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Salmeri N, Viganò P, Cavoretto P, Marci R, Candiani M. The kisspeptin system in and beyond reproduction: exploring intricate pathways and potential links between endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:239-257. [PMID: 37505370 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09826-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two common female reproductive disorders with a significant impact on the health and quality of life of women affected. A novel hypothesis by evolutionary biologists suggested that these two diseases are inversely related to one another, representing a pair of diametrical diseases in terms of opposite alterations in reproductive physiological processes but also contrasting phenotypic traits. However, to fully explain the phenotypic features observed in women with these conditions, we need to establish a potential nexus system between the reproductive system and general biological functions. The recent discovery of kisspeptin as pivotal mediator of internal and external inputs on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis has led to a new understanding of the neuroendocrine upstream regulation of the human reproductive system. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the physiological roles of kisspeptin in human reproduction, as well as its involvement in complex biological functions such as metabolism, inflammation and pain sensitivity. Importantly, these functions are known to be dysregulated in both PCOS and endometriosis. Within the evolving scientific field of "kisspeptinology", we critically discuss the clinical relevance of these discoveries and their potential translational applications in endometriosis and PCOS. By exploring the possibilities of manipulating this complex signaling system, we aim to pave the way for novel targeted therapies in these reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Salmeri
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti 6, 20122, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Cavoretto
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Marci
- Gynecology & Obstetrics, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Candiani
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
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2
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Xiao Y, Yin S, Cui J, Bai Y, Yang Z, Wang J, Wang J. Association between the prevalence rates of circadian syndrome and testosterone deficiency in US males: data from NHANES (2011-2016). Front Nutr 2023; 10:1137668. [PMID: 37229470 PMCID: PMC10204805 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1137668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study is to explore the association between the prevalence rates of circadian syndrome (CircS) and testosterone deficiency (TD). Materials and methods Cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the basis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2016. The target population was males aged ≥20 years old. A total of three multivariable logistic regression models were built to elucidate the association between the prevalence rates of CircS and TD. Interactive and stratified analyses were employed to explore whether some variables can modify the above association. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to verify the stability of the results with extreme values removed. Results A total of 3,436 eligible participants were involved. Multivariable logistic regression in the fully adjusted model suggested the CircS group had a significantly higher prevalence rate of TD compared with the non-CircS group (OR = 2.284, 95%CI 1.569 to 3.323). No significant correlation between the number of CircS components and TD was observed in any of the three models. The interactive and stratified analyses showed the association was more obvious in the population with moderate or vigorous activities. The results were robust after extreme data were excluded. Conclusion There is a positive association between the prevalence rates of CircS and TD in US men. The association becomes more obvious owing to moderate or vigorous activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Xiao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Yin
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Jianwei Cui
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunjin Bai
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenzhen Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Whittaker J. Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:165-197. [PMID: 36725796 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Whittaker
- The School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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Abstract
Sleep serves important biological functions, and influences health and longevity through endocrine and metabolic related systems. Sleep debt, circadian misalignment and sleep disruption from obstructive sleep apnea is widespread in modern society and accumulates with life because recovery sleep is not completely restorative. Accumulated disordered sleep throughout life impacts the ageing process and the development of age-related diseases. When epidemiological and interventional studies are considered collectively, sleep loss and lower sleep duration are associated with lower morning, afternoon and 24-h testosterone; as well as higher afternoon, but not morning or 24-h cortisol. These reciprocal changes imbalances anabolic-catabolic signaling because testosterone and cortisol are respectively the main anabolic and catabolic signals in man. Fixing testosterone-cortisol balance by means of a novel dual-hormone clamp mitigates the induction of insulin resistance by sleep restriction and provided the first proof-of-concept that the metabolic harm from sleep loss can be ameliorated by approaches that do not require sleeping more. Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with lower testosterone, even after controlling for age and obesity whereas the conclusion that continuous positive airway pressure therapy has no effect on testosterone is premature because available studies are underpowered and better-quality studies suggest otherwise. High dose testosterone therapy induces OSA, but more physiological dosing may not; and this effect may be transient or may dissipate with longer term therapy. Studies investigating the origin of the diurnal testosterone rhythm, the effect of circadian misalignment on testosterone-cortisol balance, and methods to mitigate metabolic harm, are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Liu
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Harbor UCLA Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, 1124 W Carson St., Box 446, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Radha T Reddy
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Harbor UCLA Medical Center and The Lundquist Institute, 1124 W Carson St., Box 446, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
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Luconi M, Sogorb MA, Markert UR, Benfenati E, May T, Wolbank S, Roncaglioni A, Schmidt A, Straccia M, Tait S. Human-Based New Approach Methodologies in Developmental Toxicity Testing: A Step Ahead from the State of the Art with a Feto-Placental Organ-on-Chip Platform. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15828. [PMID: 36497907 PMCID: PMC9737555 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Developmental toxicity testing urgently requires the implementation of human-relevant new approach methodologies (NAMs) that better recapitulate the peculiar nature of human physiology during pregnancy, especially the placenta and the maternal/fetal interface, which represent a key stage for human lifelong health. Fit-for-purpose NAMs for the placental-fetal interface are desirable to improve the biological knowledge of environmental exposure at the molecular level and to reduce the high cost, time and ethical impact of animal studies. This article reviews the state of the art on the available in vitro (placental, fetal and amniotic cell-based systems) and in silico NAMs of human relevance for developmental toxicity testing purposes; in addition, we considered available Adverse Outcome Pathways related to developmental toxicity. The OECD TG 414 for the identification and assessment of deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to chemicals on developing organisms will be discussed to delineate the regulatory context and to better debate what is missing and needed in the context of the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis to significantly improve this sector. Starting from this analysis, the development of a novel human feto-placental organ-on-chip platform will be introduced as an innovative future alternative tool for developmental toxicity testing, considering possible implementation and validation strategies to overcome the limitation of the current animal studies and NAMs available in regulatory toxicology and in the biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale Medaglie d’Oro 305, 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Miguel A. Sogorb
- Instituto de Bioingeniería, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Emilio Benfenati
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias May
- InSCREENeX GmbH, Inhoffenstr. 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Wolbank
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institut for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Donaueschingenstrasse 13, 1200 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Roncaglioni
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Astrid Schmidt
- Placenta Lab, Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Straccia
- FRESCI by Science&Strategy SL, C/Roure Monjo 33, Vacarisses, 08233 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Tait
- Centre for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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6
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Adipose Tissue Dysfunction and Obesity-Related Male Hypogonadism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158194. [PMID: 35897769 PMCID: PMC9330735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic illness associated with several metabolic derangements and comorbidities (i.e., insulin resistance, leptin resistance, diabetes, etc.) and often leads to impaired testicular function and male subfertility. Several mechanisms may indeed negatively affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal health, such as higher testosterone conversion to estradiol by aromatase activity in the adipose tissue, increased ROS production, and the release of several endocrine molecules affecting the hypothalamus–pituitary–testis axis by both direct and indirect mechanisms. In addition, androgen deficiency could further accelerate adipose tissue expansion and therefore exacerbate obesity, which in turn enhances hypogonadism, thus inducing a vicious cycle. Based on these considerations, we propose an overview on the relationship of adipose tissue dysfunction and male hypogonadism, highlighting the main biological pathways involved and the current therapeutic options to counteract this condition.
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Mate N, Shaji R, Das M, Jain S, Banerjee A. Expression of polyamines and its association with GnRH-I in the hypothalamus during aging in rodent model. Amino Acids 2022; 54:1135-1154. [PMID: 35286462 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-022-03139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
GnRH-I and GnIH are the key neuropeptides that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in mammals during aging. Polyamines are important aliphatic amines that are expressed in the brain and show variation with aging. The present study demonstrates evidence of variation in the level of expression of polyamines, GnRH-I and GnIH in the hypothalamus of female mice during aging. The study also suggests regulatory effects of polyamines over expression of the hypothalamic GnRH-I. The study shows a significant positive correlation between polyamines, its associated factors and GnRH-I along with significant negative correlation between polyamines, its associated factors and GnIH. This is the first study to report the effect of polyamines along with lactate or TNF-α or both on GnRH-I expression in GT1-7 cell line. TNF-α and lactate significantly decreased hypothalamic GnRH-I mRNA expression in GT1-7 cells when treated for 24 h. Polyamines (putrescine and agmatine) in contrast, significantly increased GnRH-I mRNA expression in GT1-7 cells when treated for 24 h. Also, polyamines increased GnRH-I mRNA expression when treated in presence of TNF-α or lactate thereby suggesting its neuro-protective role. This study also found 3809 differentially expressed genes through RNA-seq done between the hypothalamic GT1-7 cells treated with putrescine only versus TNF-α and putrescine. The present study suggests for the first time that putrescine treatment to TNFα-primed GT1-7 cells upregulates GnRH-I expression via regulation of several pathways such as calcium ion pathway, estrogen signaling, clock genes as well as regulating other metabolic process like neuronal differentiation and neurulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Mate
- Department of Biological Sciences, KK Birla, Goa Campus, BITS Pilani, Zuarinagar, Goa, India
| | - Rohit Shaji
- Department of Biological Sciences, KK Birla, Goa Campus, BITS Pilani, Zuarinagar, Goa, India
| | - Moitreyi Das
- Department of Zoology, Goa University, Goa, India
| | - Sammit Jain
- Department of Mathematics, KK Birla, Goa Campus, BITS Pilani, Zuarinagar, Goa, India
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KK Birla, Goa Campus, BITS Pilani, Zuarinagar, Goa, India.
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Wu CT, Hilgendorf KI, Bevacqua RJ, Hang Y, Demeter J, Kim SK, Jackson PK. Discovery of ciliary G protein-coupled receptors regulating pancreatic islet insulin and glucagon secretion. Genes Dev 2021; 35:1243-1255. [PMID: 34385262 PMCID: PMC8415323 DOI: 10.1101/gad.348261.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Multiple G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are expressed in pancreatic islet cells, but the majority have unknown functions. We observed specific GPCRs localized to primary cilia, a prominent signaling organelle, in pancreatic α and β cells. Loss of cilia disrupts β-cell endocrine function, but the molecular drivers are unknown. Using functional expression, we identified multiple GPCRs localized to cilia in mouse and human islet α and β cells, including FFAR4, PTGER4, ADRB2, KISS1R, and P2RY14. Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) and prostaglandin E receptor 4 (PTGER4) agonists stimulate ciliary cAMP signaling and promote glucagon and insulin secretion by α- and β-cell lines and by mouse and human islets. Transport of GPCRs to primary cilia requires TULP3, whose knockdown in primary human and mouse islets relocalized ciliary FFAR4 and PTGER4 and impaired regulated glucagon or insulin secretion, without affecting ciliary structure. Our findings provide index evidence that regulated hormone secretion by islet α and β cells is controlled by ciliary GPCRs providing new targets for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Ting Wu
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Keren I Hilgendorf
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Romina J Bevacqua
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Yan Hang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Janos Demeter
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Seung K Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Peter K Jackson
- Baxter Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Guarnieri G, Becatti M, Comeglio P, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Benzo[a]pyrene impairs the migratory pattern of human gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neuroblasts. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 34459573 PMCID: PMC8419627 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a widespread pollutant that can act as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) and interferes with reproductive function. The central regulatory network of the reproductive system is mediated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which originate in the olfactory placode and, during ontogenesis, migrate into the hypothalamus. Given the importance of the migratory process for GnRH neuron maturation, we investigated the effect of BaP (10 μM for 24 h) on GnRH neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal olfactory epithelium (FNCB4). BaP exposure significantly reduced the mRNA level of genes implicated in FNCB4 cell migration and affected their migratory ability. Our findings demonstrate that BaP may interfere with the central neuronal network controlling human reproduction affecting GnRH neuron maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence.
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | | | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence.
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O'Connor KM, Ashoori M, Dias ML, Dempsey EM, O'Halloran KD, McDonald FB. Influence of innate immune activation on endocrine and metabolic pathways in infancy. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2021; 321:E24-E46. [PMID: 33900849 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00542.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Premature infants often require extended hospital stays, with increased risk of developing infection compared with term infants. A picture is emerging of wide-ranging deleterious consequences resulting from innate immune system activation in the newborn infant. Those who survive infection have been exposed to a stimulus that can impose long-lasting alterations into later life. In this review, we discuss sepsis-driven alterations in integrated neuroendocrine and metabolic pathways and highlight current knowledge gaps in respect of neonatal sepsis. We review established biomarkers for sepsis and extend the discussion to examine emerging findings from human and animal models of neonatal sepsis that propose novel biomarkers for early identification of sepsis. Future research in this area is required to establish a greater understanding of the distinct neonatal signature of early and late-stage infection, to improve diagnosis, curtail inappropriate antibiotic use, and promote precision medicine through a biomarker-guided empirical and adjunctive treatment approach for neonatal sepsis. There is an unmet clinical need to decrease sepsis-induced morbidity in neonates, to limit and prevent adverse consequences in later life and decrease mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - M Ashoori
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - M L Dias
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - E M Dempsey
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
| | - K D O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - F B McDonald
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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La Vignera S, Cannarella R, Galvano F, Grillo A, Aversa A, Cimino L, Magagnini CM, Mongioì LM, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. The ketogenic diet corrects metabolic hypogonadism and preserves pancreatic ß-cell function in overweight/obese men: a single-arm uncontrolled study. Endocrine 2021; 72:392-399. [PMID: 33063272 PMCID: PMC8128723 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02518-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overweight and obesity are increasingly spread in our society. Low testosterone levels are often present in these patients, the so-called metabolic hypogonadism, that further alters the metabolic balance in a sort of vicious cycle. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has been reported to efficiently reduce body weight, glycaemia, and the serum levels of insulin, glycated hemoglobin, but its effects on β-cell function and total testosterone (TT) levels are less clear. AIM To evaluate the effects of VLCKD on markers suggested to be predictive of β-cell dysfunction development, such as proinsulin or proinsulin/insulin ratio, and on TT values in a cohort of overweight or obese nondiabetic male patients with metabolic hypogonadism. METHODS Patients with overweight or obesity and metabolic hypogonadism underwent to VLCKD for 12 weeks. Anthropometric parameters, blood testing for the measurement of glycaemia, insulin, C-peptide, proinsulin, TT, calculation of body-mass index (BMI), and HOMA index were performed before VLCKD and after 12 weeks. RESULTS Twenty patients (mean age 49.3 ± 5.2 years) were enrolled. At enrollement all patients presented increased insulin, HOMA index, C-peptide, and proinsulin levels, whereas the proinsulin/insulin ratio was within the normal values. After VLCKD treatment, body weight and BMI significantly decreased, and 14.9 ± 3.9% loss of the initial body weight was achieved. Glycaemia, insulin, HOMA index, C-peptide, and proinsulin significantly decreased compared to pre-VLCKD levels. Serum glycaemia, insulin, C-peptide, and proinsulin levels returned within the normal range in all patients. No difference in the proinsulin/insulin ratio was observed after VLCKD treatment. A mean increase of 218.1 ± 53.9% in serum TT levels was achieved and none of the patients showed TT values falling in the hypogonadal range at the end of the VLCKD treatment. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study that evaluated the effects of VLCKD on proinsulin, proinsulin/insulin ratio, and TT levels. VLCKD could be safely used to improve β-cell secretory function and insulin-sensitivity, and to rescue overweight and obese patients from β-cell failure and metabolic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fabio Galvano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Grillo
- Labogen (Specialized Human Genetics Laboratory), Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Laura Cimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina M Magagnini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura M Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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12
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Mao CF, Sudirman S, Lee CC, Tsou D, Kong ZL. Echinacea purpurea Ethanol Extract Improves Male Reproductive Dysfunction With Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:651286. [PMID: 33996978 PMCID: PMC8113381 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.651286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As lifestyle changes, the prevalence of diabetes increases every year. Diabetes-induced male reproductive dysfunction is predominantly due to increased oxidative stress and then results in sperm damage and infertility. Echinacea purpurea is a traditional medicinal herb and is well-known for its immune-modulatory, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role in innate immune responses leading to nuclear factor (NF)-κB phosphorylation and release of proinflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. However, the relation between Echinacea purpurea extract and TLR4 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects on male reproduction of Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EPE) against diabetic rats and whether the anti-inflammatory effects were through the TLR4 pathway. Diabetic male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). EPE was tested in three doses (93, 279, and 465 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. Besides, metformin administration (100 mg/kg/day) was treated as a positive control. Results indicated that EPE administration for about 4 weeks improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, EPE increased sperm motility, protected sperm morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as protein for testosterone synthesis enzyme. In sperm superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione antioxidants were increased, whereas proinflammatory cytokines, such as NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased. The testis protein content of TLR4 and downstream phospho-NF-κB p65 also were reduced. The EPE might reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines via TLR4 pathways and improve diabetes-induced male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Feng Mao
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Sabri Sudirman
- Fisheries Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia
| | - Chi-Chih Lee
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - David Tsou
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Zwe-Ling Kong
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung, Taiwan
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13
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d’Angelo DM, Di Donato G, Breda L, Chiarelli F. Growth and puberty in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021; 19:28. [PMID: 33712046 PMCID: PMC7953722 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in children, with an annual incidence of 2-20 cases per 100,000 and a prevalence of 16-150 per 100,000. It is associated with several complications that can cause short-term or long-term disability and reduce the quality of life. Among these, growth and pubertal disorders play an important role. Chronic inflammatory conditions are often associated with growth failure ranging from slight decrease in height velocity to severe forms of short stature. The prevalence of short stature in JIA varies from 10.4% in children with polyarticular disease to 41% of patients with the systemic form, while oligoarthritis is mostly associated with localized excessive bone growth of the affected limb, leading to limb dissymmetry. The pathogenesis of growth disorders is multifactorial and includes the role of chronic inflammation, long-term use of corticosteroids, undernutrition, altered body composition, delay of pubertal onset or slow pubertal progression. These factors can exert a systemic effect on the GH/IGF-1 axis and on the GnRH-gonadotropin-gonadic axis, or a local influence on the growth plate homeostasis and function. Although new therapeutic options are available to control inflammation, there are still 10-20% of patients with severe forms of the disease who show continuous growth impairment, ending in a short final stature. Moreover, delayed puberty is associated with a reduction in the peak bone mass with the possibility of concomitant or future bone fragility. Monitoring of puberty and bone health is essential for a complete health assessment of adolescents with JIA. In these patients, an assessment of the pubertal stage every 6 months from the age of 9 years is recommended. Also, linear growth should be always evaluated considering the patient's bone age. The impact of rhGH therapy in children with JIA is still unclear, but it has been shown that if rhGH is added at high dose in a low-inflammatory condition, post steroids and on biologic therapy, it is able to favor a prepubertal growth acceleration, comparable with the catch-up growth response in GH-deficient patients. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the pathogenesis of puberty and growth disorders in children with JIA, which can help the pediatrician to properly and timely assess the presence of growth and pubertal disorders in JIA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Di Donato
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Luciana Breda
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
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14
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Chang B, Song C, Gao H, Ma T, Li T, Ma Q, Yao T, Wang M, Li J, Yi X, Tang D, Cao S. Leptin and inflammatory factors play a synergistic role in the regulation of reproduction in male mice through hypothalamic kisspeptin-mediated energy balance. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2021; 19:12. [PMID: 33472656 PMCID: PMC7816398 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-021-00698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy balance is closely related to reproductive function, wherein hypothalamic kisspeptin mediates regulation of the energy balance. However, the central mechanism of kisspeptin in the regulation of male reproductive function under different energy balance states is unclear. Here, high-fat diet (HFD) and exercise were used to change the energy balance to explore the role of leptin and inflammation in the regulation of kisspeptin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-testis (HPT) axis. METHODS Four-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to a normal control group (n = 16) or an HFD (n = 49) group. After 10 weeks of HFD feeding, obese mice were randomly divided into obesity control (n = 16), obesity moderate-load exercise (n = 16), or obesity high-load exercise (n = 17) groups. The obesity moderate-load exercise and obesity high-load exercise groups performed exercise (swimming) for 120 min/day and 120 min × 2 times/day (6 h interval), 5 days/week for 8 weeks, respectively. RESULTS Compared to the mice in the normal group, in obese mice, the mRNA and protein expression of the leptin receptor, kiss, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) decreased in the hypothalamus; serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone levels and sperm quality decreased; and serum leptin, estradiol, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and sperm apoptosis increased. Moderate- and high-load exercise effectively reduced body fat and serum leptin levels but had the opposite effects on the hypothalamus and serum IL-10 and TNF-α levels. Moderate-load exercise had anti-inflammatory effects accompanied by increased mRNA and protein expression of kiss and GnRH in the hypothalamus and increased serum FSH, LH, and testosterone levels and improved sperm quality. High-load exercise also promoted inflammation, with no significant effect on the mRNA and protein expression of kiss and GnRH in the hypothalamus, serum sex hormone level, or sperm quality. Moderate-load exercise improved leptin resistance and inflammation and reduced the inhibition of kisspeptin and the HPT axis in obese mice. The inflammatory response induced by high-load exercise may counteract the positive effect of improving leptin resistance on kisspeptin and HPT. CONCLUSION During changes in energy balance, leptin and inflammation jointly regulate kisspeptin expression on the HPT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chang
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Chenglin Song
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Haining Gao
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Tie Ma
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Li
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Qianhe Ma
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Tingting Yao
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing Li
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuejie Yi
- Exercise and Health Research Center/Department of Kinesiology, Shenyang Sport University, Shenyang, 110102, Liaoning, China.
| | - Donghui Tang
- PE College of Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Shicheng Cao
- Department of Sports Medicine, School of Public and Basic Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, Liaoning, China.
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15
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Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Herrera-Puerta E, Piaceri I, Nacmias B, Benelli M, Kelsey G, Maggi M, Gallina P, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Tumor Necrosis Factor α Influences Phenotypic Plasticity and Promotes Epigenetic Changes in Human Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neuroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6128. [PMID: 32854421 PMCID: PMC7504606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
TNFα is the main proinflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but it also modulates physiological functions in both the developing and adult brain. In this study, we investigated a potential direct role of TNFα in determining phenotypic changes of a recently established cellular model of human basal forebrain cholinergic neuroblasts isolated from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (hfNBMs). Exposing hfNBMs to TNFα reduced the expression of immature markers, such as nestin and β-tubulin III, and inhibited primary cilium formation. On the contrary, TNFα increased the expression of TNFα receptor TNFR2 and the mature neuron marker MAP2, also promoting neurite elongation. Moreover, TNFα affected nerve growth factor receptor expression. We also found that TNFα induced the expression of DNA-methylation enzymes and, accordingly, downregulated genes involved in neuronal development through epigenetic mechanisms, as demonstrated by methylome analysis. In summary, TNFα showed a dual role on hfNBMs phenotypic plasticity, exerting a negative influence on neurogenesis despite a positive effect on differentiation, through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. Our results help to clarify the complexity of TNFα effects in human neurons and suggest that manipulation of TNFα signaling could provide a potential therapeutic approach against neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Irene Piaceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.P.); (B.N.)
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.P.); (B.N.)
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 50122 Prato, Italy;
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK;
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Barbara Vannelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
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16
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Dai X, Hong L, Shen H, Du Q, Ye Q, Chen X, Zhang J. Estradiol-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes contributes to aging-related reproductive function declines in female mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:6089-6108. [PMID: 32259796 PMCID: PMC7185128 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic astrocytes are important contributors that activate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and promote GnRH/LH (luteinizing hormone) surge. However, the potential roles and mechanisms of astrocytes during the early reproductive decline remain obscure. The current study reported that, in intact middle-aged female mice, astrocytes within the hypothalamic RP3V accumulated senescence-related markers with increasing age. It employed an ovariectomized animal model and a cell model receiving estrogen intervention to confirm the estrogen-induced senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes. It found that estrogen metabolites may be an important factor for the estrogen-induced astrocyte senescence. In vitro molecular analysis revealed that ovarian estradiol activated PKA and up-regulated CYPs expression, metabolizing estradiol into 2-OHE2 and 4-OHE2. Of note, in middle-aged mice, the progesterone synthesis and the ability to promote GnRH release were significantly reduced. Besides, the expression of growth factors decreased and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines significantly increased in the aging astrocytes. The findings confirm that ovarian estradiol induces the senescence of hypothalamic astrocytes and that the senescent astrocytes compromise the regulation of progesterone synthesis and GnRH secretion, which may contribute to the aging-related declines in female reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoman Dai
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Luyan Hong
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi. China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, FujianChina
| | - Qinyong Ye
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaochun Chen
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, Fujian, China
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17
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Abstract
This article contains a systematic review of the main developments that have occurred in the area of male hypogonadism between the publication of the Endocrine Society Guidelines of 2010 and 2018 and after 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Marcelli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houson, Texas, USA .,Section of Endocrinology, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sanjay Navin Mediwala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houson, Texas, USA.,Section of Endocrinology, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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18
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Barabás K, Szabó-Meleg E, Ábrahám IM. Effect of Inflammation on Female Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Neurons: Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020529. [PMID: 31947687 PMCID: PMC7014424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
: Inflammation has a well-known suppressive effect on fertility. The function of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, the central regulator of fertility is substantially altered during inflammation in females. In our review we discuss the latest results on how the function of GnRH neurons is modified by inflammation in females. We first address the various effects of inflammation on GnRH neurons and their functional consequences. Second, we survey the possible mechanisms underlying the inflammation-induced actions on GnRH neurons. The role of several factors will be discerned in transmitting inflammatory signals to the GnRH neurons: cytokines, kisspeptin, RFamide-related peptides, estradiol and the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway. Since aging and obesity are both characterized by reproductive decline our review also focuses on the mechanisms and pathophysiological consequences of the impact of inflammation on GnRH neurons in aging and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Barabás
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Institute, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Edina Szabó-Meleg
- Departement of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - István M. Ábrahám
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Institute, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence:
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19
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The Role of Diet and Weight Loss in Improving Secondary Hypogonadism in Men with Obesity with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11122975. [PMID: 31817436 PMCID: PMC6950423 DOI: 10.3390/nu11122975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing recognition of the issue, obesity represents one of the most common public health problems, and its rates are still increasing globally. Among the number of comorbidities and complications associated with obesity, hypogonadism is listed, and this disorder, although frequently neglected, is characterized by a relevant impact on both quality of life and life expectancy. It is generally accepted that hypogonadism secondary to obesity is functional since it is reversible following weight loss. This review summarizes all current research examining the bidirectional relationship between excess body weight and low testosterone levels. Specifically, it evaluates the role that diet, with or without physical activity, plays in improving body weight and hypogonadism in adult and elderly men with obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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20
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Kong ZL, Sudirman S, Hsu YC, Su CY, Kuo HP. Fucoxanthin-Rich Brown Algae Extract Improves Male Reproductive Function on Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4485. [PMID: 31514311 PMCID: PMC6770327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypogonadism and oxidative stress are occurring commonly in men with diabetes and associated male infertility. This study aimed to investigate the capability of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of fucoxanthin as well as to evaluate its protective effects on male reproduction in diabetic rats. The RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were used to evaluate the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced by streptozotocin-nicotinamide for a diabetes model and fed either with three different doses of fucoxanthin (13, 26, and 65 mg/kg) or rosiglitazone (0.571 mg/kg) for four weeks. The fucoxanthin significantly inhibited nitric oxide production and reduced reactive oxygen species level in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In the animal study, fucoxanthin administration improved insulin resistance, restored sperm motility, decreased abnormal sperm number, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Moreover, it restored GPR54 and SOCS-3 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and recovered luteinizing hormone level, as well as the testosterone level. In conclusion, fucoxanthin not only possessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but also decreased the diabetes signs and symptoms as well as improved spermatogenesis and male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zwe-Ling Kong
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
- Biotaiwan Foundation, New Taipei City 24886, Taiwan.
| | - Sabri Sudirman
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chun Hsu
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
| | - Chieh-Yu Su
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan.
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21
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Fernandez CJ, Chacko EC, Pappachan JM. Male Obesity-related Secondary Hypogonadism - Pathophysiology, Clinical Implications and Management. EUROPEAN ENDOCRINOLOGY 2019; 15:83-90. [PMID: 31616498 PMCID: PMC6785957 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2019.15.2.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The single most significant risk factor for testosterone deficiency in men is obesity. The pathophysiological mechanisms involved in male obesity-related secondary hypogonadism are highly complex. Obesity-induced increase in levels of leptin, insulin, proinflammatory cytokines and oestrogen can cause a functional hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism with the defect present at the level of the hypothalamic gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. The resulting hypogonadism by itself can worsen obesity, creating a self-perpetuating cycle. Obesity-induced hypogonadism is reversible with substantial weight loss. Lifestyle-measures form the cornerstone of management as they can potentially improve androgen deficiency symptoms irrespective of their effect on testosterone levels. In selected patients, bariatric surgery can reverse the obesity-induced hypogonadism. If these measures fail to relieve symptoms and to normalise testosterone levels, in appropriately selected men, testosterone replacement therapy could be started. Aromatase inhibitors and selective oestrogen receptor modulators are not recommended due to lack of consistent clinical trial-based evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius J Fernandez
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Pilgrim Hospital, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Boston, UK
| | - Elias C Chacko
- Department of Endocrinology, Jersey General Hospital, St Helier, Jersey
| | - Joseph M Pappachan
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
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22
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Morelli A, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Cellai I, Pallecchi M, Bartolucci G, Danza G, Rastrelli G, Corno C, Guarnieri G, Fuochi E, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Physical activity counteracts metabolic syndrome-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction in the rabbit. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 316:E519-E535. [PMID: 30645174 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00377.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) clusters cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors along with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle modifications including physical exercise (PhyEx) are well-known treatments for this condition. In this study, we analyzed the effect of PhyEx on hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis and erectile function by use of an animal MetS model, previously established in rabbits fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Rabbits fed a regular diet (RD) were used as controls. A subset of both groups was trained on a treadmill. HFD rabbits showed typical MetS features, including HG (reduced T and LH) and impairment of erectile function. PhyEx in HFD rabbits completely restored plasma T and LH and the penile alterations. At testicular and hypothalamic levels, an HFD-induced inflammatory status was accompanied by reduced T synthesis and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunopositivity, respectively. In the testis, PhyEx normalized HFD-related macrophage infiltration and increased the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and T synthesis. In the hypothalamus, PhyEx normalized HFD-induced gene expression changes related to inflammation and glucose metabolism, restored GnRH expression, particularly doubling mRNA levels, and regulated expression of molecules related to GnRH release (kisspeptin, dynorphin). Concerning MetS components, PhyEx significantly reduced circulating cholesterol and visceral fat. In multivariate analyses, cholesterol levels resulted as the main factor associated with MetS-related alterations in penile, testicular, and hypothalamic districts. In conclusion, our results show that PhyEx may rescue erectile function, exert anti-inflammatory effects on hypothalamus and testis, and increase LH levels and T production, thus supporting a primary role for lifestyle modification to combat MetS-associated hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Marco Pallecchi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Elisa Fuochi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi , Rome , Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi , Rome , Italy
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Cignarelli A, Castellana M, Castellana G, Perrini S, Brescia F, Natalicchio A, Garruti G, Laviola L, Resta O, Giorgino F. Effects of CPAP on Testosterone Levels in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta-Analysis Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:551. [PMID: 31496991 PMCID: PMC6712440 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represents a frequent complication among patients with obesity and has been associated with neuroendocrine changes, including hypogonadism. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on testosterone and gonadotropins in male patients with OSA. Methods: The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018103164). PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov were searched until June 2018. Studies reporting the effect of CPAP on total testosterone, free testosterone, sexual hormone binding globulin (SHBG), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin were included. A subgroup analysis on hypogonadal vs. eugonadal status at baseline was performed. Results: Out of 129 retrieved papers, 10 prospective cohort and 2 randomized controlled studies were included in the review. Three hundred eighty-eight patients were included. CPAP use was not associated with a significant change in total testosterone levels [mean difference 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.48 to 2.64] or other outcomes. The subgroup analysis confirmed the overall results. Conclusions: The present review does not support the hypothesis of a direct interaction between OSA and testosterone. Strategies other than CPAP should therefore be considered in managing hypogonadism in patients with OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Cignarelli
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Castellana
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Castellana
- Pulmonary Division, ICS Maugeri Spa SB, IRCCS Cassano delle Murge, Cassano delle Murge, Italy
| | - Sebastio Perrini
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Brescia
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Natalicchio
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Luigi Laviola
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Onofrio Resta
- Institute of Respiratory Diseases, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Giorgino
- Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Francesco Giorgino
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24
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The Role of Interleukin-10 in Mediating the Effect of Immune Challenge on Mouse Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons In Vivo. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0211-18. [PMID: 30406179 PMCID: PMC6220573 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0211-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune challenge alters neural functioning via cytokine production. Inflammation has profound impact on the central regulation of fertility, but the mechanisms involved are not clearly defined. The anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 is responsible for balancing the immune response in the brain. To examine whether IL-10 has an effect on the function of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, we first examined the effect of immune responses with distinct cytokine profiles, such as the T cell-dependent (TD) and T cell-independent (TI) B-cell response. We investigated the effect of the TD and TI immune responses on ERK1/2 phosphorylation in GnRH neurons by administering fluorescein isothiocyanate/keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH-FITC) or dextran-FITC to female mice. Although dextran-FITC had no effect, KLH-FITC induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in GnRH neurons after 6 d. KLH-FITC treatment increased the levels of IL-10 in the hypothalamus (HYP), but this treatment did not cause lymphocyte infiltration or an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. In IL-10 knock-out (KO) mice, KLH-FITC-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the GnRH neurons was absent. We also showed that in IL-10 KO mice, the estrous cycle was disrupted. Perforated patch-clamp recordings from GnRH-GFP neurons, IL-10 immunohistochemistry, and in vitro experiments on acute brain slices revealed that IL-10 can directly alter GnRH neuron firing and induce ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These observations demonstrate that IL-10 plays a role in influencing signaling of GnRH neurons in the TD immune response. These results also provide the first evidence that IL-10 can directly alter the function of GnRH neurons and may help the maintenance of the integrity of the estrous cycle.
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Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Corona G. Pharmacological management of late-onset hypogonadism. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2018; 11:439-458. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1445969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B.—Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
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26
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Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Coppi E, Pantano D, Comeglio P, Nardiello P, Pugliese AM, Ballerini L, Matucci R, Ambrosini S, Castronovo G, Valente R, Mazzanti B, Bucciantini S, Maggi M, Casamenti F, Gallina P, Vannelli GB. Young Human Cholinergic Neurons Respond to Physiological Regulators and Improve Cognitive Symptoms in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:339. [PMID: 29163051 PMCID: PMC5666298 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of cholinergic neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) in the basal forebrain (BF) is associated to the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. To date no resolutive therapies exist. Cell-based replacement therapy is a strategy currently under consideration, although the mechanisms underlying the generation of stem cell-derived NBM cholinergic neurons able of functional integration remain to be clarified. Since fetal brain is an optimal source of neuronal cells committed towards a specific phenotype, this study is aimed at isolating cholinergic neurons from the human fetal NBM (hfNBMs) in order to study their phenotypic, maturational and functional properties. Extensive characterization confirmed the cholinergic identity of hfNBMs, including positivity for specific markers (such as choline acetyltransferase) and acetylcholine (Ach) release. Electrophysiological measurements provided the functional validation of hfNBM cells, which exhibited the activation of peculiar sodium (INa) and potassium (IK) currents, as well as the presence of functional cholinergic receptors. Accordingly, hfNBMs express both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, which were activated by Ach. The hfNBMs cholinergic phenotype was regulated by the nerve growth factor (NGF), through the activation of the high-affinity NGF receptor TrkA, as well as by 17-β-estradiol through a peculiar recruitment of its own receptors. When intravenously administered in NBM-lesioned rats, hfNBMs determined a significant improvement in memory functions. Histological examination of brain sections showed that hfNBMs (labeled with PKH26 fluorescent dye prior to administration) reached the damaged brain areas. The study provides a useful model to study the ontogenetic mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of the human brain cholinergic system and to assess new lines of research, including disease modeling, drug discovery and cell-based therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Coppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Pantano
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Nardiello
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna M Pugliese
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Ballerini
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosanna Matucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castronovo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Clinical Physiopathology, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Valente
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fiorella Casamenti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Neurosurgery School of Tuscany, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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