Administration Of Dihydrotestosterone Research Articles

Dihydrotestosterone reduces neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury through NF-κB and MAPK pathway.

Neuroinflammation induced by microglia following spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to secondary neurologic injury. Androgens including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) show as endogenous neuroprotective factors against multiple neurologic diseases, while their therapeutic role in SCI-induced neuroinflammation and underlying mechanism remains elusive. In the study, we aimed to investigate the role of DHT against microglia-induced neuroinflammation in SCI and evaluate its protective treatment. BV2 cells were activated by neuroinflammation via LPS in vitro. Adult male C57BL/6 mice were used to establish the SCI model. BV2 cells and SCI mice were administrated DHT. Microglia activation, pro-inflammatory factors, p38 and p65 phosphorylation, glial scar, fibrotic scar, histology, and locomotor function recovery were measured, respectively. We demonstrated that DHT administration attenuates neuroinflammation in microglia through inhibition of p38 and p65 pathways. Moreover, DHT reduces microglia and astrocyte accumulation, cord fibrosis and histologic damage. Besides, DHT ameliorates locomotor functional recovery after SCI. DHT is verified to play a neuroprotective role in SCI, which fights against neuroinflammation by inhibition of p38 and p65 pathways. Therefore, Mel is defined as a promising factor in protecting neural tissue after SCI.

Cannabidiol Alleviates Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome via CB2 Receptor Activation and TRPV1 Desensitization.

This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague-Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Changes in pituitary gonadotropin subunits and hypothalamic Kiss-1 gene expression by administration of sex steroids in ovary-intact female rats.

We examined how the sex steroids influence the synthesis of gonadotropins. The effects of sex steroids estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in pituitary gonadotroph cell model (LβT2 cells) in vitro and ovary-intact rats in vivo were examined. The effects of sex steroids on Kiss1 gene expression in the hypothalamus were also examined in ovary-intact rats. In LβT2 cells, E2 increased common glycoprotein alpha (Cga) and luteinizing hormone beta (Lhb) subunit promoter activity as well as their mRNA expression. Although gonadotropin subunit promoter activity was not modulated by P4, Cga and Lhb mRNA expression was increased by P4. DHT inhibited Cga and Lhb mRNA expression with a concomitant decrease in their promoter activity. During the 2-week administration of exogenous E2 to ovary-intact rats, the estrous cycle determined by vaginal smears was disrupted. P4 or DHT administration completely eliminated the estrous cycle. Protein expression of all three gonadotropin subunits within the pituitary gland was inhibited by E2 or P4 treatment in vivo; however, DHT reduced Cga expression but did not modulate Lhb or follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit expression. E2 administration significantly repressed Kiss1 mRNA expression in a posterior hypothalamic region that included the arcuate nucleus. P4 and DHT did not modulate Kiss1 mRNA expression in this region. In contrast, P4 administration significantly inhibited Kiss1 mRNA expression in the anterior region of the hypothalamus that included the anteroventral periventricular nucleus. The expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh) mRNA in the anterior hypothalamic region, where the preoptic area is located, appeared to be decreased by treatment with E2 and P4. Our findings suggest that sex steroids have different effects in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

Serum granulosa cell-derived TNF-α promotes inflammation and apoptosis of renal tubular cells and PCOS-related kidney injury through NF-κB signaling.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder with endocrinal and metabolic problems in reproductive aged women. Evidence shows that PCOS is in a high prone trend to develop kidney diseases. In this study, we investigated the mediators responsible for PCOS-related kidney injury. We found that tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels were significantly increased in serum and primary cultured granulosa cells (GCs) from PCOS patients. Serum TNF-α levels were positively correlated with serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, suggesting its positive role in the severity of PCOS. Serum TNF-α levels were also positively correlated with the levels of urinary KapU, LamU,α1-MU and β2-MU, the markers for renal tubular cell-derived proteinuria. We established a PCOS mouse model by resection of the right kidney, followed by daily administration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 27.5 μg, i.p.) from D7 for 90 days. We found that TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the ovary and serum of the mice, accompanied by increased renal tubular cell apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis in kidneys. Furthermore, the receptor of TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), was significantly upregulated in renal tubular cells. We treated human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cells (KGN) with DHT (1 μg/ml) in vitro, the conditioned medium derived from the granulosa cellculture greatly accelerated apoptotic injury in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HKC-8), which was blocked after knockdown of TNF-α in KGN cells. Furthermore, knockdown of TNFR1 in renal tubular epithelial cells greatly ameliorated cell injury induced by granulosa cell-derived conditioned medium. These results suggest that serum TNF-α plays a key role in mediating inflammation and apoptosis in renal tubular cells associated with PCOS-related kidney injury.

(103) Olfactory Investigation of the Male is Stimulated by Administration of Dihydrotestosterone and Blunted by Co-administration of Flutamide in Ovariectomized Rats Primed with Estradiol

Abstract Introduction Although Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a common condition with a relevant impact on women’s quality of life, approved androgenic formulations for its treatment are lacking. In previous studies, we demonstrated that the administration of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a non-aromatizable androgen, in ovariectomized (OVX) Long-Evans rats primed with Estradiol Benzoate (EB), enhanced measures of sexual behavior. Objective To further clarify the mechanisms underlying the facilitating action of testosterone on female sexual function by investigating the effect of AR (androgen receptor) activation in a validated animal model. Methods After sexual training and hormonal wash-out, OVX Long-Evans rats were treated with different hormonal regimens: oil (O) + O (negative control group), 10 mcg EB+500 mcg Progesterone (P) (positive control group), 10 mcg EB+500 mcg DHT, and 10 mcg EB+500 mcg DHT+10 mg flutamide (FLU), a nonsteroidal AR antagonist (n=4 per group). EB was administered s.c. 48 h, P and DHT s.c. 4 h, and flutamide i.m. 48 and 24h prior to video-recorded sexual behavioral testing sessions. These took place in bisected unilevel pacing chambers, with sexually experienced males. Five testing sessions were conducted every 8 days. The main outcome measures were appetitive behaviors: the number of hops/darts (partial solicitation), full solicitations and olfactory investigations. Results A significant difference emerged among the 4 groups for all the outcome measures. Regarding solicitations, animals treated with EB+DHT displayed a higher number of hops/darts and full solicitations than the negative control group (O+O), although significantly lower than the positive control group (EB+P) for hops/darts (p=0.025). As a novel finding, we observed that the stimulating effect of EB+DHT was blunted in rats treated with EB+DHT+FLU, which showed a lower number of behaviors than EB+DHT rats (p=0.014 for hops/darts, and p=0.083, approaching statistical significance, for full solicitations). Interestingly, a significant difference was detected in the frequency of olfactory investigations, with the EB+DHT group displaying a higher frequency not only when compared with O+O rats (p=0.047), but also with EB+DHT rats (p=0.047 for both comparisons). Once again, the co-administration of FLU significantly reduced the stimulating effect (p=0.005 for olfactory investigations for EB+DHT+FLU vs. EB+DHT). Conclusions These data, to be confirmed in larger samples, indicate that the positive modulation exerted by androgens on appetitive behaviors, homologous to sexual interest in women, are independent of aromatization. In addition, a specific stimulating effect was detected for olfactory investigations. Disclosure No

MP15-11 EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ALLEVIATES INFLAMMATORY PAIN BY DOWN-REGULATING NLRP3 INFLAMMASOME IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC PROSTATITIS AND CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP15-11 EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE THERAPY ALLEVIATES INFLAMMATORY PAIN BY DOWN-REGULATING NLRP3 INFLAMMASOME IN EXPERIMENTAL CHRONIC PROSTATITIS AND CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME Woong Jin Bae, Dongho Shin, Jun Jie Piao, Soomin Kim, Yong Sun Choi, Bong Hee Park, Hyun Jin Jung, Samuel Sorkhi, Saager Chawla, Hyuk Jin Cho, Sung-Hoo Hong, Sae Woong Kim, and Mahadevan Raj Rajasekaran Woong Jin BaeWoong Jin Bae More articles by this author , Dongho ShinDongho Shin More articles by this author , Jun Jie PiaoJun Jie Piao More articles by this author , Soomin KimSoomin Kim More articles by this author , Yong Sun ChoiYong Sun Choi More articles by this author , Bong Hee ParkBong Hee Park More articles by this author , Hyun Jin JungHyun Jin Jung More articles by this author , Samuel SorkhiSamuel Sorkhi More articles by this author , Saager ChawlaSaager Chawla More articles by this author , Hyuk Jin ChoHyuk Jin Cho More articles by this author , Sung-Hoo HongSung-Hoo Hong More articles by this author , Sae Woong KimSae Woong Kim More articles by this author , and Mahadevan Raj RajasekaranMahadevan Raj Rajasekaran More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003235.11AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on prostatitis using in-vitro as well as in-vivo experimental models and explore the mechanism. METHODS: RWPE-1 cells randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) RWPE-1 group (normal control), 2) LPS group (lipopolysaccharide inducing inflammation), 3) 0.1ESWT group (treated by 0.1 mJ/mm2 ESWT), 4) 0.2ESWT group (treated by 0.2 mJ/mm2 ESWT) and 5) 0.3ESWT group (treated by 0.3 mJ/mm2 ESWT). After ESWT administered, cells and supernatant were collected for ELISA and western blot. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley male rats (n=36) were randomly divided into 3 groups: 1) normal group, 2) prostatitis group, and 3) ESWT group (n=12 for each). Prostatitis was induced by 17 beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration. An ESWT electromagnetic medical device, IMPO88 (Huons Meditech Co., Ltd, Korea) was used in this experiment. Four weeks after ESWT, pain index was assessed for all groups and prostate tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, apoptosis analysis and Western blot. RESULTS: The optimal energy flux density of ESWT was 0.2 mJ/mm2 in vitro. ESWT ameliorated discomfort in rats with prostatitis. Inflammation was improved by ESWT in rats with prostatitis (p<0.05). Compared to normal rats, overexpressed NLRP3 inflammasomes triggered apoptosis which was improved by ESWT in prostatitis (p<0.05). TLR4-NFκB pathway was overactive with prostatitis, compared to normal and ESWT group (p<0.05). BAX/BAK pathway was inhibited by ESWT in prostatitis rats (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ESWT improved CP/CPPS by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorated apoptosis via inhibiting BAX/BAK pathway in a rat model. TLR4 might be the key protein bonding NLRP3 inflammasome and BAX/BAK pathway. ESWT might be a potential and promising approach for the treatment for CP/CPPS. Source of Funding: none © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e196 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Woong Jin Bae More articles by this author Dongho Shin More articles by this author Jun Jie Piao More articles by this author Soomin Kim More articles by this author Yong Sun Choi More articles by this author Bong Hee Park More articles by this author Hyun Jin Jung More articles by this author Samuel Sorkhi More articles by this author Saager Chawla More articles by this author Hyuk Jin Cho More articles by this author Sung-Hoo Hong More articles by this author Sae Woong Kim More articles by this author Mahadevan Raj Rajasekaran More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Dimorphic frataxin and its gene regulation by sex steroids in hamsters

The role of frataxin (FXN) has been studied extensively in Friedreich ataxia patients, however, the molecular bases underlining the sex steroid-dependent gene expression profiles of FXN in adult tissues are unknown. I describe the molecular characterization of hamster FXN by examining the sexually dimorphic expression and its regulation by sex steroids. Sequence analysis of FXN cDNA showed 630bp-long ORF encoding 209 amino acids. qPCR analysis revealed that FXN is detected in a wide range of tissues, with the highest expression in the heart, liver, and epididymis, and the weakest expression in the lung, spleen, uterus, and gut. In the male Harderian gland (HG), castration decreased FXN expression, while dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration reestablished levels. FXN expression levels were higher in the male HG than the female HG. Expression levels in endocrine tissues showed a certain degree of sexual dimorphism; the transcript in the testis was significantly higher than those in the ovary. The effects of the estrous cycle on FXN expression remained unchanged in the HG, ovary, and adrenal glands; however, in the pancreas, the FXN mRNA was overexpressed during proestrus and exhibited sexual dimorphism as compared to the male pancreas. The mRNA expression results indicated that Harderian FXN may play a dynamic role in intracellular Fe of heme required for processing cytochromes and other hemeproteins, also suggesting that the moderate sexual dimorphism present in the HG and gonads could be regulated by androgens, while sexually dimorphic expression of FXN in the female pancreas may be controlled by sex steroids.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Alleviates Inflammatory Pain by Down-Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome in Experimental Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on prostatitis and explore the mechanism of alleviating pain. For in vitro testing, RWPE-1 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups: (1) RWPE-1 group (normal control), (2) LPS group (lipopolysaccharide inducing inflammation), (3) 0.1ESWT group (treated by 0.1 mJ/mm² energy level), (4) 0.2ESWT group (treated by 0.2 mJ/mm² energy level), and (5) 0.3ESWT group (treated by 0.3 mJ/mm² energy level). After ESWT was administered, cells and supernatant were collected for ELISA and western blot. For in vivo testing, Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (1) normal group, (2) prostatitis group, and (3) ESWT group (n=12 for each). Prostatitis was induced by 17 beta-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration. Four weeks after ESWT, the pain index was assessed for all groups and prostate tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, apoptosis analysis and, western blot. Our in vitro studies showed that the optimal energy flux density of ESWT was 0.2 mJ/mm². In vivo, ESWT ameliorated discomfort in rats with prostatitis and inflammation symptoms were improved. Compared to normal rats, overexpressed NLRP3 inflammasomes triggered apoptosis in rats with prostatitis and this was improved by ESWT. TLR4-NFκB pathway was overactive after experimental prostatitis, compared to normal and ESWT groups, and prostatitis induced alterations in BAX/BAK pathway were inhibited by ESWT. ESWT improved CP/CPPS by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome and ameliorated apoptosis via inhibiting BAX/BAK pathway in a rat model. TLR4 may play a key role in bonding NLRP3 inflammasome and BAX/BAK pathways. ESWT might be a promising approach for the treatment of CP/CPPS.

Time-restricted feeding improves metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathy disorders in premenopausal women, which is characterized by hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a new intermittent restriction dietary pattern, which has been shown to have positive benefits on obesity and glycolipid metabolism disorders. We aimed to explore the effect of the feeding regimen (ad libitum vs. TRF) on the glycolipid metabolism and reproductive endocrine disorders in a PCOS mouse model. PCOS mouse model was induced by continuous subcutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone for 21 days. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks on an ad libitum or time- restricted diet (from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.). Compared to control mice, PCOS mice that received TRF treatment had significantly lower body weight, reduced adiposity, lower area under the curve (AUC) of glucose response in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and lower AUC in the insulin tolerance test (ITT). TRF also ameliorated lipid metabolism, as shown by a reduction in plasma lipid profiles (triglycerides and cholesterol) and the triglyceride content in the liver of PCOS mice. In terms of reproduction, the plasma androgen level, plasma estrogen (E2) level, and luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in PCOS mice were significantly reduced after 8 weeks of TRF treatment. In addition, ovarian histology showed that TRF inhibits cyst formation and promotes corpus luteum formation. In conclusion, TRF improved metabolic and endocrine profiles in mice with PCOS.

Impact of One-Week Administration of Dihydrotestosterone in Rat Anterior Pituitary Gland.

Hyperandrogenism causes dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis in reproductive women. In this study, we examined the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on characteristic changes in rat anterior pituitary gland samples. DHT was administered to ovary-intact 6-week postnatal female rats for 7 days, after which the anterior pituitary glands were examined and compared with those in control rats. Estrous cyclicity was not drastically disrupted by DHT treatment. Common gonadotropin α subunit (Cga), luteinizing hormone β subunit (Lhb), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) β subunit (Fshb) gene expression levels were not modulated by DHT treatment, while prolactin (Prl) gene expression was significantly repressed by DHT. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor (Gnrh-r) gene expression was significantly inhibited by DHT, whereas pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptor (Pca1-r) gene expression was increased by DHT. Gene expression levels of the receptors encoded by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (Trh-r) and kisspeptin (Kiss1-r) genes were unchanged. Expression of inhibin α subunit (Inha) and activin βA subunits (Actba) within the pituitary was inhibited by DHT treatment, while activin B subunit (Actbb) and follistatin (Fst) gene expression was unchanged by DHT. In mouse pituitary gonadotroph LβT2 cells, DHT did not modulate the gene expression of Gnrh-r, but it inhibited the expression of Inha and Actba subunits within the LβT2 cells. In rat prolactin-producing GH3 cells, DHT did not modulate prolactin gene expression, but it increased Pac1-r gene expression. The present observations suggest that DHT directly or indirectly affects the anterior pituitary gland and induces characteristic changes in hormone-producing cells.

Androgens Alleviate Allergic Airway Inflammation by Suppressing Cytokine Production in Th2 Cells.

Asthma is more common in females than males after adolescence. However, the mechanism of the sex bias in the prevalence of asthma remains unknown. To test whether sex steroid hormones have some roles in T cells during development of asthma, we analyzed airway inflammation in T cell-specific androgen receptor (AR)- and estrogen receptor (ER)-deficient mice. T cell-specific AR-deficient male mice developed severer house dust mite-induced allergic airway inflammation than did control male mice, whereas T cell-specific ERα- and ERβ-deficient female mice exhibited a similar degree of inflammation as for control female mice. Furthermore, administration of dihydrotestosterone reduced cytokine production of Th2 cells from control, but not AR-deficient, naive T cells. Transfer of OT-II transgenic AR-deficient Th2 cells into wild-type mice induced severer allergic airway inflammation by OVA than transfer of control Th2 cells. Gene expression profiling suggested that the expression of genes related with cell cycle and Th2 differentiation was elevated in AR-deficient Th2 cells, whereas expression of dual specificity phosphatase (DUSP)-2, a negative regulator of p38, was downregulated. In addition, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay suggested that AR bound to an AR motif in the 5' untranslated region of the Dusp2 gene in Th2 cells. Furthermore, the Dusp2 promoter with a wild-type AR motif, but not a mutated motif, was transactivated by dihydrotestosterone in a reporter assay. Finally, forced expression of DUSP-2 by retrovirus vector reduced IL-4 expression in Th2 cells. Thus, these results suggest that androgen signaling suppresses cytokine production of Th2 cells by inducing DUSP-2, explaining, in part, the sex bias of asthma after adolescence.

Comparison of Reproductive Function Between Normal and Hyperandrogenemia Conditions in FemaleMice With Deletion of Hepatic Androgen Receptor.

Obesity, altered glucose homeostasis, hyperinsulinism, and reproductive dysfunction develops in female humans and mammals with hyperandrogenism. We previously reported that low dose dihydrotestosterone (DHT) administration results in metabolic and reproductive dysfunction in the absence of obesity in female mice, and conditional knock-out of the androgen receptor (Ar) in the liver (LivARKO) protects female mice from DHT-induced glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia. Since altered metabolic function will regulate reproduction, and liver plays a pivotal role in the reversible regulation of reproductive function, we sought to determine the reproductive phenotype of LivARKO mice under normal and hyperandrogenemic conditions. Using Cre/Lox technology, we deleted the Ar in the liver, and we observed LivARKO female mice have normal puberty timing, cyclicity and reproductive function. After DHT treatment, like control mice, LivARKO experience altered estrous cycling, reduced numbers of corpus lutea, and infertility. Liver Ar is not involved in hyperandrogenemia-induced reproductive dysfunction. The reproductive dysfunction in the DHT-treated LivARKO lean females with normal glucose homeostasis indicates that androgen-induced reproductive dysfunction is independent from metabolic dysfunction.

Seasonality, sex-specificity and transcriptional regulation of hepatic leptin system in spotted snakehead Channa punctata

The present study deals with sex-specific reproductive phase-dependent variation and sex steroids-induced transcriptional regulation of hepatic lep and lepr in nutritionally valuable spotted snakehead, Channa punctata. The data on seasonality reveals sex-specific variation in pattern of lep transcription where a high level was recorded during resting and postspawning quiescent phases in female while during resting and spawning phases in male. Unlike lep, lepr exhibited similar expression pattern along the reproductive phases in both the sexes. As compared to female, a three-fold higher expression of lep was detected in male during reproductively active phase only. However, no sexual dimorphism was evidenced in lepr either during active or quiescent phase. To explore the implication of sex steroids in regulation of leptin system, we correlated levels of plasma testosterone (T) and 17β-estradiol (E2) with leptin system in males as well as females. Further, criss-cross in vivo and in vitro experiments with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and E2 were conducted in male and female spotted snakehead. The leptin system was downregulated after DHT administration in both the sexes. However, with E2, a marked decrease was evidenced in male only. The sex-wise variable response of leptin system to sex steroids was validated by in vitro experiments wherein liver fragments from male and female fish were incubated individually with both the sex steroids. In conclusion, sex steroids modulate hepatic leptin system differentially depending on sex and reproductive state of spotted snakehead.

DHT Differentially Regulates T Helper Cell Related Cytokines and MicroRNAs In Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Female Mice

Hyperandrogenemic, insulin resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients often have low-grade inflammation due to elevated circulating pro-inflammatory markers. As up to 60% of PCOS patients are obese, whether this low-grade inflammatory state is due to increased adiposity or other factors such as hyperandrogenemia is unknown. Moreover, the systemic inflammation of obesity is correlated with recruitment of pro-inflammatory immune cell populations to WAT. We hypothesized that short-term administration of the potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to female mice would increase pro-inflammatory cytokines and microRNA (miR) associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines and immune cell populations in WAT. Sexually mature, normally-cycling female C57/Bl6 mice received a daily sc injection of oil (0 g; n=7) or DHT (27.5 g; n=7) beginning at estrus. Females had vaginal cytology daily. After three cycles or 12-16 days if mice became acyclic, mice were euthanized for collection of blood and WAT. Serum was analyzed for DHT and testosterone (TEST) by LC-MS/MS. TaqManTM Array Mouse Immune Response PCR assays (Thermofisher Scientific) were used to measure transcript expression levels in vWAT and scWAT. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) (Qiagen) was used to analyze relationships between different transcript levels in each treatment group for each tissue. DHT mice had 17 fold higher serum DHT levels than oil mice but there was no difference in serum TEST between treatment groups. DHT mice had a significantly longer estrous cycle length then oil mice. Short-term administration of DHT significantly upregulated 23% (21 of 92) of transcripts in scWAT and downregulated 49% (45 of 92) of transcripts in vWAT. The top four canonical pathways identified by IPA in WAT were: T helper cell 1 (Th1), Th1 & T helper 2 activation, Helper T cell differentiation, and Altered B & T cell signaling. Based on the Th1 pathway derived from IPA, the following miRs (both -3p and 5p) downstream of Th1 activation targets were selected for qPCR in vWAT and scWAT: miR21, miR146a, miR29a, and miR155. Interestingly, miR-21a-5p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-155-5p were significantly upregulated in scWAT from DHT mice. No miRs were different between treatment groups in vWAT. We demonstrate for the first time that short-term DHT administration may cause immunosuppression in vWAT and inflammation, possibly mediated by miRs, in scWAT of female mice.

Similar Pattern of Increase in FIX Levels in Female Carriers and Males with Hemophilia B Leyden

Hemophilia B is a congenital X-linked recessive bleeding disorder that occurs as a result of mutations at the long (q) arm of the X chromosome at position 27. Hemophilia B affects 1 in 30,000 males; however the incidence in Ireland is more than double the international incidence and affects 1 in 12,500 male births. Hemophilia B Leyden is a sub-type of hemophilia B first recognized in 1970 in Leyden in the Netherlands. There are more than 20 genetic mutations that result in hemophilia B Leyden. These mutations cluster at three regions within the proximal promoter region of the F9 gene including mutations in nucleotides c.-34 and c.-35 (-5 and -6 legacy numbering) in almost half the cases, mutations around nucleotide c.-49 (-20) and mutations around nucleotide c.-19 (+10). Point mutations associated with hemophilia B Leyden interfere with F9 gene transcription via binding of F9 promoter to ONECUT1 in patients with c.-35 mutation, HNF4a (hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha) in patients with c.-19 mutation and C/EBPa (enhancer-binding protein alpha) in patients with c.-49 mutation. A characteristic feature of hemophilia B Leyden is progressive rise in FIX:C level from the time of puberty to reach lower normal level in young adults. This led to the widely accepted believe that the increase in FIX:C level in hemophilia B Leyden is due to the effect of the androgens surge at puberty. Androgens and anabolic steroids were used for prophylactic treatment in patients with hemophilia B Leyden in a limited number of patients. Recent evidence from animal studies using hypophysectomized hemophilia B Leyden mouse model convincingly demonstrated the pre-eminent role of growth hormone (GH) in regulating the age-dependent increase in FIX:C levels. FIX:C levels were only restored to 10% of pre-hypophysectomy levels by exogenous administration of dihydrotestosterone or oestrodiol but were restored to 80% of pre-hypophysectomy levels by exogenous administration of GH. We investigated the pattern of the increase in FIX:C in 14 male children and four female children from seven different Irish families attending the National Haemophilia Centre at Children's Health Ireland, Crumlin. The hemizygous presence of hemophilia B Leyden associated variant c.35G&amp;gt;A was confirmed by standard dideoxysequence analysis in all children. To evaluate the timing of increase in plasma FIX:C levels, we measured FIX:C levels using automated one stage assay. Serial measurement of FIX:C in male children with hemophilia B leyden demonstrated an increase of FIX:C from severe/moderate levels at the first year of life to mild FIX:C levels within the first 3 years of life. In all 14 male children with hemophilia B Leyden, FIX:C levels increased gradually throughout childhood with more pronounced increase in FIX:C at the time of puberty (Figure 1-A). The increase in FIX:C levels coincided with the known physiological increase in GH levels. Growth hormone level is low during infancy and increases but remains stable at low levels during early childhood, until just before puberty when GH secretion surges to the highest lifetime peak. All four female carriers of hemophilia B Leyden showed low levels of FIX:C at diagnosis associated with variable bleeding symptoms (Figure 1-B). One female child had very low FIX:C level at diagnosis in the moderate hemophilia range (0.04 iu/ml), while all other three female children had low FIX:C levels at the mild hemophilia range at diagnosis (0.13 iu/ml, 0.27 iu/ml and 0.46 iu/ml respectively). Low FIX:C level in those female carriers is likely due to skewed inactivation of the unaffected X chromosome during embryogenesis (lyonization) as no child had compound heterozygosity for the F9 gene mutation and none of the children showed clinical features of Turner syndrome or testicular feminization syndrome. Serial measurement of FIX:C levels in those symptomatic female carriers of hemophilia B Leyden showed similar gradual increase in FIX:C levels during childhood with more steep increase at puberty. Our findings further assert that gender and sex hormones has no influence in the increase of FIX:C level in hemophilia B patients. Figure 1 Disclosures Nolan: Sobi: Other: personal fees; Bayer, CSL Behring, and Sanofi.: Other: sponsorship; Sanofi: Other: PI for sponsor-(Sanofi-) led clinical trial.

Preoperative plasma fatty acid metabolites inform risk of prostate cancer progression and may be used for personalized patient stratification

BackgroundLittle is known about the relationship between the metabolite profile of plasma from pre-operative prostate cancer (PCa) patients and the risk of PCa progression. In this study we investigated the association between pre-operative plasma metabolites and risk of biochemical-, local- and metastatic-recurrence, with the aim of improving patient stratification.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study within a cohort of PCa patients recruited between 1996 and 2015. The age-matched primary cases (n = 33) were stratified in low risk, high risk without progression and high risk with progression as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. These samples were compared to metastatic (n = 9) and healthy controls (n = 10). The pre-operative plasma from primary cases and the plasma from metastatic patients and controls were assessed with untargeted metabolomics by LC-MS. The association between risk of progression and metabolite abundance was calculated using multivariate Cox proportional-hazard regression and the relationship between metabolites and outcome was calculated using median cut-off normalized values of metabolite abundance by Log-Rank test using the Kaplan Meier method.ResultsMedium-chain acylcarnitines (C6-C12) were positively associated with the risk of PSA progression (p = 0.036, median cut-off) while long-chain acylcarnitines (C14-C16) were inversely associated with local (p = 0.034) and bone progression (p = 0.0033). In primary cases, medium-chain acylcarnitines were positively associated with suberic acid, which also correlated with the risk of PSA progression (p = 0.032, Log-Rank test). In the metastatic samples, this effect was consistent for hexanoylcarnitine, L.octanoylcarnitine and decanoylcarnitine. Medium-chain acylcarnitines and suberic acid displayed the same inverse association with tryptophan, while indoleacetic acid, a breakdown product of tryptophan metabolism was strongly associated with PSA (p = 0.0081, Log-Rank test) and lymph node progression (p = 0.025, Log-Rank test). These data were consistent with the increased expression of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO1) in metastatic versus primary samples (p = 0.014). Finally, functional experiments revealed a synergistic effect of long chain fatty acids in combination with dihydrotestosterone administration on the transcription of androgen responsive genes.ConclusionsThis study strengthens the emerging link between fatty acid metabolism and PCa progression and suggests that measuring levels of medium- and long-chain acylcarnitines in pre-operative patient plasma may provide a basis for improving patient stratification.

SAT-413 Examining Alterations to Arcuate Nucleus NPY Neurons and Their Neural Projections in a Mouse Model of PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common form of anovulatory infertility, is associated with a breakdown in signaling within the hormone sensitive neural network that regulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, ultimately increasing GnRH neural output. Circuitry between GABAergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) and GnRH neurons is remodeled in mice that recapitulate PCOS, implicating their role in this disorder1. One-third of ARN GABA neurons co-express neuropeptide Y (NPY)2, which itself has a known, yet complex role in regulating GnRH neurons and reproductive function. This project aimed to examine whether this subpopulation of NPY expressing ARN GABA neurons are also altered in a PCOS-like state. To determine whether innervation to GnRH neurons by ARN NPY neurons is altered, prenatally androgenized, PCOS-like mice were generated in mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in agouti-related peptide neurons (AgRP-Cre;τGFP mice) by administration of dihydrotestosterone (PNA) or a vehicle (VEH) control, on days 16-18 of gestataion3. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) against GnRH and GFP was carried out, and confocal microscopy was used to assess the density of contacts to GnRH neurons made by ARN NPY fibres. This revealed that innervation from ARN NPY neurons to GnRH neurons was not different between VEH (n=5) and PNA (n=8) mice. Sensitivity to steroid hormones was also assessed by IHC detection of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR) within GFP-expressing ARN NPY neurons. PR and ERα expression was almost completely absent from ARN NPY neurons in both VEH and PNA mice (n=5/group). However, the proportion of ARN NPY neurons expressing AR was significantly greater in PNA mice (33.2 ± 5.34%) compared with VEH controls (18.9 ± 1.83%, n=4/group, p<0.05), suggesting heightened androgen sensitivity in an already hyper-androgenic environment. In addition, gene transcription changes in the hypothalamus were investigated using a sensitive NanostringTM assay in tissue microdissected from the rostral preoptic area (rPOA), rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3V), and ARN in VEH and PNA animals (n=12/group). While transcription of Npy was unchanged in the ARN, Npy1r expression was significantly decreased in the RP3V (0.82 ± 0.07 expression of mRNA relative to VEH, p < 0.05). This may indicate reduced NPY signalling to kisspeptin neurons via the Y1 receptor in the RP3V, and therefore an indirect reduction in inhibitory NPYergic signalling to GnRH neurons in a PCOS-like state. 1Moore et al., PNAS, 2015; 112(2): 596-601. 2Marshall et al., Neuroendocrinology, 2017; 105(2): 157-169. 3Sullivan & Moenter, PNAS, 2004; 101: 7129-7134.

Identification of three novel SRD5A2 mutations in Chinese patients with 5α-reductase 2 deficiency.

In this study, we investigated the genetics, clinical features, and therapeutic approach of 14 patients with 5α-reductase deficiency in China. Genotyping analysis was performed by direct sequencing of PCR products of the steroid 5α-reductase type 2 gene (SRD5A2). The 5α-reductase activities of three novel mutations were investigated by mutagenesis and an in vitro transfection assay. Most patients presented with a microphallus, variable degrees of hypospadias, and cryptorchidism. Eight of 14 patients (57.1%) were initially reared as females and changed their social gender from female to male after puberty. Nine mutations were identified in the 14 patients. p.G203S, p.Q6X, and p.R227Q were the most prevalent mutations. Three mutations (p.K35N, p.H162P, and p.Y136X) have not been reported previously. The nonsense mutation p.Y136X abolished enzymatic activity, whereas p.K35N and p.H162P retained partial enzymatic activity. Topical administration of dihydrotestosterone during infancy or early childhood combined with hypospadia repair surgery had good therapeutic results. In conclusion, we expand the mutation profile of SRD5A2 in the Chinese population. A rational clinical approach to this disorder requires early and accurate diagnosis, especially genetic diagnosis.

Long-Lasting Androgen-Induced Cardiometabolic Effects in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, is characterized by androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction and presents with increased cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, and elevated blood pressure (BP). We previously reported that administration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to female rats elicits cardiometabolic derangements similar to those found in women with PCOS. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the DHT-mediated cardiometabolic derangements observed in PCOS are long lasting despite DHT withdrawal. Four-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were treated with DHT (7.5 mg/90 days) or placebo for 6 months. DHT was discontinued (ex-DHT), and rats were followed for 6 additional months. After 6 months of DHT withdrawal, food intake, body weight, fat and lean mass, fasting plasma insulin, leptin, and adiponectin were elevated in ex-DHT rats. BP remained significantly elevated, and enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, normalized BP in ex-DHT rats. Expression of components of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system was increased in ex-DHT rats. The cardiometabolic features found in ex-DHT rats were associated with lower plasma androgen levels but increased expression of renal and adipose tissue androgen receptors. In summary, androgen-induced cardiometabolic effects persisted after DHT withdrawal in a PCOS experimental model. Activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system plays a major role in the androgen-mediated increase in BP in ex-DHT. Upregulation of the renal and adipose tissue androgen receptor may explain the long-lasting effects of androgens. In clinical scenarios characterized by hyperandrogenemia in women, prompt normalization of androgen levels may be necessary to prevent their long-lasting cardiometabolic effects.

Essential Intracrine Androgenic Action in Lung Development for Both Sexes

Albeit their recognized negative effects on lung maturation, androgens have been proposed to play an essential positive role in lung development. This work aimed to evaluate the impact of blocking endogenous androgen and estrogen actions and to study the effect of an excess of androgen and estrogen during the end of saccular stage and the beginning of the alveolar stage on lung development. This was performed with normal oxygen atmosphere and with hyperoxia, a model of alveolar simplification, which is observed in new bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Mouse lung samples were collected on postnatal day 9 after exposure to 21% or 80% oxygen (postnatal days 1 to 4), and after administration (postnatal days 3 to 8) of vehicle, pure antiandrogen (flutamide), dihydrotestosterone, pure antiestrogen (fulvestrant), or 17β-estradiol. With 21% oxygen, the major effects on morphometric parameters were induced by flutamide. In contrast, with hyperoxia, both flutamide and dihydrotestosterone had similar effects on several morphometric parameters. For instance, a decrease in the relative frequency of closed areas (mainly composed of saccules/alveoli) < 1000 μm2 and an increase for those > 2500 μm2 were observed after flutamide administration. In conclusion, during the junction between the saccular and the alveolar stages, endogenous androgens play an essential intracrine role in lung development for both sexes while an excess of androgens are deleterious when combined with a hyperoxia treatment, but not with normal oxygen levels. Endogenous estrogens have no effects on the lungs during the developmental window studied, while exogenous estrogens had only isolated effects on some morphometric parameters.