Cell Steroidogenesis Research Articles

Effect of heat exposure on the growth and developmental competence of bovine oocytes derived from early antral follicles

In dairy cows, low fertility caused by summer heat stress continues into the cooler autumn season. This can be caused by impaired oocyte quality in small growing follicles during summer. Here, we subjected oocyte–cumulus–granulosa complexes (OCGCs) derived from early antral follicles (0.5–1 mm) to in vitro growth (IVG) culture under two different temperature settings (the control and heat shock groups), and evaluated effects of heat exposure on growth and developmental competence of oocytes, factors affecting the developmental competence of oocytes (steroidogenesis of granulosa cells, oxidative stress in oocytes, and cell-to-cell communication between oocytes and somatic cells). Oocyte diameters after culture were smaller in the heat shock group. Although nuclear maturation and cleavage rates were similar between the groups, blastocyst rates were lower in the heat shock group (0.0%) than in the control group (27.7%), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in oocytes were lower in the heat shock group. Supplementation of cysteine, which stimulates GSH synthesis, increased GSH level and improved blastocyst rate of heat shocked oocytes (27.9%). These results suggest that heat exposure impairs the growth and developmental competence of oocytes in early antral follicles through GSH depletion, which can induce low fertility during summer and the following autumn.

Sublethal hyperthermia decreases cellular proliferation and transiently disrupts steroidogenesis in adrenal cells

Sublethal hyperthermia decreases cellular proliferation and transiently disrupts steroidogenesis in adrenal cells

Cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis of mouse ovarian granulosa cells by targeting inhibin alpha (1 ~ 32) fragments.

Cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs), which exist in vertebrate, bacterial, and viral genomes, are regarded as strong immune adjuvants. To date, the biological activities of CpG-ODNs in reproduction remain unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of CpG-ODNs on the cell cycle, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis in mouse granulosa cells (mGCs), in combination with inhibin alpha (1 ~ 32) fragments. mGCs were transfected with pEGFP (containing green fluorescent protein, as a control), pEGISI (containing inhibin alpha (1 ~ 32) fragments), or pEGISI-CpG-ODNs (containing inhibin alpha (1 ~ 32) fragments and CpG-ODNs motifs) plasmid for 48h in vitro. Our results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of inhibin alpha were downregulated in mGCs transfected with pEGISI-CpG-ODNs, compared to those transfected with pEGISI. Flow cytometry demonstrated that pEGISI-CpG-ODNs transfection promoted cell proliferation (for example, increasing the number of cells in S and G2 phases) and decreased apoptosis, compared to pEGISI transfection. The present study also indicated that the expression of cell cycle-related genes (cyclin D2, cyclin D3, cyclin E1, Cdk2, and Cdk6) was increased, while the expression of apoptosis-related factors (Fas, FasL, caspase-8, and caspase-3) decreased after pEGISI-CpG-ODNs treatment. Additionally, pEGISI-CpG-ODNs reversed the effect of pEGISI on the secretion of estradiol in mGCs, which was further validated by upregulating the levels of its synthesis-related factors (StAR, Cyp11a1, and 17β-HSD II). Nevertheless, pEGISI-CpG-ODNs or pEGISI did not affect the concentration of progesterone nor changed the expression levels of its synthesis-related factors (3β-HSD I and Cyp19a1). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that CpG-ODNs may affect the cell cycle, apoptosis, and steroidogenesis by targeting the effects of inhibin alpha (1 ~ 32) fragments, supporting the potential role of CpG-ODNs in the development of granulosa cells.

The effect of Myo-Inositol supplement on molecular regulation of folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, and assisted reproductive technique outcomes in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

The mechanism of Myo-Inositol, as an adjuvant, on key signaling pathways related to oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality as well as ovarian steroidogenesis in cumulus cells of PCOS patients, is still unclear. Infertile patients who were candidates for ART cycles were divided into three groups (n = 30 in each group), including group 1: PCOS patients only receiving folic acid, group 2: PCOS patients receiving daily Myo-Inositol combined with folic acid, and a control group (group 3): normal ovulatory women without PCOS receiving only folic acid from 1month prior to IVF cycle until the day of ovum pick up. During the ART procedure, oocytes maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were assessed. The gene expressions of FSHR, LHR, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, 3β-HSD2, and StAR were also analyzed using qRT-PCR. Western blot analysis was performed for the evaluation of AKT, ERK, CREB, and AMPK phosphorylation. Despite equal number of retrieved oocytes, the percentages of MII oocytes, fertilization rate, and embryo quality were found to be significantly higher in group 2 due to the administration of inofolic. The expressions of all the studied genes were significantly higher in the cumulus cells of group 1 compared to the group 2. Higher phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was found in the groups 2 and 3 compared to the group 1. On the other hand, p-Akt has significantly decreased in the group 2 compared to the group 1. Our study provides new insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the positive effect of Myo-Inositol on intrinsic ovarian defects in PCOS, steroidogenesis, oocyte maturation, fertilization rate, and embryo quality.

In vitro effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on gonadotropin receptor function and steroidogenesis in human granulosa lutein cells

<i>In vitro</i> effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on gonadotropin receptor function and steroidogenesis in human granulosa lutein cells

Abstract 412: Blockade of beta-catenin pathway combined with Aurora kinase activity inhibition enhances antitumor effects in adrenocortical cancer cells

Abstract Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive type of endocrine tumor with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. The overall survival of patients diagnosed with ACC is very low and current treatment for metastatic stages remain limited to mitotane, which has low efficiency in advanced stages of the disease and is associated with high toxicity and side effects. Therefore, identification of new biological targets to improve ACC treatment is crucial. Beta-catenin alterations have been found in approximately 30% of ACCs and blockade of Wnt-beta-catenin showed to decrease adrenal steroidogenesis and increase apoptosis of ACC cells, NCI-H295, in vitro and in a mouse model. Aurora kinases are known to play an important role in cell division during G1-M phase and their aberrant expression is correlated with poor prognosis in different types of tumors. Hence, we hypothesized that inhibition of aurora kinase activity combined with beta-catenin pathway blockade could promote better antitumor effects in NCI-H295 cells. We studied the in vitro effects of AMG 900, an aurora kinase activity inhibitor and PNU-74654, a beta-catenin pathway blocker, in proliferation, migration, colony establishment and invasion of NCI-H295 and SW-13 ACC cell lines. Our results show that the combination of AMG 900 with PNU-74654, decreases cell proliferation and viability, compared to either one of the single treatments. Regarding cell invasion and clonogenesis inhibition, AMG 900 was more efficient than PNU-74654, and its combination with the latter did not improve these effects. On the other hand, PNU-74654 was more effective in decreasing cortisol secretion. Taken together, our data suggest that inhibition of aurora kinases activity combined with blockade of the beta-catenin pathway could bring new approaches for designing new drugs to treat certain ACCs. Citation Format: Andrea G. Maria, Kleiton S. Borges, Regia C. Lira, Carolina H. Thome, Annabel Berthon, Ludivine Drougat, Fabio R. Faucz, Vitor M. Faca, Luiz G. Tone, Constantine A. Stratakis. Blockade of beta-catenin pathway combined with Aurora kinase activity inhibition enhances antitumor effects in adrenocortical cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 412.

Fatty acids suppress the steroidogenesis of the MA-10 mouse Leydig cell line by downregulating CYP11A1 and inhibiting late-stage autophagy

Obese men have lower circulating testosterone than men with an optimal body mass index. Elevated fatty acids (FAs) caused by obesity have been reported to suppress the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that autophagy regulates steroidogenesis in endocrine cells; however, few studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of FA-impaired steroidogenesis. To study FA regulation in the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells, MA-10 cells were treated with an FA mixture and co-treated with 8-Br-cAMP to stimulate the steroidogenesis capacity. We showed that FAs led to cellular lipid accumulation and decreased steroidogenesis of MA-10 cells, and FA-suppressed steroidogenesis was largely recovered by P5 treatment but not by 22R-OHC treatment, suggesting the primary defect was the deficiency of CYP11A1. To examine the involvement of autophagy in the steroidogenesis of Leydig cells, we treated MA-10 cells with autophagy regulators, including rapamycin, bafilomycin, and chloroquine. Inhibition of late-stage autophagy including FA-upregulated Rubicon suppressed the steroidogenesis of MA-10 cells. More interestingly, Rubicon played a novel regulatory role in the steroidogenesis of MA-10 cells, independent of inhibitors of late-stage autophagy. Collectively, this study provides novel targets to investigate the interaction between FAs and steroidogenesis in steroidogenic cells.

WITHDRAWN:Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) induces bovine ovarian granulosa cell (BGC) autophagy via the AKT/mTOR pathway.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by Editorial Board.

Mechanisms of fertility disorders in obese women

Obesity is a common problem among women of reproductive age. Overweight is known to negatively affect a woman’s fertility. So, women of reproductive age who are obese may experience menstrual irregularities, endometrial pathology and, ultimately, infertility. The pathogenetic mechanisms of reproductive dysfunction in obesity remain actively studied issues. It was established that leptin synthesized by adipose tissue inhibits granulosis, cell steroidogenesis and interferes with the ovulation process, which can directly affect reproductive function. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia, which accompany obesity in women, can contribute to menstrual irregularities, ovulation and, ultimately, fertility. Obesity is also characterized by a state of «relative functional hyperandrogenism», which can affect ovarian function, contributing to the development of infertility. Moreover, obesity is characterized by a state of hyposomatotropinism, which can affect fertility, through changes in ovarian and endometrial function. Weight loss is most likely able to restore fertility in most cases, but there are no practical guidelines that would help the clinician choose the best method to reduce body weight from increased physical activity, dietary restrictions, drug therapy and bariatric surgery.

Early growth response gene mediates in VEGF and FGF signaling as dissected by CRISPR in corpus luteum of water buffalo

The EGR family comprises of EGR 1, EGR 2, EGR 3 and EGR 4 which are involved in the transactivation of several genes. A broad range of extracellular stimuli by growth factors is capable of activating EGR mediated transactivation of genes involved in angiogenesis and cell proliferation. However, their role in controlling VEGF A and FGF 2 signaling in the CL of water buffalo is not known. The present study was conducted to understand the role of EGR mediated regulation of VEGF A and FGF 2 signaling in buffalo luteal cells. Towards this goal, luteal cells were cultured and treated with VEGF A and FGF 2 and the mRNA expression pattern of EGR family members were documented. The EGR 1 message was found to be up-regulated in luteal cells of buffalo at 72 hours of culture. The functional validation of EGR 1 gene was accomplished by knocking out (KO) of EGR 1 in cultured luteal cells by CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing technology. The EGR 1 KO cells were then cultured and stimulated with VEGF A and FGF 2. It was observed that VEGF A and FGF 2 induced angiogenesis, cell proliferation and steroidogenesis in wild type luteal cells, whereas the response of the growth factors was attenuated in the EGR 1 KO cells. Taken together our study provides evidence convincingly that both VEGF and FGF mediate their biological action through a common intermediate, EGR 1, to regulate corpus luteum function of buffalo.

Paraben concentrations found in human body fluids do not exert steroidogenic effects in human granulosa primary cell cultures

In cosmetics and food products, parabens are widely used as antimicrobial agents. Reports have suggested that parabens may be linked to infertility, owing to their effects on basal steroidogenesis properties or their capacity to inflict mitochondrial damage. Despite growing concerns about parabens as endocrine disruptors, it is unclear whether they affect any of these actions in humans, particularly at environmentally relevant concentrations. In this work, an in vitro primary culture of human granulosa cells was used to evaluate steroidogenesis, based on the assessment of progesterone production and regulation of critical steroidogenic genes: CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP19A1, and HSD17B1. The effects of two commercially relevant parabens, methylparaben (MPB) and butylparaben (BPB), were screened. Cells were exposed to multiple concentrations ranging from relatively low (typical environmental exposure) to relatively high. The effect was assessed by the parabens’ ability to modify steroidogenic genes, progesterone or estradiol production, and on mitochondrial health, by evaluating mitochondrial activity as well as mtDNA content. Neither MPB nor BPB showed any effect over progesterone production or the expression of genes controlling steroid production. Only BPB affected the mitochondria, decreasing mtDNA content at supraphysiological concentrations (1000 nM). Prolonged exposure to these compounds produced no effects in neither of these parameters. In conclusion, neither MPB nor BPB significantly affected basal steroidogenesis in granulosa cells. Although evidence supporting paraben toxicity is prevalent, here we put forth evidence that suggests that parabens do not affect basal steroidogenesis in human granulosa cells.

Effects of vitamin D in the nervous system: Special focus on interaction with steroid hormone signalling and a possible role in the treatment of brain cancer.

The active vitamin D hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 , exerts many physiological actions in the body, including effects on the nervous system. Studies of steroidogenesis in cells of the nervous system and elsewhere not only indicate that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 affects steroidogenic pathways but also suggest varying responses in different cell types. For example, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates the expression of aromatase in human glioma but not in human neuroblastoma cells or rat astrocytes. However, in astrocytes, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroid 17-hydroxylase/lyase. Other studies indicate cross-talk between vitamin D signalling and signalling of oestrogens, progesterone or glucocorticoids. Reported data indicate synergistic effects of combinations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and other steroid hormones on neuroinflammation, neurite outgrowth and neuroprotection. Also, dysregulation of steroid pathways affecting brain cells is found in vitamin D deficiency. Thus, several studies suggest that active vitamin D may affect steroid hormone synthesis and/or signalling in the nervous system, although the potential mechanisms for these responses remain unclear. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 suppresses proliferation in several cell types and is therefore of interest in cancer treatment. Also, epidemiological studies associate vitamin D levels with cancer risk or outcomes. Reported data on tumours of the nervous system are mainly on glioma, a common type of brain cancer. Expression of the vitamin D receptor in glioma tumours is associated with improved survival. Several studies show that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and vitamin D analogues (synthetic vitamin D-like compounds) suppress proliferation and migration in human vitamin D receptor-expressing glioma cell lines. Studies on mechanisms for actions of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or its analogues indicate regulation of cell cycle proteins and senescence markers. These compounds also show synergism in combination with other cancer therapies treating glioma. From the data available, vitamin D analogues emerge as interesting candidates for the future improved treatment of human glioma and possibly also other cancers of the nervous system.

Influence of green tea constituents on cultured porcine luteinized granulosa cell functions

The aim of the study was to examine the action of green tea polyphenols (GTPP) and their main constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), on porcine ovarian granulosa cells. For this purpose, the effect of GTPP and EGCG on cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions, including proliferation, apoptosis, steroidogenesis and response to insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was examined. Proliferation (the accumulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and cyclin B1), apoptosis (the accumulation of bax and caspase 3) and the release of steroid hormones (progesterone and testosterone) were evaluated by using immunocytochemistry and enzyme immunoassay. The addition of both GTPP and EGCG reduced the percentage of both PCNA- and cyclin B1-positive cells, increased the proportion of cells containing bax and caspase 3 and stimulated progesterone release. GTPP had a biphasic effect on testosterone output – stimulating at dose 1 μg/ml and inhibiting at doses 10 and 100 μg/ml, whilst EGCG did not affect testosterone secretion. IGF-I, when administered alone, promoted % of cells containing PCNA, suppressed bax accumulation, and stimulated progesterone release (only at dose 100 ng/ml). Testosterone release increased after the addition of IGF-I at 1 ng/ml, but decreased after IGF-I addition at 10 or 100 ng/ml. Both GTPP and EGCG suppressed or even reversed the effects of IGF-I on percentage of PCNA-positive cells, bax, testosterone output, and promoted IGF-I action on progesterone release. These observations suggested the inhibitory actions of green tea constituents on porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions were mediated through various regulatory mechanisms: suppression of the ovarian cell cycle in the S and G2 phases; promotion of cytoplasmic apoptosis; alteration of steroid hormone release; and, predominantly, prevention of the action of the hormonal stimulator IGF-I on ovarian cells. It can be also suggested that the major GTPP effects may result from the presence of EGCG.

Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on ovarian granulosa cell viability and steroidogenesis

Effects of silver and gold nanoparticles on ovarian granulosa cell viability and steroidogenesis

Role of testicular interleukin-1alpha tIL-1alpha in testicular physiology and disease.

This review focuses on the role of the cytokine interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) in the testis; elaborating upon its importance during the complex process of spermatogenesis while relating this cytokine to some of the pathophysiological states affecting the testis. IL-1alpha, a proinflammatory cytokine, is expressed constitutively by the intact adult rat testis where it acts on germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells to regulate germ cell proliferation and steroidogenesis. The sequence identity of testicular IL-1alpha matches with the one secreted by activated macrophages in systemic immunity. The classical macrophage IL-1alpha is produced as 32 kDa precursor protein which is processed to mature 17 kDa IL-1alpha and a 16 kDa propiece. The rat testicular IL-1alpha, mainly secreted by Sertoli cells, was found to have molecular heterogeneity that can be observed both at the transcriptional and the translational levels. In the rat testis, two transcripts were found to be expressed with 941 bp and 767 bp (that lacks 174 bp) which were translated into 32 kDa and 24 kDa precursor proteins, respectively. The 32 kDa precursor protein is processed to the 17 kDa mature IL-1alpha. Identical transcripts are also shown to be present in cat, dog and pig. Most of the functional role is assigned to the mature 17 kDa IL-1alpha isoform. However, functional analysis of recombinant rat IL-1alpha isoforms showed that there was a clear biopotency difference between these forms in order of 17 kDa IL-1alpha>32proIL-1alpha>24proIL-1alpha. Furthermore, the mature 17 kDa tIL-1alpha has also been implicated in pathologies such as orchitis, relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in the testis and infertility disorders in men. Thus, tIL-1alpha may play an important functional role both in coordination of normal testicular physiology as well as in contributing to the disease states in the testis.

Leukemia inhibitory factor stimulates steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells via increasing the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has many physiological roles. However, its effects on Leydig cell development are still unclear. Rat immature and adult Leydig cells were cultured with different concentrations of LIF alone or in combination with luteinizing hormone (LH) for 24 h. LIF (1 and 10 ng/ml) significantly increased androgen production in immature Leydig cells, but had no effects on testosterone production in adult Leydig cells. Further studies revealed that LIF dose-dependently increased Star and Hsd17b3 expression levels in immature Leydig cells. Gene microarray revealed that the upregulation of anti-oxidative genes and Star might contribute to LIF-induced androgen production. In conclusion, LIF has stimulatory effects on androgen production in rat immature Leydig cells.

Abstract 1800: Inhibition of scavenger receptor class B type I suppresses androgen pathway activity and induces cytotoxic stress in C4-2 castration resistant prostate cancer cells

Abstract Existing therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) extend life and provide clinical benefit; however, patients continue to develop therapeutic resistance. Androgen pathway activity persists in CRPC even under maximal androgen blockade conditions. A proposed mechanism for continued androgen pathway signaling is de novo intratumoral synthesis of androgen receptor agonists from the precursor cholesterol. The high density lipoprotein(HDL)-cholesterol receptor, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), is upregulated in CRPC models in vitro and in vivo. Here, we test the hypothesis that SR-BI is a source of cholesterol for de novo steroidogenesis in CRPC cells using the castration-resistant LNCaP-derived cell line, C4-2. Cells were transfected with either non-targeted (NC) or stealth RNAi duplexes (Thermo Fisher) targeting SR-BI to silence protein expression (SR-B1 KD). Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in media from SR-B1 KD samples were reduced to 39% of that seen in control cell media (20.9 ± 1.4 ng/mL/μg protein SRBI-KD vs. 34.5 ± 2.4 ng/mL/μg protein NC; n = 4, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Intracellular testosterone concentrations measured by LC-MS showed a 2-fold reduction in SRBI-KD samples (0.20 ng/mL/mg) compared to NC (0.41 ng/mL/mg; n = 1). Additionally, SR-BI KD cells exhibited reduced cell viability as measured by MTS assay and induction of G1/S cell cycle arrest as assessed by propidium iodide staining cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry (70.9 ± 7.9% G0-G1 phase fraction SRBI-KD vs. 58.3 ± 4.1% NC; n = 4, p &amp;lt; 0.05). SR-BI KD cells exhibited evidence of increased cell stress relative to NC cells. SR-BI-KD cells showed elevated induction of autophagy as assessed by measuring changes in LC3-I:LC3-II ratio by immunoblotting and formation of autophagosomes by immunofluorescence, alongside induction of senescence as assessed by measuring senescence associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity using flow cytometry analysis and a fluorogenic substrate. Further, treating C4-2 cells with an established SR-B1 inhibitor, BLT-1, lead to decrease PSA secretion, and co-treatment with the common cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, simvastatin, synergistically decreased PSA secretion from C4-2 cells. These results suggest that under androgen-deprived conditions, SR-BI targeting can decrease androgen pathway signalling and induce cellular stress, leading to G1/S arrest and decreased proliferation in the absence of an apoptotic induction. Lastly, combined inhibition of cholesterol uptake (BLT-1) and synthesis (Simvastatin) lead to a synergistic decrease in PSA secretion indicating the possibility that a multi-faceted cholesterol blockade approach to CRPC treatment may improve response to maximal hormone blockade by disrupting intratumoral steroid production. Citation Format: Jacob A. Gordon, Ankur Midha, Mitali Pandey, Kishor Wasan, Michael E. Cox. Inhibition of scavenger receptor class B type I suppresses androgen pathway activity and induces cytotoxic stress in C4-2 castration resistant prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1800.

Abstract 1164: Semaphorin 3C promotes de novo steroidogenesis in androgen-deprived prostate cancer cells

Abstract Introduction: This project aims to study the biological role of Semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. We have found that SEMA3C is a key driver of prostate cancer (PCa) growth through activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cMet receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways. RTK signalling activation has been shown to induce de novo steroidogenesis, therefore we hypothesize that SEMA3C-mediated RTK signalling may contribute to CRPC progression through promotion of androgen biosynthesis in androgen-deprived PCa cells. Methods: LNCaP and 22Rv1 cells stably overexpressing SEMA3C were compared to mock transfected cells with respect to their in vitro steroidogenesis, secreted hormone levels were measured by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technique. Also the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and regulatory proteins were tested by quantitative PCR and western blotting. De novo steroidogenesis was detected by pulsing cells with C14-labeled acetate as a steroid precursor; production of intermediates was measured by scintillation. Results: Steroid analysis showed that SEMA3C overexpression can significantly elevate testosterone and dihydrotestosterone secretion by prostate cancer cells. SEMA3C is also able to upregulate STAR, CYP17A1, HSD17β3, AKR1C3 and SRD5A1 expression. Steroid analysis of SEMA3C-overexpressing LNCaP cells incubated with C14-labeled acetate resulted in the increase of the radioisotope-labeled testosterone and pregnenolone. Conclusions: These findings indicate that SEMA3C can promote steroid biosynthesis in androgen deprived prostate cancer cells, thereby SEMA3C signaling pathway can contribute to maintain active AR signaling in CRPC cells. This research line will be followed to measure intratumoral androgen level by inducing subcutaneously xenografted tumors in athymic nude mice. Tumor homogenates’ steroids will then be extracted and run on LC-MS system. Citation Format: Parvin Yenki, Hans Adomat, Chi Wing Cheng, Christopher Ong. Semaphorin 3C promotes de novo steroidogenesis in androgen-deprived prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1164.

Effects of butylated hydroxyanisole on the steroidogenesis of rat immature Leydig cells

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) is a synthetic antioxidant used for food preservation. Whether BHA affects testosterone biosynthesis is still unclear. The effects of BHA on the steroidogenesis in rat immature Leydig cells were investigated. Rat immature Leydig cells were isolated from 35-old-day rats and cultured with BHA (50 μM) for 3 h in combination with 22R-OH-cholesterol, pregnenolone, progesterone, androstenedione, testosterone or dihydrotestosterone, and the concentrations of 5α-androstanediol and testosterone in the media were measured. Leydig cells were cultured with BHA (0.05–50 μM) for 3 h. Q-PCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of following genes: Lhcgr, Scarb1, Star, Cyp11a1, Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, Srd5a1 and Akr1c14. The testis microsomes were prepared to detect the direct action of BHA on 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD3B1), 17α-hydroxylase (CYP17A1) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 activities. In Leydig cells, BHA (50 μM) significantly inhibited LH- and 8Br-cAMP-mediated androgen production. BHA directly inhibited rat testis CYP17A1 and HSD3B1 activities. At 50 μM, it also reduced the expression levels of Hsd17b3 and Srd5a1 and their protein levels. In conclusion, BHA directly inhibits the activities of CYP17A1 and HSD3B1, and the expression levels of Hsd17b3 and Srd5a1, leading to the lower production of androgen in Leydig cells.

Antimicrobial and antiviral effects of human defensins: pathogenetic value and prospective application to medicinal therapy

Defensins, the cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of phagocytes and epithelial cells, are the key effector molecules of the innate immune system providing the anti-infective host defense. Besides the antimicrobial action, AMPs exert a broad spectrum of varied effects towards host cells giving a ground for considering these peptides as possible biomodulatory molecules. The review outlines different types of the biological activity of structurally diverse AMPs. AMPs posses the potent antimicrobial, antiviruses and lipopolysaccharide-binding activity; some of them are cytotoxic for tumor and normal human cells in vitro, while others demonstrate the wound healing action. AMPs of the defensin family display the corticostatic activity: they inhibit stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) steroidogenesis in adrenal cells in vitro. We also showed that defensins and protegrin 3 abolish ACTH- or stress-induced increase of the corticosterone level in blood of experimental animals. Taken together, the described in the literature and our own data contribute to the idea that AMPs are the multifunctional molecules participating in the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune systems as well as between immune and neuroendocrine systems. It considers structure and mechanism of defensins interaction with lipid membrane and intracellular targets of pathogens. Special attention is paid to modern state and perspectives of defensins practical application and also to approaches that increase efficacy by chemical modification of their structure.