scholarly journals Uncovering the Physiological Mechanisms Underlying the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Testicular Cycle: Analyses of Gelatinases and VEGF Patterns and Correlation with Testes Weight and Testosterone

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Elmi ◽  
Augusta Zannoni ◽  
Nadia Govoni ◽  
Martina Bertocchi ◽  
Monica Forni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Testicular Cell ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Testicular Weight ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
First Time ◽  
Sexually Mature

The roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) represents a spontaneous model of testicular inactivation: During winter, bucks show a suspension of spermatogenesis that starts again in spring and peaks during the breeding season (July–August). The underlying mechanisms to the regulation of the cyclic testicular changes are still not fully clear but seem to be imputable to the spermatogenic cell line since other testicular cell populations remain stable without apoptotic phenomena. The aim of the study was to investigate apoptosis, gelatinases (MMP2 and 9), their inhibiting factors (TIMP 1-2), and two isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF121 and 165) with its receptors (VEGFR1-2) in testes collected during pre- and post-rut periods, and to correlate them with testicular weight (TW) and testosterone (TEST). Testes from 18 adult sexually mature bucks were collected in Bologna Apennines (Italy). Samples were weighed and parenchyma collected. Radioimmunoassay, real-time PCR, and zymography were performed. The results showed a post-rut decrease in TW and TEST and an increase in proMMP2, also highlighting a correlation between the gelatinases and the testicular functionality. The VEGF pattern did not show modifications nor correlation with TW and TEST. Overall, gelatinases and their inhibitors, described herein for the first time in roe deer testes, seem to play an important role in the testicular cycle.

scholarly journals Testicular Melatonin and Its Pathway in Roe Deer Bucks (Capreolus capreolus) during Pre- and Post-Rut Periods: Correlation with Testicular Involution

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1874
Author(s):  
Alberto Elmi ◽  
Nadia Govoni ◽  
Augusta Zannoni ◽  
Martina Bertocchi ◽  
Chiara Bernardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Reproductive Activity ◽  
Melatonin Receptors ◽  
Local Synthesis ◽  
Testicular Weight ◽  
And Function ◽  
Gene Expression Levels

Roe deer are seasonal breeders with a complete yearly testicular cycle. The peak in reproductive activity is recorded during summer, the rutting period, with the highest levels of androgens and testicular weight. Melatonin plays a pivotal role in seasonal breeders by stimulating the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonads axis and acting locally; in different species, its synthesis within testes has been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological melatonin pattern within roe deer testes by comparing data obtained from animals sampled during pre- and post-rut periods. Melatonin was quantified in testicular parenchyma, along with the genetic expression of enzymes involved in its local synthesis (AANAT and ASMT) and function (UCP1). Melatonin receptors, MT1-2, were quantified both at protein and gene expression levels. Finally, to assess changes in reproductive hormonal profiles, testicular dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was quantified and used for a correlation analysis. Melatonin and AANAT were detected in all samples, without significant differences between pre- and post-rut periods. Despite DHEA levels confirming testicular involution during the post-rut period, no correlations appeared between such involution and melatonin pathways. This study represents the first report regarding melatonin synthesis in roe deer testes, opening the way for future prospective studies in the physiology of this species.

scholarly journals Role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Human Embryo Implantation: Clinical Implications

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Xi Guo ◽  
Hong Yi ◽  
Tin Chiu Li ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Huilin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Recurrent Miscarriage ◽  
Embryo Implantation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Angiogenic Factor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a well-known angiogenic factor that plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. VEGF also contributes to the process of embryo implantation by enhancing embryo development, improving endometrial receptivity, and facilitating the interactions between the developing embryo and the endometrium. There is a correlation between the alteration of VEGF expression and reproductive failure, including recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent miscarriage (RM). In order to clarify the role of VEGF in embryo implantation, we reviewed recent literature concerning the expression and function of VEGF in the reproductive system around the time of embryo implantation and we provide a summary of the findings reported so far. We also explored the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of action of VEGF in embryo implantation.

Vasodilator effect and mechanism of action of vascular endothelial growth factor in skin vasculature

2004 ◽  
Vol 286 (3) ◽  
pp. H946-H954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Homa Ashrafpour ◽  
Ning Huang ◽  
Peter C. Neligan ◽  
Christopher R. Forrest ◽  
Patrick D. Addison ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Flap ◽  
Vegf Receptor ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Skin Flaps ◽  
Skin Perfusion ◽  
Potent Vasodilator ◽  
Or Gene ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide ◽  
First Time

Various laboratories have reported that local subcutaneous or subdermal injection of VEGF165 at the time of surgery effectively attenuated ischemic necrosis in rat skin flaps, but the mechanism was not studied and enhanced angiogenesis was implicated. In the present study, we used the clinically relevant isolated perfused 6 × 16-cm pig buttock skin flap model to 1) test our hypothesis that VEGF165 is a potent vasodilator and acute VEGF165 treatment increases skin perfusion; and 2) investigate the mechanism of VEGF165-induced skin vasorelaxation. We observed that VEGF165 (5 × 10–16–5 × 10–11 M) elicited a concentration-dependent decrease in perfusion pressure (i.e., vasorelaxation) in skin flaps preconstricted with a submaximal concentration of norepinephrine (NE), endothelin-1, or U-46619. The VEGF165-induced skin vasorelaxation was confirmed using a dermofluorometry technique for assessment of skin perfusion. The vasorelaxation potency of VEGF165 in NE-preconstricted skin flaps (pD2 = 13.57 ± 0.31) was higher ( P < 0.05) than that of acetylcholine (pD2 = 7.08 ± 0.24). Human placental factor, a specific VEGF receptor-1 agonist, did not elicit any vasorelaxation effect. However, a specific antibody to VEGF receptor-2 (1 μg/ml) or a specific VEGF receptor-2 inhibitor (5 × 10–6 M SU-1498) blocked the vasorelaxation effect of VEGF165 in NE-preconstricted skin flaps. These observations indicate that the potent vasorelaxation effect of VEGF165 in the skin vasculature is initiated by the activation of VEGF receptor-2. Furthermore, using pharmacological probes, we observed that the postreceptor signaling pathways of VEGF165-induced skin vasorelaxation involved activation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C, an increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate activity, release of the intra-cellular Ca2+ store, and synthesis/release of endothelial nitric oxide, which predominantly triggered the effector mechanism of VEGF165-induced vasorelaxation. This information provides, for the first time, an important insight into the mechanism of VEGF165 protein or gene therapy in the prevention/treatment of ischemia in skin flap surgery and skin ischemic diseases.

scholarly journals Changes in the functional state of the vascular endothelium in young athletes of varying skill levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19
Author(s):  
Tatyana V. Bershova ◽  
M. I. Bakanov ◽  
I. E. Smirnov ◽  
V. M. Sanfirova ◽  
I. T. Korneeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Special Importance ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Young Athletes ◽  
Physiological Mechanisms ◽  
Skill Levels ◽  
Mechanisms Of Adaptation ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Metalloproteinase 9

Recent studies indicate to the special importance of endothelial function (EF) in processes of the regulation of blood circulation. There are presented data on the influence of physical loads on changes in EF on the basis of analysis of the changes of serum content of angiogenin, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP, thrombospondin and endothelin in young swimmers of various sports skill levels. During training activities and with gain in sports skill levels in young athletes there was found that a significant increment of the concentration of mentioned regulators may be a response to intense exercises indicating to active participation of endothelial vasculature of the growing body in a physiological mechanisms of adaptation to physical loads in children.

scholarly journals YAP and TAZ maintain PROX1 expression in the developing lymphatic and lymphovenous valves in response to VEGF-C signaling

Development ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (23) ◽  
pp. dev195453
Author(s):  
Boksik Cha ◽  
Yen-Chun Ho ◽  
Xin Geng ◽  
Md. Riaj Mahamud ◽  
Lijuan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feedback Loop ◽  
Lymphatic Vessels ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Valve Development ◽  
Prox1 Expression ◽  
Homeobox Transcription Factor ◽  
Lymphatic Vasculature ◽  
Factor C ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACTLymphatic vasculature is an integral part of digestive, immune and circulatory systems. The homeobox transcription factor PROX1 is necessary for the development of lymphatic vessels, lymphatic valves (LVs) and lymphovenous valves (LVVs). We and others previously reported a feedback loop between PROX1 and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) signaling. PROX1 promotes the expression of the VEGF-C receptor VEGFR3 in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). In turn, VEGF-C signaling maintains PROX1 expression in LECs. However, the mechanisms of PROX1/VEGF-C feedback loop remain poorly understood. Whether VEGF-C signaling is necessary for LV and LVV development is also unknown. Here, we report for the first time that VEGF-C signaling is necessary for valve morphogenesis. We have also discovered that the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ are required to maintain PROX1 expression in LVs and LVVs in response to VEGF-C signaling. Deletion of Yap and Taz in the lymphatic vasculature of mouse embryos did not affect the formation of LVs or LVVs, but resulted in the degeneration of these structures. Our results have identified VEGF-C, YAP and TAZ as a crucial molecular pathway in valve development.

In vivo perspective study about the effects of weekly low dose administration of zoledronic acid (ZA) on angiogenesis

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 3558-3558
Author(s):  
D. Santini ◽  
B. Vincenzi ◽  
F. Battistoni ◽  
S. Galluzzo ◽  
L. Rocci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zoledronic Acid ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Low Doses ◽  
Dose Administration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
First Time

3558 Purpose: Recent data have demonstrated in preclinical tumor models an antiangiogenic and antitumor activity of low weekly doses of ZA. As a consequence, the purpose of this study was to confirm these data, evaluating in cancer patients the modifications in angiogenic cytokines levels following repeated weekly low doses of ZA. Experimental Design: 26 consecutive cancer patients with bone metastases treated, for the first time, with four weekly doses of 1 mg of ZA followed by standard doses (4 mg every 28 days) were prospectively evaluated for circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at different time points: just before and after 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 84 days following the first disphosphonate infusion. Results: Basal serum VEGF median levels were significantly decreased just after 7 days (-29.7%) (with only one weekly infusion) (P=0.038), This significant decrease of circulating VEGF levels persisted 14(-33.2%), 21 (-39.4%), 28(-31.8%), 56(-33.6%) and 84(-27.9%) days after the first infusion (respectively, P=0.002, P=0.001, P=0.008, P=0.002, P=0.014). Conclusions: This study confirms, for the first time in humans, that weekly low doses of zoledronic acid could have antiangiogenic properties through a significant and long lasting decrease of VEGF serum levels. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals VEGF therapy for the kidney: emerging strategies

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (4) ◽  
pp. F747-F751 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Guise ◽  
Alejandro R. Chade
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Renal Function ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Vascular Repair ◽  
Renovascular Disease ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Renal Microvasculature ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Renovascular disease (RVD), which is prevalent in the elderly, significantly increases cardiovascular risk and can progressively deteriorate renal function. The loss of renal function in patients with RVD is associated with a progressive dysfunction, damage, and loss of renal microvessels, which can be combined with decreased renal bioavailability of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and a defective vascular repair and proliferation. This association has been the impetus for recent efforts that have focused on developing methods to stop the progression of renal injury by protecting the renal microvasculature. This mini-review focuses on recent studies supporting potential applications of VEGF therapy for the kidney and discusses underlying mechanisms of renoprotection.

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