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Iwahashi N, Umakoshi H, Fujita M, Fukumoto T, Ogasawara T, Yokomoto-Umakoshi M, Kaneko H, Nakao H, Kawamura N, Uchida N, Matsuda Y, Sakamoto R, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Nakatani K, Izumi Y, Bamba T, Oda Y, Ogawa Y. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis of human adrenal aging. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101954. [PMID: 38718896 PMCID: PMC11101872 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The human adrenal cortex comprises three functionally and structurally distinct layers that produce layer-specific steroid hormones. With aging, the human adrenal cortex undergoes functional and structural alteration or "adrenal aging", leading to the unbalanced production of steroid hormones. Given the marked species differences in adrenal biology, the underlying mechanisms of human adrenal aging have not been sufficiently studied. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms linking the functional and structural alterations of the human adrenal cortex. METHODS We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex. RESULTS The data of this study suggest that the layer-specific alterations of multiple signaling pathways underlie the abnormal layered structure and layer-specific changes in steroidogenic cells. We also highlighted that macrophages mediate age-related adrenocortical cell inflammation and senescence. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first detailed analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex at single-cell resolution and helps to elucidate the mechanism of human adrenal aging, thereby leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of age-related disorders associated with adrenal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifusa Iwahashi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Masamichi Fujita
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tazuru Fukumoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ogasawara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakao
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Namiko Kawamura
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchida
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kohta Nakatani
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Izumi
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Bamba
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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2
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van Rooyen D, Lerario AM, Little DW, Ullenbruch MR, Taylor MJ, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Hammer GD, Rainey WE. Chronic activation of adrenal Gq signaling induces Cyp11b2 expression in the zona fasciculata and hyperaldosteronism. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 585:112176. [PMID: 38341019 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Hyperaldosteronism is often associated with inappropriate aldosterone production and aldosterone synthase (Cyp11b2) expression. Normally, Cyp11b2 expression is limited to the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) and regulated by angiotensin II which signals through Gq protein-coupled receptors. As cells migrate inwards, they differentiate into 11β-hydroxylase-expressing zona fasciculata (ZF) cells lacking Cyp11b2. The mechanism causing ZG-specific aldosterone biosynthesis is still unclear. We investigated the effect of chronic Gq signaling using transgenic mice with a clozapine N-oxide (CNO)-activated human M3 muscarinic receptor (DREADD) coupled to Gq (hM3Dq) that was expressed throughout the adrenal cortex. CNO raised circulating aldosterone in the presence of a high sodium diet with greater response seen in females compared to males. Immunohistochemistry and transcriptomics indicated disrupted zonal Cyp11b2 expression while Wnt signaling remained unchanged. Chronic Gq-DREADD signaling also induced an intra-adrenal RAAS in CNO-treated mice. Chronic Gq signaling disrupted adrenal cortex zonal aldosterone production associated with ZF expression of Cyp11b2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmaré van Rooyen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Donald W Little
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew R Ullenbruch
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Matthew J Taylor
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Endocrine Section, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Cell and Development Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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3
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Okpaise OO, Ahn H, Tonni G, Ruano R. Prenatal diagnosis and in utero treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia: An up-to-date comprehensive review. Prenat Diagn 2024; 44:635-643. [PMID: 38448010 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a term that encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect the adrenals. Diagnosis and treatment before birth are important as irreparable birth defects can be avoided, decreasing the need for surgical intervention later in life, especially regarding genitalia anomalies. Although early implementation of dexamethasone in the prenatal treatment of CAH has been controversial, there is recent evidence that this treatment can reduce long-term complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunyoung Ahn
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Gabriele Tonni
- Department of Obstetrics and Neonatology, Prenatal Diagnostic Centre, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), AUSL Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Ruano
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Women-Children Health Center of Excellence, Americas Group, United Health Care Brazil, São Paulo, Brazil
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4
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Takahashi F, Baba T, Christianto A, Yanai S, Lee-Okada HC, Ishiwata K, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Ishii T, Hasegawa T, Yokomizo T, Choi MH, Morohashi KI. Development of sexual dimorphism of skeletal muscles through the adrenal cortex, caused by androgen-induced global gene suppression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113715. [PMID: 38306273 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113715] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The zona fasciculata (zF) in the adrenal cortex contributes to multiple physiological actions through glucocorticoid synthesis. The size, proliferation, and glucocorticoid synthesis characteristics are all female biased, and sexual dimorphism is established by androgen. In this study, transcriptomes were obtained to unveil the sex differentiation mechanism. Interestingly, both the amount of mRNA and the expressions of nearly all genes were higher in females. The expression of Nr5a1, which is essential for steroidogenic cell differentiation, was also female biased. Whole-genome studies demonstrated that NR5A1 regulates nearly all gene expression directly or indirectly. This suggests that androgen-induced global gene suppression is potentially mediated by NR5A1. Using Nr5a1 heterozygous mice, whose adrenal cortex is smaller than the wild type, we demonstrated that the size of skeletal muscles is possibly regulated by glucocorticoid synthesized by zF. Taken together, considering the ubiquitous presence of glucocorticoid receptors, our findings provide a pathway for sex differentiation through glucocorticoid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Takahashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Antonius Christianto
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shogo Yanai
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishiwata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan; Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahimachi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
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5
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Burke M, Wong K, Talyansky Y, Mhatre SD, Mitchell C, Juran CM, Olson M, Iyer J, Puukila S, Tahimic CGT, Christenson LK, Lowe M, Rubinstein L, Shirazi-Fard Y, Sowa MB, Alwood JS, Ronca AE, Paul AM. Sexual dimorphism during integrative endocrine and immune responses to ionizing radiation in mice. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7334. [PMID: 38409284 PMCID: PMC10897391 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to cosmic ionizing radiation is an innate risk of the spaceflight environment that can cause DNA damage and altered cellular function. In astronauts, longitudinal monitoring of physiological systems and interactions between these systems are important to consider for mitigation strategies. In addition, assessments of sex-specific biological responses in the unique environment of spaceflight are vital to support future exploration missions that include both females and males. Here we assessed sex-specific, multi-system immune and endocrine responses to simulated cosmic radiation. For this, 24-week-old, male and female C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to simplified five-ion, space-relevant galactic cosmic ray (GCRsim) radiation at 15 and 50 cGy, to simulate predicted radiation exposures that would be experienced during lunar and Martian missions, respectively. Blood and adrenal tissues were collected at 3- and 14-days post-irradiation for analysis of immune and endocrine biosignatures and pathways. Sexually dimorphic adrenal gland weights and morphology, differential total RNA expression with corresponding gene ontology, and unique immune phenotypes were altered by GCRsim. In brief, this study offers new insights into sexually dimorphic immune and endocrine kinetics following simulated cosmic radiation exposure and highlights the necessity for personalized translational approaches for astronauts during exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Burke
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics, and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Kelly Wong
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Yuli Talyansky
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Siddhita D Mhatre
- KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Carol Mitchell
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Cassandra M Juran
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Makaila Olson
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA
| | - Janani Iyer
- KBR, Houston, TX, 77002, USA
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
| | - Stephanie Puukila
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830, USA
| | - Candice G T Tahimic
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Lane K Christenson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Moniece Lowe
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Linda Rubinstein
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Mountain View, CA, 94043, USA
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Research Hospital, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Yasaman Shirazi-Fard
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Marianne B Sowa
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Joshua S Alwood
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - April E Ronca
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wake Forest Medical School, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - Amber M Paul
- Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA.
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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6
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Bechmann N, Moskopp ML, Constantinescu G, Stell A, Ernst A, Berthold F, Westermann F, Jiang J, Lui L, Nowak E, Zopp S, Pacak K, Peitzsch M, Schedl A, Reincke M, Beuschlein F, Bornstein SR, Fassnacht M, Eisenhofer G. Asymmetric Adrenals: Sexual Dimorphism of Adrenal Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:471-482. [PMID: 37647861 PMCID: PMC11032253 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sexual dimorphism has direct consequences on the incidence and survival of cancer. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to improve prognosis. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to characterized the influence of sex and adrenal asymmetry on the emergence of adrenal tumors. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, observational study involving 8037 patients with adrenal tumors, including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas (CSAs), non-aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical adenoma (NAPACA), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and neuroblastoma (NB), and investigated tumor lateralization according to sex. Human adrenal tissues (n = 20) were analyzed with a multiomics approach that allows determination of gene expression, catecholamine, and steroid contents in a single sample. In addition, we performed a literature review of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-based studies examining adrenal gland size. RESULTS ACC (n = 1858); CSA (n = 68), NAPACA (n = 2174), and PCC (n = 1824) were more common in females than in males (female-to-male ratio: 1.1:1-3.8:1), whereas NBs (n = 2320) and APAs (n = 228) were less prevalent in females (0.8:1). ACC, APA, CSA, NAPACA, and NB occurred more frequently in the left than in the right adrenal (left-to-right ratio: 1.1:1-1.8:1), whereas PCC arose more often in the right than in the left adrenal (0.8:1). In both sexes, the left adrenal was larger than the right adrenal; females have smaller adrenals than males. CONCLUSION Adrenal asymmetry in both sexes may be related to the pathogenesis of adrenal tumors and should be considered during the diagnosis of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mats Leif Moskopp
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vivantes Friedrichshain Hospital, Charité Academic Teaching Hospital, 10249 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anthony Stell
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, 3052 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Ernst
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Berthold
- Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, 50735 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Longfei Lui
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410017 Changsha, China
| | - Elisabeth Nowak
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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7
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Liimatta J, Curschellas E, Altinkilic EM, Naamneh Elzenaty R, Augsburger P, du Toit T, Voegel CD, Breault DT, Flück CE, Pignatti E. Adrenal Abcg1 Controls Cholesterol Flux and Steroidogenesis. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae014. [PMID: 38301271 PMCID: PMC10863561 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Cholesterol is the precursor of all steroids, but how cholesterol flux is controlled in steroidogenic tissues is poorly understood. The cholesterol exporter ABCG1 is an essential component of the reverse cholesterol pathway and its global inactivation results in neutral lipid redistribution to tissue macrophages. The function of ABCG1 in steroidogenic tissues, however, has not been explored. To model this, we inactivated Abcg1 in the mouse adrenal cortex, which led to an adrenal-specific increase in transcripts involved in cholesterol uptake and de novo synthesis. Abcg1 inactivation did not affect adrenal cholesterol content, zonation, or serum lipid profile. Instead, we observed a moderate increase in corticosterone production that was not recapitulated by the inactivation of the functionally similar cholesterol exporter Abca1. Altogether, our data imply that Abcg1 controls cholesterol uptake and biosynthesis and regulates glucocorticoid production in the adrenal cortex, introducing the possibility that ABCG1 variants may account for physiological or subclinical variation in stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Liimatta
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio 70200, Finland
| | - Evelyn Curschellas
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacy, Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Emre Murat Altinkilic
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Rawda Naamneh Elzenaty
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Augsburger
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Therina du Toit
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Clarissa D Voegel
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - David T Breault
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Emanuele Pignatti
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern 3010, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
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8
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Martinez GJ, Appleton M, Kipp ZA, Loria AS, Min B, Hinds TD. Glucocorticoids, their uses, sexual dimorphisms, and diseases: new concepts, mechanisms, and discoveries. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:473-532. [PMID: 37732829 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal stress response in humans is governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through heightened mechanisms during stress, raising blood levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Glucocorticoids are quintessential compounds that balance the proper functioning of numerous systems in the mammalian body. They are also generated synthetically and are the preeminent therapy for inflammatory diseases. They act by binding to the nuclear receptor transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which has two main isoforms (GRα and GRβ). Our classical understanding of glucocorticoid signaling is from the GRα isoform, which binds the hormone, whereas GRβ has no known ligands. With glucocorticoids being involved in many physiological and cellular processes, even small disruptions in their release via the HPA axis, or changes in GR isoform expression, can have dire ramifications on health. Long-term chronic glucocorticoid therapy can lead to a glucocorticoid-resistant state, and we deliberate how this impacts disease treatment. Chronic glucocorticoid treatment can lead to noticeable side effects such as weight gain, adiposity, diabetes, and others that we discuss in detail. There are sexually dimorphic responses to glucocorticoids, and women tend to have a more hyperresponsive HPA axis than men. This review summarizes our understanding of glucocorticoids and critically analyzes the GR isoforms and their beneficial and deleterious mechanisms and the sexual differences that cause a dichotomy in responses. We also discuss the future of glucocorticoid therapy and propose a new concept of dual GR isoform agonist and postulate why activating both isoforms may prevent glucocorticoid resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesee J Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Malik Appleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Zachary A Kipp
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Analia S Loria
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Terry D Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
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9
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Kim HS, Cheon YP, Lee SH. Effects of Nonylphenol on the Secretion of Catecholamines and Adrenocortical Hormones from Short-Term Incubated Rat Adrenal Glands. Dev Reprod 2023; 27:213-220. [PMID: 38292238 PMCID: PMC10824570 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2023.27.4.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Previously, we showed that a chronic-low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure resulted in histological changes with sexually dimorphic pattern in rat adrenal glands. We hypothesized that such structural changes are closely related to the hormonal secretory patterns. To test this hypothesis, we developed the short-term adrenal incubation method, and measured the levels of catecholamines and cortical steroids using the high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. The norepinephrine (NE) levels in media from NP-treated female adrenal, except 100 pM NP, were significantly increased [control (CTL) vs 1 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 10 nM NP, p<0.05; vs 100 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 1 μM NP, p<0.01]. The NE secretion from male adrenal was higher when treated with 100 nM and 1 μM NP (CTL vs 100 nM NP, p<0.05; vs 1 μM NP, p<0.05, respectively). The aldosterone level in the female adrenal media treated with 100 pM NP was significantly decreased, on the other hand, that of media treated with 10 nM NP was significantly increased (CTL vs 100 pM NP, p<0.05; vs 10 nM NP, p<0.01). In male adrenal media, the aldosterone levels of 10 nM, 100 nM and 1 μM NP-treated media were significantly declined (CTL vs 10 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 100 nM NP, p<0.001; vs 1 μM NP, p<0.001). These results showed the NP treatment altered secretory pattern of aldosterone from adrenals of both sexes, showing sexual dimorphism. It may be helpful for understanding possible adrenal pathophysiology, and endocrine disrupting chemicals-related sexually dimorphic phenomena in adrenals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Su Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Yong-Pil Cheon
- Division of Developmental Biology and
Physiology, School of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Sungshin
University, Seoul 02844, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
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10
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Treeful AE, Searle KM, Carroll DM, Yost KJ, Hedger AL, Friedenberg SG. A case-control survey study of environmental risk factors for primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37:2073-2083. [PMID: 37830238 PMCID: PMC10658521 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary hypoadrenocorticism in dogs is thought to be multifactorial with roles for both genetic and environmental factors. The contributions of environmental factors remain unexplored. OBJECTIVE Identify environmental and lifestyle exposures associated with primary hypoadrenocorticism in 2 dog breeds with high risk of developing the disease. ANIMALS Animals were not used in this study. Owners of Standard Poodles (STPDs) and Portuguese water dogs (POWDs) participated in a survey. METHODS Retrospective case-control study. Dog owners were invited to participate in an online survey through convenience sampling. Questions regarded the demographics, health histories, and indoor/outdoor environments in which their dogs live and play. Responses for dogs with primary hypoadrenocorticism were compared to those without the disease using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Five thousand forty-seven responses (358 cases, 4689 controls) met initial inclusion criteria. Significant associations with modest effect size were found for community type, ingestion of canned food, and use of lawn fertilizer in some analysis models. Reproductive (spay/neuter) status exhibited the strongest association with high effect size across all models with adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-4.5; P = .003) for spayed females and 6.0 (95% CI, 2.6-13.9; P < .001) for neutered males. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE The large effect size for reproductive status reflects its high potential clinical relevance, whereas modest effect sizes for other environmental variables suggest lower potential clinical relevance. These findings are associations and do not necessarily imply causation. Before any actionable recommendations are warranted, additional evidence regarding biological mechanisms is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E. Treeful
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
| | - Kelly M. Searle
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota 55455USA
| | - Dana M. Carroll
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public HealthUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota 55455USA
| | - Kathleen J. Yost
- Department of Quantitative Health SciencesMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Anna L. Hedger
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
| | - Steven G. Friedenberg
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. Paul, Minnesota 55108USA
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11
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Jäger MC, Kędzierski J, Gell V, Wey T, Kollár J, Winter DV, Schuster D, Smieško M, Odermatt A. Virtual screening and biological evaluation to identify pharmaceuticals potentially causing hypertension and hypokalemia by inhibiting steroid 11β-hydroxylase. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 475:116638. [PMID: 37499767 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116638] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Several drugs were found after their market approval to unexpectedly inhibit adrenal 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1)-dependent cortisol synthesis. Known side-effects of CYP11B1 inhibition include hypertension and hypokalemia, due to a feedback activation of adrenal steroidogenesis, leading to supraphysiological concentrations of 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone that can activate the mineralocorticoid receptor. This results in potassium excretion and sodium and water retention, ultimately causing hypertension. With the risk known but usually not addressed in preclinical evaluation, this study aimed to identify drugs and drug candidates inhibiting CYP11B1. Two conceptually different virtual screening methods were combined, a pharmacophore based and an induced fit docking approach. Cell-free and cell-based CYP11B1 activity measurements revealed several inhibitors with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. Inhibitors include retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents (RAMBAs), azole antifungals, α2-adrenoceptor ligands, and a farnesyltransferase inhibitor. The active compounds share a nitrogen atom embedded in an aromatic ring system. Structure activity analysis identified the free electron pair of the nitrogen atom as a prerequisite for the drug-enzyme interaction, with its pKa value as an indicator of inhibitory potency. Another important parameter is drug lipophilicity, exemplified by etomidate. Changing its ethyl ester moiety to a more hydrophilic carboxylic acid group dramatically decreased the inhibitory potential, most likely due to less efficient cellular uptake. The presented work successfully combined different in silico and in vitro methods to identify several previously unknown CYP11B1 inhibitors. This workflow facilitates the identification of compounds that inhibit CYP11B1 and therefore pose a risk for inducing hypertension and hypokalemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Jäger
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jacek Kędzierski
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Victoria Gell
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tim Wey
- Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Jakub Kollár
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Denise V Winter
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Martin Smieško
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Computational Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 61, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Alex Odermatt
- Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), University of Basel, Missionsstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Molecular and Systems Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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12
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Warde KM, Smith LJ, Basham KJ. Age-related Changes in the Adrenal Cortex: Insights and Implications. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad097. [PMID: 37564884 PMCID: PMC10410302 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function. This process affects all organs including the adrenal cortex, which normally functions to produce essential steroid hormones including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. With increasing age, features such as reduced adrenal cortex size, altered zonation, and increased myeloid immune cell infiltration substantially alter the structure and function of the adrenal cortex. Many of these hallmark features of adrenal cortex aging occur both in males and females, yet are more enhanced in males. Hormonally, a substantial reduction in adrenal androgens is a key feature of aging, which is accompanied by modest changes in aldosterone and cortisol. These hormonal changes are associated with various pathological consequences including impaired immune responses, decreased bone health, and accelerated age-related diseases. One of the most notable changes with adrenal aging is the increased incidence of adrenal tumors, which is sex dimorphic with a higher prevalence in females. Increased adrenal tumorigenesis with age is likely driven by both an increase in genetic mutations as well as remodeling of the tissue microenvironment. Novel antiaging strategies offer a promising avenue to mitigate adrenal aging and alleviate age-associated pathologies, including adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Warde
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lorenzo J Smith
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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13
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Sex-disease dimorphism underpins enhanced motion sickness susceptibility in primary adrenal insufficiency: a cross-sectional observational study. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:1199-1206. [PMID: 36892611 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-023-06592-y] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental motion can induce physiological stress and trigger motion sickness. In these situations, lower-than-normal levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have been linked with increased susceptibility to motion sickness in healthy individuals. However, whether patients with primary adrenal insufficiency, who typically have altered ACTH levels compared to the normal population, exhibit alterations in sickness susceptibility remains unknown. To address this, we recruited 78 patients with primary adrenal insufficiency and compared changes in the motion sickness susceptibility scores from 10 years prior to diagnosis (i.e. retrospective sickness rating) with the current sickness measures (post-diagnosis), using the validated motion sickness susceptibility questionnaire (MSSQ). Group analysis revealed that motion sickness susceptibility pre-diagnosis did not differ between controls and patients. We observed that following treatment, current measures of motion sickness were significantly increased in patients and subsequent analysis revealed that this increase was primarily in female patients with primary adrenal insufficiency. These observations corroborate the role of stress hormones in modulating sickness susceptibility and support the notion of a sexually dimorphic adrenal cortex as we only observed selective enhancement in females. A potential mechanism to account for our novel observation remains obscure, but we speculate that it may reflect a complex sex-disease-drug interaction.
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14
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Dufour D, Dumontet T, Sahut-Barnola I, Carusi A, Onzon M, Pussard E, Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Lucas C, Levasseur A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Pointud JC, Roucher-Boulez F, Tauveron I, Bossis G, Yeh ET, Breault DT, Val P, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A. Loss of SUMO-specific protease 2 causes isolated glucocorticoid deficiency by blocking adrenal cortex zonal transdifferentiation in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7858. [PMID: 36543805 PMCID: PMC9772323 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification, that provides fine-tuning of protein function involved in the cellular response to stress, differentiation, and tissue development. In the adrenal cortex, an emblematic endocrine organ that mediates adaptation to physiological demands, the SUMOylation gradient is inversely correlated with the gradient of cellular differentiation raising important questions about its role in functional zonation and the response to stress. Considering that SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2), a deSUMOylating enzyme, is upregulated by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)/cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA) signalling within the zona fasciculata, we generated mice with adrenal-specific Senp2 loss to address these questions. Disruption of SENP2 activity in steroidogenic cells leads to specific hypoplasia of the zona fasciculata, a blunted reponse to ACTH and isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Mechanistically, overSUMOylation resulting from SENP2 loss shifts the balance between ACTH/PKA and WNT/β-catenin signalling leading to repression of PKA activity and ectopic activation of β-catenin. At the cellular level, this blocks transdifferentiation of β-catenin-positive zona glomerulosa cells into fasciculata cells and sensitises them to premature apoptosis. Our findings indicate that the SUMO pathway is critical for adrenal homeostasis and stress responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Dufour
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Aude Carusi
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Méline Onzon
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Eric Pussard
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - James Jr Wilmouth
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Julie Olabe
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.494717.80000000115480420Service d’Endocrinologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Montpied, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Edward T. Yeh
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - David T. Breault
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Pierre Val
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
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15
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Kim HS, Lee SH. Effect of Nonylphenol on the Structure of Adrenal Cortex in F1 Generation Rats. Dev Reprod 2022; 26:175-182. [PMID: 36817359 PMCID: PMC9925185 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2022.26.4.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies, including our own, indicate that distinct morphological changes in rodent adrenal cortex could be induced by exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). In the present study, we conducted histological analyses of adrenocortical substructure using a nonylphenol-treated F1 rat model. The adrenal weight of NP-5000 group was significantly declined in female rats (p<0.001), while the adrenal weights of NP-treated groups were not significantly changed in male rats. The thickness of zona glomerulosa layers of female rats in NP-5000 group was significantly declined (p<0.001) but zona fasciculata layers were not changed. The zona reticularis layers of NP-treated group were significantly thinner than those of control group (NP-50, p<0.05; NP-5000, p<0.01). In male adrenal glands, there was no significant change of zona glomerulosa layers in NP-treated groups while the thickness of zona fasciculata in NP-5000 group was significantly decreased (p<0.01). Like female rats, the thickness of zona reticularis in NP-treated groups was significantly decreased (NP-50, p<0.001; NP-5000, p<0.05). Present study demonstrated that the adrenal histology could be altered by low-dose NP exposure in F1 rats, and the effect might be sexually dimorphic. Further study will be helpful for understanding possible adrenal pathophysiology induced by EDC exposure, and EDC-related sexually dimorphic phenomena in rodent adrenals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Su Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea,Corresponding author Sung-Ho
Lee Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea Tel:
+82-2-2287-5139 Fax: +82-2-2287-0070
E-mail:
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16
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Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Garcia-Garcia D, Lucas C, Guiton R, Roucher-Boulez F, Dufour D, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Sahut-Barnola I, Pointud JC, Renaud Y, Levasseur A, Tauveron I, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Val P. Sexually dimorphic activation of innate antitumor immunity prevents adrenocortical carcinoma development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd0422. [PMID: 36240276 PMCID: PMC9565812 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Unlike most cancers, adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are more frequent in women than in men, but the underlying mechanisms of this sexual dimorphism remain elusive. Here, we show that inactivation of Znrf3 in the mouse adrenal cortex, recapitulating the most frequent alteration in ACC patients, is associated with sexually dimorphic tumor progression. Although female knockouts develop metastatic carcinomas at 18 months, adrenal hyperplasia regresses in male knockouts. This male-specific phenotype is associated with androgen-dependent induction of senescence, recruitment, and differentiation of highly phagocytic macrophages that clear out senescent cells. In contrast, in females, macrophage recruitment is delayed and dampened, which allows for aggressive tumor progression. Consistently, analysis of TCGA-ACC data shows that phagocytic macrophages are more prominent in men and are associated with better prognosis. Together, these data show that phagocytic macrophages are key players in the sexual dimorphism of ACC that could be previously unidentified allies in the fight against this devastating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Wilmouth
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Olabe
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Diana Garcia-Garcia
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Dufour
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Endocrinologie Diabétologie CHU Clermont Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, F63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Schubert T, Reisch N, Naumann R, Reichardt I, Landgraf D, Quitter F, Thirumalasetty SR, Heninger AK, Sarov M, Peitzsch M, Huebner A, Koehler K. CYP21A2 gene expression in a humanized 21-hydroxylase mouse model does not affect adrenocortical morphology and function. J Endocr Soc 2022; 6:bvac062. [PMID: 35592511 PMCID: PMC9113096 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid 21-hydroxylase is an enzyme of the steroid pathway that is involved in the biosynthesis of cortisol and aldosterone by hydroxylation of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and progesterone at the C21 position. Mutations in CYP21A2, the gene encoding 21-hydroxylase, cause the most frequent form of the autosomal recessive disorder congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). In this study, we generated a humanized 21-hydroxylase mouse model as the first step to the generation of mutant mice with different CAH-causing mutations. We replaced the mouse Cyp21a1 gene with the human CYP21A2 gene using homologous recombination in combination with CRISPR/Cas9 technique. The aim of this study was to characterize the new humanized mouse model. All results described are related to the homozygous animals in comparison with wild-type mice. We show analogous expression patterns of human 21-hydroxylase by the murine promoter and regulatory elements in comparison to murine 21-hydroxylase in wild-type animals. As expected, no Cyp21a1 transcript was detected in homozygous CYP21A2 adrenal glands. Alterations in adrenal gene expression were observed for Cyp11a1, Star, and Cyb11b1. These differences, however, were not pathological. Outward appearance, viability, growth, and fertility were not affected in the humanized CYP21A2 mice. Plasma steroid levels of corticosterone and aldosterone showed no pathological reduction. In addition, adrenal gland morphology and zonation were similar in both the humanized and the wild-type mice. In conclusion, humanized homozygous CYP21A2 mice developed normally and showed no differences in histological analyses, no reduction in adrenal and gonadal gene expression, or in plasma steroids in comparison with wild-type littermates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Schubert
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Ziemssenstrasse 1, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Transgenic Core Facility, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ilka Reichardt
- Genome Engineering Facility, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dana Landgraf
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Friederike Quitter
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Shamini Ramkumar Thirumalasetty
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anne-Kristin Heninger
- Genome Engineering Facility, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- University Cancer Center (UCC) Dresden, Medical Systems Biology, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mihail Sarov
- Genome Engineering Facility, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Angela Huebner
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Koehler
- Children’s Hospital, Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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18
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Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is considered the commonest cause of secondary hypertension. In affected individuals, aldosterone is produced in an at least partially autonomous fashion in adrenal lesions (adenomas, [micro]nodules or diffuse hyperplasia). Over the past decade, next-generation sequencing studies have led to the insight that primary aldosteronism is largely a genetic disorder. Sporadic cases are due to somatic mutations, mostly in ion channels and pumps, and rare cases of familial hyperaldosteronism are caused by germline mutations in an overlapping set of genes. More than 90% of aldosterone-producing adenomas carry somatic mutations in K+ channel Kir3.4 (KCNJ5), Ca2+ channel CaV1.3 (CACNA1D), alpha-1 subunit of the Na+/K+ ATPase (ATP1A1), plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting ATPase 3 (ATP2B3), Ca2+ channel CaV3.2 (CACNA1H), Cl− channel ClC-2 (CLCN2), β-catenin (CTNNB1), and/or G-protein subunits alpha q/11 (GNAQ/11). Mutations in some of these genes have also been identified in aldosterone-producing (micro)nodules, suggesting a disease continuum from a single cell, acquiring a somatic mutation, via a nodule to adenoma formation, and from a healthy state to subclinical to overt primary aldosteronism. Individual glands can have multiple such lesions, and they can occur on both glands in bilateral disease. Familial hyperaldosteronism, typically with early onset, is caused by germline mutations in steroid 11-beta hydroxylase/ aldosterone synthase (CYP11B1/2), CLCN2, KCNJ5, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute I Scholl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Germany
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19
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Abou Nader N, Boyer A. Adrenal Cortex Development and Maintenance: Knowledge Acquired From Mouse Models. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6362524. [PMID: 34473283 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is an endocrine organ organized into concentric zones that are specialized to produce specific steroid hormones essential for life. The development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex, as a fetal adrenal is first formed from a common primordium with the gonads, followed by its separation in a distinct primordium, the invasion of the adrenal primordium by neural crest-derived cells to form the medulla, and finally its encapsulation. The fetal cortex is then replaced by a definitive cortex, which will establish zonation and be maintained throughout life by regeneration relying on the proliferation, centripetal migration, and differentiation of several stem/progenitor cell populations whose activities are sex-specific. Here, we highlight the advances made, using transgenic mouse models, to delineate the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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