ERβ Agonist Research Articles

Estrogen receptor β exerts neuroprotective effects by fine-tuning mitochondrial homeostasis through NRF1/PGC-1α

BackgroundEstrogen deficiency causes mitochondrial defects that precede pathological changes related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the mouse model of postmenopause. The aim of this study was to investigate in such a mouse model whether and how estrogen receptor β (ERβ) was involved in prevention of mitochondrial damage and protection of neurons in the hippocampus. MethodsA mouse model of postmenopausal AD was created by ovariectomizing female 3xTg-AD mice, some of which were subcutaneously injected for six weeks with the non-steroidal ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile. ERβ expression in female C57BL/6J mice was knocked down using shRNA interference. The different groups of animals were compared in terms of cognitive function using the Y-maze test, new object recognition test, and Morris water maze test, expression of numerous proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as deposition of amyloid β and neurofibrillary tangles. To complement these in vivo studies, we probed the effects of diarylpropionitrile on ERβ expression, apoptosis, and mitochondrial homeostasis in primary rat hippocampal neurons treated with amyloid β. ResultsERβ knockdown in C57BL/6J mice produced cognitive impairment, reduced mitochondrial biogenesis by downregulating PGC-1α, NRF1, mtTFA, and TOM20, and decreased mitophagy by downregulating Pink1, Parkin, and LC3B while upregulating PARIS and p62. ERβ knockdown promoted neuronal apoptosis by upregulating Cleaved-Caspase 9, Cleaved-Caspase 3, and Bax, while downregulating Bcl2 in hippocampus. Diarylpropionitrile mitigated cognitive decline in ovariectomized 3xTg-AD mice, which was associated with downregulation of BACE1, reduction of Aβ deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, and tau hyperphosphorylation, and upregulation of ERβ, increases in mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, and decreases in apoptosis. The effects of diarylpropionitrile in mice were recapitulated in Aβ-injured primary rat hippocampal neurons. ConclusionsERβ activation can support learning and memory and alleviate AD symptoms in the postmenopausal AD model, which may involve regulation of neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy via NRF1/PGC-1α. This study supports further research on ERβ as a therapeutic target for postmenopausal women with AD.

Sex differences and estrogen effects in cardiac mitochondria in human aortic stenosis and in the mouse heart.

Sex differences in the adaptation to pressure overload have been described in humans, as well as animal models, and have been related to sex-specific expression of mitochondrial genes. We therefore tested whether sex differences in cardiac mitochondrial respiration exist in humans with aortic stenosis (AS). We also examined whether these potential differences may be at least partially due to sex hormones by testing if mitochondrial respiration is affected by estrogen (17ß-estradiol (E2)). Consecutive patients undergoing transapical aortic valve implantation (TAVI) (women, n = 7; men, n = 10) were included. Cardiac biopsies were obtained during TAVI and used directly for mitochondrial function measurements. Male and female C57BL/6J mice (n = 8/group) underwent sham surgery or gonadectomy (GDX) at the age of 2 months. After 14 days, mice were treated once with intraperitoneally injected vehicle (placebo), 17ß-estradiol (E2), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) agonist [propyl pyrazole triol (PPT)], or ER beta (ERβ) agonist (BAY-1214257). Thereafter, mitochondrial measurements were performed directly in cardiac skinned fibers from isolated left ventricles and musculus solei. Mitochondrial State-3 respiration was higher in female than that in male human heart biopsies (15.0 ± 2.30 vs. 10.3 ± 2.05 nmol/mL/min/mg, p< 0.05). In the mouse model, mitochondrial State-3 respiration decreased significantly after GDX in female (27.6 ± 1.55 vs. 21.4 ± 1.71 nmol/mL/min/mg; p< 0.05) and male hearts (30.7 ± 1,48 vs. 23.7 ± 2,23 nmol/mL/min/mg; p< 0.05). In ovariectomized female mice, E2 and ERβ-agonist treatment restored the State-3 respiration to intact placebo level, whereas ERα-agonist treatment did not modulate State-3 respiration. The treatment with E2, ERα-, or ERβ-agonist did not modulate the State-3 respiration in GDX male mice. We identified sex differences in mitochondrial respiration in the diseased human heart. This is in alignment with known sex differences in the gene expression and proteome level at the functional level. E2 and ERβ affect cardiac mitochondrial function in the mouse model, suggesting that they may also contribute to the sex differences in the human heart. Their roles should be further investigated.

The ERβ-cAMP signaling pathway regulates estradiol-induced ovine oocyte meiotic arrest

Although 17β-estradiol (E2) and its receptors (ERs) are reported to play important roles in regulating oocyte maturation, the specific mechanism remains unclear. First, we performed immunohistochemistry analyses to determine the expression of the ERα and ERβ proteins in ovine ovarian tissue. Second, E2 (0.5 ng/mL and 1 μg/mL) were added to pre-IVM medium for 0 h, 1 h and 2 h. The effects of E2 (0.5 ng/mL and 1 μg/mL) on cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and on oocyte meiotic progression were evaluated by ELISA and DAPI staining respectively. Third, the effects of E2 on the gene and protein expression of ERα and ERβ in COCs were investigated by Western blotting and real-time PCR. Afterward, ERβ and cAMP regulators were added to the 2-h pretreatment medium with or without E2 (0.5 ng/mL) to explore the possible interactions among E2, cAMP and ERβ. The results showed that both ERα and ERβ proteins were expressed in ovine cumulus layers and oocytes. E2 significantly increased intra-COC cAMP levels, maintained oocyte meiotic arrest, and promoted ERβ transcript and protein expression. E2 treatment increased the cAMP concentration, which was enhanced by ERβ agonist treatment and remarkably attenuated by ERβ inhibitor treatment. Forskolin plus IBMX treatment increased ERβ protein expression in COCs (P < 0.05), and this was attenuated by Rp-cAMP treatment. In conclusion, E2 (0.5 ng/mL) increased intra-COC cAMP levels by promoting ERβ expression, thereby maintaining oocyte meiotic arrest. cAMP in COCs has a positive feedback effect on ERβ expression, which provides a novel explanation for the positive role of E2 in regulating ovine follicle development and oocyte maturation.

SAT005 Effect Of OSU-ERβ-12, A Carborane-based ERβ-selective Agonist, On Hepatic Fibrosis And NASH

Abstract Disclosure: P. Kumar: None. T.H. Helms: None. H. Radomska: None. W. Tyler: None. S.K. Kulp: None. C. Bennett: None. C.C. Coss: None. Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD includes a range of conditions from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis that can ultimately lead to liver failure and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are essential to this pathologic fibrogenesis. In response to liver injury, they deposit collagen, fibronectin, and release the potent pro-fibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). Estrogens have been shown to suppress the TGF-β-induced expression but the molecular mechanism is not completely understood. Estrogens are protective against multiple aspects of NAFLD/NASH pathophysiology. Their therapeutic potential however is limited by undesirable side effects attributed to ERα activation. Selective modulation of ERβ can provide therapeutic benefits of estrogens with reduced ERα-associated toxicities and has shown promising results in several preclinical NASH models. We hypothesize that beneficial estrogen pharmacology in NAFLD-NASH is driven by ERβ activation and ERβ-selective modulators can provide anti-NASH benefit. Our objective was to investigate the role of ERβ signaling and the therapeutic potential of the novel carborane ERβ-selective agonist, OSU-ERβ-12 (ERβ-12), in fibrosis and NASH models. Methods. Efficacy of ERβ-12 was tested in the CCl4 model of hepatic fibrosis by administering CCl4 to mice over 4 weeks at which point intervention with estradiol, LY500307 (LY) and ERβ-12 started. Combined treatment and CCL4 continued for 2 weeks when the CCl4 ceased, and therapy continued for 2 more weeks until sacrifice. We assessed fibrosis via algorithmic quantification of picrosirius red stain. Anti-fibrotic activity of ERβ-12 was assessed in vitro in a human HCC cell (HepG2)/human HSC (LX-2) co-culture system treated with ERβ-12, TGFβ or the combination for 24 h. Expression of pro-fibrotic, TGFβ pathway-related markers was assessed by qRT-PCR and western blotting in liver tissue and cell lysates. Results. ERβ-12 significantly reduced CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice at both non-selective (100 mg/kg) and ERβ-selective (10 mg/kg) doses. ERα-related toxicity (reduced urogenital weight) was not observed at the ERβ-selective dose. Reduced fibrosis was associated with decreased mRNA expression of pro-fibrotic and TGFβ pathway genes in livers of ERβ-12 treated mice. ERβ mRNA expression in HepG2/LX-2 co-culture cells was elevated compared to individual cell types. ERβ agonists (ERβ-12, LY) reduced TGFβ-mediated expression of pro-fibrotic genes: MCP-1, TGFβ, COL1A1. This effect was reversed with the pan-ER antagonist fulvestrant. Conclusion. These data suggest that ERβ agonism inhibits TGFβ-mediated liver fibrosis and supports further investigation of ERβ-targeted therapeutic candidates. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

The identification of cianidanol as a selective estrogen receptor beta agonist and evaluation of its neuroprotective effects on Parkinson's disease models

AimThe present study aims to identify selective estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) agonists and to evaluate the neuroprotective mechanism in Parkinson's disease (PD) models. Main methodsIn-silico studies were carried out using Maestro and GROMACS. Neuroprotective activity and apoptosis were evaluated using cytotoxicity assay and flow cytometry respectively. Gene expression studies were carried out by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Motor and cognitive functions were assessed by actophotometer, rotarod, catalepsy, and elevated plus maze. The neuronal population in the substantia nigra and striatum of rats was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Key findingsCianidanol was identified as a selective ERβ agonist through virtual screening. The cianidanol-ERβ complex is stable during the 200 ns simulation and was able to retain the interactions with key amino acid residues. Cianidanol (25 μM) prevents neuronal toxicity and apoptosis induced by rotenone in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, cianidanol (25 μM) increases the expression of ERβ, cathepsin D, and Nrf2 transcripts. The neuroprotective effects of cianidanol (25 μM) were reversed in the presence of a selective ERβ antagonist. In this study, we found that selective activation of ERβ could decrease the transcription of α-synuclein gene. Additionally, cianidanol (10, 20, 30 mg/kg, oral) improves the motor and cognitive deficit in rats induced by rotenone. SignificanceCianidanol shows neuroprotective action in PD models and has the potential to serve as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of PD.

Pharmacological inhibition of KDM1A/LSD1 enhances estrogen receptor beta-mediated tumor suppression in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OCa) is the most lethal gynecologic cancer. Emerging data indicates that estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) functions as a tumor suppressor in OCa. Lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A) is an epigenetic modifier that acts as a coregulator for steroid hormone receptors. However, it remain unknown if KDM1A interacts with ERβ and regulates its expression/functions in OCa. Analysis of TCGA data sets indicated KDM1A and ERβ expression showed an inverse relationship in OCa. Knockout (KO), knockdown (KD), or inhibition of KDM1A increased ERβ isoform 1 expression in established and patient-derived OCa cells. Further, KDM1A interacts with and functions as a corepressor of ERβ, and its inhibition enhances ERβ target gene expression via alterations of histone methylation marks at their promoters. Importantly, KDM1A-KO or -KD enhanced the efficacy of ERβ agonist LY500307, and the combination of KDM1A inhibitor (KDM1Ai) NCD38 with ERβ agonist synergistically reduced the cell viability, colony formation, and invasion of OCa cells. RNA-seq and DIA mass spectrometry analyses showed that KDM1A-KO resulted in enhanced ERβ signaling and that genes altered by KDM1A-KO and ERβ agonist were related to apoptosis, cell cycle, and EMT. Moreover, combination treatment significantly reduced the tumor growth in OCa orthotopic, syngeneic, and patient-derived xenograft models and proliferation in patient-derived explant models. Our results demonstrate that KDM1A regulates ERβ expression/functions, and its inhibition improves ERβ mediated tumor suppression. Overall, our findings suggest that KDM1Ai and ERβ agonist combination therapy is a promising strategy for OCa.

Preclinical Development of Brain Permeable ERβ Agonist for the Treatment of Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive type of adult brain tumors with low 5-year overall survival rates. Epidemiologic data suggest that estrogen may decrease brain tumor growth, and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been demonstrated to exert antitumor functions in GBM. The lack of potent, selective, and brain permeable ERβ agonist to promote its antitumor action is limiting the therapeutic promise of ERβ. In this study, we discovered that Indanone and tetralone-keto or hydroxyl oximes are a new class of ERβ agonists. Because of its high activity in ERβ reporter assays, specific binding to ERβ in polar screen assays, and potent growth inhibitory activity in GBM cells, CIDD-0149897 was discovered as a possible hit by screening a library of compounds. CIDD-0149897 is more selective for ERβ than ERα (40-fold). Treatment with CIDD-0149897 markedly reduced GBM cell viability with an IC50 of ∼7 to 15 μmol/L, while having little to no effect on ERβ-KO cells and normal human astrocytes. Further, CIDD-0149897 treatment enhanced expression of known ERβ target genes and promoted apoptosis in established and patient-derived GSC models. Pharmacokinetic studies confirmed that CIDD-0149897 has systemic exposure, and good bioavailability in the brain. Mice tolerated daily intraperitoneal treatment of CIDD-0149897 (50 mg/kg) with a 7-day repeat dosage with no toxicity. In addition, CIDD-0149897 treatment significantly decreased tumor growth in U251 xenograft model and extended the survival of orthotopic GBM tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, these findings pointed to CIDD-0149897 as a new class of ERβ agonist, offering patients with GBM a potential means of improving survival.

1531-P: Preoptic Anterior Hypothalamus Estrogen Signaling Controls Energy and Temperature Homeostasis

An ovarian hormone, estrogen, has been shown to act on the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POA) to modulate temperature and energy homeostasis. However, the underlying neural mechanism is still largely less known. Interestingly, we found that POA neurons express high levels of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ), and a subpopulation of POA neurons co-express ERα and ERβ (ERα/βPOA). We showed that ERα agonist stimulates ERα/βPOA neurons, whereas ERβ agonist inhibits ERα/βPOA neurons. Estrogen17β-estradiol (E2) showed mixed actions in the ERα/βPOA neurons, presumably caused by the counterbalance between ERα and ERβ. This dynamic counterbalance may lead to distinct effects of E2 in regulating temperature and energy balance depending on temperature or nutritional status. Consistently, chemogenetic activation of ERαPOA decreased food intake, brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis, and body temperature, mimicking warm-induced adaptation. Conversely, inhibition of ERβPOA neurons increases food intake, BAT thermogenesis, and body temperature, mimicking cold-induced adaptation. In conclusion, these results support a model that ERα/βPOA neurons service as an integrating center for the estrogenic regulation of temperature and energy homeostasis. Disclosure P.Luo: None. P.Xu: None. X.Yang: None. B.Feng: None. H.Ye: None. N.Antony: None. L.Carrillo-sáenz: None. V.C.Torres irizarry: None. B.T.Layden: Consultant; Bayer Inc. Y.He: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01DK123098, P30DK020595 to P.X.), (P20GM135002, R01DK129548 to Y.H.), (T32AA026577 to V.C.T.I.); American Heart Association (915789 to V.C.T.I.), (20POST35120600 to Y.H.); U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-20-1-0075 to P.X

1663-P: Estrogenic Regulation of Energy Balance in the Medial Amygdala

Compelling evidence has demonstrated that estradiol (E2) and estrogen receptors α/β (ERα/β) play critical roles in the central regulation of energy balance and glucose homeostasis. Our previous research proved that ERα in the medial amygdala (ERαMeA) mediates estrogenic actions to stimulate physical activity, promote energy expenditure, and prevent diet-induced obesity (DIO). Interestingly, ERβ is also highly expressed in the MeA neurons. To explore the metabolic functions of ERβMeA, we generated a mouse model with ERβ selectively deleted in the MeA (ERβKOMeA) during adulthood by using AAV virus-mediated Cre-Lox site-specific recombination. When fed on a high-fat diet (HFD) but not a standard chow diet, both male and female ERβKOMeA mice showed decreased body weight gain and fat deposition, associated with a decrease in ambulatory activity. Consistently, we also observed an increase in energy expenditure of female ERβKOMeA mice during diet switching from chow to HFD, suggesting a diet-dependent regulatory role of ERβMeA in body weight control. In addition, both electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry staining results indicated that half of the ERαMeA neurons co-express ERβ. In these ERα&amp;β co-expressing MeA neurons, ERα agonist propyl pyrazole trio (PPT) induced ERα-dependent depolarization, while ERβ agonist diarypropionitrile (DPN) induced ERβ-dependent hyperpolarization. Further, we found that the chemogenetic activation of ERαMeA neurons promotes physical activity and stimulates body thermogenesis, while the inhibition of ERβMeA neurons downregulates physical activity and body thermogenesis. In line with this, inhibition of ERβMeA neurons impaired cold-induced brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, resulting in lower rectal temperature during acute cold exposure. Collectively, our results support a model that E2 acts on ERα/βMeA neurons to provide bidirectional regulation of body weight and resistance to DIO. Disclosure H.Ye: None. M.Mun: None. Y.He: None. P.Xu: None. B.Feng: None. P.Luo: None. L.Carrillo-sáenz: None. V.C.Torres irizarry: None. L.Ibrahimi: None. N.Antony: None. M.Kota: None. D.Dixit: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (R01DK123098, P30DK020595, P20GM135002, R01DK129548, T32AA026577, K01DK119471); U.S. Department of Agriculture (3092-51000-062-04(B)S); American Heart Association (915789, 19CDA34660335, 20POST35120600); U.S. Department of Defense (W81XWH-20-1-0075)

No detectable changes in anxiety-related and locomotor behaviors in adult ovariectomized female rats exposed to estradiol, the ERβ agonist DPN or the ERα agonist PPT

The sex steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (estradiol) and its Estrogen Receptors (ERs) have been linked to modulation of anxiety-related and locomotor behaviors in female rodents. Research suggests that estradiol mitigates anxiety-related behaviors through activating Estrogen Receptor (ER)β and increases locomotor behaviors through ERα. The influence of ERs on these behaviors cannot always be detected. Here we discuss two experiments in which we tested the hypothesis that anxiety-related behaviors would decrease after ERβ activation and locomotor behaviors would increase after ERα activation, and also assessed the persistence of these behavioral effects by varying the timing of behavioral testing. Two cohorts of adult female ovariectomized rats were exposed to estradiol, the ERβ agonist DPN, the ERα agonist PPT, or oil for four consecutive days. Body mass was assessed throughout as a positive control. In both cohorts, open field behaviors were assessed on the first day of exposure. In one cohort (Experiment 1), open field, light/dark box, and elevated plus maze behaviors were assessed on the final day of injections. In the second cohort (Experiment 2), these behaviors were assessed 24 h after the final exposure. As expected, significant differences in body mass were detected in response to estradiol and PPT exposure, validating the estradiol and ER manipulation. No significant differences were observed in anxiety-related or locomotor behaviors across treatment groups, indicating that the efficacy of these agonists as therapeutic agents may be limited. We review these results in the context of previous literature, emphasizing relevant variables that may obscure ER-related actions on behavior.

Abstract 1718: Development of potent estrogen receptor beta agonists for treating glioblastoma

Abstract Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent and aggressive type of adult brain cancers with low 5-year overall survival rates. Epidemiologic data suggest estrogen may decrease brain tumor growth. The lack of powerful, selective brain permeable estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) ligands to promote its anticancer action is limiting the therapeutic promise of ERβ. The goal of this project is to create a new class of brain permeable ERβ agonists for the treatment of GBM. Method: We have used four different assays to identify potent leads. (1) ERβ and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) reporter assays, (2) Polar Screen Estrogen Receptor (ER) Competitive Binding Assays, (3) Cell viability assays using GBM cells, and (4) Activity in WT and ERβ-KO GBM cells. CellTiter-Glo Cell Viability and colony formation assays were used to test the efficacy of ERβ agonists. Invasion was measured by matrigel invasion chamber assays and apoptosis was measured by Caspase-Glo® 3/7 and Annexin V assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle. Western blotting, RNA-Seq, RT-qPCR, and ERβ KO cells were used in the mechanistic studies. Both orthotopic patient-derived xenografts and GBM cell line-derived (CDX) xenografts were used to test the ERβ agonist's activity in vivo. Results: Indanone and tetralone-oximes or keto-oximes have been hypothesized, produced, and evaluated as new ER agonists. Due to its high action in ERβ reporter assays, specific binding to ERβ in polar screen assays (EC50 91 nM), and potent growth inhibitory activity (IC50 7.4) in GBM cells, CIDD-97 was discovered as a possible hit by screening a library of ~60 compounds. CIDD-97 is significantly more selective for ERβ than ERα (40-fold). Treatment with CIDD-97 markedly reduced U251 cell viability while having little to no effect on U251-ER-KO cells and normal human astrocytes. Further, CIDD-97 treatment decreased the expression of stemness markers in patient derived GSC lines and promoted apoptosis. Additionally, CIDD-ERβ agonist improved TMZ's ability to reduce GBM cell survival. The activation of ERβ target genes in cells treated with CIDD-97 was verified by using RNA-Seq and RTqPCR. PK studies confirmed that CIDD-0149897 has systemic exposure, was found in the brain, and its maximal detectable levels suggested that it has good BBB permeability. Mice tolerated daily intraperitoneal treatment of CIDD-0149897 (50 mg/kg) with a 7-day repeat dosage with no evidence of toxicity. Additionally, when compared to vehicle CIDD-97 (50 mg/kg/i.p.) treatment significantly decreased tumor growth in xenograft models and extended the survival of tumor-bearing mice in orthotopic GSC models. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings pointed to CIDD-97 as a possible ERβ agonist and is easily adaptable to clinical use alongside current chemo- and radiation-therapy regimens, offering GBM patients an additional means of improving survival. Citation Format: Uday P. Pratap, Michael Tidwell, Henriette U. Balinda, Suryavathi Viswanadhapalli, Gangadhara Reddy Sareddy, Stanton McHardy, Andrew Brenner, Ratna K. Vadlamudi. Development of potent estrogen receptor beta agonists for treating glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1718.

Post-stroke periodic estrogen receptor-beta agonist improves cognition in aged female rats

Women have a higher risk of having an ischemic stroke and increased cognitive decline after stroke as compared to men. The female sex hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) is a potent neuro- and cognitive-protective agent. Periodic E2 or estrogen receptor subtype-beta (ER-β) agonist pre-treatments every 48 h before an ischemic episode ameliorated ischemic brain damage in young ovariectomized or reproductively senescent (RS) aged female rats. The current study aims to investigate the efficacy of post-stroke ER-β agonist treatments in reducing ischemic brain damage and cognitive deficits in RS female rats. Retired breeder (9–10 months) Sprague–Dawley female rats were considered RS after remaining in constant diestrus phase for more than a month. The RS rats were exposed to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) for 90 min and treated with either ER-β agonist (beta 2, 3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionitrile; DPN; 1 mg/kg; s.c.) or DMSO vehicle at 4.5 h after induction of tMCAO. Subsequently, rats were treated with either ER-β agonist or DMSO vehicle every 48 h for ten injections. Forty-eight hours after the last treatment, animals were tested for contextual fear conditioning to measure post-stroke cognitive outcome. Neurobehavioral testing, infarct volume quantification, and hippocampal neuronal survival were employed to determine severity of stroke. Periodic post-stroke ER-β agonist treatment reduced infarct volume, improved recovery of cognitive capacity by increasing freezing in contextual fear conditioning, and decreased hippocampal neuronal death in RS female rats. These data suggest that periodic post-stroke ER-β agonist treatment to reduce stroke severity and improve post-stroke cognitive outcome in menopausal women has potential for future clinical investigation.

Adverse effect of assisted reproductive technology-related hyperoestrogensim on the secretion and absorption of uterine fluid in superovulating mice during the peri-implantation period.

This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of hyperoestrogensim elicited by ovulation induction affects endometrial receptivity and leads to embryo implantation abnormality or failure. Establishment of ovulation induction mouse model. Changes in mouse body weight, ovarian weight, serum E2 level and oestrous cycle were observed. During the peri-implantation period, morphological changes in the mouse uterus and implantation sites and the localization and protein levels of oestrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, the tight junction factors CLDN3 and OCLN, the aquaporins AQP3, AQP4 and AQP8, and the sodium channel proteins SCNN1α, SCNN1β and SCNN1γ were observed. The expression and cellular localization of ERα, CLDN3, AQP8 and SCNN1 β in RL95-2 cell line were also detected by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Ovarian and body weights were significantly higher in the 5 IU and 10 IU groups than in the CON group. The E2 level was significantly higher in the 10 IU group than in the CON group. The mice in the 10 IU group had a disordered oestrous cycle and were in oestrus for a long time. At 5.5 dpc, significantly fewer implantation sites were observed in the 10 IU group than in the CON (p<0.001) and 5 IU (p<0.05) groups. The probability of abnormal implantation and abortion was higher in the 10 IU group than in the CON and 5 IU groups. CLDN3, OCLN, AQP8 and SCNN1β in the mouse endometrium were localized on the luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium and expression levels were lower in the 10 IU group than in the CON group. The protein expression level of ERα was increased by 50% in the 10 IU group compared to the CON group. The expressions of CLDN3, AQP8, SCNN1β in RL95-2 cell line were significantly depressed by the superphysiological E2, ERα agonist or ERβ agonist, which could be reversed by the oestrogen receptor antagonist. ART-induced hyperoestrogenism reduces CLDN3, AQP8 and SCNN1β expression through ERα, thereby destroying tight junctions and water and sodium channels in the endometrial cavity epithelium, which may cause abnormal implantation due to abnormal uterine fluid secretion and absorption.

Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Tetrasubstituted α,β-Unsaturated Ketones: Access to Chiral 2-Substituted Cyclopentyl Aryl Ketones

Asymmetric hydrogenation of tetrasubstituted alkenes is an important but challenging research topic. Herein, we report an efficient iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of tetrasubstituted α,β-unsaturated ketones for the synthesis of chiral 2-substituted cyclopentyl aryl ketones, an important chiral structural motif for the preparation of chiral pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. The reaction proceeded very well with good functional group compatibility and delivered the hydrogenated products in high yields and stereoselectivities (up to 99% yield, >20:1 dr and 99% ee). In addition, the reaction could be carried out on a gram-scale, and all four stereoisomers of the hydrogenated products bearing two contiguous stereocenters were obtained. Furthermore, the hydrogenated product can be transformed into the ERβ agonist Erteberel, and the reaction pathway was also studied via deuterium-labelling experiments.

ERα Stimulation Rapidly Modulates Excitatory Synapse Properties in Female Rat Nucleus Accumbens Core

Introduction: The nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) is a sexually differentiated brain region that is modulated by steroid hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol), with consequential impacts on relevant motivated behaviors and disorders such as addiction, anxiety, and depression. NAcc estradiol levels naturally fluctuate, including during the estrous cycle in adult female rats, which is analogous to the menstrual cycle in adult humans. Across the estrous cycle, excitatory synapse properties of medium spiny neurons rapidly change, as indicated by analysis of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). mEPSC frequency decreases during estrous cycle phases associated with high estradiol levels. This decrease in mEPSC frequency is mimicked by acute topical exposure to estradiol. The identity of the estrogen receptor (ER) underlying this estradiol action is unknown. Adult rat NAcc expresses three ERs, all extranuclear: membrane ERα, membrane ERβ, and GPER1. Methods: In this brief report, we take a first step toward addressing this challenge by testing whether activation of ERs via acute topical agonist application is sufficient for inducing changes in mEPSC properties recorded via whole-cell patch clamp. Results: An agonist of ERα induced large decreases in mEPSC frequency, while agonists of ERβ and GPER1 did not robustly modulate mEPSC properties. Conclusions: These data provide evidence that activation of ERα is sufficient for inducing changes in mEPSC frequency and is a likely candidate underlying the estradiol-induced changes observed during the estrous cycle. Overall, these findings extend our understanding of the neuroendocrinology of the NAcc and implicate ERα as a primary target for future studies.

ERα/ERβ-directed CBS transcription mediates E2β-stimulated hUAEC H2S production.

Elevated endogenous estrogens stimulate human uterine artery endothelial cell (hUAEC) hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production by selectively upregulating the expression of H2S synthesizing enzyme cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), but the underlying mechanisms are underdetermined. We hypothesized that CBS transcription mediates estrogen-stimulated pregnancy-dependent hUAEC H2S production. Estradiol-17β (E2β) stimulated CBS but not cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) expression in pregnant human uterine artery ex vivo, which was attenuated by the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780. E2β stimulated CBS mRNA/protein and H2S production in primary hUAEC from nonpregnant and pregnant women, but with greater responses in pregnant state; all were blocked by ICI 182,780. Human CBS promoter contains multiple estrogen-responsive elements (EREs), including one ERE preferentially binding ERα (αERE) and three EREs preferentially binding ERβ (βERE), and one full ERE (α/βERE) and one half ERE (½α/βERE) binding both ERα and ERβ. Luciferase assays using reporter genes driven by human CBS promoter with a series of 5'-deletions identified the α/βEREs binding both ERα and ERβ (α/βERE and ½α/βERE) to be important for baseline and E2β-stimulated CBS promoter activation. E2β stimulated ERα/ERβ heterodimerization by recruiting ERα to α/βEREs and βERE, and ERβ to βERE, α/βEREs, and αERE. ERα or ERβ agonist alone trans-activated CBS promoter, stimulated CBS mRNA/protein and H2S production to levels comparable to that of E2β-stimulated, while ERα or ERβ antagonist alone abrogated E2β-stimulated responses. E2β did not change human CSE promoter activity and CSE mRNA/protein in hUAEC. Altogether, estrogen-stimulated pregnancy-dependent hUAEC H2S production occurs by selectively upregulating CBS expression via ERα/ERβ-directed gene transcription.

Estrogen receptor β/substance P signaling in spinal cord mediates antinociceptive effect in a mouse model of discogenic low back pain.

Discogenic low back pain (DLBP) is the most commonly described form of back pain. Our previous studies indicated that estrogen-dependent DLBP mechanism was mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) in the intervertebral disc (IVD) tissue, and the IVD degeneration degree is accompanied by downregulation of ERs, particularly ERβ. However, the neuropathological mechanisms underlying ERs modulation of DLBP are still not well understood. In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive effects of selective ERβ agonists on DLBP-related behavior by regulating substance P in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Two weeks after ovariectomies, 18-week-old female mice were randomly separated into four groups: control group; DLBP sham surgery plus vehicle group; DLBP plus vehicle group; DLBP plus ERβ-specific agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) group. Behavioral data was collected including behavioral measures of axial back pain (grip force and tail suspension tests) and radiating hypersensitivity (mechanical sensitivity and cold sensitivity test). Dual label scanning confocal immunofluorescence microscopy was used to observe spatial colocalization of ERβ and substance P in spinal cord. Substance P changes in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia were measured by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. ERβ activation could improve both axial and radiating behavioral disorders of DLBP. DPN facilitated the decrease of the amount of time in immobility 1 week after agonist administration. At the time point of 3 weeks, DPN group spent significantly less time in immobility than the vehicle group. In the grip strength tests, starting from postoperative week 1-week 3, DPN injection DLBP mice showed more resistance to stretch than the vehicle injection DLBP mice. Significant differences of cold withdrawal latency time were observed between the DLBP plus DPN injection and DLBP vehicle injection groups at 2- and 3-week injection time point. DPN significantly reversed the paw withdrawal threshold of DLBP mice at the time point of 1, 2, and 3 weeks. Substance P colocalized with ERβ in spinal dorsal horn, mainly in laminae I and II, a connection site of pain transmission. Substance P levels in dorsal horn and dorsal root ganglia of DLBP group were distinctly increased compared with that of control and DLBP sham group. DPN therapy could decrease substance P content in the dorsal horn and the dorsal root ganglia of DLBP mice compared with that of vehicle-treated DLBP mice. Activation of ERβ is antinociceptive in the DLBP model by controlling substance P in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, which might provide a therapeutic target to manage DLBP in the clinic.

Activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/MMP-9 pathway and intracranial aneurysm rupture associated with the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 in oophorectomized rats.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture is often a devastating event. Since the incidence of SAH increases especially in menopause, it is crucial to clarify the detailed pathogenesis of these events. The activation of vascular nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes has been studied in ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease. However, the role of NLRP3 in IA rupture still needs to be explained. The authors sought to test their hypothesis that, under estrogen-deficient conditions, activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes via downregulation of the estrogen receptor (ER) facilitates IA rupture. Ten-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats with and without oophorectomy were subjected to hemodynamic changes and hypertension (OVX+/HT and OVX-/HT, respectively) and fed a high-salt diet. Separately, using human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) and human brain smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), the authors tested the effect of NLRP3 under estrogen-free conditions and in the presence of estradiol or of ER agonists. In OVX+/HT rats, the frequency of IA rupture was significantly higher than in OVX-/HT rats (p = 0.03). In the left posterior cerebral artery prone to rupture in OVX+/HT rats, the levels of the mRNAs encoding ERα and Sirt1, but not of that encoding ERβ, were decreased, and the levels of the mRNAs encoding NLRP3, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) were elevated. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the expression profiles of these proteins correlated with their mRNA levels. Treatment with an ER modulator, bazedoxifene, normalized the expression profiles of these proteins and improved SAH-free survival. In HBECs and HBSMCs under estrogen-free conditions, the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 and the accumulation of NLRP3 were counteracted by exposure to estradiol or to an ERα agonist but not to an ERβ agonist. To the authors' knowledge, this work represents the first demonstration that, in an aneurysm model under estrogen-deficient conditions, the depletion of ERα and Sirt1 may contribute to activation of the NLRP3/IL-1β/MMP-9 pathway, facilitating the rupture of IAs in the estrogen-deficient rat IA rupture model.

BRAFV600E Mutation Enhances Estrogen-Induced Metastatic Potential of Thyroid Cancer by Regulating the Expression of Estrogen Receptors.

Cross-talk between mitogen-activated protein kinase and estrogen has been reported; however, the role of BRAFV600E in the estrogen responsiveness of thyroid cancer is unknown. We elucidated the effect of BRAFV600E on the estrogen-induced increase in metastatic potential in thyroid cancer. Using a pair of cell lines, human thyroid cell lines which harbor wild type BRAF gene (Nthy/WT) and Nthy/BRAFV600E (Nthy/V600E), the expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) and estrogen-induced metastatic phenotypes were evaluated. Susceptibility to ERα- and ERβ-selective agents was evaluated to confirm differential ER expression. ESR expression was analyzed according to BRAFV600E status and age (≤50 years vs. >50 years) using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. Estradiol increased the ERα/ERβ expression ratio in Nthy/V600E, whereas the decreased ERα/ERβ expression ratio was found in Nthy/WT. BRAFV600E-mutated cell lines showed a higher E2-induced increase in metastatic potential, including migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth compared with Nthy/WT. An ERα antagonist significantly inhibited migration in Nthy/V600E cells, whereas an ERβ agonist was more effective in Nthy/WT. In the BRAFV600E group, ESR1/ESR2 ratio was significantly higher in younger age group (≤50 years) compared with older age group (>50 years) by TCGA data analysis. Our data show that BRAFV600E mutation plays a crucial role in the estrogen responsiveness of thyroid cancer by regulating ER expression. Therefore, BRAFV600E might be used as a biomarker when deciding future hormone therapies based on estrogen signaling in thyroid cancer patients.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators, acting as agonists of estrogen receptor α in osteoblasts, reduce the TGF-β-induced synthesis of macrophage colony-stimulating factor via inhibition of JNK signaling pathway.

Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) binds to estrogen receptors (ERs) and acts as both an agonist or an antagonist, depending on the target tissue. Raloxifene and bazedoxifene as SERMs are currently used hormone replacement medicines for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) secreted from osteoblasts promotes osteoclastogenesis. We have previously demonstrated that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β induces the synthesis of M-CSF via SMAD2/3, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p44/p42 MAPK and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. In the present study, we investigated whether SERM affects the M-CSF synthesis by TGF-β in MC3T3-E1 cells. Raloxifene and bazedoxifene significantly suppressed the synthesis of M-CSF. PPT, an ERα agonist, but not ERB041, an ERβ agonist, inhibited the release of M-CSF. MPP, an ERα antagonist, reversed the suppression by raloxifene of the M-CSF release. Raloxifene attenuated the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of JNK but not SMAD3, p42 MAPK and p38 MAPK. Bazedoxifene and PPT also inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK. Furthermore, MPP, an ERα antagonist, reversed the suppression by both raloxifene and bazedoxifene of the phosphorylation of JNK. Our results strongly indicate that raloxifene and bazedoxifene, SERMs, suppress the TGF-β-induced synthesis of M-CSF through ERα-mediated inhibition of JNK pathway in osteoblasts.