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Afzal A, Zhang Y, Afzal H, Saddozai UAK, Zhang L, Ji XY, Khawar MB. Functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1384047. [PMID: 38827527 PMCID: PMC11140113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1384047] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular recycling process that maintains cellular homeostasis. Despite extensive research in endocrine contexts, the role of autophagy in ovarian and testicular steroidogenesis remains elusive. The significant role of autophagy in testosterone production suggests potential treatments for conditions like oligospermia and azoospermia. Further, influence of autophagy in folliculogenesis, ovulation, and luteal development emphasizes its importance for improved fertility and reproductive health. Thus, investigating autophagy in gonadal cells is clinically significant. Understanding these processes could transform treatments for endocrine disorders, enhancing reproductive health and longevity. Herein, we provide the functional role of autophagy in testicular and ovarian steroidogenesis to date, highlighting its modulation in testicular steroidogenesis and its impact on hormone synthesis, follicle development, and fertility therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Afzal
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 988 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hanan Afzal
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Xin-Ying Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Medicine, Huaxian County People’s Hospital, Huaxian, Henan, China
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan
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Cheng D, Zheng B, Sheng Y, Zeng Z, Mo Z. The Roles of Autophagy in the Genesis and Development of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Reprod Sci 2023; 30:2920-2931. [PMID: 37204635 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01255-3] [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: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common and frequent disease and always leads endocrine and metabolic disorder among women in reproductive age. Ovary is the main organ involved in polycystic ovary syndrome, and its function impairment will lead to reproductive dysfunction. Some recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, and there are many different mechanisms that affect autophagy and the occurrence of PCOS, and they provide a new direction for us to predict the mechanism of PCOS. In this review, we discuss the role of autophagy in different ovarian cells: granulosa cells, oocytes, and theca cells, and introduce the important role that they play in the progress of PCOS. The main purpose of this review is to provide the research background and some relevant suggestions for our future work in autophagy and help us better explore the pathogenesis and autophagy mechanisms of PCOS. Furthermore, it will help us gain a new insight of the pathophysiology and treatment of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Biao Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China
| | - Ying Sheng
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoming Zeng
- Joint Laboratory of Chronic Disease Prevention and Research, Guilin Medical University, Hunan Mingshun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shaodong, Hunan, 422800, Guilin, China.
| | - Zhongcheng Mo
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, 541199, Guilin, China.
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541001, Guangxi, China.
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Li T, Boberg J, Johansson HKL, Di Nisio V, Christiansen S, Svingen T, Damdimopoulou P. Quantitative analysis of ovarian surface photographs as a tool for assessment of chemical effects on folliculogenesis and ovulation in rats. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108416. [PMID: 37268149 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108416] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Female reproductive toxicity assessments rely on histological evaluation of ovaries by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E)-stained cross-sections. This is time-consuming, labor-intensive and costly, thus alternative methods for ovarian toxicity assessment could be valuable. Here, we report on an improved method based on quantification of antral follicles (AF) and corpora lutea (CL) using ovarian surface photographs, called 'surface photo counting' (SPC). To validate a potential utility for the method to detect effects on folliculogenesis in toxicity studies, we investigated ovaries from rats exposed to two well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), diethylstilbestrol (DES) and ketoconazole (KTZ). Animals were exposed to DES (0.003, 0.012, 0.048 mg/kg body weight (bw)/day) or KTZ (3, 12, 48 mg/kg bw/day) during puberty or adulthood. At the end of the exposure, ovaries were photographed under stereomicroscope and subsequently processed for histological assessments to allow for direct comparison between the two methods by quantifying AF and CL. There was a significant correlation between the SPC and histology methods, albeit CL counts correlated better than AF counts, potentially due to their larger size. Effects of DES and KTZ were found by both methods, suggesting applicability of the SPC method to chemical hazard and risk assessment. Based on our study, we propose that SPC can be employed as a fast and cheap tool for assessment of ovarian toxicity in in vivo studies to prioritize chemical exposure groups for further histological assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Julie Boberg
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Hanna K L Johansson
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Valentina Di Nisio
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs, Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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Lin YC, Cheung G, Porter E, Papadopoulos V. The neurosteroid pregnenolone is synthesized by a mitochondrial P450 enzyme other than CYP11A1 in human glial cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102110. [PMID: 35688208 PMCID: PMC9278081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids, modulators of neuronal and glial cell functions, are synthesized in the nervous system from cholesterol. In peripheral steroidogenic tissues, cholesterol is converted to the major steroid precursor pregnenolone by the CYP11A1 enzyme. Although pregnenolone is one of the most abundant neurosteroids in the brain, expression of CYP11A1 is difficult to detect. We found that human glial cells produced pregnenolone, detectable by mass spectrometry and ELISA, despite the absence of observable immunoreactive CYP11A1 protein. Unlike testicular and adrenal cortical cells, pregnenolone production in glial cells was not inhibited by CYP11A1 inhibitors DL-aminoglutethimide and ketoconazole. Furthermore, addition of hydroxycholesterols increased pregnenolone synthesis, suggesting desmolase activity that was not blocked by DL-aminoglutethimide or ketoconazole. We explored three different possibilities for an alternative pathway for glial cell pregnenolone synthesis: (1) regulation by reactive oxygen species, (2) metabolism via a different CYP11A1 isoform, and (3) metabolism via another CYP450 enzyme. First, we found oxidants and antioxidants had no significant effects on pregnenolone synthesis, suggesting it is not regulated by reactive oxygen species. Second, overexpression of CYP11A1 isoform b did not alter synthesis, indicating use of another CYP11A1 isoform is unlikely. Finally, we show nitric oxide and iron chelators deferoxamine and deferiprone significantly inhibited pregnenolone production, indicating involvement of another CYP450 enzyme. Ultimately, knockdown of endoplasmic reticulum cofactor NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase had no effect, while knockdown of mitochondrial CYP450 cofactor ferredoxin reductase inhibited pregnenolone production. These data suggest that pregnenolone is synthesized by a mitochondrial cytochrome P450 enzyme other than CYP11A1 in human glial cells.
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Draskau MK, Svingen T. Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:883254. [PMID: 35573275 PMCID: PMC9097791 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.883254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
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Munkboel CH, Rasmussen TB, Elgaard C, Olesen MLK, Kretschmann AC, Styrishave B. The classic azole antifungal drugs are highly potent endocrine disruptors in vitro inhibiting steroidogenic CYP enzymes at concentrations lower than therapeutic Cmax. Toxicology 2019; 425:152247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2019.152247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Bhatt MR, Khatri Y, Rodgers RJ, Martin LL. Role of cytochrome b5 in the modulation of the enzymatic activities of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450 17A1). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 170:2-18. [PMID: 26976652 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cytochrome b5 (cyt b5) is a small hemoprotein that plays a significant role in the modulation of activities of an important steroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450 17A1, CYP17A1). Located in the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex and in the gonads, P450 17A1 catalyzes two different reactions in the steroidogenic pathway; the 17α-hydroxylation and 17,20-lyase, in the endoplasmic reticulum of these respective tissues. The activities of P450 17A1 are regulated by cyt b5 that enhances the 17,20-lyase reaction by promoting the coupling of P450 17A1 and cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), allosterically. Cyt b5 can also act as an electron donor to enhance the 16-ene-synthase activity of human P450 17A1. In this review, we discuss the many roles of cyt b5 and focus on the modulation of CYP17A1 activities by cyt b5 and the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megh Raj Bhatt
- Everest Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Khumaltar, Lalitpur, P.O. Box 21608, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Yogan Khatri
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- School of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, Australia
| | - Lisandra L Martin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia.
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Bird IM, Abbott DH. The hunt for a selective 17,20 lyase inhibitor; learning lessons from nature. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 163:136-46. [PMID: 27154414 PMCID: PMC5046225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Given prostate cancer is driven, in part, by its responsiveness to androgens, treatments historically employ methods for their removal from circulation. Approaches as crude as castration, and more recently blockade of androgen synthesis or receptor binding, are still of limited use long term, since other steroids of adrenal origin or tumor origin can supersede that role as the 'castration resistant' tumor re-emerges. Broader inhibition of steroidogenesis using relatively nonselective P450 inhibitors such as ketoconazole is not an alternative since a general disruption of steroid biosynthesis is neither safe nor effective. The recent emergence of drugs more selectively targeting CYP17 have been more effective, and yet extension of life has been on the scale of months rather than years. It is now becoming clear this shortcoming arises from the adaptive capabilities of many tumors to initiate local steroid synthesis and/or become responsive to novel early pathway adrenal steroids that are synthesized when lyase activity is not selectively blocked, and ACTH rises in the face of declining cortisol feedback. Abiraterone has been described as a lyase selective inhibitor, yet its use still requires co-administration of prednisone to suppress such a rise of ACTH and fall in cortisol. So is creation of a selective lyase inhibitor even possible? Can C19 steroid production be achieved without a prominent decline in cortisol and corresponding rise in ACTH? Decades of scientific study of CYP17 in humans and nonhuman primates, as well as nature's own experiments of gene mutations in humans, reveal 'true' or 'isolated' 17,20 lyase deficiency does quite selectively prevent C19 steroid biosynthesis whereas simple 17 hydroxylase deficiency also suppresses cortisol. We propose these known outcomes of natural mutations should be used to guide analysis of clinical trials and long term outcomes of CYP17 targeted drugs. In this review, we use that framework to re-evaluate the basic and clinical outcomes of many compounds being used or in development for treatment of castration resistant prostate cancer. Specifically, we include the nonselective drug ketoconazole, and then the CYP17 targeted drugs abiraterone, orteronel (TAK-700), galaterone (TOK-001), and seviteronel (VT-464). Using this framework, we can fully discriminate the clinical outcomes for ketoconazole, a drug with broad specificity, yet clinically ineffective, from that of abiraterone, the first CYP17 targeted therapy that is limited by its need for prednisone co-therapy. We also can identify potential next generation CYP17 targeted drugs now emerging that show signs of being far more 17,20 lyase selective. We conclude that a future for improved therapy without substantial cortisol decline, thus avoiding prednisone co-administration, seems possible at long last.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M Bird
- Department Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin-Madison SMPH, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - David H Abbott
- Department Ob/Gyn, University of Wisconsin-Madison SMPH, Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Gal M, Orly J. Ketoconazole inhibits ovulation as a result of arrest of follicular steroidogenesis in the rat ovary. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2014; 8:37-44. [PMID: 24987273 PMCID: PMC4071760 DOI: 10.4137/cmrh.s15887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ketoconazole (KCZ) is a known inhibitor of steroidogenic P450 enzymes in the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Previous studies examined the potential clinical use of KCZ for attenuation of ovarian response to gonadotropin treatments. This study aimed to use the superovuating rat model to explore the effect of KCZ on ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular function, and development toward ovulation. METHODS Prepubertal rats were treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)/human CG (hCG) resulting in multiple follicular development and ovulation. The effect of KCZ on this model was examined by administration of KCZ-gel formula and subsequent analyses of ovarian steroidogenesis, rate of ovulation, morphometric assessments of follicular parameters, and cell-specific steroidogenic maturation of the treated ovaries. RESULTS When applied shortly before gonadotropin stimulation, KCZ markedly reduced ovarian progesterone, androstenedione, and estradiol levels down to 18.7, 36.5, and 19.0%, respectively (P < 0.001). A single KCZ-gel administration of 6, 12, and 24 mg/rat resulted in reduction of ovulated ova/ovary down to 8.6 ± 4.9, 5.1 ± 4.3, and 2.4 ± 3.2, respectively, as compared to 13.6 ± 4.4 ova found in the oviduct of control-gel-injected animals (P < 0.001). An alternative protocol made use of small KCZ doses injected in non-gel formula (5 mg/dose/8 hours), commenced with the eCG administration and terminated 24 hours later; this treatment readily inhibited the ovulation rates to 6.6 ± 6.6 as compared to 16.5 ± 4.1 ova/ovary in the control group (P < 0.01). By contrast, KCZ failed to inhibit ovulation if administered 24 hours after eCG injection. Anovulation by KCZ resulted from arrest of follicular development at the stage of 800–840 μm Graafian follicles as compared to 920 μm of peri-ovulatory follicles (OFs) observed in the control group, P = 0.029. In addition, absence of CYP11A1 expression was evident in the granulosa cell layers of the growth-arrested follicles, which also lacked mucified mature cumulus cell complexes. CONCLUSION These results suggest that KCZ-mediated inhibition of follicular maturation probably results from impaired steroidogenesis at early phase of follicular development toward ovulation. Hence, attenuation of folliculogenesis by KCZ may be harnessed to modulate gonadotropin-ovarian stimulation in fertility treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gal
- IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, The Hebrew University School of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Joseph Orly
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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