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Zhang J, Zhu X, Xu W, Hu J, Shen Q, Zhu D, Xu X, Wei Z, Zhou P, Cao Y. Exposure to acrylamide inhibits testosterone production in mice testes and Leydig cells by activating ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 172:113576. [PMID: 36565847 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acrylamide (ACR) is formed during the cooking of starchy foods at high temperatures. Accumulating evidence has shown that ACR has toxic effects, but the mechanism of its potential reproductive toxicity remains unclear. In this study, we observed that ACR caused weight loss in mice. There was no significant difference in the weight of testis and epididymis between the low/medium-dose ACR group and the control group. And the number of epididymal sperms, testicular Leydig cells, serum testosterone level, testicular steroidogenic genes and enzymes, including cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily A member 1 (CYP11A1) and cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1), were decreased in the medium/high-dose ACR group. Additional cell experiments showed that the apoptosis rate and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased, and testosterone levels and CYP17A1 protein expression were reduced in Leydig cells with treated ACR. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) increased significantly; however, there was no significant difference in the levels of serine-threonine protein kinase (AKT) phosphorylation in the testis of mice and Leydig cells treated with ACR. These results suggest that ACR exposure leads to the damage of testicular structure and function and a decline in testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells and mouse testis, which may be related to the activated phosphorylation of ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wenjuan Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qunshan Shen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Damin Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Role of p38 MAPK Signalling in Testis Development and Male Fertility. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6891897. [PMID: 36092154 PMCID: PMC9453003 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6891897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The testis is an important male reproductive organ, which ensures reproductive function via the secretion of testosterone and the generation of spermatozoa. Testis development begins in the embryonic period, continues after birth, and generally reaches functional maturation at puberty. The stress-activated kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), regulates multiple cell processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cellular stress responses. p38 MAPK signalling plays a crucial role in testis development by regulating spermatogenesis, the fate determination of pre-Sertoli, and primordial germ cells during embryogenesis, the proliferation of testicular cells in the postnatal period, and the functions of mature Sertoli and Leydig cells. In addition, p38 MAPK signalling is involved in decreased male fertility when exposed to various harmful stimuli. This review will describe in detail the biological functions of p38 MAPK signalling in testis development and male reproduction, together with its pathological role in male infertility.
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3
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Bassi G, Mishra S. Prohibitin-1 plays a regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis. iScience 2022; 25:104165. [PMID: 35434552 PMCID: PMC9010647 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential for steroidogenesis. In steroidogenic cells, the initiation of steroidogenesis from cholesterol occurs on the matrix side of the inner mitochondrial membrane by the enzyme P450scc. This requires cholesterol import from the cytoplasm through the outer mitochondrial membrane, facilitated by the StAR protein. The subsequent steps leading to P450scc remain elusive. Here we report that the male transgenic mice that expressed a mutant form of a mitochondrial protein prohibitin-1 (PHB1Tyr114Phe) from the Fabp-4 gene promoter displayed smaller testes, higher testosterone, and lower gonadotropin levels compared with PHB1-expressing and wild-type mice. A subsequent analysis of the testis and Leydig cells from the mice revealed that PHB1 played a previously unknown regulatory role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis. This includes a role in coordinating cell signaling, cholesterol homeostasis, and mitochondrial biology pertaining to steroidogenesis. The implications of our finding are broad as the initial stages of steroidogenesis are indistinguishable across steroidogenic cells. Tyr114Phe-PHB-1 transgenic male mice reveal PHB-1’s role in testosterone production PHB-1 coordinates steroidogenic signaling and events in testosterone biosynthesis Tyr114 residue in PHB-1 plays a regulatory role in testosterone production
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Duan P, Ha M, Huang X, Zhang P, Liu C. Intronic miR-140-5p contributes to beta-cypermethrin-mediated testosterone decline. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:150517. [PMID: 34794910 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Beta-cypermethrin (β-CYP), a widely-used pyrethroid pesticide, is considered to have anti-androgenic effects and could impair male reproduction. To ascertain whether MAPK pathways, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and miRNAs played pleiotropic roles in β-CYP-mediated testicular dysfunction, Sprague-Dawley rats and Leydig cells were employed in this study. Results showed that plasma testosterone levels were declined, testicular histomorphology and ultrastructures were abnormally altered, and Leydig cell functions were damaged after β-CYP exposure. JNK and p38/MAPK pathways were inactivated, accompanied by the decrease in c-Jun and Sp1 expressions. Specific activators/inhibitors of MAPK pathways and Co-IP demonstrated that DNMT3α was synergistically regulated by JNK/p38 pathways. The activity, mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT3α were all reduced by β-CYP. β-CYP induced expressions of intronic miR-140-5p and its host gene Wwp2, and then overexpressed miR-140-5p suppressed steroidogenic StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD by directly targeting SF-1. SF-1 silencing/overexpression, ChIP, and qPCR indicated that SF-1 modulated positively StAR, P450scc, and 3β-HSD expressions by directly binding to their promoter regions. Intriguingly, 5α-reductase expressions were downregulated after β-CYP exposure. Collectively, β-CYP has the anti-androgenic feature and the DNMT3α/miR-140-5p/SF-1 cascade co-regulated by JNK/p38 functions critically in β-CYP-caused testosterone declines. The downregulation of 5α-reductases may be a potential compensatory mechanism of the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang 441000, China
| | - Mei Ha
- School of Nursing, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xu Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 400020, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Changjiang Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute, Chongqing 400020, China.
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Houde N, Beuret L, Bonaud A, Fortier-Beaulieu SP, Truchon-Landry K, Aoidi R, Pic É, Alouche N, Rondeau V, Schlecht-Louf G, Balabanian K, Espéli M, Charron J. Fine-tuning of MEK signaling is pivotal for limiting B and T cell activation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110223. [PMID: 35021072 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
MEK1 and MEK2, the only known activators of ERK, are attractive therapeutic candidates for both cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, how MEK signaling finely regulates immune cell activation is only partially understood. To address this question, we specifically delete Mek1 in hematopoietic cells in the Mek2 null background. Characterization of an allelic series of Mek mutants reveals the presence of distinct degrees of spontaneous B cell activation, which are inversely proportional to the levels of MEK proteins and ERK activation. While Mek1 and Mek2 null mutants have a normal lifespan, 1Mek1 and 1Mek2 mutants retaining only one functional Mek1 or Mek2 allele in hematopoietic cell lineages die from glomerulonephritis and lymphoproliferative disorders, respectively. This establishes that the fine-tuning of the ERK/MAPK pathway is critical to regulate B and T cell activation and function and that each MEK isoform plays distinct roles during lymphocyte activation and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Houde
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Laurent Beuret
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Amélie Bonaud
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Simon-Pierre Fortier-Beaulieu
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Kim Truchon-Landry
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Rifdat Aoidi
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Émilie Pic
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada
| | - Nagham Alouche
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Vincent Rondeau
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Géraldine Schlecht-Louf
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Clamart 92140, France
| | - Karl Balabanian
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Marion Espéli
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, INSERM U1160, Paris 75010, France; OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris 75010, France
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology Axis), L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9, Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3 Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry & Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Rivero-Müller A, Huhtaniemi I. Genetic variants of gonadotrophins and their receptors: Impact on the diagnosis and management of the infertile patient. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 36:101596. [PMID: 34802912 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review is concerned with genetic variants of the genes encoding gonadotrophin subunits and their receptors, as well as their implications into the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. We first review briefly the basics of molecular biology and biochemistry of gonadotrophin and gonadotrophin receptor structure and function, then describe the phenotypic effects of polymorphisms and mutations of these genes, followed by diagnostic aspects. We will then summarise the information that inactivating gonadotrophin receptor mutations have provided about the controversial topic of extragonadal gonadotrophin action. Finally, we will close with the current and future therapeutic approaches on patients with gonadotrophin and their receptor mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, 20-093, Poland
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Zhang S, Wen Z, Li X, Lin L, Zou C, Li Y, Wang Y, Ge RS. Short-term exposure to perfluorotetradecanoic acid affects the late-stage regeneration of Leydig cells in adult male rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 433:115777. [PMID: 34736952 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA) is one of perfluoroalkyl substances widely found in the environment. PFTeDA may cause the dysfunction of male reproductive system. However, whether PFTeDA affects the regeneration of Leydig cells remains unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of short-term exposure of PFTeDA on the late-stage maturation of Leydig cells. Fifty-four adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were daily gavaged with PFTeDA (0, 10, or 20 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days, and then were injected intraperitoneally with ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS, 75 mg/kg body weight/once) to ablate Leydig cells to induce their regeneration. On day 21 (early stage) and 56 (late stage) after EDS, hormone levels, gene expression, and protein levels were measured. PFTeDA did not affect the early stage of Leydig cell regeneration, because it had no effect on serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, Leydig cell number, and its gene and protein expression. PFTeDA significantly reduced serum testosterone level and down-regulated the expression of Leydig cell genes (Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Hsd11b1, and Insl3) and their proteins (CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17A1, HSD17B3, and INSL3), decreased the phosphorylation of AKT1 and ERK1/2, as well as lowered sperm count in the epididymis at 20 mg/kg. In conclusion, short-term exposure to PFTeDA blocks the late-stage maturation of Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, 123 Tianfeixiang, Mochou Road, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zina Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liben Lin
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Zou
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Salazar-Anzures T, Pastén-Hidalgo K, Sicilia-Argumedo G, Riverón-Negrete L, Hernández-Vázquez ADJ, Fernanadez-Mejia C. Dietary biotin supplementation increases proliferation pathways in mice testes without affecting serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels and stem cell factor expression. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 433:115774. [PMID: 34699867 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Supplements containing pharmacological concentrations of biotin are commercially available. The mechanisms by which biotin at pharmacological concentrations exerts its action have been the subject of multiple investigations, particularly for biotin's medicinal potential and wide use for cosmetic purposes. Several studies have reported that biotin supplementation increases cell proliferation; however, the mechanisms involved in this effect have not yet been characterized. In a previous study, we found that a biotin-supplemented diet increased spermatogonia proliferation. The present study was focused on investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in biotin-induced testis cell proliferation. Male BALB/cAnNHsd mice were fed a control or a biotin-supplemented diet (1.76 or 97.7 mg biotin/kg diet) for eight weeks. Compared with the control group, the biotin-supplemented mice presented augmented protein abundance of the c-kit-receptor and pERK1/2Tyr204 and pAKTSer473, the active forms of ERK/AKT proliferation signaling pathways. No changes were observed in the testis expression of the stem cell factor and in the serum levels of the follicle-stimulating hormone. Analysis of mRNA abundance found an increase in cyclins Ccnd3, Ccne1, Ccna2; Kinases Cdk4, Cdk2; and E2F; and Sp1 & Sp3 transcription factors. Decreased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1a (p21) was observed but not of Cdkn2a inhibitor (p16). The results of the present study identifies, for the first time, the mechanisms associated with biotin supplementation-induced cell proliferation, which raises concerns about the effects of biotin on male reproductive health because of its capacity to cause hyperplasia, especially because this vitamin is available in large amounts without regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonatiuh Salazar-Anzures
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Karina Pastén-Hidalgo
- Cátedra CONACYT, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Gloria Sicilia-Argumedo
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Leticia Riverón-Negrete
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Alain de Jesús Hernández-Vázquez
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico
| | - Cristina Fernanadez-Mejia
- Unidad de Genética de la Nutrición, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México/Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Avenida del Iman#1, 4th floor, Mexico City 04500, Mexico.
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9
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Lin L, Xu Q, Chen Q, Chen H, Ying Y, Li Z, Zhang S, Ma F, Yu Y, Ge RS. Triadimefon increases fetal Leydig cell proliferation but inhibits its differentiation of male fetuses after gestational exposure. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112942. [PMID: 34737156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Triadimefon is a broad-spectrum fungicide widely applied in the agriculture. It is believed to be an endocrine disruptor. Whether triadimefon can inhibit the development of fetal Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Thirty-two female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups and were dosed via gavage of triadimefon (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day) for 9 days from gestational day (GD) 12-20. Triadimefon significantly reduced serum testosterone level in male fetuses at 100 mg/kg. The double immunofluorescence staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (a biomarker for fetal Leydig cells) was used to measure PCNA-labeling in fetal Leydig cells. It markedly increased fetal Leydig cell number primarily via increasing single cell population and elevated the PCNA-labeling of fetal Leydig cells in male fetuses at 100 mg/kg while it induced abnormal aggregation of fetal Leydig cells. The expression levels of fetal Leydig cell genes, Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Insl3 and Nr5a1, were determined to explore its effects on fetal Leydig cell development. We found that triadimefon markedly down-regulated the expression of Leydig cell genes, Hsd17b3, Insl3, and Nr5a1 as low as 25 mg/kg and Scarb1 and Cyp11a1 at 100 mg/kg. It did not affect Sertoli cell number but markedly down-regulated the expression of Sertoli cell gene Amh at 50 and 100 mg/kg. Triadimefon significantly down-regulated the expression of antioxidant genes Sod1, Gpx1, and Cat at 25-100 mg/kg, suggesting that it can induce oxidative stress in fetal testis, and it reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT2 at 100 mg/kg, indicating that it can inhibit the development of fetal Leydig cells. In conclusion, gestational exposure to triadimefon inhibits the development of fetal Leydig cells in male fetuses by inhibiting its differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liben Lin
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Qiang Xu
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Quanxu Chen
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Haiqiong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Yingfen Ying
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Song Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Feifei Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Yige Yu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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10
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Liu M, Chen H, Dai H, Zhou L, Wang Y, Xin X, Chen C, Li Z, Ge RS. Effects of bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate exposure in utero on the development of fetal Leydig cells in rats. Toxicol Lett 2021; 351:65-77. [PMID: 34454012 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are plasticizers widely found in the environment. They are potential endocrine disruptors. Bis(2-butoxyethyl) phthalate (BBOP) is a unique phthalate that contains oxygen atoms in the carbon backbone. Little is known about its reproductive and developmental toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of BBOP on fetal Leydig cell development after in utero exposure to rats. Sprague Dawley pregnant dams were randomly allocated into 6 groups, and were gavaged with BBOP (0, 10, 100, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight/day) from gestational day (GD) 14-21. Seven of the 8 dams in the 1000 mg/kg BBOP group died before giving birth. Twelve of the 20 dams in the 500 mg/kg BBOP group had whole litter loss. BBOP significantly reduced the body weight of dams and male offspring and serum testosterone level and anogenital distance of male fetus on GD 21 at 500 mg/kg. BBOP markedly increased fetal Leydig cell proliferation and number at 500 mg/kg while inducing their abnormal aggregation at 250 and 500 mg/kg. BBOP down-regulated the expression of Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Insl3, and Nr5a1 at various doses while up-regulating the expression of Sertoli cell gene Fshr and Sox9. The phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, and ERK1/2 was also markedly reduced by BBOP. In conclusion, BBOP in utero exposure can disrupt fetal Leydig cell development, possibly via the mechanism that may include inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, and ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoqing Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiqiong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liangbi Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu Xin
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Congde Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhongrong Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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11
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Chen HB, Pineda Garcia JC, Arizono S, Takeda T, Li RS, Hattori Y, Sano H, Miyauchi Y, Hirota Y, Tanaka Y, Ishii Y. DAPL1 is a novel regulator of testosterone production in Leydig cells of mouse testis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18532. [PMID: 34535743 PMCID: PMC8448858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells in the testes produce testosterone in the presence of gonadotropins. Therefore, male testosterone levels must oscillate within a healthy spectrum, given that elevated testosterone levels augment the risk of cardiovascular disorders. We observed that the expression of death-associated protein-like 1 (DAPL1), which is involved in the early stages of epithelial differentiation and apoptosis, is considerably higher in the testes of sexually mature mice than in other tissues. Accordingly, Dapl1-null mice were constructed to evaluate this variation. Notably, in these mice, the testicular levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and serum testosterone levels were significantly elevated on postnatal day 49. The findings were confirmed in vitro using I-10 mouse testis-derived tumor cells. The in vivo and in vitro data revealed the DAPL1-regulated the expression of StAR involving altered transcription of critical proteins in the protein kinase A and CREB/CREM pathways in Leydig cells. The collective findings implicate DAPL1 as an important factor for steroidogenesis regulation, and DAPL1 deregulation may be related to high endogenous levels of testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bin Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jorge Carlos Pineda Garcia
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinako Arizono
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoki Takeda
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Experimental, Japan Bioassay Research Center, Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety, Hadano, Japan
| | - Ren-Shi Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Sino-Jan Joint Lab of Natural Health Products Research, School of Traditional Chinese Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yukiko Hattori
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroe Sano
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.,Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuu Miyauchi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Hirota
- Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Tanaka
- Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuji Ishii
- Laboratory of Molecular Life Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan. .,Division of Pharmaceutical Cell Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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12
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Advances in stem cell research for the treatment of primary hypogonadism. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:487-507. [PMID: 34188209 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In Leydig cell dysfunction, cells respond weakly to stimulation by pituitary luteinizing hormone, and, therefore, produce less testosterone, leading to primary hypogonadism. The most widely used treatment for primary hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, TRT causes infertility and has been associated with other adverse effects, such as causing erythrocytosis and gynaecomastia, worsening obstructive sleep apnoea and increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risks. Stem-cell-based therapy that re-establishes testosterone-producing cell lineages in the body has, therefore, become a promising prospect for treating primary hypogonadism. Over the past two decades, substantial advances have been made in the identification of Leydig cell sources for use in transplantation surgery, including the artificial induction of Leydig-like cells from different types of stem cells, for example, stem Leydig cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). PSC-derived Leydig-like cells have already provided a powerful in vitro model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying Leydig cell differentiation and could be used to treat men with primary hypogonadism in a more specific and personalized approach.
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13
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Beuret L, Fortier-Beaulieu SP, Rondeau V, Roy S, Houde N, Balabanian K, Espéli M, Charron J. Mek1 and Mek2 Functional Redundancy in Erythropoiesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:639022. [PMID: 34386488 PMCID: PMC8353236 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.639022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have established the crucial role of the extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation. MEK1 and MEK2 phosphorylate and activate ERK1 and ERK2. However, whether MEK1 and MEK2 differentially regulate these processes is unknown. To define the function of Mek genes in the activation of the ERK pathway during hematopoiesis, we generated a mutant mouse line carrying a hematopoietic-specific deletion of the Mek1 gene function in a Mek2 null background. Inactivation of both Mek1 and Mek2 genes resulted in death shortly after birth with a severe anemia revealing the essential role of the ERK pathway in erythropoiesis. Mek1 and Mek2 functional ablation also affected lymphopoiesis and myelopoiesis. In contrast, mice that retained one functional Mek1 (1Mek1) or Mek2 (1Mek2) allele in hematopoietic cells were viable and fertile. 1Mek1 and 1Mek2 mutants showed mild signs of anemia and splenomegaly, but the half-life of their red blood cells and the response to erythropoietic stress were not altered, suggesting a certain level of Mek redundancy for sustaining functional erythropoiesis. However, subtle differences in multipotent progenitor distribution in the bone marrow were observed in 1Mek1 mice, suggesting that the two Mek genes might differentially regulate early hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Beuret
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Simon-Pierre Fortier-Beaulieu
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Vincent Rondeau
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, Inserm U1160, Paris, France.,OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Roy
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Houde
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Karl Balabanian
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, Inserm U1160, Paris, France.,OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Marion Espéli
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint Louis, EMiLy, Inserm U1160, Paris, France.,OPALE Carnot Institute, The Organization for Partnerships in Leukemia, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval (Oncology), Québec, QC, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
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14
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Radovic Pletikosic SM, Starovlah IM, Miljkovic D, Bajic DM, Capo I, Nef S, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Deficiency in insulin-like growth factors signalling in mouse Leydig cells increase conversion of testosterone to estradiol because of feminization. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13563. [PMID: 32975906 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM A growing body of evidence pointed correlation between insulin-resistance, testosterone level and infertility, but there is scarce information about mechanisms. The aim of this study was to identify the possible mechanism linking the insulin-resistance with testosterone-producing-Leydig-cells functionality. METHODS We applied in vivo and in vitro approaches. The in vivo model of functional genomics is represented by INSR/IGF1R-deficient-testosterone-producing Leydig cells obtained from the prepubertal (P21) and adult (P80) male mice with insulin + IGF1-receptors deletion in steroidogenic cells (Insr/Igf1r-DKO). The in vitro model of INSR/IGF1R-deficient-cell was mimicked by blockade of insulin/IGF1-receptors on the primary culture of P21 and P80 Leydig cells. RESULTS Leydig-cell-specific-insulin-resistance induce the development of estrogenic characteristics of progenitor Leydig cells in prepubertal mice and mature Leydig cells in adult mice, followed with a dramatic reduction of androgen phenotype. Level of androgens in serum, testes and Leydig cells decrease as a consequence of the dramatic reduction of steroidogenic capacity and activity as well as all functional markers of Leydig cell. Oppositely, the markers for female-steroidogenic-cell differentiation and function increase. The physiological significances are the higher level of testosterone-to-estradiol-conversion in double-knock-out-mice of both ages and few spermatozoa in adults. Intriguingly, the transcription of pro-male sexual differentiation markers Sry/Sox9 increased in P21-Leydig-cells, questioning the current view about the antagonistic genetic programs underlying gonadal sex determination. CONCLUSION The results provide new molecular mechanisms leading to the development of the female phenotype in Leydig cells from Insr/Igf1r-DKO mice and could help to better understand the correlation between insulin resistance, testosterone and male (in)fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sava M. Radovic Pletikosic
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signalling Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging CeRES DBE Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Isidora M. Starovlah
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signalling Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging CeRES DBE Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Dejan Miljkovic
- Center for Medical‐Pharmaceutical Research and Quality Control Department for Histology and Embryology Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Dragana M. Bajic
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signalling Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging CeRES DBE Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Ivan Capo
- Center for Medical‐Pharmaceutical Research and Quality Control Department for Histology and Embryology Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development Medical Faculty University of Geneva Geneva Switzerland
| | - Tatjana S. Kostic
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signalling Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging CeRES DBE Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Silvana A. Andric
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signalling Laboratory for Chronobiology and Aging CeRES DBE Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad Novi Sad Serbia
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15
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Low dose of fire retardant, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor Leydig cells of male rats during prepuberty. Toxicol Lett 2021; 342:6-19. [PMID: 33581290 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47), a flame retardant, is extensively distributed in the food chain. However, whether BDE47 affects Leydig cell development during prepuberty remains unclear. BDE47 was daily gavaged to 21-day-old Sprague-Dawley male rats with 0 (corn oil), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/kg for 14 days. BDE47 did not affect the body weight or testis weight of rats. It significantly increased serum testosterone level at 0.4 mg/kg, but decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) level without affecting estradiol level. BDE47 induced Leydig cell hyperplasia (the number of CYP11A1-positive Leydig cells increased), and up-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Star, Hsd11b1, Pcna, and Ccnd1 in the testis. BDE47 significantly reduced p53 and p21 levels but increased CCND1 level. It also markedly increased the phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, ERK1/2, and CREB. BDE47 significantly up-regulated the expression of Scarb1, Star, and Hsd11b1 and stimulated androgen production by immature Leydig cells from rats under basal, LH, and 8Br-cAMP stimulated conditions at 100 nM in vitro. In conclusion, BDE47 increased Leydig cell number and up-regulated the expression of Scarb1 and Star, thereby leading to increased testosterone synthesis.
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16
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Li Z, Li C, Wen Z, Yan H, Zou C, Li Y, Tian L, Lei Z, Li H, Wang Y, Zhong Y, Ge RS. Perfluoroheptanoic acid induces Leydig cell hyperplasia but inhibits spermatogenesis in rats after pubertal exposure. Toxicology 2020; 448:152633. [PMID: 33220336 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) is a short-chain alternative to long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances, which have been reported to possess reproductive toxicity. However, it is unclear whether PFHpA affects Leydig cell development during puberty. The 35-day-old Sprague Dawley male rats were exposed to PFHpA by gavage with 0 (corn oil), 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day for 21 days. PFHpA did not affect the body weight of rats, but it reduced testis weight, relative testis weight, and epididymis weight at 100 mg/kg. It significantly increased serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels at a dose of 100 mg/kg without affecting serum estradiol levels. PFHpA suppressed sperm production at a dose of 100 mg/kg. PFHpA induced Leydig cell hyperplasia (increased number of CYP11A1-positive Leydig cells) at a dose of 100 mg/kg, but down-regulated the expression of Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, and Cyp17a1 in individual Leydig cell pe se and up-regulated the expression of Fshr in the Sertoli cell pe se. PFHpA did not affect the number of HSD11B1 (a biomarker for more mature Leydig cells) positive Leydig cells and SOX9 positive Sertoli cells. PFHpA increased BCL2, and the phosphorylation of AKT1, AKT2, ERK1/2, and JNK, but decreased BAX levels. However, it had no effect on SIRT1 and PGC-1α levels. In conclusion, PFHpA induces Leydig cell hyperplasia due to the increase in the secretion of luteinizing hormone through negative feedback after down-regulating the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and inhibiting testosterone production in individual Leydig cells. This proliferation may be mediated by increasing BCL2 and phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, and JNK, and decreasing BAX level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengqiang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Changchang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zina Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Haoni Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Cheng Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huitao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Chengdu Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
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17
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Ham J, You S, Lim W, Song G. Bifenthrin impairs the functions of Leydig and Sertoli cells in mice via mitochondrion-endoplasmic reticulum dysregulation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115174. [PMID: 32683091 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bifenthrin (BF) is a synthetic insecticide that is widely used in fields, resulting in an increase in its exposure to animals. However, reports on the toxic effects of BF on mammalian species and the underlying mechanism are still lacking. Here, we elucidated the mechanism underlying the toxic effects of BF on mouse reproduction using cell lines of immature mouse Leydig (TM3) and Sertoli (TM4) cells, which are constituent cells of testes. Our results show that BF suppressed the proliferation and viability of TM3 and TM4 cells. Additionally, treatment with BF induced cell cycle arrest, apoptotic cell death, and DNA fragmentation. Mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of calcium homeostasis were observed in BF-treated TM3 and TM4 cells. Further, bifenthrin modulated unfolded protein response and mitochondrion-associated membrane and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways. The expression of the mRNAs related to cell cycle progression, steroidogenesis, and spermatogenesis was downregulated by BF, suggestive of testicular toxicity. Taken together, these results demonstrate the intracellular mechanism of action of BF to involve antiproliferative and apoptotic effects and testicular dysfunction in mouse testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Ham
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungkwon You
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Whasun Lim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gwonhwa Song
- Institute of Animal Molecular Biotechnology and Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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18
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Yawer A, Sychrová E, Labohá P, Raška J, Jambor T, Babica P, Sovadinová I. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals rapidly affect intercellular signaling in Leydig cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2020; 404:115177. [PMID: 32739526 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2020.115177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A decline in male fertility possibly caused by environmental contaminants, namely endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), is a topic of public concern and scientific interest. This study addresses a specific role of testicular gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between adjacent prepubertal Leydig cells in endocrine disruption and male reproductive toxicity. Organochlorine pesticides (lindane, methoxychlor, DDT), industrial chemicals (PCB153, bisphenol A, nonylphenol and octylphenol) as well as personal care product components (triclosan, triclocarban) rapidly dysregulated GJIC in murine Leydig TM3 cells. The selected GJIC-inhibiting EDCs (methoxychlor, triclosan, triclocarban, lindane, DDT) caused the immediate GJIC disruption by the relocation of gap junctional protein connexin 43 (Cx43) from the plasma membrane and the alternation of Cx43 phosphorylation pattern (Ser368, Ser279, Ser282) of its full-length and two N-truncated isoforms. After more prolonged exposure (24 h), EDCs decreased steady-state levels of full-length Cx43 protein and its two N-truncated isoforms, and eventually (triclosan, triclocarban) also tight junction protein Tjp-1. The disturbance of GJIC was accompanied by altered activity of mitogen-activated protein kinases MAPK-Erk1/2 and MAPK-p38, and a decrease in stimulated progesterone production. Our results indicate that EDCs might disrupt testicular homeostasis and development via disruption of testicular GJIC, a dysregulation of junctional and non-junctional functions of Cx43, activation of MAPKs, and disruption of an early stage of steroidogenesis in prepubertal Leydig cells. These critical disturbances of Leydig cell development and functions during a prepubertal period might be contributing to impaired male reproduction health later on.
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Affiliation(s)
- Affiefa Yawer
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Sychrová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Labohá
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Raška
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Jambor
- BioFood Centre, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovac Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, building A29, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
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19
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Chemerin Impairs In Vitro Testosterone Production, Sperm Motility, and Fertility in Chicken: Possible Involvement of Its Receptor CMKLR1. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071599. [PMID: 32630345 PMCID: PMC7408590 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chemokine chemerin is a novel adipokine involved in the regulation of energy metabolism but also female reproductive functions in mammals. Its effects on male fertility are less studied. Here, we investigated the involvement of chemerin in chicken male reproduction. Indeed, the improvement of the sperm of roosters is a challenge for the breeders since the sperm quantity and quality have largely decreased for several years. By using specific chicken antibodies, here we show that chemerin and its main receptor CMKLR1 (chemokine-like receptor 1) are expressed within the chicken testis with the lowest expression in adults as compared to the embryo or postnatal stages. Chemerin and CMKLR1 are present in all testicular cells, including Leydig, Sertoli, and germinal cells. Using in vitro testis explants, we observed that recombinant chicken chemerin through CMKLR1 inhibits hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) stimulated testosterone production and this was associated to lower 3βHSD (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) expression and MAPK ERK2 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2) phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chemerin in seminal plasma is lower than in blood plasma, but it is negatively correlated with the percentage of motility and the spermatozoa concentration in vivo in roosters. In vitro, we show that recombinant chicken chemerin reduces sperm mass and individual motility in roosters, and this effect is abolished when sperm is pre-incubated with an anti-CMKLR1 antibody. Moreover, we demonstrate that fresh chicken sperm treated with chemerin and used for artificial insemination (AI) in hen presented a lower efficiency in terms of eggs fertility for the four first days after AI. Taken together, seminal chemerin levels are negatively associated with the rooster fertility, and chemerin produced locally by the testis or male tract could negatively affect in vivo sperm quality and testosterone production through CMKLR1.
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20
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Karpova T, de Oliveira AA, Naas H, Priviero F, Nunes KP. Blockade of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) reduces oxidative stress and restores phospho-ERK1/2 levels in Leydig cells exposed to high glucose. Life Sci 2020; 245:117365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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21
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Radovic SM, Starovlah IM, Capo I, Miljkovic D, Nef S, Kostic TS, Andric SA. Insulin/IGF1 signaling regulates the mitochondrial biogenesis markers in steroidogenic cells of prepubertal testis, but not ovary. Biol Reprod 2020; 100:253-267. [PMID: 30084987 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Controlled changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and morphology are required for cell survival and homeostasis, but the molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, male and female prepubertal mice (P21) with insulin and IGF1 receptors deletions in steroidogenic tissues (Insr/Igf1r-DKO) were used to investigate transcription of the key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis (Ppargc1a, Ppargc1b, Pparg, Nrf1, Tfam) and architecture in Leydig cells, ovaries, and adrenals. Results showed that the expression of PGC1, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and integrator of environmental signals, and its downstream target Tfam, significantly decreased in androgen-producing Leydig cells. This is followed by reduction of Mtnd1, a mitochondrial DNA encoded transcript whose core subunit belongs to the minimal assembly required for catalysis. The same markers remained unchanged in ovaries. In contrast, in adrenals, the pattern of transcripts for mitochondrial biogenesis markers was the same in both sexes, but opposite from that observed in Leydig cells. The level of transcripts for markers of mitochondrial architecture (Mfn1, Mfn2) significantly increased in Leydig cells from Insr/Igf1r-DKO, but not in ovaries. This was followed by mitochondrial morphology disturbance, suggesting that the mitochondrial phase of steroidogenesis could be affected. Indeed, basal and pregnenolone stimulated progesterone productions in the mitochondria of Leydig cells from Insr/Igf1r-DKO decreased more than androgen production, and were barely detectable. Our results are the first to show that INSR/IGF1R are important for mitochondrial biogenesis in gonadal steroidogenic cells of prepubertal males, but not females and they serve as important regulators of mitochondrial architecture and biogenesis markers in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sava M Radovic
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Isidora M Starovlah
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Ivan Capo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejan Miljkovic
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana S Kostic
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Silvana A Andric
- Laboratory for Reproductive Endocrinology and Signaling, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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22
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Razanamahery J, Diamond EL, Cohen-Aubart F, Plate KH, Lourida G, Charlotte F, Hélias-Rodzewicz Z, Goyal G, Go RS, Dogan A, Abdel-Wahab O, Durham B, Ozkaya N, Amoura Z, Emile JF, Haroche J. Erdheim-Chester disease with concomitant Rosai-Dorfman like lesions: a distinct entity mainly driven by MAP2K1. Haematologica 2019; 105:e5-e8. [PMID: 31123032 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.216937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Razanamahery
- Internal Medicine Department 2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, French National Reference Center for Histiocytoses, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris VI University, UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Eli L Diamond
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fleur Cohen-Aubart
- Internal Medicine Department 2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, French National Reference Center for Histiocytoses, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris VI University, UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Karl-Heinz Plate
- Institute of Neurology, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt Cancer Institute, German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Giota Lourida
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Frederic Charlotte
- Department of Pathology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Zofia Hélias-Rodzewicz
- Pathology Service, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Boulogne, Paris, France.,EA4340, Université de Versailles SQY, Université Paris Saclay, Boulogne, Paris, France
| | - Gaurav Goyal
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ronald S Go
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ahmet Dogan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Durham
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Neval Ozkaya
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zahir Amoura
- Internal Medicine Department 2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, French National Reference Center for Histiocytoses, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France.,Paris VI University, UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Francois Emile
- Pathology Service, Ambroise Paré Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Boulogne, Paris, France.,EA4340, Université de Versailles SQY, Université Paris Saclay, Boulogne, Paris, France
| | - Julien Haroche
- Internal Medicine Department 2, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, French National Reference Center for Histiocytoses, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France .,Paris VI University, UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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23
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Bergeron F, Boulende Sab A, Bouchard MF, Taniguchi H, Souchkova O, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ, Pilon N, Viger RS. Phosphorylation of GATA4 serine 105 but not serine 261 is required for testosterone production in the male mouse. Andrology 2019; 7:357-372. [PMID: 30793514 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GATA4 is a transcription factor essential for male sex determination, testicular differentiation during fetal development, and male fertility in the adult. GATA4 exerts part of its function by regulating multiple genes in the steroidogenic enzyme pathway. In spite of these crucial roles, how the activity of this factor is regulated remains unclear. OBJECTIVES Studies in gonadal cell lines have shown that GATA4 is phosphorylated on at least two serine residues-serine 105 (S105) and serine 261 (S261)-and that this phosphorylation is important for GATA4 activity. The objective of the present study is to characterize the endogenous role of GATA4 S105 and S261 phosphorylation in the mouse testis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined both previously described GATA4 S105A mice and a novel GATA4 S261A knock-in mouse that we generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. The male phenotype of the mutants was characterized by assessing androgen-dependent organ weights, hormonal profiles, and expression of multiple testicular target genes using standard biochemical and molecular biology techniques. RESULTS The fecundity of crosses between GATA4 S105A mice was reduced but without a change in sex ratio. The weight of androgen-dependent organs was smaller when compared to wild-type controls. Plasma testosterone levels showed a 70% decrease in adult GATA4 S105A males. This decrease was associated with a reduction in Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, and Hsd17b3 expression. GATA4 S261A mice were viable and testis morphology appeared normal. Testosterone production and steroidogenic enzyme expression were not altered in GATA4 S261A males. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our analysis showed that blocking GATA4 S105 phosphorylation is associated with decreased androgen production in males. In contrast, S261 phosphorylation by itself is dispensable for GATA4 function. These results confirm that endogenous GATA4 action is essential for normal steroid production in males and that this activity requires phosphorylation on at least one serine residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - A Boulende Sab
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d'excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - M F Bouchard
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - H Taniguchi
- Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
| | - O Souchkova
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d'excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - C Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - J J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - N Pilon
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d'excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - R S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle (CRDSI), Quebec, QC, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Université Laval, Quebec, QC, Canada
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24
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Gao S, Chen S, Chen L, Zhao Y, Sun L, Cao M, Huang Y, Niu Q, Wang F, Yuan C, Li C, Zhou X. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor: A steroidogenic regulator of Leydig cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14058-14067. [PMID: 30628054 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was first recognized for its roles in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and its complex functions on mammalian organs have been extended constantly. However, to date, little is known about its effects on the male reproductive system, including the steroidogenesis of mammals. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of BDNF on testosterone generation of Leydig cells and the underlying mechanisms. We found that BDNF-induced proliferation of TM3 Leydig cells via upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen ( Pcna) and promoted testosterone generation as a result of upregulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein ( Star), 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ( Hsd3b1), and cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme ( Cyp11a1) both in primary Leydig cells and TM3 Leydig cells, which were all attenuated in Bdnf knockdown TM3 Leydig cells. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of testosterone synthesis was explored in TM3 Leydig cells. The results showed that BDNF enhanced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and the effect was disrupted by Bdnf deletion. Moreover, PD98059, a potent selective inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, compromised BDNF-induced testosterone generation and upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1. The Bdnf knockdown assay, on the other hand, indicated the autocrine effect of BDNF on steroidogenesis in TM3 Leydig cells. On the basis of these results, we concluded that BDNF, acting as an autocrine factor, induced testosterone generation as a result of the upregulation of Star, Hsd3b1, and Cyp11a1 via stimulation of the ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuxiong Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lu Chen
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liting Sun
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwen Huang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiaoge Niu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengge Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfeng Yuan
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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25
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Tan A, Ke S, Chen Y, Chen L, Lu X, Ding F, Yang L, Tang Y, Yu Y. Expression patterns of C1ql4 and its cell-adhesion GPCR Bai3 in the murine testis and functional roles in steroidogenesis. FASEB J 2019; 33:4893-4906. [PMID: 30608882 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801620rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
C1q-like 4 (C1QL4), a novel member of the C1q- and TNF-related protein family, was found to be highly expressed in rodent and human testis. However, the localization, developmental, and hormonally regulated expression and biologic function of C1ql4 in the testis have not been investigated. Here, we demonstrated that C1ql4 mRNA and protein levels in murine testes gradually increased from the postnatal period to the adult stage and were up-regulated by LH in vivo. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the distribution and expression levels of C1ql4 mRNA varied at different developmental stages, although C1ql4 mRNA was detected in the seminiferous tubule and interstitial Leydig cells. Recombinant C1QL4 did not affect cell proliferation but did increase testosterone production in TM3 Leydig cells, as well as in cultured seminiferous tubules. C1QL4-induced testosterone secretion in Leydig cells was accompanied by increased expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein and steroidogenic enzymes. During this process, the c-Raf/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2/ERK1/2/mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase-1 and cAMP/PKA/cAMP-responsive element binding protein signaling cascades were activated by C1QL4. The cell-adhesion GPCR brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 3 (BAI3), a putative receptor of C1QL4, was detected in the seminiferous tubule and interstitial Leydig cells during testicular development. Knockdown of Bai3 expression in Leydig cells led to a reduction in Star expression, accompanied by increases in phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and intercellular cAMP levels. However, C1QL4-induced StAR expression was not completely suppressed in the Bai3-deficient Leydig cells, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and intercellular cAMP levels were not significantly changed before and after C1QL4 stimulation. Our results suggested that although BAI3 played a role in C1QL4-induced steroidogenesis, there was an unidentified receptor that mediated C1QL4-activated testosterone secretion in Leydig cells through phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and up-regulation of intracellular cAMP levels. Taken together, our results showed, for the first time to our knowledge, that C1QL4 served as a novel acute regulator of testosterone secretion, and BAI3 functioned as a new receptor that is involved in steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. BAI3-independent ERK1/2 activation and cAMP activation mediated C1QL4-induced testosterone secretion. This study expanded the reproductive roles and mechanisms of C1QL4 and BAI3 signaling pathways.-Tan, A., Ke, S., Chen, Y., Chen, L., Lu, X., Ding, F., Yang, L., Tang, Y., Yu, Y. Expression patterns of C1ql4 and its cell-adhesion GPCR Bai3 in the murine testis and functional roles in steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Tan
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Shiyun Ke
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Yao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Fei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Liuhong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Yan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Yanhong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine (Jinan University-Chinese University of Hong Kong), Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; and
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26
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Moniez S, Pienkowski C, Lepage B, Hamdi S, Daudin M, Oliver I, Jouret B, Cartault A, Diene G, Verloes A, Cavé H, Salles JP, Tauber M, Yart A, Edouard T. Noonan syndrome males display Sertoli cell-specific primary testicular insufficiency. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 179:409-418. [PMID: 30325180 DOI: 10.1530/eje-18-0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Context Abnormalities in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis have long been reported in Noonan syndrome (NS) males with only few data available in prepubertal children. Objective The aim of this study was to describe the gonadal function of NS males from childhood to adulthood. Design It is a retrospective chart review. Patients and methods A total of 37 males with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of NS were included. Clinical and genetic features, as well as serum hormone levels (LH, FSH, testosterone, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and inhibin B) were analysed. Results Of the 37 patients, 16 (43%) children had entered puberty at a median age of 13.5 years (range: 11.4-15.0 years); age at pubertal onset was negatively correlated with BMI SDS (r = -0.541; P = 0.022). In pubertal boys, testosterone levels were normal suggesting a normal Leydig cell function. In contrast, NS patients had significant lower levels of AMH (mean SDS: -0.6 ± 1.1; P = 0.003) and inhibin B (mean SDS: -1.1 ± 1.2; P < 0.001) compared with the general population, suggesting a Sertoli cell dysfunction. Lower AMH and inhibin B levels were found in NS-PTPN11 patients, whereas these markers did not differ from healthy children in SOS1 patients. No difference was found between cryptorchid and non-cryptorchid patients for AMH and inhibin B levels (P = 0.43 and 0.62 respectively). Four NS-PTPN11 patients had a severe primary hypogonadism with azoospermia/cryptozoospermia. Conclusions NS males display Sertoli cell-specific primary testicular insufficiency, whereas Leydig cell function seems to be unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Moniez
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | | | - Benoit Lepage
- Department of Epidemiology, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Safouane Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Hormonology, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- Fertility Centre, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Myriam Daudin
- Fertility Centre, CECOS Midi-Pyrénées, EA 3694 Human Fertility Research Group, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Oliver
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Béatrice Jouret
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Audrey Cartault
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Gwenaelle Diene
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
| | - Alain Verloes
- Department of Genetics, Robert-Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Cavé
- Department of Genetics, Robert-Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Salles
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
| | - Maithé Tauber
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
| | - Armelle Yart
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital
- INSERM UMR 1043, Centre of Pathophysiology of Toulouse Purpan (CPTP)
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27
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Casarini L, Santi D, Brigante G, Simoni M. Two Hormones for One Receptor: Evolution, Biochemistry, Actions, and Pathophysiology of LH and hCG. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:549-592. [PMID: 29905829 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
LH and chorionic gonadotropin (CG) are glycoproteins fundamental to sexual development and reproduction. Because they act on the same receptor (LHCGR), the general consensus has been that LH and human CG (hCG) are equivalent. However, separate evolution of LHβ and hCGβ subunits occurred in primates, resulting in two molecules sharing ~85% identity and regulating different physiological events. Pituitary, pulsatile LH production results in an ~90-minute half-life molecule targeting the gonads to regulate gametogenesis and androgen synthesis. Trophoblast hCG, the "pregnancy hormone," exists in several isoforms and glycosylation variants with long half-lives (hours) and angiogenic potential and acts on luteinized ovarian cells as progestational. The different molecular features of LH and hCG lead to hormone-specific LHCGR binding and intracellular signaling cascades. In ovarian cells, LH action is preferentially exerted through kinases, phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (pERK1/2) and phosphorylated AKT (also known as protein kinase B), resulting in irreplaceable proliferative/antiapoptotic signals and partial agonism on progesterone production in vitro. In contrast, hCG displays notable cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated steroidogenic and proapoptotic potential, which is masked by estrogen action in vivo. In vitro data have been confirmed by a large data set from assisted reproduction, because the steroidogenic potential of hCG positively affects the number of retrieved oocytes, and LH affects the pregnancy rate (per oocyte number). Leydig cell in vitro exposure to hCG results in qualitatively similar cAMP/PKA and pERK1/2 activation compared with LH and testosterone. The supposed equivalence of LH and hCG has been disproved by such data, highlighting their sex-specific functions and thus deeming it an oversight caused by incomplete understanding of clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Casarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniele Santi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Brigante
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Modena, Italy
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Sun D, Dong W, Jin B, Chen G, Cai B, Deng W, Cui Y, Jin Y. Mechanisms of Yangjing Capsule in Leydig Cell Apoptosis and Testosterone Synthesis via Promoting StAR Expression. Biol Pharm Bull 2018; 41:1401-1405. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b18-00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dalin Sun
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University
| | | | - Baofang Jin
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University
| | - Guanghui Chen
- Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
| | - Bin Cai
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University
| | - Weimin Deng
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University
| | - Yugui Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
| | - Yihan Jin
- Medical College of Qinghai University
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Hai L, Hiremath DS, Paquet M, Narayan P. Constitutive luteinizing hormone receptor signaling causes sexual dysfunction and Leydig cell adenomas in male mice. Biol Reprod 2018; 96:1007-1018. [PMID: 28339861 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.146605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR) is necessary for fertility, and genetic mutations cause defects in reproductive development and function. Activating mutations in LHCGR cause familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP). We have previously characterized a mouse model (KiLHRD582G) for FMPP that exhibits the same phenotype of precocious puberty, Leydig cell hyperplasia, and elevated testosterone as boys with the disorder. We observed that KiLHRD582G male mice became infertile by 6 months of age, although sperm count and motility were normal. In this study, we sought to determine the reason for the progressive infertility and the long-term consequences of constant LHCGR signaling. Mating with superovulated females showed that infertile KiLHRD582G mice had functional sperm and normal accessory gland function. Sexual behavior studies revealed that KiLHRD582G mice mounted females, but intromission was brief and ejaculation was not achieved. Histological analysis of the reproductive tract showed unique metaplastic changes resulting in pseudostratified columnar epithelial cells with cilia in the ampulla and chondrocytes in the penile body of the KiLHRD582G mice. The infertile KiLHRD582G exhibited enlarged sinusoids and a decrease in smooth muscle content in the corpora cavernosa of the penile body. However, collagen content was unchanged. Leydig cell adenomas and degenerating seminiferous tubules were seen in 1-year-old KiLHRD582G mice. We conclude that progressive infertility in KiLHRD582G mice is due to sexual dysfunction likely due to functional defects in the penis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Hai
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepak S Hiremath
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois, USA
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Shi L, Song R, Yao X, Ren Y. Effects of selenium on the proliferation, apoptosis and testosterone production of sheep Leydig cells in vitro. Theriogenology 2017; 93:24-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Riccetti L, De Pascali F, Gilioli L, Potì F, Giva LB, Marino M, Tagliavini S, Trenti T, Fanelli F, Mezzullo M, Pagotto U, Simoni M, Casarini L. Human LH and hCG stimulate differently the early signalling pathways but result in equal testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells in vitro. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2017; 15:2. [PMID: 28056997 PMCID: PMC5217336 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-016-0224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human luteinizing hormone (LH) and chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are glycoprotein hormones regulating development and reproductive functions by acting on the same receptor (LHCGR). We compared the LH and hCG activity in gonadal cells from male mouse in vitro, i.e. primary Leydig cells, which is a common tool used for gonadotropin bioassay. Murine Leydig cells are naturally expressing the murine LH receptor (mLhr), which binds human LH/hCG. METHODS Cultured Leydig cells were treated by increasing doses of recombinant LH and hCG, and cell signaling, gene expression and steroid synthesis were evaluated. RESULTS We found that hCG is about 10-fold more potent than LH in cAMP recruitment, and slightly but significantly more potent on cAMP-dependent Erk1/2 phosphorylation. However, no significant differences occur between LH and hCG treatments, measured as activation of downstream signals, such as Creb phosphorylation, Stard1 gene expression and testosterone synthesis. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that the responses to human LH/hCG are only quantitatively and not qualitatively different in murine cells, at least in terms of cAMP and Erk1/2 activation, and equal in activating downstream steroidogenic events. This is at odds with what we previously described in human primary granulosa cells, where LHCGR mediates a different pattern of signaling cascades, depending on the natural ligand. This finding is relevant for gonadotropin quantification used in the official pharmacopoeia, which are based on murine, in vivo bioassay and rely on the evaluation of long-term, testosterone-dependent effects mediated by rodent receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccetti
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco De Pascali
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Lisa Gilioli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Parma, via Voltuno 39/E, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Lavinia Beatrice Giva
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Marino
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Tagliavini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trenti
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathological Anatomy, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Flaminia Fanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Mezzullo
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (C.R.B.A.), S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital. Alma Mater University of Bologna, via G. Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Simoni
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Azienda USL. NOCSAE, Via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Livio Casarini
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, NOCSAE, via P. Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Center for Genomic Research, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Umehara T, Kawashima I, Kawai T, Hoshino Y, Morohashi KI, Shima Y, Zeng W, Richards JS, Shimada M. Neuregulin 1 Regulates Proliferation of Leydig Cells to Support Spermatogenesis and Sexual Behavior in Adult Mice. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4899-4913. [PMID: 27732090 PMCID: PMC5133346 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adult Leydig cells are derived from proliferating stem/progenitor Leydig cells in the infant testis and subsequent differentiation to steroidogenic cells in adult mice. Leydig cell proliferation in the infant testis occurs primarily in response to increased levels of LH that induce Leydig cell expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1). Depletion of NRG1 in Nrg1 mutant mice (Nrg1flox;flox;Cyp19a1Cre mice) dramatically reduces Leydig cell proliferation in the infant testes, leading to a reduction of testis weight, epididymial weight, and serum T in the adult mutant mice. The mutant mice are subfertile due to impaired sexual behavior and abnormal elongation of the spermatogenic cells. These defects were reversed by T treatment of the mutant mice in vivo. Furthermore, NRG1 alone induces the proliferation of Leydig cells in cultures of infant (d 10) testes obtained from mutant mice. Collectively these results show that LH induction of NRG1 directly drives the proliferation of Leydig cells in the infant testis, leading to an obligatory number of adult Leydig cells required for the production of sufficient androgen to support and maintain spermatogenesis and sexual behavior of adult male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Umehara
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ikko Kawashima
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Tomoko Kawai
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yumi Hoshino
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Yuichi Shima
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Wenxian Zeng
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Masayuki Shimada
- Graduate School of Biosphere Science (T.U., I.K., T.K., Y.H., W.Z., M.S.), Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 7398528, Japan; Laboratory of Sex Differentiation (K.M., Y.S.), Graduate School of Medicine, Kyusyu University, Fukuoka 8258585, Japan; College of Animal Science and Technology (W.Z., Y.S.), Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100 China; and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology (J.S.R.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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Boisvert A, Jones S, Issop L, Erythropel HC, Papadopoulos V, Culty M. In vitro functional screening as a means to identify new plasticizers devoid of reproductive toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2016; 150:496-512. [PMID: 27423704 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Plasticizers are indispensable additives providing flexibility and malleability to plastics. Among them, several phthalates, including di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have emerged as endocrine disruptors, leading to their restriction in consumer products and creating a need for new, safer plasticizers. The goal of this project was to use in vitro functional screening tools to select novel non-toxic plasticizers suitable for further in vivo evaluation. A panel of novel compounds with satisfactory plasticizer properties and biodegradability were tested, along with several commercial plasticizers, such as diisononyl-cyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (DINCH®). MEHP, the monoester metabolite of DEHP was also included as reference compound. Because phthalates target mainly testicular function, including androgen production and spermatogenesis, we used the mouse MA-10 Leydig and C18-4 spermatogonial cell lines as surrogates to examine cell survival, proliferation, steroidogenesis and mitochondrial integrity. The most promising compounds were further assessed on organ cultures of rat fetal and neonatal testes, corresponding to sensitive developmental windows. Dose-response studies revealed the toxicity of most maleates and fumarates, while identifying several dibenzoate and succinate plasticizers as innocuous on Leydig and germ cells. Interestingly, DINCH®, a plasticizer marketed as a safe alternative to phthalates, exerted a biphasic effect on steroid production in MA-10 and fetal Leydig cells. MEHP was the only plasticizer inducing the formation of multinucleated germ cells (MNG) in organ culture. Overall, organ cultures corroborated the cell line data, identifying one dibenzoate and one succinate as the most promising candidates. The adoption of such collaborative approaches for developing new chemicals should help prevent the development of compounds potentially harmful to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Boisvert
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Steven Jones
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Leeyah Issop
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Hanno C Erythropel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1
| | - Martine Culty
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1.
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Aoidi R, Maltais A, Charron J. Functional redundancy of the kinases MEK1 and MEK2: Rescue of theMek1mutant phenotype byMek2knock-in reveals a protein threshold effect. Sci Signal 2016; 9:ra9. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aad5658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Paz C, Cornejo Maciel F, Gorostizaga A, Castillo AF, Mori Sequeiros García MM, Maloberti PM, Orlando UD, Mele PG, Poderoso C, Podesta EJ. Role of Protein Phosphorylation and Tyrosine Phosphatases in the Adrenal Regulation of Steroid Synthesis and Mitochondrial Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:60. [PMID: 27375556 PMCID: PMC4899475 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In adrenocortical cells, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) promotes the activation of several protein kinases. The action of these kinases is linked to steroid production, mainly through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), whose expression and activity are dependent on protein phosphorylation events at genomic and non-genomic levels. Hormone-dependent mitochondrial dynamics and cell proliferation are functions also associated with protein kinases. On the other hand, protein tyrosine dephosphorylation is an additional component of the ACTH signaling pathway, which involves the "classical" protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), such as Src homology domain (SH) 2-containing PTP (SHP2c), and members of the MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) family, such as MKP-1. PTPs are rapidly activated by posttranslational mechanisms and participate in hormone-stimulated steroid production. In this process, the SHP2 tyrosine phosphatase plays a crucial role in a mechanism that includes an acyl-CoA synthetase-4 (Acsl4), arachidonic acid (AA) release and StAR induction. In contrast, MKPs in steroidogenic cells have a role in the turn-off of the hormonal signal in ERK-dependent processes such as steroid synthesis and, perhaps, cell proliferation. This review analyzes the participation of these tyrosine phosphates in the ACTH signaling pathway and the action of kinases and phosphatases in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and steroid production. In addition, the participation of kinases and phosphatases in the signal cascade triggered by different stimuli in other steroidogenic tissues is also compared to adrenocortical cell/ACTH and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Paz
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana Cornejo Maciel
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandra Gorostizaga
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana F. Castillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M. Mercedes Mori Sequeiros García
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula M. Maloberti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ulises D. Orlando
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo G. Mele
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Poderoso
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ernesto J. Podesta
- Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA-CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Ernesto J. Podesta, ,
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Tremblay JJ. Molecular regulation of steroidogenesis in endocrine Leydig cells. Steroids 2015; 103:3-10. [PMID: 26254606 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate essential physiological processes and inadequate levels are associated with various pathological conditions. Consequently, the process of steroid hormone biosynthesis is finely regulated. In the testis, the main steroidogenic cells are the Leydig cells. There are two distinct populations of Leydig cells that arise during development: fetal and adult Leydig cells. Fetal Leydig cells are responsible for masculinizing the male urogenital tract and inducing testis descent. These cells atrophy shortly after birth and do not contribute to the adult Leydig cell population. Adult Leydig cells derive from undifferentiated precursors present after birth and become fully steroidogenic at puberty. The differentiation of both Leydig cell populations is controlled by locally produced paracrine factors and by endocrine hormones. In fully differentially and steroidogenically active Leydig cells, androgen production and hormone-responsiveness involve various signaling pathways and downstream transcription factors. This review article focuses on recent developments regarding the origin and function of Leydig cells, the regulation of their differentiation by signaling molecules, hormones, and structural changes, the signaling pathways, kinases, and transcription factors involved in their differentiation and in mediating LH-responsiveness, as well as the fine-tuning mechanisms that ensure adequate production steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada; Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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Di-Luoffo M, Daems C, Bergeron F, Tremblay JJ. Novel Targets for the Transcription Factors MEF2 in MA-10 Leydig Cells. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:9. [PMID: 26019261 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone production by Leydig cells is a tightly regulated process requiring synchronized expression of several steroidogenic genes by numerous transcription factors. Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) are transcription factors recently identified in somatic cells of the male gonad. In other tissues, MEF2 factors are essential regulators of organogenesis and cell differentiation. So far in the testis, MEF2 factors were found to regulate Leydig cell steroidogenesis by controlling Nr4a1 and Star gene expression. To expand our understanding of the role of MEF2 in Leydig cells, we performed microarray analyses of MEF2-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells, and the results were analyzed using Partek and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Several genes were differentially expressed in MEF2-depleted Leydig cells, and 16 were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. A large number of these genes are known to be involved in fertility, gonad morphology, and steroidogenesis. These include Ahr, Bmal1, Cyp1b1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b7, Map2k1, Nr0b2, Pde8a, Por, Smad4, Star, and Tsc22d3, which were all downregulated in the absence of MEF2. In silico analyses revealed the presence of MEF2-binding sites within the first 2 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the Por, Bmal1, and Nr0b2 promoters, suggesting direct regulation by MEF2. Using transient transfections in MA-10 Leydig cells, small interfering RNA knockdown, and a MEF2-Engrailed dominant negative, we found that MEF2 activates the Por, Bmal1, and Nr0b2 promoters and that this requires an intact MEF2 element. Our results identify novel target genes for MEF2 and define MEF2 as an important regulator of Leydig cell function and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Di-Luoffo
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Daems
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Francis Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Iamsaard S, Burawat J, Kanla P, Arun S, Sukhorum W, Sripanidkulchai B, Uabundit N, Wattathorn J, Hipkaeo W, Fongmoon D, Kondo H. Antioxidant activity and protective effect of Clitoria ternatea flower extract on testicular damage induced by ketoconazole in rats. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2015; 15:548-55. [PMID: 24903992 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1300299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ketoconazole (KET), an antifungal drug, has adverse effects on the male reproductive system. Pre-treatments with antioxidant plant against testicular damage induced by KET are required. The flowers of Clitoria ternatea (CT) are proven to have hepatoprotective potential. However, the protective effect on KET-induced testicular damage has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of CT flower extracts with antioxidant activity on male reproductive parameters including sperm concentration, serum testosterone level, histopathology of the testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels in rats induced with KET. METHODS The antioxidant activity of CT flower extracts was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Male rats were treated with CT flower extracts (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg BW) or distilled water via a gastric tube for 28 d (preventive period: Days 1-21) and induced by KET (100 mg/kg BW) via intraperitoneal injection for 7 d (induction period: Days 22-28). After the experiment, all animals were examined for the weights of the testis, epididymis plus vas deferens and seminal vesicle, serum testosterone levels, sperm concentration, histological structures and diameter of testis, and testicular tyrosine phosphorylation levels by immunoblotting. RESULTS The CT flower extracts had capabilities for DPPH scavenging and high reducing power. At 100 mg/kg BW, the extract had no toxic effects on the male reproductive system. Significantly, in CT+KET groups, CT flower extracts (50 and 100 mg/kg BW) alleviated the reduction of reproductive organ weight parameters, testosterone levels, and sperm concentration. In addition, CT flower extracts gave protection from testicular damage in KET-induced rats. Moreover, in the CT100+KET group, CT flower extracts significantly enhanced the expression of a testicular 50-kDa tyrosine phosphorylated protein compared with that of other groups. CONCLUSIONS C. ternatea flower extracts possessing antioxidant activity are not harmful to the male reproductive system and can protect against testicular damage in KET-induced rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy and Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Group, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Products, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Department of Medical Services, Lampang Cancer Hospital, Ministry of Public health, Lampang 52000, Thailand
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Narayan P. Genetic Models for the Study of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:152. [PMID: 26483755 PMCID: PMC4586495 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) is essential for fertility in men and women. LHCGR binds luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as the highly homologous chorionic gonadotropin. Signaling from LHCGR is required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in males and females and for sexual differentiation in the male. The importance of LHCGR in reproductive physiology is underscored by the large number of naturally occurring inactivating and activating mutations in the receptor that result in reproductive disorders. Consequently, several genetically modified mouse models have been developed for the study of LHCGR function. They include targeted deletion of LH and LHCGR that mimic inactivating mutations in hormone and receptor, expression of a constitutively active mutant in LHCGR that mimics activating mutations associated with familial male-limited precocious puberty and transgenic models of LH and hCG overexpression. This review summarizes the salient findings from these models and their utility in understanding the physiological and pathological consequences of loss and gain of function in LHCGR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prema Narayan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
- *Correspondence: Prema Narayan, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, LSIII, 1135 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA,
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Venkatesh T, Suresh PS, Tsutsumi R. New insights into the genetic basis of infertility. APPLICATION OF CLINICAL GENETICS 2014; 7:235-43. [PMID: 25506236 PMCID: PMC4259396 DOI: 10.2147/tacg.s40809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system characterized by inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. A variety of factors, including ovulation defects, spermatogenic failure, parental age, obesity, and infections have been linked with infertility, in addition to specific karyotypes and genotypes. The study of genes associated with infertility in rodent models has expanded the field of translational genetics in identifying the underlying cause of human infertility problems. Many intriguing aspects of the molecular basis of infertility in humans remain poorly understood; however, application of genetic knowledge in this field looks promising. The growing literature on the genetics of human infertility disorders deserves attention and a critical concise summary is required. This paper provides information obtained from a systematic analysis of the literature related to current research into the genetics of infertility affecting both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thejaswini Venkatesh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Rie Tsutsumi
- University of Tokushima, Institute of Health Bioscience, Department of Public Health and Nutrition, Tokushima, Japan
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41
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Genetics of psychotropic medication induced side effects in two independent samples of bipolar patients. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 122:43-58. [PMID: 25129258 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1290-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of bipolar disorder (BD) usually requires combination therapies, with the critical issue of the emergence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and the possibility of low treatment adherence. Genetic polymorphisms are hypothesized to modulate the pharmacodynamics of psychotropic drugs, representing potential biological markers of ADRs. This study investigated genes involved in the regulation of neuroplasticity (BDNF, ST8SIA2), second messenger cascades (GSK3B, MAPK1, and CREB1), circadian rhythms (RORA), transcription (SP4, ZNF804A), and monoaminergic system (HTR2A and COMT) in the risk of neurological, psychic, autonomic, and other ADRs. Two independent samples of BD patients naturalistically treated were included (COPE-BD n = 147; STEP-BD n = 659). In the COPE-BD 34 SNPs were genotyped, while in the STEP-BD polymorphisms in the selected genes were extracted from the genome-wide dataset. Each ADRs group was categorized as absent-mild or moderate-severe and logistic regression with appropriate covariates was applied to identify possible risk genotypes/alleles. 58.5 and 93.5 % of patients were treated with mood stabilizers, 44.2 and 50.7 % were treated with antipsychotics, and 69.4 and 46.1 % were treated with antidepressants in the COPE-BD and STEP-BD, respectively. Our findings suggested that ST8SIA2 may be associated with psychic ADRs, as shown in the COPE-BD (rs4777989 p = 0.0017) and STEP-BD (rs56027313, rs13379489 and rs10852173). A cluster of RORA SNPs around rs2083074 showed an effect on psychic ADRs in the STEP-BD. Trends supporting the association between HTR2A and autonomic ADRs were found in both samples. Confirmations are needed particularly for ST8SIA2 and RORA since the few available data regarding their role in relation to psychotropic ADRs.
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42
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Boucherat O, Nadeau V, Bérubé-Simard FA, Charron J, Jeannotte L. Crucial requirement of ERK/MAPK signaling in respiratory tract development. Development 2014; 141:3197-211. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.110254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian genome contains two ERK/MAP kinase genes, Mek1 and Mek2, which encode dual-specificity kinases responsible for ERK/MAP kinase activation. In order to define the function of the ERK/MAPK pathway in the lung development in mice, we performed tissue-specific deletions of Mek1 function on a Mek2 null background. Inactivation of both Mek genes in mesenchyme resulted in several phenotypes, including giant omphalocele, kyphosis, pulmonary hypoplasia, defective tracheal cartilage and death at birth. The absence of tracheal cartilage rings establishes the crucial role of intracellular signaling molecules in tracheal chondrogenesis and provides a putative mouse model for tracheomalacia. In vitro, the loss of Mek function in lung mesenchyme did not interfere with lung growth and branching, suggesting that both the reduced intrathoracic space due to the dysmorphic rib cage and the omphalocele impaired lung development in vivo. Conversely, Mek mutation in the respiratory epithelium caused lung agenesis, a phenotype resulting from the direct impact of the ERK/MAPK pathway on cell proliferation and survival. No tracheal epithelial cell differentiation occurred and no SOX2-positive progenitor cells were detected in mutants, implying a role for the ERK/MAPK pathway in trachea progenitor cell maintenance and differentiation. Moreover, these anomalies were phenocopied when the Erk1 and Erk2 genes were mutated in airway epithelium. Thus, the ERK/MAPK pathway is required for the integration of mesenchymal and epithelial signals essential for the development of the entire respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Boucherat
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, CanadaG1R 2J6
| | - Valérie Nadeau
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, CanadaG1R 2J6
| | - Félix-Antoine Bérubé-Simard
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, CanadaG1R 2J6
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, CanadaG1R 2J6
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Lucie Jeannotte
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec, CanadaG1R 2J6
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
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Catlin NR, Huse SM, Boekelheide K. The stage-specific testicular germ cell apoptotic response to low-dose X-irradiation and 2,5-hexanedione combined exposure. I: Validation of the laser capture microdissection method for qRT-PCR array application. Toxicol Pathol 2014; 42:1221-8. [PMID: 24717900 DOI: 10.1177/0192623314526319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, laser capture microdissection (LCM) has grown as a tool for gene expression profiling of small numbers of cells from tumor samples and of specific cell populations in complex tissues. LCM can be used to study toxicant effects on selected cell populations within the testis at different stages of spermatogenesis. There are several LCM-related hurdles to overcome, including issues inherent to the method itself, as well as biases that result from amplifying the LCM-isolated RNA. Many technical issues associated with the LCM method are addressed here, including increasing RNA yield and obtaining more accurate quantification of RNA yields. We optimized the LCM method optimized to generate RNA quantities sufficient for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) array analysis without amplification and were able to validate the method through direct comparison of results from unamplified and amplified RNA from individual samples. The addition of an amplification step for gene expression studies using LCM RNA resulted in a bias, especially for low abundance transcripts. Although the amplification bias was consistent across samples, researchers should use caution when comparing results generated from amplified and unamplified LCM RNA. Here, we have validated the use of LCM-derived RNA with the qRT-PCR array, improving our ability to investigate cell-type and stage-specific responses to toxicant exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha R Catlin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Susan M Huse
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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McGee SR, Narayan P. Precocious puberty and Leydig cell hyperplasia in male mice with a gain of function mutation in the LH receptor gene. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3900-13. [PMID: 23861372 PMCID: PMC3776872 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The LH receptor (LHR) is critical for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis. Its essential role is underscored by the developmental and reproductive abnormalities that occur due to genetic mutations identified in the human LHR. In males, activating mutations are associated with precocious puberty and Leydig cell hyperplasia. To generate a mouse model for the human disease, we have introduced an aspartic acid to glycine mutation in amino acid residue 582 (D582G) of the mouse LHR gene corresponding to the most common D578G mutation found in boys with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP). In transfected cells, mouse D582G mLHR exhibited constitutive activity with a 23-fold increase in basal cAMP levels compared with the wild-type receptor. A temporal study of male mice from 7 days to 24 weeks indicated that the knock-in mice with the mutated receptor (KiLHR(D582G)) exhibited precocious puberty with elevated testosterone levels as early as 7 days of age and through adulthood. Leydig cell-specific genes encoding LHR and several steroidogenic enzymes were up-regulated in KiLHR(D582G) testis. Leydig cell hyperplasia was detected at all ages, whereas Sertoli and germ cell development appeared normal. A novel finding from our studies, not previously reported in the FMPP cases, is that extensive hyperplasia is commonly found around the periphery of the testis. We further demonstrate that the hyperplasia is due to premature proliferation and precocious differentiation of adult Leydig cells in the KiLHR(D582G) testis. The KiLHR(D582G) mice provide a mouse model for FMPP, and we suggest that it is a useful model for studying pathologies associated with altered LHR signaling.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Substitution
- Animals
- Cell Proliferation
- Crosses, Genetic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Gene Knock-In Techniques
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Leydig Cells/metabolism
- Leydig Cells/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
- Mutant Proteins/metabolism
- Puberty, Precocious/blood
- Puberty, Precocious/genetics
- Puberty, Precocious/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Testicular Diseases/blood
- Testicular Diseases/metabolism
- Testicular Diseases/pathology
- Testosterone/blood
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey R McGee
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois 62901.
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Iamsaard S, Prabsattroo T, Sukhorum W, Muchimapura S, Srisaard P, Uabundit N, Thukhammee W, Wattanathorn J. Anethum graveolens Linn. (dill) extract enhances the mounting frequency and level of testicular tyrosine protein phosphorylation in rats. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2013; 14:247-52. [PMID: 23463768 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1200287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Anethum graveolens (AG) extracts on the mounting frequency, histology of testis and epididymis, and sperm physiology. METHODS Male rats induced by cold immobilization before treating with vehicle or AG extracts [50, 150, and 450 mg/kg body weight (BW)] via gastric tube for consecutive 1, 7, and 14 d were examined for mounting frequency, testicular phosphorylation level by immunoblotting, sperm concentration, sperm acrosome reaction, and histological structures of testis and epididymis, respectively. RESULTS AG (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased the mounting frequency on Days 1 and 7 compared to the control group. Additionally, rat testis treated with 50 mg/kg BW AG showed high levels of phosphorylated proteins as compared with the control group. In histological analyses, AG extract did not affect the sperm concentration, acrosome reaction, and histological structures of testis and epididymis. CONCLUSIONS AG extract enhances the aphrodisiac activity and is not harmful to sperm and male reproductive organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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Mori Sequeiros García M, Gómez NV, Gorostizaga A, Acquier A, González-Calvar SI, Mendez CF, Paz C. MAP kinase phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) is transcriptionally and post-translationally up-regulated by hCG and modulates cAMP-induced p21 expression in MA-10 Leydig cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 371:174-81. [PMID: 23261984 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) activates ERK1/2, MAP kinases (MAPKs) necessary for its action on steroidogenesis and cell proliferation, and also induces MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), which rapidly dephosphorylates nuclear ERK1/2. MKP-3 is a cytoplasmic ERK-phosphatase up-regulated by proliferative stimuli. MKP-3 also dephosphorylates transcription factor FOXO1, promoting its transport to the nucleus. Here we analyzed MKP-3 expression in MA-10 Leydig cells and demonstrated that LH receptor (LHR) activation with human gonadotropin hormone (hCG) and an analog of its second messenger, 8Br-cAMP, up-regulates MKP-3 by transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms. It is known that FOXO1 drives the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Since the activation of this transcription factor by MKP-3 has been reported, we assessed the effect of shRNA against MKP-3 on p21mRNA levels. 8Br-cAMP increased these levels (2-fold at 2h) and MKP-3 down-regulation reduced this effect. Our work demonstrates that LH/hCG tightly up-regulates MKP-3 which in turn, dephosphorylates ERK1/2 and drives p21 expression. These events could contribute to counteract hormonal action on cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Mori Sequeiros García
- Institute for Biomedical Research (INBIOMED), Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, (C1121ABG) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Matzkin ME, Yamashita S, Ascoli M. The ERK1/2 pathway regulates testosterone synthesis by coordinately regulating the expression of steroidogenic genes in Leydig cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 370:130-7. [PMID: 23480967 PMCID: PMC3631444 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Adult mice with a Leydig cell specific deletion of MAPK kinase (MEK) 1 and 2 (Mek1(f)(/)(f);Mek2(-/-);Cre(+)) mice display Leydig cell hypoplasia and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We used radioimmunoassays and quantitative PCR to evaluate the function and expression of the Leydig cell genes involved in the conversion of cholesterol to testosterone (Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b6, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3), androgen metabolism (Srda1 and Dhrs9), and four transcription factors (Creb1, Nr5a1, Nr4a1 and Nr0b1) that regulate the expression of steroidogenic genes. We show that Star, Hsd3b6, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3 are downregulated in Ledyig cells of adult Mek1(f)(/)(f);Mek2(-/-);Cre(+) mice whereas Srda1 and Dhrs9 are upregulated and Creb1, Nr5a1, Nr4a1 and Nr0b1 are unchanged or upregulated. Functionally, all the downregulated genes but none of the upregulated genes contribute to the decrease in testosterone synthesis in Leydig cells of adult Mek1(f)(/)(f);Mek2(-/-);Cre(+) mice because they produce low testosterone and dihydrotestosterone when stimulated with hCG or when incubated with testosterone precursors such as progesterone or androstenedione.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Matzkin
- Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Soichi Yamashita
- Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Mario Ascoli
- Department of Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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Gómez NV, Gorostizaga AB, Mori Sequeiros García MM, Brion L, Acquier A, González-Calvar SI, Méndez CF, Podestá EJ, Paz C. MAPK phosphatase-2 (MKP-2) is induced by hCG and plays a role in the regulation of CYP11A1 expression in MA-10 Leydig cells. Endocrinology 2013; 154:1488-500. [PMID: 23471219 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
MAPKs such as ERK1/2 are dephosphorylated, and consequently inactivated, by dual specificity phosphatases (MKPs). In Leydig cells, LH triggers ERK1/2 phosphorylation through the action of protein kinase A. We demonstrate that, in MA-10 Leydig cells, LH receptor activation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) up-regulates MKP-2, a phosphatase that dephosphorylates ERK1/2, among other MAPKs. After 2 hours, hCG and 8-bromo-cAMP (8Br-cAMP) significantly increased MKP-2 mRNA levels (3-fold), which declined to basal levels after 6 hours. MKP-2 protein accumulation exhibited a similar kinetic profile. In cells transiently expressing flag-MKP-2 protein, hCG/8Br-cAMP stimulation promoted the accumulation of the chimera (2.5-fold after 3 h of stimulation). Pharmacologic and biochemical approaches showed that the accumulation of flag-MKP-2 involves a posttranslational modification that increases MKP-2 half-life. MKP-2 down-regulation by a short hairpin RNA (MKP-2 shRNA) raised the levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 reached by 8Br-cAMP stimulation. This effect was evident after 180 min of stimulation, which suggests that MKP-2 down-regulates the late phase of cAMP-induced ERK1/2 activity. Also, MKP-2 down-regulation by MKP-2 shRNA increased the stimulatory effect of 8Br-cAMP on both promoter activity and messenger levels of CYP11A1, which encodes for the steroidogenic enzyme P450scc and is induced by LH/hCG through protein kinase A and ERK1/2 activities. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that LH/hCG tightly regulates MKP-2 expression, which modulates the induction of CYP11A1 by 8Br-cAMP. MKP-2 up-regulation might control ERK1/2 activity in a specific temporal frame to modulate the expression of a finite repertory of ERK-dependent genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Gómez
- Laboratory of Phosphatases in Signal Transduction, Institute for Biomedical Research (INBIOMED), Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, (C1121ABG) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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McIver SC, Loveland KL, Roman SD, Nixon B, Kitazawa R, McLaughlin EA. The chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are implicated in human seminoma metastasis. Andrology 2013; 1:517-29. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. C. McIver
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development; Discipline of Biological Sciences School of Environmental & Life Sciences; University of Newcastle; Callaghan; NSW; Australia
| | | | - S. D. Roman
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development; Discipline of Biological Sciences School of Environmental & Life Sciences; University of Newcastle; Callaghan; NSW; Australia
| | - B. Nixon
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development; Discipline of Biological Sciences School of Environmental & Life Sciences; University of Newcastle; Callaghan; NSW; Australia
| | - R. Kitazawa
- Division of Molecular Pathology; Graduate School of Medicine; Ehime University; Ehime; Japan
| | - E. A. McLaughlin
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology & Development; Discipline of Biological Sciences School of Environmental & Life Sciences; University of Newcastle; Callaghan; NSW; Australia
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Noh YH, Kim DH, Kim JY, Park J, Kim OH, Han D, Kim WY, Kim SS, Lee MY, Heo SH, Kim M, Lee WB, Jeong Y, Myung SC. Improvement of andropause symptoms by dandelion and rooibos extract complex CRS-10 in aging male. Nutr Res Pract 2012; 6:505-12. [PMID: 23346300 PMCID: PMC3542440 DOI: 10.4162/nrp.2012.6.6.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Many aging male suffer various andropause symptoms including loss of physical and mental activities. This study evaluated the putative alleviative effects of CRS-10 dandelion and rooibos extract complex (CRS-10) on the symptoms of andropause. The survival rate of TM3 Leydig cells (TM3 cells) treated with CRS-10 was measured based on typical physiological stress. After daily intake of CRS-10 for 4 weeks, the level of testosterone, physical activity and both the number and activity of sperm in older rats (18 weeks) were measured. Furthermore, thirty males were surveyed with AMS (Aging Males' Symptoms) questionnaire after intake of 400 mg of CRS-10. Overall, CRS-10 protected TM3 cells from serum restriction and oxidative stress via activation of ERK and Akt pathways. The level of testosterone and activation of spermatogenesis in rats were significantly enhanced. In addition, physical locomotion was markedly improved. Daily intake of 400 mg of CRS-10 improved the quality of life among agingmale respondents, according to a clinical survey using the AMS. The results indicate the potential of CRS-10 as a safe and efficacious natural substance for reducing or alleviating andropause symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Hun Noh
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 156-756, Korea
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