Modulatory Effects of Estradiol and Its Mixtures with Ligands of GPER and PPAR on MAPK and PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways and Tumorigenic Factors in Mouse Testis Explants and Mouse Tumor Leydig Cells

Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of goose epididymis reveals molecular markers associated with sperm mobility

The low fertility of geese has long constrained the development of the geese industry. Sperm quality plays a critical role in fertility, and sperm mobility (SM) serves as a key indicator of sperm quality. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying SM remain largely unexplored. The objective of this study was to identify molecular markers associated with SM in the epididymis of Zi geese (Anser cygnoides L.). The SM of 40 one-year-old ganders was assessed. Based on SM values, six ganders were selected: three with the highest SM (H group: n = 3, SM = 0.43 ± 0.02) and three with the lowest SM (L group: n = 3, SM = 0.10 ± 0.01, P < 0.001). Semen quality parameters, fertility, and hormone levels were measured in both groups. Epididymal tissues from the six ganders were subjected to transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Results identified 438 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups, primarily associated with transmembrane transport of proteins and ions. These DEGs were enriched in pathways such as "alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism," "butanoate metabolism," and the "PPAR signaling pathway." Among these, ATP12A, ATP1B4, and CNDP1 were identified as key genes regulating SM. Additionally, 486 metabolites showed significant differences between the groups in both positive and negative ion modes. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed critical gene-metabolite pairs, including CNDP1-citric acid, implicated in SM regulation. Notably, the "arginine biosynthesis" pathway was significantly enriched by both DEGs and differential metabolites. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating SM in the epididymis and lays a theoretical foundation for geese breeding programs.

The potential role of targeting the leptin receptor as a treatment for breast cancer in the context of hyperleptinemia: a literature review

Since cancer is becoming a leading cause of death worldwide, efforts should be concentrated on understanding its underlying biological alterations that would be utilized in disease management, especially prevention strategies. Within this context, multiple bodies of evidence have highlighted leptin's practical and promising role, a peptide hormone extracted from adipose and fatty tissues with other adipokines, in promoting the proliferation, migration, and metastatic invasion of breast carcinoma cells. Excessive blood leptin levels and hyperleptinemia increase body fat content and stimulate appetite. Also, high leptin level is believed to be associated with several conditions, including overeating, emotional stress, inflammation, obesity, and gestational diabetes. It has been noted that when leptin has impaired signaling in CNS, causing the lack of its normal function in energy balance, it results in leptin resistance, leading to a rise in its concentration in peripheral tissues. Our research paper will shed highlighting on potentially targeting the leptin receptor and its cellular signaling in suppressing breast cancer progression.

Effect of Galactooligosaccharide on PPARs/PI3K/Akt Pathway and Gut Microbiota in High-Fat and High-Sugar Diet Combined with STZ-Induced GDM Rat Model

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder, characterized by underlying glucose intolerance, diabetes onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy. Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) is essential for consumer protection as food supplementation. However, there is limited understanding of the effects of GOS on GDM. We successfully established a GDM rat model to explore GOS whether participated in PPARs/PI3K/Akt pathway and gut microbiota metabolites to treat for GDM. In this study, compared with the GDM group, GOS administration lowered the levels of TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C in rat serum, as well as improved the pathological changes pancreatic, liver, and kidney tissues. Compared with the GDM group, the protein expressions of PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ markedly enhanced in GOS-treated groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, GOS administration upregulated the protein expressions of PPARα, PPARβ, PPARγ, PI3K, Akt, GLUT4, Bax, and Bcl2. GOS administration altered gut microbiota metabolites, including both SCFAs and BAs. Correlation analysis revealed close relationships between gut microbiota and experimental indicators. This study indicated that GOS effectively improved GDM in rats through the modulation of PPARs/PI3K/Akt pathway and gut microbiota. Thus, the GOS could be recommended as a candidate for novel therapy of GDM.

Interlinkage between inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in bisphenols-induced testicular steroidogenesis disturbance: A mini review

Bisphenols (BP) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that cause adverse health effects, including testicular steroidogenesis disturbance. Cyclo-oxygenase-2 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 are the target molecules involved in testicular steroidogenesis disturbance via inflammation and oxidative stress (OS), respectively. Interestingly, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was found to be involved in various pathological conditions. However, the mechanisms involved in BP-induced testicular steroidogenesis disturbance remain unclear. Therefore, this research investigates the key mechanisms underlying BP-induced testicular steroidogenesis disturbances. We focus on 3 critical pathways: inflammation, OS, and ER stress. Our findings demonstrate that BP exposure triggers inflammatory responses by targeting the cyclo-oxygenase-2 molecules that impair Leydig cell function. Concurrently, we observed that BP-increased OS via inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, further disrupting steroidogenic enzyme activity. Additionally, ER stress is activated in response to BP exposure, leading to impaired protein synthesis and exacerbating steroidogenic dysfunction. This review elucidates the interlinkage between inflammation, OS, and ER stress in BP-induced testicular steroidogenesis disturbance in which reactive oxygen species is proposed to be the main culprit in linking these 3 mechanisms. These insights provide a crucial foundation for understanding the reproductive toxicology of BPs and inform future strategies for mitigating their effects on male reproductive health.

Casein kinase 1α mediates estradiol secretion via CYP19A1 expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells

BACKGROUND

Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), expressed in both ovarian germ and somatic cells, is involved in the initial meiosis and primordial follicle formation of mouse oocytes. Using in vitro and in vivo experiments in this study, we explored the function and mechanism of CK1α in estrogen synthesis in mice ovarian granulosa cells.

METHODS

A CK1α knockout (cKO) mouse model, targeted specifically to ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), was employed to establish the influence of CK1α on in vivo estrogen synthesis. The influence of CK1α deficiency on GCs was determined in vivo and in vitro by immunofluorescence analysis and Western blot assay. Transcriptome profiling, differentially expressed genes and gene functional enrichment analyses, and computation protein-protein docking, were further employed to assess the CK1α pathway. Furthermore, wild-type female mice were treated with the CK1α antagonist D4476 to elucidate the CK1α's role in estrogen regulation.

RESULTS

Ovarian GCs CK1α deficiency impaired fertility and superovulation of female mice; also, the average litter size and the estradiol (E2) level in the serum of cKO female mice were decreased by 57.3% and 87.4% vs. control mice, respectively. This deficiency disrupted the estrous cycle and enhanced the apoptosis in the GCs. We observed that CK1α mediated the secretion of estradiol in mouse ovarian GCs via the cytochrome P450 subfamily 19 member 1 (CYP19A1).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings improve the existing understanding of the regulation mechanism of female reproduction and estrogen synthesis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Exploring the physiological role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and its associations with human diseases

Estrogen is a group of hormones that collaborate with the nervous system to impact the overall well-being of all genders. It influences many processes, including those occurring in the central nervous system, affecting learning and memory, and playing roles in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. The hormone's action is mediated by specific receptors. Significant roles of classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, in various diseases were known since many years, but after identifying a structurally and locationally distinct receptor, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), its role in human physiology and pathophysiology was investigated. This review compiles GPER-related information, highlighting its impact on homeostasis and diseases, while putting special attention on functions and dysfunctions of this receptor in neurobiology and biobehavioral processes. Understanding the receptor modulation possibilities is essential for therapy, as disruptions in receptors can lead to diseases or disorders, irrespective of correct estrogen levels. We conclude that studies on the GPER receptor have the potential to develop therapies that regulate estrogen and positively impact human health.

Upregulation of GOLPH3 mediated by Bisphenol a promotes colorectal cancer proliferation and migration: evidence based on integrated analysis

Background

The interaction between environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as Bisphenol A (BPA), and their influence on cancer progression, particularly regarding the GOLPH3 gene in colorectal cancer, remains unclear.

Methods

We performed an integrated analysis of transcriptional profiling, clinical data, and bioinformatics analyses utilizing data from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database and The Cancer Genome Atlas. The study employed ClueGO, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and Gene Set Variation Analysis for functional enrichment analysis, alongside experimental assays to examine the effects of BPA exposure on colorectal cancer cell lines, focusing on GOLPH3 expression and its implications for cancer progression.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that BPA exposure significantly promoted the progression of colorectal cancer by upregulating GOLPH3, which in turn enhanced the malignant phenotype of colorectal cancer cells. Comparative analysis revealed elevated GOLPH3 protein levels in cancerous tissues versus normal tissues, with single-cell analysis indicating widespread GOLPH3 presence across various cell types in the cancer microenvironment. GOLPH3 was also associated with multiple carcinogenic pathways, including the G2M checkpoint. Furthermore, our investigation into the colorectal cancer microenvironment and genomic mutation signature underscored the oncogenic potential of GOLPH3, exacerbated by BPA exposure.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into the complex interactions between BPA exposure and GOLPH3 in the context of colorectal cancer, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and measures to mitigate BPA exposure risks. Our findings advocate for further research to validate these observations in clinical and epidemiological settings and explore potential therapeutic targets within these pathways.

Special Staining and Protein Expression of VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB in Cryptorchid Tissue of Erhualian Pigs

Erhualian pigs exhibit one of the highest reproductive rates globally, and cryptorchidism is a crucial factor affecting reproductive abilities of boars. This investigation focused on cryptorchid tissues from Erhualian pigs, where the histological structure of cryptorchidism was observed using specialized staining. In addition, protein expression of P53/NF-κB in cryptorchid tissues was assessed using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In comparison to normal Erhualian testes, Masson's trichrome staining indicated a reduction in collagen fibers in the connective tissue and around the basal membrane of the seminiferous tubules in cryptorchid testes. Moreover, collagen fiber distribution was observed to be disordered. Verhoeff Van Gieson (EVG) and argyrophilic staining demonstrated brownish-black granular nucleoli organized regions in mesenchymal cells and germ cells. When compared to normal testicles, the convoluted seminiferous tubules of cryptorchids exhibited a significantly reduced number and diameter (p < 0.01). Notably, VEGF/EGFR and P53/NF-κB expression in cryptorchidism significantly differed from that in normal testes. In particular, the expression of VEGF and P53 in cryptorchid tissues was significantly higher than that in normal testes tissues, whereas the expression of EGFR in cryptorchid tissues was significantly lower than that in normal testes tissues (all p < 0.01). NF-κB expressed no difference in both conditions. The expressions of VEGF and NF-κB were observed in the cytoplasm of testicular Leydig cells and spermatogenic cells, but they were weak in the nucleus. EGFR and P53 were more positively expressed in the cytoplasm of these cells, with no positive expression in the nucleus. Conclusion: There were changes in the tissue morphology and structure of the cryptorchid testis, coupled with abnormally high expression of VEGF and P53 proteins in Erhualian pigs. We speculate that this may be an important limiting factor to fecundity during cryptorchidism.