone to activate downstream signaling is abolished, indicating that human GPRC6A is required for mediating the effects of testosterone on cell proliferation and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruisong Ye
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Min Pi
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Mohammed M Nooh
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - Suleiman W Bahout
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Departments of Medicine (R.Y., M.P., L.D.Q.) and Pharmacology (S.W.B.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt (M.M.N.)
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20
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Rocca MS, Di Nisio A, Sabovic I, Ghezzi M, Foresta C, Ferlin A. E2F1 copy number variations contribute to spermatogenic impairment and cryptorchidism by increasing susceptibility to heat stress. Andrology 2019; 7:251-256. [PMID: 30659775 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in the onset of several diseases, and recently research focused on the relationship between these structural variants and diseases of the reproductive tract, including male infertility and cryptorchidism. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the contribution of copy number variations of E2F1 gene to idiopathic male infertility and the factors influencing expression of this gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective study on 540 subjects recruited from September 2014 to February 2015. TaqMan CNV assay was used to analyze E2F1 CNV. Real-time PCR was used to assess E2F1 and HSP70 expression level in heat stressed and transfected cells with three E2F1 copies. RESULTS We found a significant difference in the frequency of altered E2F1 copies in patients (12/343, 3.5%) compared with controls (0/197) (p = 0.005). Six patients with E2F1 CNV had history of cryptorchidism, but the prevalence between men with idiopathic infertility (6/243, 2.5%) and infertile men with history of cryptorchidism (6/100, 6.0%) was not statistically different (p = 0.1). E2F1 expression increased under heat stress conditions, especially in cells carrying more copies of gene and this was associated with increased expression of HSP70. DISCUSSION Our data suggest that an abnormal E2F1 expression caused by multiple copies of E2F1 gene predisposes to the onset of infertility and that the risk further increases if subjects with altered E2F1 copies have stressful conditions, such as heat stress or history of cryptorchidism. CONCLUSION This study shows a link between E2F1 CNV and male infertility, suggesting that the increased risk of spermatogenic impairment associated with higher E2F1 copies might be due to higher susceptibility to stressful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - I Sabovic
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Ghezzi
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Tacey A, Qaradakhi T, Brennan-Speranza T, Hayes A, Zulli A, Levinger I. Potential Role for Osteocalcin in the Development of Atherosclerosis and Blood Vessel Disease. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10101426. [PMID: 30287742 PMCID: PMC6213520 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the involvement of the skeleton in the regulation of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Osteocalcin, an osteoblast derived protein, exists in two forms, carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin. Undercarboxylated osteocalcin has been linked to the regulation of metabolic functions, including glucose and lipid metabolism. Features of atherosclerosis have been associated with circulating osteocalcin; however, this association is often conflicting and unclear. Therefore, the aim of this review is to examine the evidence for a role of osteocalcin in atherosclerosis development and progression, and in particular endothelial dysfunction and vascular calcification. The current literature suggests that undercarboxylated osteocalcin stimulates the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway to upregulate nitric oxide and nuclear factor kappa β (NF-кβ) in vascular cells, possibly protecting endothelial function and preventing atherogenesis. However, this effect may be mediated by metabolic factors, such as improvements in insulin signaling, rather than through a direct effect on the vasculature. Total osteocalcin is frequently associated with vascular calcification, an association that may occur as a result of vascular cells eliciting an osteogenic phenotype. Whether osteocalcin acts as a mediator or a marker of vascular calcification is currently unclear. As such, further studies that examine each form of osteocalcin are required to elucidate if it is a mediator of atherogenesis, and whether it functions independently of metabolic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tacey
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia.
| | - Tawar Qaradakhi
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
| | - Tara Brennan-Speranza
- Department of Physiology and Bosch Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Alan Hayes
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia.
| | - Anthony Zulli
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
| | - Itamar Levinger
- Institute for Health and Sport (IHES), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science, Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia.
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Mera P, Ferron M, Mosialou I. Regulation of Energy Metabolism by Bone-Derived Hormones. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a031666. [PMID: 28778968 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Like many other organs, bone can act as an endocrine organ through the secretion of bone-specific hormones or "osteokines." At least two osteokines are implicated in the control of glucose and energy metabolism: osteocalcin (OCN) and lipocalin-2 (LCN2). OCN stimulates the production and secretion of insulin by the pancreatic β-cells, but also favors adaptation to exercise by stimulating glucose and fatty acid (FA) utilization by the muscle. Both of these OCN functions are mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A. In contrast, LCN2 influences energy metabolism by activating appetite-suppressing signaling in the brain. This action of LCN2 occurs through its binding to the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and ventromedial neurons of the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Mera
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
| | - Mathieu Ferron
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Ioanna Mosialou
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032
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Han Y, You X, Xing W, Zhang Z, Zou W. Paracrine and endocrine actions of bone-the functions of secretory proteins from osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. Bone Res 2018; 6:16. [PMID: 29844945 PMCID: PMC5967329 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-018-0019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeleton is a dynamic organ that is constantly remodeled. Proteins secreted from bone cells, namely osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts exert regulation on osteoblastogenesis, osteclastogenesis, and angiogenesis in a paracrine manner. Osteoblasts secrete a range of different molecules including RANKL/OPG, M-CSF, SEMA3A, WNT5A, and WNT16 that regulate osteoclastogenesis. Osteoblasts also produce VEGFA that stimulates osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis. Osteocytes produce sclerostin (SOST) that inhibits osteoblast differentiation and promotes osteoclast differentiation. Osteoclasts secrete factors including BMP6, CTHRC1, EFNB2, S1P, WNT10B, SEMA4D, and CT-1 that act on osteoblasts and osteocytes, and thereby influenceaA osteogenesis. Osteoclast precursors produce the angiogenic factor PDGF-BB to promote the formation of Type H vessels, which then stimulate osteoblastogenesis. Besides, the evidences over the past decades show that at least three hormones or "osteokines" from bone cells have endocrine functions. FGF23 is produced by osteoblasts and osteocytes and can regulate phosphate metabolism. Osteocalcin (OCN) secreted by osteoblasts regulates systemic glucose and energy metabolism, reproduction, and cognition. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is secreted by osteoblasts and can influence energy metabolism by suppressing appetite in the brain. We review the recent progresses in the paracrine and endocrine functions of the secretory proteins of osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts, revealing connections of the skeleton with other tissues and providing added insights into the pathogenesis of degenerative diseases affecting multiple organs and the drug discovery process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Xiuling You
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Wenhui Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Weiguo Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
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Obri A, Khrimian L, Karsenty G, Oury F. Osteocalcin in the brain: from embryonic development to age-related decline in cognition. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2018; 14:174-182. [PMID: 29376523 PMCID: PMC5958904 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2017.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A remarkable, unexpected aspect of the bone-derived hormone osteocalcin is that it is necessary for both brain development and brain function in the mouse, as its absence results in a profound deficit in spatial learning and memory and an exacerbation of anxiety-like behaviour. The regulation of cognitive function by osteocalcin, together with the fact that its circulating levels decrease in midlife compared with adolescence in all species tested, raised the prospect that osteocalcin might be an anti-geronic hormone that could prevent age-related cognitive decline. As presented in this Review, recent data indicate that this is indeed the case and that osteocalcin is necessary for the anti-geronic activity recently ascribed to the plasma of young wild-type mice. The diversity and amplitude of the functions of osteocalcin in the brain, during development and postnatally, had long called for the identification of its receptor in the brain, which was also recently achieved. This Review presents our current understanding of the biology of osteocalcin in the brain, highlighting the bony vertebrate specificity of the regulation of cognitive function and pointing toward where therapeutic opportunities might exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Obri
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W 168th St. Rm 1602, New York City, New York 10032, USA
| | - Lori Khrimian
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W 168th St. Rm 1602, New York City, New York 10032, USA
| | - Gerard Karsenty
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, 701 W 168th St. Rm 1602, New York City, New York 10032, USA
| | - Franck Oury
- Institut Necker-Enfants Malades, CS 61431, Paris, France Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1151, F-75014 Paris, France Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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25
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Ferlin A, Selice R, Angelini S, Di Grazia M, Caretta N, Cavalieri F, Di Mambro A, Foresta C. Endocrine and psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction in Klinefelter patients. Andrology 2018; 6:414-419. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - R. Selice
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - S. Angelini
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - M. Di Grazia
- Institute for Maternal and Child Health; IRCCS ‘Burlo Garofolo’; Trieste Italy
| | - N. Caretta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - F. Cavalieri
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - A. Di Mambro
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
| | - C. Foresta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine; Department of Medicine; University of Padova; Padova Italy
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26
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Levinger I, Brennan-Speranza TC, Zulli A, Parker L, Lin X, Lewis JR, Yeap BB. Multifaceted interaction of bone, muscle, lifestyle interventions and metabolic and cardiovascular disease: role of osteocalcin. Osteoporos Int 2017; 28:2265-2273. [PMID: 28289780 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-017-3994-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) may play a role in glucose homeostasis and cardiometabolic health. This review examines the epidemiological and interventional evidence associating osteocalcin (OC) and ucOC with metabolic risk and cardiovascular disease. The complexity in assessing such correlations, due to the observational nature of human studies, is discussed. Several studies have reported that higher levels of ucOC and OC are correlated with lower fat mass and HbA1c. In addition, improved measures of glycaemic control via pharmacological and non-pharmacological (e.g. exercise or diet) interventions are often associated with increased circulating levels of OC and/or ucOC. There is also a relationship between lower circulating OC and ucOC and increased measures of vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease. However, not all studies have reported such relationship, some with contradictory findings. Equivocal findings may arise because of the observational nature of the studies and the inability to directly assess the relationship between OC and ucOC on glycaemic control and cardiovascular health in humans. Studying OC and ucOC in humans is further complicated due to numerous confounding factors such as sex differences, menopausal status, vitamin K status, physical activity level, body mass index, insulin sensitivity (normal/insulin resistance/T2DM), tissue-specific effects and renal function among others. Current observational and indirect interventional evidence appears to support a relationship between ucOC with metabolic and cardiovascular disease. There is also emerging evidence to suggest a direct role of ucOC in human metabolism. Further mechanistic studies are required to (a) clarify causality, (b) explore mechanisms involved and
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Affiliation(s)
- I Levinger
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia.
| | - T C Brennan-Speranza
- Department of Physiology and Bosch Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - A Zulli
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - L Parker
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - X Lin
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL), Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia
| | - J R Lewis
- Centre for Kidney Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - B B Yeap
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Australia
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27
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De Toni L, Di Nisio A, Rocca MS, De Rocco Ponce M, Ferlin A, Foresta C. Osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone with important andrological implications. Andrology 2017; 5:664-670. [PMID: 28395130 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence disclosed the existence of a novel multi-organ endocrine pathway, involving bone, pancreas and testis, of high penetrance in energy metabolism and male fertility. The main mediator of this axis is undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), a bone-derived protein-exerting systemic effects on tissues expressing the metabotropic receptor GPRC6A. The recognized effects of ucOC are the improvement of insulin secretion from the pancreas, the amelioration of systemic insulin sensitivity, in particular in skeletal muscle, and the stimulation of the global endocrine activity of the Leydig cell, including vitamin D 25-hydroxylation and testosterone production. The supporting evidence of this circuit in both animal and human models is here reviewed, with particular emphasis on the role of ucOC on testis function. The possible pharmacological modulation of this hormonal circuit for therapeutic aims is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M S Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M De Rocco Ponce
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - A Ferlin
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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28
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Di Nisio A, Rocca MS, Fadini GP, De Toni L, Marcuzzo G, Marescotti MC, Sanna M, Plebani M, Vettor R, Avogaro A, Foresta C. The rs2274911 polymorphism in GPRC6A gene is associated with insulin resistance in normal weight and obese subjects. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2017; 86:185-191. [PMID: 27696500 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identification of the novel endocrine role of osteocalcin (OC) and its receptor GPRC6A has given rise to a new branch of research in OC/GPRC6A axis related to glucose metabolism. GPRC6A- and OC-deficient mice share features of the metabolic syndrome, in addition to male infertility. Recently, the polymorphism rs2274911 in GPRC6A was shown to be associated with testicular impairment. We aimed to investigate the role of rs2274911 polymorphism in glucose and lipid metabolism in a cohort of normal weight and obese subjects DESIGN, PATIENTS, SETTINGS: A total of 392 male and females, including 218 obese patients and 174 age-matched normal weight controls, were retrospectively selected. RESULTS The distribution of rs2274911 alleles and genotypes did not differ either between normal weight and obese subjects or sexes (all P > 0·05). Age- and OC-adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that, in the normal weight group, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR increased in GA (P = 0·016 and P = 0·025) and AA genotypes (P = 0·033 and P = 0·040) compared with GG homozygotes. In the obese group, AA homozygotes had increased fasting glucose (P = 0·041 vs GG). Triglycerides, fasting insulin and HOMA-IR increased in both GA (P = 0·020, P < 0·001 and P = 0·001) and AA genotype (P = 0·021, P = 0·013 and P = 0·013). CONCLUSION In a cohort of normal weight and obese subjects, we found that the nonrare polymorphism rs2274911 in the GPRC6A gene was associated with insulin resistance features, independently of the metabolic phenotype and OC levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Gian Paolo Fadini
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Marcuzzo
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Service of Preventive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Marta Sanna
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Vettor
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Avogaro
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Pi M, Nishimoto SK, Quarles LD. GPRC6A: Jack of all metabolism (or master of none). Mol Metab 2016; 6:185-193. [PMID: 28180060 PMCID: PMC5279936 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background GPRC6A, a widely expressed G-protein coupled receptor, is proposed to be a master regulator of complex endocrine networks and metabolic processes. GPRC6A is activated by multiple ligands, including osteocalcin (Ocn), testosterone (T), basic amino acids, and various cations. Scope of Review We review the controversy surrounding GPRC6A functions. In mice, GPRC6A is proposed to integrate metabolic functions through the coordinated secretion of hormones, including insulin, GLP-1, T, and IL-6, and direct effects of this receptor to control glucose and fat metabolism in the liver, skeletal muscle, and fat. Loss-of-GPRC6A results in metabolic syndrome (MetS), and activation of GPRC6A stimulates proliferation of β-cells, increases peripheral insulin sensitivity, and protects against high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic abnormalities in most mouse models. Bone, cardiovascular, immune, and skin functions of GPRC6A have also been identified in mice. Expression of GPRC6A is increased in prostate cancer (PCa) cells, and inhibition of GPRC6A attenuates PCa progression in mouse models. The function of GPRC6A in humans, however, is not clear. During evolution, a unique polymorphism of GPRC6A emerged mainly in humans of Asian and European decent that has been proposed to alter membrane trafficking and function. In contrast, the ancestral allele found in all other species is retained in 1%, 15%, and 40% of people of Asian, European and African descent, respectively, suggesting GPRC6A gene variants may contribute to the racial disparities in the risk of developing MetS and PCa. Major Conclusions If the regulatory functions of GPRC6A identified in mice translate to humans, and polymorphisms in GPRC6A are found to predict racial disparities in human diseases, GPRC6A may be a new gene target to predict, prevent, and treat MetS, PCa, and other disorders impacted by GPRC6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Satoru Kenneth Nishimoto
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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De Toni L, Garolla A, Menegazzo M, Magagna S, Di Nisio A, Šabović I, Rocca MS, Scattolini V, Filippi A, Foresta C. Heat Sensing Receptor TRPV1 Is a Mediator of Thermotaxis in Human Spermatozoa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167622. [PMID: 27992447 PMCID: PMC5161326 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular bases of sperm thermotaxis, the temperature-oriented cell motility, are currently under investigation. Thermal perception relies on a subclass of the transient receptor potential [TRP] channels, whose member TRPV1 is acknowledged as the heat sensing receptor. Here we investigated the involvement of TRPV1 in human sperm thermotaxis. We obtained semen samples from 16 normozoospermic subjects attending an infertility survey programme, testis biopsies from 6 patients with testicular germ cell cancer and testis fine needle aspirates from 6 patients with obstructive azoospermia undergoing assisted reproductive technologies. Expression of TRPV1 mRNA was assessed by RT-PCR. Protein expression of TRPV1 was determined by western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Sperm motility was assessed by Sperm Class Analyser. Acrosome reaction, apoptosis and intracellular-Ca2+ content were assessed by flow cytometry. We found that TRPV1 mRNA and protein were highly expressed in the testis, in both Sertoli cells and germ-line cells. Moreover, compared to no-gradient controls at 31°C or 37°C (Ctrl 31°C and Ctrl 37°C respectively), sperm migration towards a temperature gradient of 31–37°C (T gradient) in non-capacitated conditions selected a higher number of cells (14,9 ± 4,2×106 cells T gradient vs 5,1± 0,3×106 cells Ctrl 31°C and 5,71±0,74×106 cells Ctrl 37°C; P = 0,039). Capacitation amplified the migrating capability towards the T gradient. Sperms migrated towards the T gradient showed enriched levels of both TRPV1 protein and mRNA. In addition, sperm cells were able to migrate toward a gradient of capsaicin, a specific agonist of TRPV1, whilst capsazepine, a specific agonist of TRPV1, blocked this effect. Finally, capsazepine severely blunted migration towards T gradient without abolishing. These results suggest that TRPV1 may represent a facilitating mediator of sperm thermotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Garolla
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo Menegazzo
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Sabina Magagna
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Nisio
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Iva Šabović
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- IRCCS-Istituto Oncologico Veneto [IOV], Via Gattamelata, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Scattolini
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Filippi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, Padova, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, Padova, Italy
- * E-mail:
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31
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De Toni L, Guidolin D, De Filippis V, Tescari S, Strapazzon G, Santa Rocca M, Ferlin A, Plebani M, Foresta C. Osteocalcin and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Compete on a Specific Binding Site of GPRC6A. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4473-4486. [PMID: 27673554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The undercarboxylated form of osteocalcin (ucOC) regulates male fertility and energy metabolism, acting through the G protein-coupled receptor (GPRC)6A, thus forming a new pancreas-bone-testis axis. Recently, GPRC6A has also been suggested to mediate the nongenomic responses of free testosterone (T). However, these data did not consider the physiological scenario, where circulating T is mainly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and only a small percentage circulates freely in the blood. Here, by the use of computational modelling, we document the existence of similar structural moieties between ucOC and SHBG that are predicted to bind to GPRC6A at docking analysis. This hypothesis of competition was assessed by binding experiments on human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with human GPRC6A gene. Unliganded SHBG specifically bound the membrane of human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with GPRC6A and was displaced by ucOC when coincubated at 100-fold molar excess. Furthermore, specific downstream Erk1/2 phosphorylation after stimulation of GPRC6A with ucOC was significantly blunted by 100-fold molar excess of unliganded SHBG. Intriguingly previous incubation with unliganded SHBG, followed by incubation with T, induced Erk1/2 phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. Neither binding nor stimulating activities were shown for SHBG saturated with T. Experiments on mutation constructs of GPRC6A strengthened the hypothesis of a common binding site of ucOC and SHBG. Given the role of GPRC6A on energy metabolism, these data agree with epidemiological association between SHBG levels and insulin sensitivity, suggest GPRC6A as a likely SHBG receptor, and add bases for the possible regulation of androgen activity in a nonsteroidal manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Toni
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Diego Guidolin
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Filippis
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Simone Tescari
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maria Santa Rocca
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Carlo Foresta
- Department of Medicine (L.D.T., M.S.R., A.F., C.F.), Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova and Department of Laboratory Medicine (M.P.), University-Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine (D.G.), University of Padova Medical School, 35121 Padova, Italy; Laboratory of Protein Chemistry (V.D.F., S.T.), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; and European Academy of Bozen/Bolzano (G.S.), Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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