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Cellai I, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Martinelli S, Villanelli F, Amore F, Rapizzi E, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Raddi C, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Danza G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. The regulatory effect of sex steroids on the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the rat distal vagina. J Sex Med 2023; 20:1-13. [PMID: 36897236 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex steroids have been demonstrated as important modulators of vaginal function. The RhoA/ROCK calcium-sensitizing pathway plays a role in genital smooth muscle contractile mechanism, but its regulation has never been elucidated. AIM This study investigated the sex steroid regulation of the vaginal smooth muscle RhoA/ROCK pathway using a validated animal model. METHODS Ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), and T with letrozole (T + L) and compared with intact animals. Contractility studies were performed to test the effect of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 and the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME. In vaginal tissues, ROCK1 immunolocalization was investigated; mRNA expression was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; and RhoA membrane translocation was evaluated by Western blot. Finally, rat vaginal smooth muscle cells (rvSMCs) were isolated from the distal vagina of intact and OVX animals, and quantification of the RhoA inhibitory protein RhoGDI was performed after stimulation with NO donor sodium nitroprusside, with or without administration of the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or PRKG1 inhibitor KT5823. OUTCOMES Androgens are critical in inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway of the smooth muscle compartment in the distal vagina. RESULTS ROCK1 was immunolocalized in the smooth muscle bundles and blood vessel wall of the vagina, with weak positivity detected in the epithelium. Y-27632 induced a dose-dependent relaxation of noradrenaline precontracted vaginal strips, decreased by OVX and restored by E2, while T and T + L decreased it below the OVX level. In Western blot analysis, when compared with control, OVX significantly induced RhoA activation, as revealed by its membrane translocation, with T reverting it at a level significantly lower than in controls. This effect was not exerted by E2. Abolishing NO formation via L-NAME increased Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX + T group; L-NAME had partial effects in controls while not modulating Y-27632 responsiveness in the OVX and OVX + E2 groups. Finally, stimulation of rvSMCs from control animals with sodium nitroprusside significantly increased RhoGDI protein expression, counteracted by ODQ and partially by KT5823 incubation; no effect was observed in rvSMCs from OVX rats. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Androgens, by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway, could positively contribute to vaginal smooth muscle relaxation, favoring sexual intercourse. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This study describes the role of androgens in maintaining vaginal well-being. The absence of a sham-operated animal group and the use of the only intact animal as control represented a limitation to the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Serena Martinelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Fabio Villanelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Francesca Amore
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Chiara Raddi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy.,INBB (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Di Stasi V, Todisco T, Marchiani S, Tamburrino L, Villanelli F, Vezzani S, Corno C, Fambrini M, Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Testosterone positively regulates vagina NO-induced relaxation: an experimental study in rats. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1161-1172. [PMID: 35072927 PMCID: PMC9098587 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Female sexual response involves a complex interplay between neurophysiological mechanisms and the nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of clitoris and vagina. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex steroids regulation of the relaxant pathway in vagina, using a validated animal model. METHODS Subgroups of OVX Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with 17β-estradiol, testosterone, or testosterone and letrozole, and compared with a group of intact animals. Masson's trichrome staining was performed for morphological evaluation of the distal vaginal wall, in vitro contractility studies investigated the effect of OVX and in vivo treatments on vaginal smooth muscle activity. RNA from vaginal tissue was analyzed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analysis showed that OVX induced epithelial and smooth muscle structural atrophy, testosterone and testo + letrozole increased the muscle bundles content and organization without affecting the epithelium while 17β-estradiol mediated the opposite effects. In vitro contractility studies were performed on noradrenaline pre-contracted vaginal strips from each experimental group. Acetylcholine (0.001-10 µM) stimulation induced a concentration-dependent relaxation, significantly reduced by NO-synthase inhibitor L-NAME and by guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ. OVX resulted in a decreased responsiveness to acetylcholine, restored by testosterone, with or without letrozole, but not by 17β-estradiol. OVX sensitivity to the NO-donor SNP was higher than in the control. Vardenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, enhanced SNP effect in OVX + testosterone as well as in control, as supported by RNA expression analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that testosterone improves the NO-mediated smooth muscle vaginal cells relaxation confirming its role in maintaining the integrity of muscular relaxant machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - V Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - T Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Marchiani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - L Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - F Villanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - S Vezzani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Fambrini
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Excellence Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50134, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maseroli E, Cipriani S, Mello T, Galli A, Bruno BJ, Kim K, Vangara K, Papangkorn K, Chidambaram N, Patel MV, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Treatment potential of LPCN 1144 on liver health and metabolic regulation in a non-genomic, high fat diet induced NASH rabbit model. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2175-2193. [PMID: 33586025 PMCID: PMC8421272 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01522-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Low free testosterone (T) level in men is independently associated with presence and severity of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). The histological and molecular effects of oral testosterone prodrug LPCN 1144 treatment on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features are unknown. A metabolic syndrome-induced NASH model in rabbits consuming high fat diet (HFD) has been previously used to assess treatment effects of injectable T on hepatic fibrosis and NASH features. Here we present results on LPCN 1144 in this HFD-induced, NASH preclinical model. METHODS Male rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups: regular diet (RD), HFD, HFD + 1144 vehicle (HFD + Veh), HFD + 1144 (1144), and HFD + 1144 + α-tocopherol (1144 + ALPHA). Rabbits were sacrificed after 12 weeks for liver histological, biochemical and genetic analyses. Histological scores were obtained through Giemsa (inflammation), Masson's trichrome (steatosis and ballooning), and Picrosirius Red (fibrosis) staining. RESULTS Compared to RD, HFD and HFD + Veh significantly worsened NASH features and hepatic fibrosis. Considering HFD and HFD + Veh arms, histological and biomarker features were not significantly different. Both 1144 and 1144 + ALPHA arms improved mean histological scores of NASH as compared to HFD arm. Importantly, percentage of fibrosis was improved in both 1144 (p < 0.05) and 1144 + ALPHA (p = 0.05) treatment arms vs. HFD. Both treatment arms also reduced HFD-induced inflammation and fibrosis mRNA markers. Furthermore, 1144 treatments significantly improved HFD-induced metabolic dysfunctions. CONCLUSIONS Histological and biomarker analyses demonstrate that LPCN 1144 improved HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and NASH biochemical, biomolecular and histochemical features. These preclinical findings support a therapeutic potential of LPCN 1144 in the treatment of NASH and of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - T Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B J Bruno
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Kim
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - K Vangara
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | | | | | - M V Patel
- Lipocine Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84088, USA
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Marchiani S, Filippi S, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Sforza A, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Consequences of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Abuse in Males; Sexual and Reproductive Perspective. World J Mens Health 2021; 40:165-178. [PMID: 34169679 PMCID: PMC8987149 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The real epidemiology and the possible consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) use still represent a very tricky task due to the difficulties in the quantification and detection of these drugs. Chronic use of AAS, frequently combined with other illicit substances, can induce tremendous negative effects on the reproductive system, but it is also associated with an increased overall and cardiovascular mortality risk. In the present review we summarize and discuss the available evidence regarding the negative impact of AAS on the male reproductive system, providing practical suggestions to manage these problems. For this purpose a meta-analysis evaluating the effects of AAS abusers vs. controls on several hormonal, reproductive and metabolic parameters was performed. In addition, in order to overcome possible limitations related to the combined use of different AAS preparations, we also retrospectively re-analyzed data on animal models treated with supraphysiological dosage of testosterone (T), performed in our laboratory. Available data clearly indicated that AAS negatively affect endogenous T production. In addition, increased T and estradiol circulating levels were also observed according to the type of preparations used. The latter leads to an impairment of sperm production and to the development of side effects such as acne, hair loss and gynecomastia. Furthermore, a worse metabolic profile, characterized by reduced high density lipoprotein and increased low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels along with an increased risk of hypertension has been also detected. Finally sexual dysfunctions, often observed upon doping, represent one the most probable unfavorable effects of AAS abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Sforza
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda-Usl Bologna, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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5
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Cellai I, Di Stasi V, Comeglio P, Maseroli E, Todisco T, Corno C, Filippi S, Cipriani S, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Scavello I, Rastrelli G, Acciai G, Villanelli F, Danza G, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Insight on the Intracrinology of Menopause: Androgen Production within the Human Vagina. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6008848. [PMID: 33247714 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated steroidogenic gene mRNA expression in human vaginas and verified the ability of human vagina smooth muscle cells (hvSMCs) to synthesize androgens from upstream precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). As a readout for androgen receptor (AR) activation, we evaluated the mRNA expression of various androgen-dependent markers. hvSMCs were isolated from vagina tissues of women undergoing surgery for benign gynecological diseases. In these cells, we evaluated mRNA expression of several steroidogenic enzymes and sex steroid receptors using real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Androgen production was quantified with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In vaginal tissues, AR mRNA was significantly less expressed than estrogen receptor α, whereas in hvSMCs, its mRNA expression was higher than progestin and both estrogen receptors. In hvSMCs and in vaginal tissue, when compared to ovaries, the mRNA expression of proandrogenic steroidogenic enzymes (HSD3β1/β2, HSD17β3/β5), along with 5α-reductase isoforms and sulfotransferase, resulted as being more abundant. In addition, enzymes involved in androgen inactivation were less expressed than in the ovaries. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that, in hvSMCs, short-term DHEA supplementation increased Δ4-androstenedione levels in spent medium, while increasing testosterone and DHT secretion after longer incubation. Finally, androgenic signaling activation was evaluated through AR-dependent marker mRNA expression, after DHEA and T stimulation. This study confirmed that the human vagina is an androgen-target organ with the ability to synthesize androgens, thus providing support for the use of androgens for local symptoms of genitourinary syndrome in menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Vincenza Di Stasi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Todisco
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental laboratory of functional and cellular pharmacology of reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Flavia Sorbi
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Scavello
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriele Acciai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Villanelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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Coppi E, Cherchi F, Sarchielli E, Fusco I, Guarnieri G, Gallina P, Corradetti R, Pedata F, Vannelli GB, Pugliese AM, Morelli A. Acetylcholine modulates K + and Na + currents in human basal forebrain cholinergic neuroblasts through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. J Neurochem 2020; 157:1182-1195. [PMID: 33030215 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) is the main source of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain to be crucially involved in cognitive functions and whose degeneration correlates with cognitive decline in major degenerative pathologies as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. However, knowledge concerning NBM neurons derived from human brain is very limited to date. We recently characterized a primary culture of proliferating neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal NBM (hfNBM) as immature cholinergic neurons expressing the machinery to synthetize and release acetylcholine. Here we studied in detail electrophysiological features and cholinergic effects in this cell culture by patch-clamp recordings. Our data demonstrate that atropine-blocked muscarinic receptor activation by acetylcholine or carbachol enhanced IK and reduced INa currents by stimulating Gi -coupled M2 or phospholipase C-coupled M3 receptors, respectively. Inhibition of acetylcholine esterase activity by neostigmine unveiled a spontaneous acetylcholine release from hfNBM neuroblasts that might account for an autocrine/paracrine signaling during human brain development. Present data provide the first description of cholinergic effects in human NBM neurons and point to a role of acetylcholine as an autocrine/paracrine modulator of voltage-dependent channels. Our research could be of relevance in understanding the mechanisms of cholinergic system development and functions in the human brain, either in health or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Coppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Federica Cherchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Irene Fusco
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Renato Corradetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Felicita Pedata
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Pugliese
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), Firenze, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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7
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Maseroli E, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cipriani S, Rastrelli G, Rosi M, Sorbi F, Fambrini M, Petraglia F, Amoriello R, Ballerini C, Lombardelli L, Piccinni MP, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Anti-inflammatory effects of androgens in the human vagina. J Mol Endocrinol 2020; 65:109-124. [PMID: 32755990 DOI: 10.1530/jme-20-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is involved in the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) and beneficial effects of androgens in the vagina have been described. We investigated the potential involvement of human vagina smooth muscle cells (hvSMCs) in the inflammatory response and the immunomodulatory effect of androgen receptor (AR) agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT). HvSMCs isolated from menopausal women were evaluated for sex steroids receptors and toll-like receptors mRNA expression, and left untreated or treated in vitro with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IFNγ, in the presence or absence of DHT. We evaluated mRNA expression (by RT-PCR) and secretion in cell culture supernatants (by a bead-based immunoassay) of pro-inflammatory markers. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB (by immunofluorescence) and cell surface HLA-DR expression (by flow cytometry) were also evaluated. Similar experiments were repeated in rat vSMCs (rvSMCs). In hvSMCs and rvSMCs, AR was highly expressed. DHT pre-treatment inhibited LPS-induced mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory mediators (i.e. COX2, IL-6, IL-12A and IFNγ), effect significantly blunted by AR antagonist bicalutamide. DHT significantly counteracted the secretion of IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-5, IL-15, FGF, VEGF and TNFα. LPS-induced NF-κB nuclear translocation was significantly inhibited by DHT, an effect counteracted by bicalutamide. DHT pre-treatment significantly decreased IFNγ-induced expression of HLA-DR, mRNA expression of iNOS, COX2 and MCP1, and secretion of IL-1, IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, MCP1 and GCSF. Similar effects were observed in rvSMCs. The activation of AR suppresses the inflammatory response in hvSMCs, reducing their potential to be involved in the initiation and maintaining of inflammation, thus representing a therapeutic strategy in conditions, such as the GSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Rosi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Flavia Sorbi
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Fambrini
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Amoriello
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Clara Ballerini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Letizia Lombardelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marie-Pierre Piccinni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
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8
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Rapizzi E, Benvenuti S, Deledda C, Martinelli S, Sarchielli E, Fibbi B, Luciani P, Mazzanti B, Pantaleo M, Marroncini G, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Mannelli M, Luconi M, Peri A. A unique neuroendocrine cell model derived from the human foetal neural crest. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1259-1269. [PMID: 32157664 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nowadays, no human neuroendocrine cell models derived from the neural crest are available. In this study, we present non-transformed long-term primary Neural Crest Cells (NCCs) isolated from the trunk region of the neural crest at VIII-XII gestational weeks of human foetuses obtained from voluntary legal abortion. METHODS AND RESULTS In NCC, quantitative real-time RT PCR demonstrated the expression of neural crest specifier genes, such as Snail1, Snail2/SLUG, Sox10, FoxD3, c-Myc, and p75NTR. Moreover, these cell populations expressed stemness markers (such as Nanog and nestin), as well as markers of motility and invasion (TAGLN, MMP9, CXCR4, and CXCR7), and of neuronal/glial differentiation (MAP2, GFAP, SYP, and TAU). Functional analysis demonstrated that these cells not only possessed high migration properties, but most importantly, they expressed markers of sympatho-adrenal lineage, such as ASCL1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Moreover, the expression of TH increased after the induction with two different protocols of differentiation towards neuronal and sympatho-adrenal phenotypes. Finally, exposure to conditioned culture media from NCC induced a mature phenotype in a neuronal cell model (namely SH-SY5Y), suggesting that NCC may also act like Schwann precursors. CONCLUSION This unique human cell model provides a solid tool for future studies addressing the bases of human neural crest-derived neuroendocrine tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rapizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Benvenuti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Deledda
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Martinelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - B Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - P Luciani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - B Mazzanti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Pantaleo
- Genetics and Molecular Medicine Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - G Marroncini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - M Mannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - M Luconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), viale delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy.
| | - A Peri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
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9
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Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Herrera-Puerta E, Piaceri I, Nacmias B, Benelli M, Kelsey G, Maggi M, Gallina P, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Tumor Necrosis Factor α Influences Phenotypic Plasticity and Promotes Epigenetic Changes in Human Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neuroblasts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6128. [PMID: 32854421 PMCID: PMC7504606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
TNFα is the main proinflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but it also modulates physiological functions in both the developing and adult brain. In this study, we investigated a potential direct role of TNFα in determining phenotypic changes of a recently established cellular model of human basal forebrain cholinergic neuroblasts isolated from the nucleus basalis of Meynert (hfNBMs). Exposing hfNBMs to TNFα reduced the expression of immature markers, such as nestin and β-tubulin III, and inhibited primary cilium formation. On the contrary, TNFα increased the expression of TNFα receptor TNFR2 and the mature neuron marker MAP2, also promoting neurite elongation. Moreover, TNFα affected nerve growth factor receptor expression. We also found that TNFα induced the expression of DNA-methylation enzymes and, accordingly, downregulated genes involved in neuronal development through epigenetic mechanisms, as demonstrated by methylome analysis. In summary, TNFα showed a dual role on hfNBMs phenotypic plasticity, exerting a negative influence on neurogenesis despite a positive effect on differentiation, through mechanisms that remain to be elucidated. Our results help to clarify the complexity of TNFα effects in human neurons and suggest that manipulation of TNFα signaling could provide a potential therapeutic approach against neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Irene Piaceri
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.P.); (B.N.)
| | - Benedetta Nacmias
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.P.); (B.N.)
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 50122 Prato, Italy;
| | - Gavin Kelsey
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK;
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Barbara Vannelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.S.); (G.B.V.)
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10
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Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Rapizzi E, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Maggi M. P-01-2 Is Testosterone Administration Able to Improve Physical Performance in Order to Do Physical Activity in an Experimental Model of Functional Hypogonadism? J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Cipriani S, Maseroli E, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Frison M, Amoriello R, Ballerini C, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Morelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. HP-1-1 Anti Inflammatory Effects of Androgenic Signaling in Human Vagina: A Potential Therapeutical Application for the Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause. J Sex Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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12
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Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Cellai I, Guarnieri G, Guasti D, Rapizzi E, Rastrelli G, Bani D, Vannelli G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Maggi M. Testosterone improves muscle fiber asset and exercise performance in a metabolic syndrome model. J Endocrinol 2020; 245:259-279. [PMID: 32134722 DOI: 10.1530/joe-19-0532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Lifestyle modifications, including physical exercise (PhyEx), are well-known treatments for metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors often associated to hypogonadism. Given the trophic role of testosterone on skeletal muscle (SkM), this study was aimed at evaluating the effects of testosterone treatment on SkM metabolism and exercise performance in male rabbits with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS. HFD rabbits, treated or not with testosterone (30 mg/kg/week) for 12 weeks, were compared to regular diet animals (RD). A subset of each group was exercise-trained for 12 weeks. HFD increased type-II (fast, glycolytic) and decreased type-I (slow, oxidative) muscle fibers compared to RD as evaluated by RT-PCR and histochemistry. Testosterone reverted these effects, also inducing the expression of mitochondrial respiration enzymes and normalizing HFD-induced mitochondrial cristae reduction. Moreover, testosterone significantly increased the expression of myogenic/differentiation markers and genes related to glucidic/lipid metabolism. At the end of the PhyEx protocol, when compared to RD, HFD rabbits showed a significant reduction of running distance and running time, while testosterone counteracted this effect, also decreasing lactate production. In the trained groups, muscle histology showed a significant reduction of oxidative fibers in HFD compared to RD and the positive effect of testosterone in maintaining oxidative metabolism, as also demonstrated by analyzing mitochondrial ultrastructure, succinate dehydrogenase activity and ATP production. Our results indicate that testosterone could be useful to promote oxidative muscle metabolism altered by MetS, thus improving exercise performance. Conversely, testosterone administration to otherwise eugonadal rabbits (RD) only increased muscle fiber diameter but not endurance performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sarchielli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Vannelli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
- Endocrinology, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
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13
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Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Idrizaj E, Squecco R, Mello T, Comeglio P, Gallina P, Maggi M, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor, GPER1, mediates direct anti-inflammatory effects of oestrogens in human cholinergic neurones from the nucleus basalis of Meynert. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12837. [PMID: 32077170 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It has been well established, particularly in animal models, that oestrogens exert neuroprotective effects in brain areas linked to cognitive processes. A key protective role could reside in the capacity of oestrogen to modulate the inflammatory response. However, the direct neuroprotective actions of oestrogens on neurones are complex and remain to be fully clarified. In the present study, we took advantage of a previously characterised primary culture of human cholinergic neurones (hfNBM) from the foetal nucleus basalis of Meynert, which is known to regulate hippocampal and neocortical learning and memory circuits, aiming to investigate the direct effects of oestrogens under inflammatory conditions. Exposure of cells to tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α (10 ng mL-1 ) determined the activation of an inflammatory response, as demonstrated by nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression. These effects were inhibited by treatment with either 17β-oestradiol (E2 ) (10 nmol L-1 ) or G1 (100 nmol L-1 ), the selective agonist of the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER1). Interestingly, the GPER1 antagonist G15 abolished the effects of E2 in TNFα-treated cells, whereas the ERα/ERβ inhibitor tamoxifen did not. Electrophysiological measurements in hfNBMs revealed a depolarising effect caused by E2 that was specifically blocked by tamoxifen and not by G15. Conversely, G1 specifically hyperpolarised the cell membrane and also increased both inward and outward currents elicited by a depolarising stimulus, suggesting a modulatory action on hfNBM excitability by GPER1 activation. Interestingly, pretreating cells with TNFα completely blocked the effects of G1 on membrane properties and also significantly reduced GPER1 mRNA expression. In addition, we found a peculiar subcellular localisation of GPER1 to focal adhesion sites that implicates new possible mechanisms of action of GPER1 in the neuronal perception of mechanical stimuli. The results obtained in the present study indicate a modulatory functional role of GPER1 with respect to mediating the oestrogen neuroprotective effect against inflammation in brain cholinergic neurones and, accordingly, may help to identify protective strategies for preventing cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Section of Physiological Sciences, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Clinical Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Neurosurgery School of Tuscany, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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14
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Corona G, Rastrelli G, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Cipriani S, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Treatment of Functional Hypogonadism Besides Pharmacological Substitution. World J Mens Health 2019; 38:256-270. [PMID: 31496147 PMCID: PMC7308235 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A dichotomic distinction between “organic” and “functional” hypogonadism is emerging. The former is an irreversible condition due to congenital or “acquired” “organic” damage of the brain centers or of the testis. Conversely, the latter is a potentially reversible form, characterized by borderline low testosterone (T) levels mainly secondary to age-related comorbidities and metabolic derangements, including metabolic syndrome (MetS). Life-style modifications, - here reviewed and, when possible, meta-analyzed -, have documented that weight-loss and physical exercise are able to improve obesity-associated functional hypogonadism and its related sexual symptoms. A rabbit experimental model, of MetS originally obtained in our lab, showed that endurance training (PhyEx) completely reverted MetS-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism by reducing hypothalamus inflammation and testis fibrosis eventually allowing for a better corpora cavernosa relaxation and response to sildenafil. Physicians should strongly adapt all the reasonable strategies to remove/mitigate the known conditions underlying functional hypogonadism, including MetS and obesity. Physical limitations, including reduced muscle mass and increased fat mass, along with low self-confidence, also due to the sexual problems, might limit a subject's propensity to increase physical activity and dieting. A short term T treatment trial, by improving muscle mass and sexual function, might help hypogonadal obese patients to overcome the overfed, inactive state and to become physically and psychologically ready for changing their lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Corona
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit and Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sarah Cipriani
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit and Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Female Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit and Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit and Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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15
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corno C, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Therapeutic effects of the selective farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid in a monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension rat model. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:951-965. [PMID: 30674010 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-1009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a member of the nuclear receptor steroid superfamily, leads to anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in several tissues, including the lung. We have recently demonstrated a protective effect of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) in rat models of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the positive effects of OCA treatment could be exerted also in established MCT-induced PAH, i.e., starting treatment 2 weeks after MCT administration. METHODS Rats with MCT-induced PAH were treated, 2 weeks after MCT administration, with OCA or tadalafil for two additional weeks. Pulmonary functional tests were performed at week 2 (before treatment) and four (end of treatment). At the same time points, lung morphological features and expression profile of genes related to smooth muscle relaxation/contraction and tissue remodeling were also assessed. RESULTS 2 weeks after MCT-induced injury, the treadmill resistance (a functional parameter related to pulmonary hypertension) was significantly decreased. At the same time point, we observed right ventricular hypertrophy and vascular remodeling, with upregulation of genes related to inflammation. At week 4, we observed a further worsening of the functional and morphological parameters, accompanied by dysregulation of inflammatory and extracellular matrix markers mRNA expression. Administration of OCA (3 or 10 mg/kg/day), starting 2 weeks after MCT-induced injury, significantly improved pulmonary function, effectively normalizing the exercise capacity. OCA also reverted most of the lung alterations, with a significant reduction of lung vascular wall thickness, right ventricular hypertrophy, and restoration of the local balance between relaxant and contractile pathways. Markers of remodeling pathways were also normalized by OCA treatment. Notably, results with OCA treatment were similar, or even superior, to those obtained with tadalafil, a recently approved treatment for pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate a significant therapeutic effect of OCA in established MCT-induced PAH, improving exercise capacity associated with reduction of right ventricular hypertrophy and lung vascular remodeling. Thus, OCA dosing in a therapeutic protocol restores the balance between relaxant and contractile pathways in the lung, promoting cardiopulmonary protective actions in MCT-induced PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - L Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, USA
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture E Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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16
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Filippi S, Maggi M, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Sarchielli E, Corno C, Zizza M, Rastrelli G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A. PS-04-010 Effects of physical exercise on metabolic syndrome-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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17
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Filippi S, Maggi M, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Corno C, Guarnieri G, Vignozzi L, Morelli A. PO-01-049 Testosterone counteracts metabolic syndrome-related changes in skeletal muscle fiber metabolism and improves exercise performance in the rabbit. J Sex Med 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Morelli A, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Cellai I, Pallecchi M, Bartolucci G, Danza G, Rastrelli G, Corno C, Guarnieri G, Fuochi E, Vignozzi L, Maggi M. Physical activity counteracts metabolic syndrome-induced hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction in the rabbit. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 316:E519-E535. [PMID: 30645174 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00377.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) clusters cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors along with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. Lifestyle modifications including physical exercise (PhyEx) are well-known treatments for this condition. In this study, we analyzed the effect of PhyEx on hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis and erectile function by use of an animal MetS model, previously established in rabbits fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Rabbits fed a regular diet (RD) were used as controls. A subset of both groups was trained on a treadmill. HFD rabbits showed typical MetS features, including HG (reduced T and LH) and impairment of erectile function. PhyEx in HFD rabbits completely restored plasma T and LH and the penile alterations. At testicular and hypothalamic levels, an HFD-induced inflammatory status was accompanied by reduced T synthesis and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunopositivity, respectively. In the testis, PhyEx normalized HFD-related macrophage infiltration and increased the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and T synthesis. In the hypothalamus, PhyEx normalized HFD-induced gene expression changes related to inflammation and glucose metabolism, restored GnRH expression, particularly doubling mRNA levels, and regulated expression of molecules related to GnRH release (kisspeptin, dynorphin). Concerning MetS components, PhyEx significantly reduced circulating cholesterol and visceral fat. In multivariate analyses, cholesterol levels resulted as the main factor associated with MetS-related alterations in penile, testicular, and hypothalamic districts. In conclusion, our results show that PhyEx may rescue erectile function, exert anti-inflammatory effects on hypothalamus and testis, and increase LH levels and T production, thus supporting a primary role for lifestyle modification to combat MetS-associated hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Pharmacology and Child Health, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Marco Pallecchi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Gianluca Bartolucci
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giovanna Danza
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Elisa Fuochi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi , Rome , Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence , Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi , Rome , Italy
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19
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corno C, Pini A, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Therapeutic effects of obeticholic acid (OCA) treatment in a bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:283-294. [PMID: 29923060 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We recently demonstrated a protective effect of the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) in rat models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Aim of the present study was to investigate whether the positive effects of OCA treatment are apparent also on ongoing bleomycin-induced PF, i.e., after 2 weeks of bleomycin administration. METHODS Bleomycin-induced PF rats were treated 2 weeks after bleomycin administration with OCA or pirfenidone for two additional weeks. Pulmonary function test was performed at 2 and 4 weeks in all experimental groups. At the same time points, lung morphological features and mRNA expression profile of genes related to fibrosis, inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition were also assessed. RESULTS After 2 weeks, bleomycin significantly increased the pressure at the airway opening (PAO), a functional parameter related to fibrosis-induced lung stiffness, and induced diffuse lung interstitium fibrosis, with upregulation of inflammation (IL1β, MCP1) and tissue remodeling (COL1A1, COL3A1, ET1, MMP7, PDGFa, αSMA, SNAI1) markers. At week four, a further increase of lung fibrosis and PAO was observed, accompanied by upregulation of extracellular matrix-related mRNA expression. OCA administration, even after the establishment of PF, significantly improved pulmonary function, normalizing PAO, and reverted the bleomycin-induced lung alterations, with significant reduction of markers of inflammation (CD206, COX2, HIF1, IL1β, MCP1), epithelial proliferation (CTGF, PDGFa) and fibrosis (COL1A1, COL3A1, ET1, FN1, MMPs, αSMA, SNAIs, TGFβ1, TIMPs). Results with OCA were similar or superior to those obtained with pirfenidone. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results demonstrate a significant therapeutic effect of OCA in already established PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - S Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - I Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - C Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - A Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY, USA
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, AOU Careggi, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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20
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Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Guarnieri G, Iorizzi M, Sgambati E. Corrigendum to "Neuroprotective effects of quercetin 4'-O-β-d-diglucoside on human striatal precursor cells in nutrient deprivation condition." [Acta Histochemica, 2018 Feb;120(2):122-128]. Acta Histochem 2018; 120:858. [PMID: 30446258 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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21
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Degl'Innocenti D, Ramazzotti M, Sarchielli E, Monti D, Chevanne M, Vannelli GB, Barletta E. Oxadiazon affects the expression and activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase and acylphosphatase in human striatal precursor cells: A possible role in neurotoxicity. Toxicology 2018; 411:110-121. [PMID: 30391265 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2018.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to herbicides can induce long-term chronic adverse effects such as respiratory diseases, malignancies and neurodegenerative diseases. Oxadiazon, a pre-emergence or early post-emergence herbicide, despite its low acute toxicity, may induce liver cancer and may exert adverse effects on reproductive and on endocrine functions. Unlike other herbicides, there are no indications on neurotoxicity associated with long-term exposure to oxadiazon. Therefore, we have analyzed in primary neuronal precursor cells isolated from human striatal primordium the effects of non-cytotoxic doses of oxadiazon on neuronal cell differentiation and migration, and on the expression and activity of the mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and of the acylphosphatase (ACYP). ALDH2 activity protects neurons against neurotoxicity induced by toxic aldehydes during oxidative stress and plays a role in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. ACYP is involved in ion transport, cell differentiation, programmed cell death and cancer, and increased levels of ACYP have been revealed in fibroblasts from patients affected by Alzheimer's disease. In this study we demonstrated that non-cytotoxic doses of oxadiazon were able to inhibit neuronal striatal cell migration and FGF2- and BDNF-dependent differentiation towards neuronal phenotype, and to inhibit the expression and activity of ALDH2 and to increase the expression and activity of ACYP2. In addition, we have provided evidence that in human primary neuronal precursor striatal cells the inhibitory effects of oxadiazon on cell migration and differentiation towards neuronal phenotype were achieved through modulation of ACYP2. Taken together, our findings reveal for the first time that oxadiazon could exert neurotoxic effects by impairing differentiative capabilities of primary neuronal cells and indicate that ALDH2 and ACYP2 are relevant molecular targets for the neurotoxic effects of oxadiazon, suggesting a potential role of this herbicide in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Degl'Innocenti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Ramazzotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Monti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Chevanne
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Barletta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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22
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Poli G, Sarchielli E, Guasti D, Benvenuti S, Ballerini L, Mazzanti B, Armignacco R, Cantini G, Lulli M, Chortis V, Arlt W, Romagnoli P, Vannelli GB, Mannelli M, Luconi M. Human fetal adrenal cells retain age-related stem- and endocrine-differentiation potential in culture. FASEB J 2018; 33:2263-2277. [PMID: 30247985 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801028rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal gland is a multiendocrine organ with a steroidogenic mesenchymal cortex and an inner catecholamine-producing medulla of neuroendocrine origin. After embryonic development, this plastic organ undergoes a functional postnatal remodeling. Elucidating these complex processes is pivotal for understanding the early bases of functional endocrine disorders and tumors affecting the mature gland. We developed an in vitro human adrenal cell model derived from fetal adrenal specimens at different gestational ages, consisting of neuroendocrine and cortical components and expressing the zona and functional markers of the original fetal organ. These cortical and neuroendocrine progenitor cells retain in vitro an intrinsic gestational-age-related differentiation and functional program. In vitro these cells spontaneously form 3-dimensional structure organoids with a structure similar to the fetal gland. The organoids show morphofunctional features and adrenal steroidogenic factor, steroid acute regulatory, cytochrome-P450-17A1, dosage-sensitive, sex-reversal, adrenal hypoplasia-critical region on chromosome X protein , NOTCH1, and nephroblastoma overexpressed/cysteine-rich protein 61/connective tissue growth factor/nephroblastoma overexpressed gene-3; stem (BMI1, nestin); and chromaffin (chromogranin A, tyrosine hydroxylase) markers similar to those of the populations of origin. This in vitro human adrenal system represents a unique but preliminar model for investigating the pathophysiological processes underlying physiologic adrenal remodeling and pathologic alterations involved in organ hypo- and hyperplasia and cancer.-Poli, G., Sarchielli, E., Guasti, D., Benvenuti, S., Ballerini, L., Mazzanti, B., Armignacco, R., Cantini, G., Lulli, M., Chortis, V., Arlt, W., Romagnoli, P., Vannelli, G. B., Mannelli, M., Luconi, M. Human fetal adrenal cells retain age-related stem- and endocrine-differentiation potential in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Poli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Susanna Benvenuti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Ballerini
- Haematology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Haematology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Armignacco
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Cantini
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- General Pathology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; and
| | - Vasileios Chortis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paolo Romagnoli
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Barbara Vannelli
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Mannelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michaela Luconi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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23
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Comeglio P, Cellai I, Mello T, Filippi S, Maneschi E, Corcetto F, Corno C, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Rapizzi E, Bani D, Guasti D, Vannelli GB, Galli A, Adorini L, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. INT-767 prevents NASH and promotes visceral fat brown adipogenesis and mitochondrial function. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:107-127. [PMID: 29945982 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The bile acid receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), regulate multiple pathways, including glucose and lipid metabolism. In a rabbit model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome, long-term treatment with the dual FXR/TGR5 agonist INT-767 reduces visceral adipose tissue accumulation, hypercholesterolemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. INT-767 significantly improves the hallmarks of insulin resistance in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and induces mitochondrial and brown fat-specific markers. VAT preadipocytes isolated from INT-767-treated rabbits, compared to preadipocytes from HFD, show increased mRNA expression of brown adipogenesis markers. In addition, INT-767 induces improved mitochondrial ultrastructure and dynamic, reduced superoxide production and improved insulin signaling and lipid handling in preadipocytes. Both in vivo and in vitro treatments with INT-767 counteract, in preadipocytes, the HFD-induced alterations by upregulating genes related to mitochondrial biogenesis and function. In preadipocytes, INT-767 behaves mainly as a TGR5 agonist, directly activating dose dependently the cAMP/PKA pathway. However, in vitro experiments also suggest that FXR activation by INT-767 contributes to the insulin signaling improvement. INT-767 treatment counteracts HFD-induced liver histological alterations and normalizes the increased pro-inflammatory genes. INT-767 also induces a significant reduction of fatty acid synthesis and fibrosis markers, while increasing lipid handling, insulin signaling and mitochondrial markers. In conclusion, INT-767 significantly counteracts HFD-induced liver and fat alterations, restoring insulin sensitivity and prompting preadipocytes differentiation toward a metabolically healthy phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Gastroenterology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of ReproductionDepartment of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Corcetto
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Rapizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio'University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. - Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e BiosistemiRome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- I.N.B.B. - Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e BiosistemiRome, Italy
- Gynecologic Endocrinology Research UnitDepartment of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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24
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Marampon F, Antinozzi C, Corinaldesi C, Vannelli GB, Sarchielli E, Migliaccio S, Di Luigi L, Lenzi A, Crescioli C. The phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor tadalafil regulates lipidic homeostasis in human skeletal muscle cell metabolism. Endocrine 2018; 59:602-613. [PMID: 28786077 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tadalafil seems to ameliorate insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis in humans. We have previously reported that tadalafil targets human skeletal muscle cells with an insulin (I)-like effect. We aim to evaluate in human fetal skeletal muscle cells after tadalafil or I: (i) expression profile of I-regulated genes dedicated to cellular energy control, glycolitic activity or microtubule formation/vesicle transport, as GLUT4, PPARγ, HK2, IRS-1, KIF1C, and KIFAP3; (ii) GLUT4, Flotillin-1, and Caveolin-1 localization, all proteins involved in energy-dependent cell trafficking; (iii) activation of I-targeted paths, as IRS-1, PKB/AKT, mTOR, P70/S6K. Free fatty acids intracellular level was measured. Sildenafil or a cGMP synthetic analog were used for comparison; PDE5 and PDE11 gene expression was evaluated in human fetal skeletal muscle cells. METHODS RTq-PCR, PCR, western blot, free fatty acid assay commercial kit, and lipid stain non-fluorescent assay were used. RESULTS Tadalafil upregulated I-targeted investigated genes with the same temporal pattern as I (GLUT4, PPARγ, and IRS-1 at 3 h; HK2, KIF1C, KIFAP3 at 12 h), re-localized GLUT4 in cell sites positively immune-decorated for Caveolin-1 and Flotillin-1, suggesting the involvement of lipid rafts, induced specific residue phosphorylation of IRS-1/AKT/mTOR complex in association with free fatty acid de novo synthesis. Sildenafil or GMP analog did not affect GLUT4 trafficking or free fatty acid levels. CONCLUSION In human fetal skeletal muscle cells tadalafil likely favors energy storage by modulating lipid homeostasis via IRS-1-mediated mechanisms, involving activation of I-targeted genes and intracellular cascade related to metabolic control. Those data provide some biomolecular evidences explaining, in part, tadalafil-induced favorable control of human metabolism shown by clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marampon
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Corinaldesi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S Migliaccio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Crescioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Università di Roma "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy.
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Guarnieri G, Sarchielli E, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Cell-based therapy in Alzheimer's disease: Can human fetal cholinergic neurons "untangle the skein"? Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:2105-2107. [PMID: 30323137 PMCID: PMC6199943 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.241459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Anatomy and Histology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Guarnieri G, Coppi E, Pantano D, Comeglio P, Nardiello P, Pugliese AM, Ballerini L, Matucci R, Ambrosini S, Castronovo G, Valente R, Mazzanti B, Bucciantini S, Maggi M, Casamenti F, Gallina P, Vannelli GB. Young Human Cholinergic Neurons Respond to Physiological Regulators and Improve Cognitive Symptoms in an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:339. [PMID: 29163051 PMCID: PMC5666298 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of cholinergic neurons of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) in the basal forebrain (BF) is associated to the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. To date no resolutive therapies exist. Cell-based replacement therapy is a strategy currently under consideration, although the mechanisms underlying the generation of stem cell-derived NBM cholinergic neurons able of functional integration remain to be clarified. Since fetal brain is an optimal source of neuronal cells committed towards a specific phenotype, this study is aimed at isolating cholinergic neurons from the human fetal NBM (hfNBMs) in order to study their phenotypic, maturational and functional properties. Extensive characterization confirmed the cholinergic identity of hfNBMs, including positivity for specific markers (such as choline acetyltransferase) and acetylcholine (Ach) release. Electrophysiological measurements provided the functional validation of hfNBM cells, which exhibited the activation of peculiar sodium (INa) and potassium (IK) currents, as well as the presence of functional cholinergic receptors. Accordingly, hfNBMs express both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, which were activated by Ach. The hfNBMs cholinergic phenotype was regulated by the nerve growth factor (NGF), through the activation of the high-affinity NGF receptor TrkA, as well as by 17-β-estradiol through a peculiar recruitment of its own receptors. When intravenously administered in NBM-lesioned rats, hfNBMs determined a significant improvement in memory functions. Histological examination of brain sections showed that hfNBMs (labeled with PKH26 fluorescent dye prior to administration) reached the damaged brain areas. The study provides a useful model to study the ontogenetic mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of the human brain cholinergic system and to assess new lines of research, including disease modeling, drug discovery and cell-based therapy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Guarnieri
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Coppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniela Pantano
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Nardiello
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna M Pugliese
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Ballerini
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosanna Matucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castronovo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Clinical Physiopathology, Florence, Italy
| | - Rosa Valente
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fiorella Casamenti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Neurosurgery School of Tuscany, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Marini M, Sarchielli E, Zappoli Thyrion GD, Ambrosini S, Sgambati E. Sialic acid expression in human fetal skeletal muscle during limb early myogenesis. Histol Histopathol 2017; 32:1207-1221. [PMID: 28485004 DOI: 10.14670/hh-11-901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Investigations on animal models demonstrated that changes of sialic acid (SA) expression, particularly the polymeric form, in the skeletal muscle during embryonic and post-natal development seem to be related to muscle differentiation and functionality onset. The aim of this study was to evaluate the monomeric and polymeric SA expression in human skeletal muscle during early stages of fetal development, when important morphofunctional events occur. Specimens of fetal skeletal muscle from limb, between 9 and 12 weeks of gestation (wg), were obtained from 19 pregnant women. To investigate some morphofunctional features occurring during this development period, haematoxylin-eosin staining, tunel assay and immunohistochemistry for connexin-43 (Cx43) and parvalbumin were performed. SA expression and characterization was evaluated using lectin histochemistry (MAA, SNA, PNA, SBA, DBA), associated with enzymatic and chemical treatments. Polysialic acid (PSA) expression was also evaluated using immunohistochemistry. The results showed apoptotic myotubes between 9 and 10.5 wg, disappearing from 11 wg; Cx43 was more abundant in myotubes/myoblasts between 9 and 9.5 wg, decreasing and/or disappearing from 10 wg and parvalbumin was present in myotubes between 10 and 10.5 wg. PSA was revealed in myotubes/myoblasts from 9 to 10.5 wg; from 11 wg it was reduced or disappeared. Monomeric SA appeared in myotubes/myoblasts from 10 wg, increasing successively; acetylated SA was present from 11 wg. These findings demonstrated that changes in expression of various types of SA, occurring in human fetal skeletal muscle during early development, seem to be related to some morphofunctional aspects distinctive of this organogenesis crucial period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Pesche (Isernia), Italy.
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Vignozzi L, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Maneschi E, Vannelli G, Adorini L, Maggi M. HP-01-006 The dual FXR/TGR5 agonist INT-767 counteracts nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and erectile dysfunction in a rabbit model of high fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome. J Sex Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Cellai I, Corcetto F, Corno C, Maneschi E, Pini A, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Anti-fibrotic effects of chronic treatment with the selective FXR agonist obeticholic acid in the bleomycin-induced rat model of pulmonary fibrosis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 168:26-37. [PMID: 28115235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation by obeticholic acid (OCA) has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis development in liver, kidney and intestine in multiple disease models. FXR activation has also been demonstrated to suppress the inflammatory response and to promote lung repair after lung injury. This study investigated the protective effects of OCA treatment (3 or 10mg/kg/day) on inflammation, tissue remodeling and fibrosis in the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis rat model. Effects of OCA treatment on morphological and molecular alterations of the lung, as well as remodeling of the alveoli and the right ventricle were also evaluated. Lung function was assessed by measuring airway resistance to inflation. In the acute phase (7days), bleomycin promoted an initial thickening and fibrosis of the lung interstitium, with upregulation of genes related to epithelial proliferation, tissue remodeling and hypoxia. At 28days, an evident increase in the deposition of collagen in the lungs was observed. This excessive deposition was accompanied by an upregulation of transcripts related to the extracellular matrix (TGFβ1, SNAI1 and SNAI2), indicating lung fibrosis. Administration of OCA protected against bleomycin-induced lung damage by suppressing molecular mechanisms related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammation and collagen deposition, with a dose-dependent reduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, as well as TGF-β1 and SNAI1 expression. Pirfenidone, a recently approved treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), significantly counteracted bleomycin-induced pro-fibrotic genes expression, but did not exert significant effects on IL-1β and IL-6. OCA treatment in bleomycin-challenged rats also improved pulmonary function, by effectively normalizing airway resistance to inflation and lung stiffness in vivo. Results with OCA were similar, or even superior, to those obtained with pirfenidone. In conclusion, our results suggest an important protective effect of OCA against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by blunting critical mediators in the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Corcetto
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Squecco R, Ballerini L, Mello T, Guarnieri G, Idrizaj E, Mazzanti B, Vignozzi L, Gallina P, Maggi M, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Impairs Kisspeptin Signaling in Human Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Primary Neurons. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:46-56. [PMID: 27736314 PMCID: PMC5413096 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-2115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Inflammatory pathways may impair central regulatory networks involving gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity. Studies in humans are limited by the lack of human GnRH neuron cell lines. OBJECTIVE To establish an in vitro model of human GnRH neurons and analyze the effects of proinflammatory cytokines. DESIGN The primary human fetal hypothalamic cells (hfHypo) were isolated from 12-week-old fetuses. Responsiveness to kisspeptin, the main GnRH neurons' physiological regulator, was evaluated for biological characterization. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) was used as a proinflammatory stimulus. Main Outcome Measures: Expression of specific GnRH neuron markers by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry analyses; and GnRH-releasing ability and electrophysiological changes in response to kisspeptin. RESULTS The primary hfHypo showed a high percentage of GnRH-positive cells (80%), expressing a functional kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R) and able to release GnRH in response to kisspeptin. TNF-α exposure determined a specific inflammatory intracellular signaling and reduced GnRH secretion, KISS1R expression, and kisspeptin-induced depolarizing effect. Moreover, hfHypo possessed a primary cilium, whose assembly was inhibited by TNF-α. CONCLUSION The hfHypo cells represent a novel tool for investigations on human GnRH neuron biology. TNF-α directly affects GnRH neuron function by interfering with KISS1R expression and ciliogenesis, thereby impairing kisspeptin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lara Ballerini
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio,” University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Cell Therapy and Transfusion Medicine Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | | | - Pasquale Gallina
- Neurosurgery School of Tuscany, Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; and
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit and
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, 00136 Rome, Italy
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Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Cellai I, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Maneschi E, Vannelli GB, Adorini L, Maggi M. Cardiopulmonary protective effects of the selective FXR agonist obeticholic acid in the rat model of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 165:277-292. [PMID: 27425465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation by obeticholic acid (OCA) has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation and fibrosis development and even induce fibrosis regression in liver, kidney and intestine in multiple disease models. OCA also inhibits liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. FXR activation has also been demonstrated to suppress the inflammatory response and to promote lung repair after lung injury. This study investigated the effects of OCA treatment (3, 10 or 30mg/kg, daily for 5days a week, for 7 and/or 28 days) on inflammation, tissue remodeling and fibrosis in the monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model. Treatment with OCA attenuated MCT-induced increased pulmonary arterial wall thickness and right ventricular hypertrophy, by i) blunting pathogenic inflammatory mechanisms (downregulation of interleukin 6, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1) and ii) enhancing protective mechanisms counteracting fibrosis and endothelial/mesenchymal transition. MCT-injected rats also showed a marked decrease of pulmonary artery responsiveness to both endothelium-dependent and independent relaxant stimuli, such as acetylcholine and a nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside. Administration of OCA (30mg/kg) normalized this decreased responsiveness. Accordingly, OCA treatment induced profound beneficial effects on lung histology. In particular, both OCA doses markedly reduced the MCT-induced medial wall thickness increase in small pulmonary arteries. To evaluate the objective functional improvement by OCA treatment of MCT-induced PAH, we performed a treadmill test and measured duration of exercise. MCT significantly reduced, and OCA normalized treadmill endurance. Results with OCA were similar, or even superior, to those obtained with tadalafil, a well-established treatment of PAH. In conclusion, OCA treatment demonstrates cardiopulmonary protective effects, modulating lung vascular remodeling, reducing right ventricular hypertrophy and significantly improving exercise capacity. Thus, OCA can restore the balance between relaxant and contractile pathways in the lung, promoting cardiopulmonary protective actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Vignozzi L, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Vannelli G, Maggi M. P-01-067 Effects of chronic treatment with tadalafil in monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertensive rat model. J Sex Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2016.03.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Maneschi E, Cellai I, Aversa A, Mello T, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Bani D, Guasti D, Sarchielli E, Salvatore G, Morelli A, Mazzanti B, Corcetto F, Corno C, Francomano D, Galli A, Vannelli GB, Lenzi A, Mannucci E, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Tadalafil reduces visceral adipose tissue accumulation by promoting preadipocytes differentiation towards a metabolically healthy phenotype: Studies in rabbits. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 424:50-70. [PMID: 26805634 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of metabolically healthy adipocytes within dysfunctional adipose tissue may represent an attractive way to counteract metabolic syndrome (MetS). In an experimental animal model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS, in vivo, long- and short-term tadalafil treatments were able to reduce visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation and hypertriglyceridemia, and to induce the expression in VAT of the brown fat-specific marker, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). VAT preadipocytes (PAD), isolated from the tadalafil-treated HFD rabbits, showed: i) a multilocular morphology; ii) an increased expression of brown fat-specific genes (such as UCP1 and CIDEA); iii) improved mitochondrial structure and dynamic and reduced superoxide production; iv) improved insulin sensitivity. Similar effects were obtained after in vitro tadalafil treatment in HFD rPAD. In conclusion, tadalafil counteracted HFD-associated VAT alterations, by restoring insulin-sensitivity and prompting preadipocytes differentiation towards a metabolically healthy phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Salvatore
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Corcetto
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Corno
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Davide Francomano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Barbara Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Mannucci
- Diabetes Section Geriatric Unit, Department of Critical Care, Careggi Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Marini M, Bertolai R, Ambrosini S, Sarchielli E, Vannelli GB, Sgambati E. Differential expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in human fetal skeletal site-specific tissues: Mandible versus femur. Acta Histochem 2015; 117:228-34. [PMID: 25769656 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known mediator that signals through pathways in angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Angiogenesis and bone formation are coupled during either skeletal development or bone remodeling and repair occurring in postnatal life. In this study, we examined for the first time the expression of VEGF in human fetal mandibular and femoral bone in comparison with the respective adult tissues. Similarly to other craniofacial bones, but at variance with the axial and appendicular skeleton, during development mandible does not arise from mesoderm but neural crest cells of the neuroectoderm germ layer, and undergoes intramembranous instead of endochondral ossification. By quantitative real-time PCR technique, we could show that VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in fetal than in adult samples, especially in femoral tissue. Western blotting analysis confirmed higher protein expression of VEGF in the fetal femur respect to the mandible. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that in both fetal tissues VEGF expression was mainly localized in pre- and osteoblasts. Differential expression of VEGF in femoral and mandibular bone tissues could be related to their different structure, function and development during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Roberto Bertolai
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Palagi 1, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Barbara Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche 86090 Isernia, Italy.
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Ambrosini S, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Porfirio B, Gallina P, Morelli A, Vannelli GB. Fibroblast growth factor and endothelin-1 receptors mediate the response of human striatal precursor cells to hypoxia. Neuroscience 2015; 289:123-33. [PMID: 25595970 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fetal striatal transplantation has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy in Huntington's disease (HD). Hypoxia is one of the microenvironmental stress conditions to which fetal tissue is exposed as soon as it is isolated and transplanted into the diseased host brain. Mechanisms that support neuroblast survival and replenishment of damaged cells within the HD brain in the hypoxic condition have yet to be fully elucidated. This study is aimed at investigating the molecular pathways associated with the hypoxic condition in human fetal striatal neuroblasts (human striatal precursor (HSP) cells), using the hypoxia-mimetic agent cobalt chloride (CoCl2). We analyzed the effect of CoCl2 on HSP cell proliferation and on the expression of hypoxia-related proteins, such as hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Moreover, we evaluated fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2; 50ng/ml) and endothelin-1 (ET-1; 100nM) proliferative/survival effects in HSP cells in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Dose-response experiments using increasing concentrations of CoCl2 (50-750μM) showed that the HSP cell growth was unaffected after 24h, while it increased at 48h, with the maximal effect observed at 400μM. In contrast, cell survival was impaired at 72h. Hypoxic conditions determined HIF-1α protein accumulation and increased gene and protein expression of VEGF, while FGF2 and ET-1 significantly stimulated HSP cell proliferation both in normoxic and hypoxic conditions, thus counteracting the apoptotic CoCl2 effect at 72h. The incubation with selective receptor (FGFR1, endothelin receptor A (ETA) and endothelin receptor B (ETB)) inhibitors abolished the FGF2 and ET-1 neuroprotective effect. In particular, ET-1 stimulated HSP cell survival through ETA in normoxic conditions and through ETB during hypoxia. Accordingly, ETA expression was down-regulated, while ETB expression was up-regulated by CoCl2 treatment. Overall, our results support the idea that HSP cells possess the machinery for their adaptation to hypoxic conditions and that neurotrophic factors, such as FGF2 and ET-1, may sustain neurogenesis and long-term survival through complex receptor-mediated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - E Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - P Comeglio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - B Porfirio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - P Gallina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - A Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
| | - G B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Sarchielli E, Marini M, Ambrosini S, Peri A, Mazzanti B, Pinzani P, Barletta E, Ballerini L, Paternostro F, Paganini M, Porfirio B, Morelli A, Gallina P, Vannelli GB. Multifaceted roles of BDNF and FGF2 in human striatal primordium development. An in vitro study. Exp Neurol 2014; 257:130-47. [PMID: 24792640 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Grafting fetal striatal cells into the brain of Huntington's disease (HD) patients has raised certain expectations in the past decade as an effective cell-based-therapy for this devastating condition. We argue that the first requirement for successful transplantation is defining the window of plasticity for the striatum during development when the progenitor cells, isolated from their environment, are able to maintain regional-specific-identity and to respond appropriately to cues. The primary cell culture from human fetal striatal primordium described here consists of a mixed population of neural stem cells, neuronal-restricted progenitors and striatal neurons. These cells express trophic factors, such as BDNF and FGF2. We show that these neurotrophins maintain cell plasticity, inducing the expression of neuronal precursor markers and cell adhesion molecules, as well as promoting neurogenesis, migration and survival. We propose that BDNF and FGF2 play an important autocrine-paracrine role during early striatum development in vivo and that their release by fetal striatal grafts may be relevant in the setting of HD cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Peri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Pinzani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Barletta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Ballerini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Paternostro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Paganini
- Department of Neuroscience and NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Berardino Porfirio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Vignozzi L, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Sarchielli E, Morelli A, Rastrelli G, Maneschi E, Galli A, Vannelli GB, Saad F, Mannucci E, Adorini L, Maggi M. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis as a novel player in metabolic syndrome-induced erectile dysfunction: an experimental study in the rabbit. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 384:143-54. [PMID: 24486698 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A pathogenic link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is now well established. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the hepatic hallmark of MetS, is regarded as an active player in the pathogenesis of MetS-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study was aimed at evaluating the relationship between MetS-induced NASH and penile dysfunction. We used a non-genomic, high fat diet (HFD)-induced, rabbit model of MetS, and treated HFD rabbits with testosterone (T), with the selective farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA), or with the anti-TNFα mAb infliximab. Rabbits fed a regular diet were used as controls. Liver histomorphological and gene expression analysis demonstrated NASH in HFD rabbits. Several genes related to inflammation (including TNFα), activation of stellate cells, fibrosis, and lipid metabolism parameters were negatively associated to maximal acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation in penis. When all these putative liver determinants of penile Ach responsiveness were tested as covariates in a multivariate model, only the association between hepatic TNFα expression and Ach response was confirmed. Accordingly, circulating levels of TNFα were increased 15-fold in HFD rabbits. T and OCA dosing in HFD rabbits both reduced TNFα liver expression and plasma levels, with a parallel increase of penile eNOS expression and responsiveness to Ach. Also neutralization of TNFα with infliximab treatment fully normalized HFD-induced hypo-responsiveness to Ach, as well as responsiveness to vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. Thus, MetS-induced NASH in HFD rabbits plays an active role in the pathogenesis of ED, likely through TNFα, as indicated by treatments reducing liver and circulating TNFα levels (T or OCA), or neutralizing TNFα action (infliximab), which significantly improve penile responsiveness to Ach in HFD rabbits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Farid Saad
- Global Medical Affairs Men's Healthcare, Bayer Pharma AG, Muellerstrasse 178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Edoardo Mannucci
- Diabetes Section Geriatric Unit, Department of Critical Care, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Luciano Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals, 18 Desbrosses Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
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Vignozzi L, Filippi S, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Morelli A, Maneschi E, Sarchielli E, Gacci M, Carini M, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Tadalafil effect on metabolic syndrome-associated bladder alterations: an experimental study in a rabbit model. J Sex Med 2014; 11:1159-72. [PMID: 24612540 DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are often associated. Bladder detrusor hyper-contractility-a major LUTS determinant-is characterized by increased Ras homolog gene family, member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling, which is often upregulated in MetS. AIM This study investigated the effects of tadalafil dosing on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder, in a rabbit model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS. METHODS Adult male rabbits feeding a HFD for 12 weeks. A subset of HFD animals was treated with tadalafil (2 mg/kg/day, 1 week: the last of the 12 weeks) and compared with HFD and control (feeding a regular diet) rabbits. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In vitro contractility studies to evaluate the relaxant effect of the selective ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, in carbachol precontracted bladder strips. Evaluation of RhoA activation by its membrane translocation. Immunohistochemistry for ROCK expression has been performed to evaluate ROCK expression in bladder from the different experimental groups. mRNA expression of inflammation, pro-fibrotic markers by quantitative RT-PCR has been performed to evaluate the effect of tadalafil on MetS-induced inflammation and fibrosis within the bladder. The in vitro effect of tadalafil on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder smooth muscle cells was evaluated by using chemotaxis assay. RESULTS Bladder strips from HFD rabbits showed hyper-responsiveness to Y-27632, indicating RhoA/ROCK overactivity in HFD bladder compared with matched controls. Accordingly, the fraction of activated (translocated to the membrane) RhoA as well as ROCK expression are increased in HFD bladder. Tadalafil dosing normalized HFD-induced bladder hypersensitivity to Y-27632, by reducing RhoA membrane translocation and ROCK overexpression. Tadalafil dosing reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory, pro-fibrotic, and hypoxia markers. A direct inhibitory effect of tadalafil on RhoA/ROCK signaling in bladder smooth muscle cell was demonstrated by using chemotaxis assay. Pre-treatment with tadalafil inhibited both basal and PDGF-induced migration of bladder smooth muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS Tadalafil dosing reduced RhoA/ROCK signaling and smooth muscle overactivity in an animal model of MetS-associated bladder alterations. Our findings suggest a novel mechanism of action of tadalafil in alleviating LUTS in MetS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Vignozzi L, Marini M, Rastrelli G, Maneschi E, Cellai I, Persani L, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Metabolic syndrome induces inflammation and impairs gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus in rabbits. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:107-119. [PMID: 24064031 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rabbits with high fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) developed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and showed a reduced gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunopositivity in the hypothalamus. This study investigated the relationship between MetS and hypothalamic alterations in HFD-rabbits. Gonadotropin levels decreased as a function of MetS severity, hypothalamic gene expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). HFD determined a low-grade inflammation in the hypothalamus, significantly inducing microglial activation, expression and immunopositivity of IL-6, as well as GLUT4 and reduced immunopositivity for KISS1 receptor, whose mRNA expression was negatively correlated to glucose intolerance. Correcting glucose metabolism with obetcholic acid improved hypothalamic alterations, reducing GLUT4 and IL-6 immunopositivity and significantly increasing GnRH mRNA, without, however, preventing HFD-related HH. No significant effects at the hypothalamic level were observed after systemic anti-inflammatory treatment (infliximab). Our results suggest that HFD-induced metabolic derangements negatively affect GnRH neuron function through an inflammatory injury at the hypothalamic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Filippi
- Interdepartmental Laboratory of Functional and Cellular Pharmacology of Reproduction, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences and Department of NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mirca Marini
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 20149-Milan, Italy; CIRMAR (Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulle basi molecolari della Malattie della Riproduzione), 20122 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; CIRMAR (Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulle basi molecolari della Malattie della Riproduzione), 20122 Milan, Italy; I.N.B.B. - Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, 00136 Rome, Italy.
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Comeglio P, Morelli A, Cellai I, Vignozzi L, Sarchielli E, Filippi S, Maneschi E, Corcetto F, Corno C, Gacci M, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Opposite effects of tamoxifen on metabolic syndrome-induced bladder and prostate alterations: a role for GPR30/GPER? Prostate 2014; 74:10-28. [PMID: 24037776 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BPH and LUTS have been associated to obesity, hypogonadism, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations, including inflammation and tissue remodeling, have been related to a low-testosterone and high-estrogen milieu. In addition to ERs, GPR30/GPER is able to mediate several estrogenic non-genomic actions. METHODS Supplementing a subgroup of MetS rabbits with tamoxifen, we analyzed the in vivo effects on MetS-induced prostate and bladder alterations. The effects of selective ER/GPER ligands and GPER silencing on prostate inflammation were also studied in vitro using hBPH cells. RESULTS ERα, ERβ, and PR expression was upregulated in MetS bladder, where tamoxifen decreased ERα and PR expression, further stimulating ERβ. In addition, tamoxifen-dosing decreased MetS-induced overexpression of inflammatory and tissue remodeling genes. In prostate, sex steroid receptors, pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes were upregulated in MetS. However, tamoxifen did not affect them and even increased COX-2. In hBPH cells, 17β-estradiol increased IL-8 secretion, an effect blunted by co-treatment with GPER antagonist G15 but not by ER antagonist ICI 182,780, which further increased it. GPER agonist G1 dose-dependently (IC50 = 1.6 nM) induced IL-8 secretion. In vitro analysis demonstrated that GPER silencing reverted these stimulatory effects. CONCLUSIONS GPER can be considered the main mediator of estrogen action in prostate, whereas in bladder the mechanism appears to rely on ERα, as indicated by in vivo experiments with tamoxifen dosing. Limiting the effects of the MetS-induced estrogen action via GPER could offer new perspectives in the management of BPH/LUTS, whereas tamoxifen dosing showed potential benefits in bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comeglio
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Gallina P, Paganini M, Biggeri A, Marini M, Romoli A, Sarchielli E, Berti V, Ghelli E, Guido C, Lombardini L, Mazzanti B, Simonelli P, Peri A, Maggi M, Porfirio B, Di Lorenzo N, Vannelli GB. Human Striatum Remodelling after Neurotransplantation in Huntington's Disease. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2014; 92:211-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000360583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Mencucci R, Paladini I, Sarchielli E, Favuzza E, Vannelli GB, Marini M. Transepithelial riboflavin/ultraviolet. a corneal cross-linking in keratoconus: morphologic studies on human corneas. Am J Ophthalmol 2013; 156:874-884.e1. [PMID: 23972311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2013.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate histologic and molecular changes in human keratoconic corneas after the procedure of transepithelial collagen cross-linking (CXL), without the removal of corneal epithelium. DESIGN Experimental laboratory investigation. METHODS Thirty corneal buttons were examined, 18 of which were from patients affected by severe keratoconus and submitted to penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Among these, 8 were analyzed without any treatment, 4 were treated with transepithelial CXL 2 hours before PK, and 6 were treated with transepithelial CXL 3 months before PK. Twelve normal corneal buttons from healthy donors were used as controls. The corneal buttons were then evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining and by immunostaining with markers of epithelial junction proteins (ß-catenin and connexin 43), of stromal keratocytes (CD34), of apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay), and of collagen type I fibers. RESULTS The analysis of epithelial markers showed a clear defective expression in keratoconic corneas before and soon after the transepithelial CXL treatment, returning to normal in corneas analyzed 3 months after transepithelial CXL. The analysis of stroma components indicated a loss of keratocytes in the upper stroma of keratoconic corneas and a trend toward a normal situation 3 months after transepithelial CXL; similarly, collagen fibers appeared disorganized in keratoconus, while their pattern appears to be close to normal 3 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Histologic and immunohistochemical findings on human keratoconic corneas showed the presence of biochemical and morphologic alterations in the epithelium and the upper stroma that are significantly improved 3 months after transepithelial CXL. However, further studies are necessary to assess to what extent these results correlate with measurable biomechanical effects.
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Marini M, Sarchielli E, Toce M, Acocella A, Bertolai R, Ciulli C, Orlando C, Sgambati E, Vannelli GB. Expression and localization of VEGF receptors in human fetal skeletal tissues. Histol Histopathol 2013; 27:1579-87. [PMID: 23059888 DOI: 10.14670/hh-27.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
During development the vertebrate skeleton is the product of deriving cells from distinct embryonic lineages. The craniofacial skeleton is formed by migrating cranial neural crest cells, whereas the axial and limb skeletons are derived from mesodermal cells. The Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) / receptors (VEGFRs) system plays an important role in angiogenesis, as well as osteogenesis, during bone development, growth, and remodeling, attracting endothelial cells and osteoclasts and stimulating osteoblast differentiation. Recent evidence has shown that during development VEGFR-3 is also expressed in neural and glial precursors of forebrain and cerebellum, as well as in the eye. In this study, we found that VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 are expressed in human bone both in fetal and adult life. The gene expression levels were significantly higher in fetal samples especially in mandibles. In addition, higher levels of VEGFR-3 in orofacial district were confirmed by western blotting analysis. We also observed that in fetal mandibular samples VEGFRs colocalized in several osteoblasts, osteoclasts and osteoprogenitor cells. Furthermore, some cells coexpressed VEGFR-3 and ET-1, a marker of neural crest cells. The results demonstrated different expression of VEGFRs in human mandibular and femoral bones which could be correlated to their different structure, function and development during organogenesis. VEGFR-3 might represent a specific signal for ectomesenchymal lineage differentiation during early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marini
- Department of Anatomy Histology and Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Morelli A, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Vignozzi L, Maneschi E, Cellai I, Gacci M, Lenzi A, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Mechanism of action of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition in metabolic syndrome-associated prostate alterations: an experimental study in the rabbit. Prostate 2013; 73:428-41. [PMID: 22996758 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors improve benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), often associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study investigated the effects of PDE5 inhibition in the prostate of rabbits fed a high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. HFD-rabbits develop the most important features of human MetS (glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, increased abdominal adiposity, and hypertension), along with hypogonadism and LUT abnormalities (prostate and bladder inflammation/tissue remodeling). METHODS Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. Prostate morphological changes and oxygenation were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS HFD prostates showed increased PDE5 expression, suggesting a peculiar sensitivity of prostate to the action of PDE5 inhibitors during MetS. Accordingly, prostate PDE5 mRNA was negatively associated to plasma testosterone/estradiol ratio, whose reduction characterizes MetS, and positively with the expression in prostate of several genes exploring pathogenetic processes for BPH/LUTS, such as inflammation, leukocyte infiltration, and fibrosis/myofibroblast activation. Most of these genes was up-regulated by HFD, and significantly reduced by PDE5 inhibition, through either chronic (12 weeks) or, at a lower extent, acute (1-week) tadalafil dosing. Tadalafil was also able to reduce blood pressure and visceral fat in HFD rabbits, without changing any other MetS parameter. Interestingly, 1-week tadalafil administration to HFD rabbits, significantly blunted prostate inflammation (increased CD45 immunopositivity), fibrosis (reduced muscle/fiber ratio) and hypo-oxygenation, thus suggesting a potential curative effect of PDE5 inhibition on MetS-related prostate alterations. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide the experimental evidences to support the multiple potentiality of PDE5 inhibitors as a useful therapeutic tool in LUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Maneschi E, Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Mello T, Filippi S, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Calcagno A, Mazzanti B, Vettor R, Vannelli GB, Adorini L, Maggi M. FXR activation normalizes insulin sensitivity in visceral preadipocytes of a rabbit model of MetS. J Endocrinol 2013; 218:215-31. [PMID: 23750014 DOI: 10.1530/joe-13-0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Insulin resistance is the putative key underlying mechanism linking adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction with liver inflammation and steatosis in metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have recently demonstrated that the selective farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) ameliorates insulin resistance and the metabolic profile with a marked reduction in the amount of visceral AT (VAT) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rabbit model of MetS. These effects were mediated by the activation of FXR, since treatment with the selective TGR5 agonist INT-777 was not able to ameliorate the metabolic parameters evaluated. Herein, we report the effects of in vivo OCA dosing on the liver, the VAT, and the adipogenic capacity of VAT preadipocytes (rPADs) isolated from rabbits on a HFD compared with those on a control diet. VAT and liver were studied by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and RT-PCR. rPADs were exposed to a differentiating mixture to evaluate adipogenesis. Adipocyte size, hypoxia, and the expression of perilipin and cytosolic insulin-regulated glucose transporter GLUT4 (SLC2A4) were significantly increased in VAT isolated from the HFD rabbits, and normalized by OCA. The expression of steatosis and inflammation markers was increased in the liver of the HFD rabbits and normalized by OCA. rPADs isolated from the HFD rabbits were less sensitive to insulin, as demonstrated by the decreased insulin-induced glucose uptake, triglyceride synthesis, and adipogenic capacity, as well as by the impaired fusion of lipid droplets. OCA treatment preserved all the aforementioned metabolic functions. In conclusion, OCA dosing in a MetS rabbit model ameliorates liver and VAT functions. This could reflect the ability of OCA to restore insulin sensitivity in AT unable to finalize its storage function, counteracting MetS-induced metabolic alterations and pathological AT deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence, Italy
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Morelli A, Comeglio P, Sarchielli E, Cellai I, Vignozzi L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Negative effects of high glucose exposure in human gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:684659. [PMID: 24489542 PMCID: PMC3893744 DOI: 10.1155/2013/684659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders are often associated with male hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, suggesting that hypothalamic defects involving GnRH neurons may impair the reproductive function. Among metabolic factors hyperglycemia has been implicated in the control of the reproductive axis at central level, both in humans and in animal models. To date, little is known about the direct effects of pathological high glucose concentrations on human GnRH neurons. In this study, we investigated the high glucose effects in the human GnRH-secreting FNC-B4 cells. Gene expression profiling by qRT-PCR, confirmed that FNC-B4 cells express GnRH and several genes relevant for GnRH neuron function (KISS1R, KISS1, sex steroid and leptin receptors, FGFR1, neuropilin 2, and semaphorins), along with glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT3, and GLUT4). High glucose exposure (22 mM; 40 mM) significantly reduced gene and protein expression of GnRH, KISS1R, KISS1, and leptin receptor, as compared to normal glucose (5 mM). Consistent with previous studies, leptin treatment significantly induced GnRH mRNA expression at 5 mM glucose, but not in the presence of high glucose concentrations. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a deleterious direct contribution of high glucose on human GnRH neurons, thus providing new insights into pathogenic mechanisms linking metabolic disorders to reproductive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Section of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Erica Sarchielli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cellai
- Section of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Section of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B. Vannelli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Section of Sexual Medicine and Andrology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulle Basi Molecolari della Malattie della Riproduzione (CIRMAR), 20122 Milan, Italy
- *Mario Maggi:
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Maneschi E, Morelli A, Filippi S, Cellai I, Comeglio P, Mazzanti B, Mello T, Calcagno A, Sarchielli E, Vignozzi L, Saad F, Vettor R, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Testosterone treatment improves metabolic syndrome-induced adipose tissue derangements. J Endocrinol 2012; 215:347-62. [PMID: 23045189 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated that testosterone dosing ameliorated the metabolic profile and reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rabbit model of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We studied the effects of HFD and in vivo testosterone dosing on VAT function and the adipogenic capacity of rabbit preadipocytes isolated from VAT of regular diet (RD), HFD, and testosterone-treated HFD rabbits. VAT was studied by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and RT-PCR. Isolated rPADs were exposed to adipocyte differentiating mixture (DIM) to evaluate adipogenic potential. Adipocyte size was significantly increased in HFD VAT compared with RD, indicating adipocyte dysfunction, which was normalized by testosterone dosing. Accordingly, perilipin, an anti-lipolytic protein, was significantly increased in HFD VAT, when compared with other groups. HFD VAT was hypoxic, while testosterone dosing normalized VAT oxygenation. In VAT, androgen receptor expression was positively associated with mRNA expression of GLUT4 (SLC2A4) (insulin-regulated glucose transporter) and STAMP2 (STEAP4) (androgen-dependent gene required for insulin signaling). In testosterone-treated HFD VAT, STAMP2 mRNA was significantly increased when compared with the other groups. Moreover, GLUT4 membrane translocation was significantly reduced in HFD VAT, compared with RD, and increased by testosterone. In DIM-exposed preadipocytes from HFD, triglyceride accumulation, adipocyte-specific genes, insulin-stimulated triglyceride synthesis, glucose uptake, and GLUT4 membrane translocation were reduced compared with preadipocytes from RD and normalized by in vivo testosterone dosing. In conclusion, testosterone dosing in a MetS animal model positively affects VAT functions. This could reflect the ability of testosterone in restoring insulin sensitivity in VAT, thus counteracting metabolic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Maneschi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, Florence 50139, Italy
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48
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Vignozzi L, Filippi S, Morelli A, Comeglio P, Cellai I, Sarchielli E, Maneschi E, Mancina R, Gacci M, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Testosterone/Estradiol Ratio Regulates NO‐Induced Bladder Relaxation and Responsiveness to PDE5 Inhibitors. J Sex Med 2012; 9:3028-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2012.02946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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49
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Morelli A, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Sarchielli E, Cellai I, Vignozzi L, Yehiely-Cohen R, Maneschi E, Gacci M, Carini M, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Testosterone and farnesoid X receptor agonist INT-747 counteract high fat diet-induced bladder alterations in a rabbit model of metabolic syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 132:80-92. [PMID: 22406511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2012.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the male, metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated to an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A recently established rabbit model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS showed hypogonadism and the presence of prostate gland alterations, including inflammation, hypoxia and fibrosis. The present study investigated whether HFD-induced MetS might also alter bladder structure and function. Testosterone and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist INT-747, were evaluated for possible effects on HFD bladder. MetS rabbits develop bladder alterations, including fibrosis (reduced muscle/fiber ratio), hypoxia [2-fold increase as compared to regular diet (RD) group], low-grade inflammation (increased leukocyte infiltration and inflammatory markers) and RhoA/ROCK hyperactivity. Bladder strips from HFD rabbits, pre-contracted with carbachol, showed an overactive response to the selective ROCK inhibitor Y-27632. All these HFD-induced bladder alterations were partially blunted by testosterone and almost completely reverted by INT-747. Both treatments prevented some MetS features (glucose intolerance and visceral fat increase), thus suggesting that their effects on bladder could be ascribed to an improvement of the metabolic and/or hypogonadal state. However, a pathogenetic role for hypogonadism has been ruled out as GnRH analog-induced hypogonadal rabbits, fed a regular diet, did not show any detectable bladder alterations. In addition, INT-747 did not revert the MetS-induced hypogonadal state. FXR mRNA was highly expressed in rabbit bladder and positively associated with visceral fat increase. A direct effect of INT-747 on bladder smooth muscle was further suggested by inhibition of RhoA/ROCK-mediated activity by in vitro experiments on isolated cells. In conclusion, HFD-related MetS features are associated to bladder derangements, which are ameliorated by testosterone or INT-747 administration. INT-747 showed the most marked effects in counteracting MetS-related RhoA/ROCK overactivity, thus opening novel therapeutic opportunities for this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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50
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Vignozzi L, Morelli A, Sarchielli E, Comeglio P, Filippi S, Cellai I, Maneschi E, Serni S, Gacci M, Carini M, Piccinni MP, Saad F, Adorini L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M. Testosterone protects from metabolic syndrome-associated prostate inflammation: an experimental study in rabbit. J Endocrinol 2012; 212:71-84. [PMID: 22010203 DOI: 10.1530/joe-11-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are often associated. One of their common denominators is hypogonadism. However, testosterone supplementation is limited by concerns for potential prostatic side effects. The objective was to determine whether MetS-associated prostate alterations are prevented by testosterone supplementation. We used a previously described animal model of MetS, obtained by feeding male rabbits a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Subsets of HFD rabbits were treated with testosterone or with the farnesoid X receptor agonist INT-747. Rabbits fed a standard diet were used as controls. HFD-animals develop hypogonadism and all the MetS features: hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and visceral obesity. In addition, HFD-animals show a prostate inflammation. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that HFD-induced prostate fibrosis, hypoxia, and inflammation. The mRNA expression of several proinflammatory (IL8, IL6, IL1β, and TNFα), T lymphocyte (CD4, CD8, Tbet, Gata3, and ROR γt), macrophage (TLR2, TLR4, and STAMP2), neutrophil (lactoferrin), inflammation (COX2 and RAGE), and fibrosis/myofibroblast activation (TGFβ, SM22α, αSMA, RhoA, and ROCK1/ROCK2) markers was significantly increased in HFD prostate. Testosterone, as well as INT-747, treatment prevented some MetS features, although only testosterone normalized all the HFD-induced prostate alterations. Interestingly, the ratio between testosterone and estradiol plasma level retains a significant, negative, association with all the fibrosis and the majority of inflammatory markers analyzed. These data highlight that testosterone protects rabbit prostate from MetS-induced prostatic hypoxia, fibrosis, and inflammation, which can play a role toward the development/progression of BPH/LUTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vignozzi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy
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