scholarly journals Novel Expression and Direct Effects of Adiponectin in the Rat Testis

Endocrinology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 149 (7) ◽  
pp. 3390-3402 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Caminos ◽  
R. Nogueiras ◽  
F. Gaytán ◽  
R. Pineda ◽  
C. R. González ◽  
...  

Adiponectin is an adipocyte hormone, with relevant roles in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, recently involved in the control of different endocrine organs, such as the placenta, pituitary and, likely, the ovary. However, whether as described previously for other adipokines, such as leptin and resistin, adiponectin is expressed and/or conducts biological actions in the male gonad remains unexplored. In this study, we provide compelling evidence for the expression, putative hormonal regulation, and direct effects of adiponectin in the rat testis. Testicular expression of adiponectin was demonstrated along postnatal development, with a distinctive pattern of RNA transcripts and discernible protein levels that appeared mostly located at interstitial Leydig cells. Testicular levels of adiponectin mRNA were marginally regulated by pituitary gonadotropins but overtly modulated by metabolic signals, such as glucocorticoids, thyroxine, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, whose effects were partially different from those on circulating levels of adiponectin. In addition, expression of the genes encoding adiponectin receptor (AdipoR)-1 and AdipoR2 was detected in the rat testis, with developmental changes and gonadotropin regulation for AdipoR2 mRNA, and prominent levels of AdipoR1 in seminiferous tubules. Moreover, recombinant adiponectin significantly inhibited basal and human choriogonadotropin-stimulated testosterone secretion ex vivo, whereas it failed to change relative levels of several Sertoli cell-expressed mRNAs, such as stem cell factor and anti-Müllerian hormone. In summary, our data are the first to document the expression, regulation and functional role of adiponectin in the rat testis. Taken together with its recently reported expression in the ovary and its effects on LH secretion and ovarian steroidogenesis, these results further substantiate a multifaceted role of adiponectin in the control of the reproductive axis, which might operate as endocrine integrator linking metabolism and gonadal function.

Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
LeBris S. Quinn ◽  
Barbara G. Anderson ◽  
Jennifer D. Conner ◽  
Tami Wolden-Hanson ◽  
Taylor J. Marcell

Physical exercise induces transient upregulation of the pro-oxidative mediators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPARδ), silent information regulator of transcription (sirtuin)-1 (SIRT1), PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), and PGC-1β in skeletal muscle. To determine the role of the cytokine IL-15 in acute postexercise induction of these molecules, expression of these factors after a bout of exhaustive treadmill running was examined in the gastrocnemius muscle of untrained control and IL-15–knockout (KO) mice. Circulating IL-15 levels increased transiently in control mice after exercise. Control mice, but not IL-15–KO mice, upregulated muscle PPARδ and SIRT1 protein after exercise, accompanied by a complex pattern of mRNA expression for these factors. However, in exhaustive exercise, control mice ran significantly longer than IL-15–KO mice. Therefore, in a second experiment, mice were limited to a 20-minute run, after which a similar pattern of induction of muscle PPARδ and SIRT1 protein by control mice only was observed. In a separate experiment, IL-15–KO mice injected systemically with recombinant IL-15 upregulated muscle PPARδ and SIRT1 mRNA within 30 minutes and also exhibited increased muscle PPARδ protein levels by 3 hours. After exercise, both control and IL-15–KO mice downregulated IL-15 receptor-α (IL-15Rα) mRNA, whereas IL-15Rα–deficient mice exhibited constitutively elevated circulating IL-15 levels. These observations indicate IL-15 release after exercise is necessary for induction of PPARδ and SIRT1 at the protein level in muscle tissue and suggest that exercise releases IL-15 normally sequestered by the IL-15Rα in the resting state. These findings could be used to develop an IL-15–based strategy to induce many of the metabolic benefits of physical exercise.


2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (1) ◽  
pp. H161-H166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile Loichot ◽  
Laurence Jesel ◽  
Angela Tesse ◽  
Antonia Tabernero ◽  
Kristina Schoonjans ◽  
...  

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) plays a major role in the control of cardiac energy metabolism. The role of PPARα on cardiac functions was evaluated by using PPARα knockout (PPARα −/−) mice. Hemodynamic parameters by sphygmomanometric measurements show that deletion of PPARα did not affect systolic blood pressure and heart rate. Echocardiographic measurements demonstrated reduced systolic performance as shown by the decrease of left ventricular fractional shortening in PPARα −/− mice. Telemetric electrocardiography revealed neither atrio- nor intraventricular conduction defects in PPARα −/− mice. Also, heart rate, P-wave duration and amplitude, and QT interval were not affected. However, the amplitude of T wave from PPARα −/− mice was lower compared with wild-type (PPARα +/+) mice. When the myocardial function was measured by ex vivo Langendorff's heart preparation, basal and β-adrenergic agonist-induced developed forces were significantly reduced in PPARα-null mice. In addition, Western blot analysis shows that the protein expression of β1-adrenergic receptor is reduced in hearts from PPARα −/− mice. Histological analysis showed that hearts from PPARα −/− but not PPARα +/+ mice displayed myocardial fibrosis. These results suggest that PPARα-null mice have an alteration of cardiac contractile performance under basal and under stimulation of β1-adrenergic receptors. These effects are associated with myocardial fibrosis. The data shed light on the role of PPARα in maintaining cardiac functions.


Reproduction ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 142 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
S S Laurentino ◽  
S Correia ◽  
J E Cavaco ◽  
P F Oliveira ◽  
L Rato ◽  
...  

Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium (Ca2+)-binding protein which regulates intracellular Ca2+homeostasis by modulating the activity of enzymes regulating Ca2+concentration and enhancing Ca2+-pumping activity. Several studies have described the pivotal role of proper Ca2+homeostasis regulation to spermatogenesis and male fertility. Recently,RGNwas identified as a sex steroid-regulated gene in prostate and breast; however, a possible role of RGN in spermatogenesis has not been examined. In this study, the expression and localization of RGN in rat and human testis, and other rat reproductive tissues was analyzed. Moreover, we studied whether RGN protein was present in seminiferous tubule fluid (STF). Finally, we examined the effect of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the expression ofRgnmRNA in rat seminiferous tubules (SeT) culturedex vivo. The results presented in this study show that RGN is expressed in Leydig and Sertoli cells, as well as in all types of germ cells of both rat and human testis. RGN is also expressed in rat prostate, epididymis, and seminal vesicles. Moreover, RGN protein is present in rat STF. The results also demonstrate thatRgnexpression is age dependent in rat testis, and is upregulated by the non-aromatizable androgen DHT in rat SeT culturedex vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate thatRgnis a novel androgen-target gene in rat testis and that it may have a role in male reproductive function, particularly in the control of spermatogenesis.


Author(s):  
Rana A. Alaaeddine ◽  
Perihan A. Elzahhar ◽  
Ibrahim AlZaim ◽  
Wassim Abou-Kheir ◽  
Ahmed S.F. Belal ◽  
...  

: Emerging evidence supports an intertwining framework for the involvement of different inflammatory pathways in a common pathological background for a number of disorders. Of importance are pathways involving arachidonic acid metabolism by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Both enzyme activities and their products are implicated in a range of pathophysiological processes encompassing metabolic impairment leading to adipose inflammation and the subsequent vascular and neurological disorders, in addition to various pro-and anti-tumorigenic effects. A further layer of complexity is encountered by the disparate, and often reciprocal, modulatory effect COX-2 and 15-LOX activities and metabolites exert on each other or on other cellular targets, the most prominent of which is peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Thus, effective therapeutic intervention with such multifaceted disorders requires the simultaneous modulation of more than one target. Here, we describe the role of COX-2, 15-LOX, and PPARγ in cancer and complications of metabolic disorders, highlight the value of designing multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) modifying their activity, and summarize the available literature regarding the rationale and feasibility of design and synthesis of these ligands together with their known biological effects. We speculate on the potential impact of MTDLs in these disorders as well as emphasize the need for structured future effort to translate these early results facilitating the adoption of these, and similar, molecules in clinical research.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Pietro Antonuccio ◽  
Herbert Ryan Marini ◽  
Antonio Micali ◽  
Carmelo Romeo ◽  
Roberta Granese ◽  
...  

Varicocele is an age-related disease with no current medical treatments positively impacting infertility. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression is present in normal testis with an involvement in the immunological reactions. The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), a nuclear receptor, in fertility is still unclear. N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an emerging nutraceutical compound present in plants and animal foods, is an endogenous PPAR-α agonist with well-demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesics characteristics. In this model of mice varicocele, PPAR-α and TLR4 receptors’ roles were investigated through the administration of ultra-micronized PEA (PEA-um). Male wild-type (WT), PPAR-α knockout (KO), and TLR4 KO mice were used. A group underwent sham operation and administration of vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. Another group (WT, PPAR-α KO, and TLR4 KO) underwent surgical varicocele and was treated with vehicle or PEA-um (10 mg/kg i.p.) for 21 days. At the end of treatments, all animals were euthanized. Both operated and contralateral testes were processed for histological and morphometric assessment, for PPAR-α, TLR4, occludin, and claudin-11 immunohistochemistry and for PPAR-α, TLR4, transforming growth factor-beta3 (TGF-β3), phospho-extracellular signal-Regulated-Kinase (p-ERK) 1/2, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) Western blot analysis. Collectively, our data showed that administration of PEA-um revealed a key role of PPAR-α and TLR4 in varicocele pathophysiology, unmasking new nutraceutical therapeutic targets for future varicocele research and supporting surgical management of male infertility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 7120
Author(s):  
Mirko Pesce ◽  
Irene La Fratta ◽  
Teresa Paolucci ◽  
Alfredo Grilli ◽  
Antonia Patruno ◽  
...  

The beneficial effects of exercise on the brain are well known. In general, exercise offers an effective way to improve cognitive function in all ages, particularly in the elderly, who are considered the most vulnerable to neurodegenerative disorders. In this regard, myokines, hormones secreted by muscle in response to exercise, have recently gained attention as beneficial mediators. Irisin is a novel exercise-induced myokine, that modulates several bodily processes, such as glucose homeostasis, and reduces systemic inflammation. Irisin is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain containing 5 (FNDC5), a transmembrane precursor protein expressed in muscle under the control of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). The FNDC5/irisin system is also expressed in the hippocampus, where it stimulates the expression of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor in this area that is associated with learning and memory. In this review, we aimed to discuss the role of irisin as a key mediator of the beneficial effects of exercise on synaptic plasticity and memory in the elderly, suggesting its roles within the main promoters of the beneficial effects of exercise on the brain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4670
Author(s):  
Cinzia Buccoliero ◽  
Manuela Dicarlo ◽  
Patrizia Pignataro ◽  
Francesco Gaccione ◽  
Silvia Colucci ◽  
...  

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) is a protein that promotes transcription of numerous genes, particularly those responsible for the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. Evidence for a key role of PGC1α in bone metabolism is very recent. In vivo studies showed that PGC1α deletion negatively affects cortical thickness, trabecular organization and resistance to flexion, resulting in increased risk of fracture. Furthermore, in a mouse model of bone disease, PGC1α activation stimulates osteoblastic gene expression and inhibits atrogene transcription. PGC1α overexpression positively affects the activity of Sirtuin 3, a mitochondrial nicotinammide adenina dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase, on osteoblastic differentiation. In vitro, PGC1α overexpression prevents the reduction of mitochondrial density, membrane potential and alkaline phosphatase activity caused by Sirtuin 3 knockdown in osteoblasts. Moreover, PGC1α influences the commitment of skeletal stem cells towards an osteogenic lineage, while negatively affects marrow adipose tissue accumulation. In this review, we will focus on recent findings about PGC1α action on bone metabolism, in vivo and in vitro, and in pathologies that cause bone loss, such as osteoporosis and type 2 diabetes.


PPAR Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 2008 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaou-Chen Huang

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ(PPARδ, also known as PPARβ) has ubiquitous distribution and extensive biological functions. The reproductive function of PPARδwas first revealed in the uterus at the implantation site. Since then, PPARδand its ligand have been discovered in all reproductive tissues, including the gametes and the preimplantation embryos. PPARδin preimplantation embryos is normally activated by oviduct-derived PPARδligand. PPARδactivation is associated with an increase in embryonic cell proliferation and a decrease in programmed cell death (apoptosis). On the other hand, the role of PPARδand its ligand in gamete formation and function is less well understood. This review will summarize the reproductive functions of PPARδand project its potential applications in assisted reproductive technology.


Endocrinology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 154 (10) ◽  
pp. 3525-3538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hong Guo ◽  
Merlijn Bazuine ◽  
Daozhong Jin ◽  
Merry M. Huang ◽  
Samuel W. Cushman ◽  
...  

Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) has previously been characterized as an adipokine/cytokine playing a role in glucose and lipid homeostasis. In this study, we investigate the role of Lcn2 in adipose tissue remodeling during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. We find that Lcn2 protein is highly abundant selectively in inguinal adipose tissue. During 16 weeks of HFD feeding, the inguinal fat depot expanded continuously, whereas the expansion of the epididymal fat depot was reduced in both wild-type (WT) and Lcn2−/− mice. Interestingly, the depot-specific effect of HFD on fat mass was exacerbated and appeared more pronounced and faster in Lcn2−/− mice than in WT mice. In Lcn2−/− mice, adipocyte hypertrophy in both inguinal and epididymal adipose tissue was more profoundly induced by age and HFD when compared with WT mice. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ protein was significantly down-regulated, whereas the gene expression of extracellular matrix proteins was up-regulated selectively in epididymal adipocytes of Lcn2−/− mice. Consistent with these observations, collagen deposition was selectively higher in the epididymal, but not in the inguinal adipose depot of Lcn2−/− mice. Administration of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi) restored adipogenic gene expression. However, Lcn2 deficiency did not alter the responsiveness of adipose tissue to Rosi effects on the extracellular matrix expression. Rosi treatment led to the further enlargement of adipocytes with improved metabolic activity in Lcn2−/− mice, which may be associated with a more pronounced effect of Rosi treatment in reducing TGF-β in Lcn2−/− adipose tissue. Consistent with these in vivo observations, Lcn2 deficiency reduces the adipocyte differentiation capacity of stromal-vascular cells isolated from HFD-fed mice in these cells. Herein Rosi treatment was again able to stimulate adipocyte differentiation to a similar extent in WT and Lcn2−/− inguinal and epididymal stromal-vascular cells. Thus, combined, our data indicate that Lcn2 has a depot-specific role in HFD-induced adipose tissue remodeling.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document