Androgen-responsive FOXP4 is a target for endometrial carcinoma.

Although low estrogen is considered to suppress uterine endometrial carcinoma, the most cases occur in the postmenopausal stage. After menopause, the production of androgen level also declines. Therefore, to resolve the above enigma, we hypothesize that the postmenopausal decline of androgen is a trigger of its progression. In the present study, to validate this hypothesis, we examine the pathological roles of androgen/AR by analyzing clinical data, culturing endometrioid cancer cell lines, and using murine models. Clinical data show that androgen receptor (AR) expression and serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are associated with lower disease-free survival (DFS). DHT suppresses malignant behaviors in AR-transfected human endometrial cancer cells (ECC). In ovariectomized Ptenff/PRcre/+ mice, DHT decreases the proliferation of spontaneously developed murine ECC. In AR-transfected human ECC and Ptenff/PRcre/+ mice, DHT suppresses FOXP4 expression. FOXP4-overexpressed human ECC increases, while FOXP4-knocked-down ECC shows decreased malignant behaviors. DHT/AR-mediated ECC suppression is restored by FOXP4 overexpression. The high FOXP4 expression is significantly correlated with low postoperative DFS. These findings indicate that the androgen/AR system suppresses the malignant activity of endometrial carcinoma and that downstream FOXP4 is another target molecule. These findings will also impact developments in clinical approaches to elderly health.

5α-reduction of epitestosterone is catalysed by human SRD5A1 and SRD5A2 and increases androgen receptor transactivation.

Epitestosterone is a stereoisomer of the active androgen testosterone and its circulating concentrations are similar to those of testosterone in women and children. However, its biological function and pathways of metabolism remain unknown. The structural similarity to testosterone suggests a potential function in the modulation of androgen receptor signalling. It is well established that the conversion of testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone enhances local androgen receptor signalling. In this study, we show that epitestosterone is metabolized to 5α-dihydroepitestosterone by both human steroid 5α-reductase isoforms, SRD5A1 and SRD5A2. Using two different variations of a reporter assay for transactivation of the human androgen receptor, we show that epitestosterone is a partial AR agonist and that the 5α-reduction of epitestosterone increases its androgenic activity. In line with this, we show that 5α-reduction of epitestosterone reduces its ability to antagonize 5α-dihydrotestosterone-induced androgen receptor transactivation. In conclusion, we provide evidence that steroid 5α-reductases regulate the modulatory effect of epitestosterone on androgen receptor signalling.

Blocking the dimerization of polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor protects cells from DHT-induced toxicity by increasing AR turnover.

Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neuromuscular degenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the androgen receptor (AR). This mutation causes AR to misfold and aggregate, contributing to toxicity in and degeneration of motor neurons and skeletal muscle. There is currently no effective treatment or cure for this disease. The role of an interdomain interaction between the amino- and carboxyl-termini of AR, termed the N/C interaction, has been previously identified as a component of androgen receptor-induced toxicity in cell and mouse models of SBMA. However, the mechanism by which this interaction contributes to disease pathology is unclear. This work seeks to investigate this mechanism by interrogating the role of AR homodimerization- a unique form of the N/C-interaction- in SBMA. We show that, although the AR N/C-interaction is reduced by polyglutamine-expansion, homodimers of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-bound AR are increased. Additionally, blocking homodimerization results in decreased AR aggregation and toxicity in cell models. Blocking homodimerization results in the increased degradation of AR, which likely plays a role in the protective effects of this mutation. Overall, this work identifies a novel mechanism in SBMA pathology that may represent a novel target for the development of therapeutics for this disease.

ß-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Promotes Cell Proliferation and Hair Growth by Reducing Oxidative Stress.

ß-Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has shown promising effects on intestinal health, and it is extensively applied as an anti-aging and Alzheimer's disease therapeutic, due to its medicinal properties. The effects of NMN on the growth of mouse hair were observed after hair removal. The results indicated that NMN can reverse the state of hair follicle atrophy, hair thinning, and hair sparsity induced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), compared to that of minoxidil. In addition, the action mechanisms of NMN promoting hair growth in cultured human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) treated with DHT were investigated in detail. The incubation of HDPCs with DHT led to a decrease in cell viability and the release of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1Beta (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor Alpha (TNF-α). It was found that NMN can significantly lower the release of inflammatory factors induced by DHT in HDPCs. HDPCs cells are protected from oxidative stress damage by NMN, which inhibits the NF-κB p65 inflammatory signaling pathway. Moreover, the levels of androgen receptor (AR), dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), and ß-catenin in the HDPCs were assessed using PCR, indicating that NMN can significantly enhance the expression of VEGF, reduced IL-6 levels and suppress the expression of AR and DKK-1, and notably increase ß-catenin expression in DHT-induced HDPCs.

Troxerutin dampened hypothalamic neuroinflammation via microglial IL-22/IL-22R1/IRF3 activation in dihydrotestosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common reproductive-endocrine condition in premenopausal women. Troxerutin, a common clinical anti-coagulant agent, was shown to work as a strong IL-22 boosting agent counteracting the hyperactivated gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and heightened GnRH release, the neuroendocrine origin of PCOS with unknown mechanism in rats. Exploring the off-label use of troxerutin medication for PCOS is thus sorely needed. METHODS: Serum IL-22 content and hypothalamic IL-22 protein were detected. Inflammatory factor levels in hypothalamo-pituitary were evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to determine the activation and M1/M2-prone polarization of microglia in arcuate hypothalamus and median eminence. RNA-sequencing and transcriptome analysis were applied to explore the potential driver of microglia M2-polarization in response to IL-22 bolstering effect. The function of microglial IL-22/IL-22R1/IRF3 system was further verified using in vivo knockdown of IL-22R1 and a potent IRF3 inhibitor in BV2 microglial cell lines in vitro. RESULTS: Troxerutin augmented serum IL-22 content, and its consequent spillover into the hypothalamus led to the direct activation of IL-22R1/IRF3 system on microglia, thereby promoted microglia M2 polarization in arcuate hypothalamus and median eminence, dampened hypothalamic neuroinflammation, inhibited hyperactive GnRH and rescued a breadth of PCOS-like traits in dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rats. The salutary effects of troxerutin treatment on hypothalamic neuroinflammation, microglial M1/2 polarization, GnRH secretion and numerous PCOS-like features were blocked by in vivo knockdown of IL-22R1. Moreover, evidence in vitro illustrated that IL-22 supplement to BV-2 microglia cell lines promoted M2 polarization, overproduction of anti-inflammatory marker and limitation of pro-inflammatory factors, whereas these IL-22 effects were blunted by geldanamycin, a potent IRF3 inhibitor. CONCLUSION: Here, the present study reported the potential off-label use of troxerutin medication, a common clinical anti-coagulant agent and an endogenous IL-22 enhancer, for multiple purposes in PCOS. The rational underlying the application of troxerutin as a therapeutic choice in PCOS derived from its activity as an IL-22 memetic agent targeting the neuro-endocrine origin of PCOS, and its promotive impact on microglia M2 polarization via activating microglial IL-22R1/IRF3 system in the arcuate hypothalamus and median eminence of DHT female rats.

A plasma membrane-associated form of the androgen receptor enhances nuclear androgen signaling in osteoblasts and prostate cancer cells.

Androgen binding to the androgen receptor (AR) in the cytoplasm induces the AR to translocate to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of target genes. Here, we found that androgens rapidly activated a plasma membrane-associated signaling node that enhanced nuclear AR functions. In murine primary osteoblasts, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to a membrane-associated form of AR stimulated plasma membrane-associated protein kinase G type 2 (PKG2), leading to the activation of multiple kinases, including ERK. Phosphorylation of AR at Ser515 by ERK increased the nuclear accumulation and binding of AR to the promoter of Ctnnb1, which encodes the transcription factor ß-catenin. In male mouse osteoblasts and human prostate cancer cells, DHT induced the expression of Ctnnb1 and CTNN1B, respectively, as well as ß-catenin target genes, stimulating the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of osteoblasts and the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in a PKG2-dependent fashion. Because ß-catenin is a master regulator of skeletal homeostasis, these results explain the reported male-specific osteoporotic phenotype of mice lacking PKG2 in osteoblasts and imply that PKG2-dependent AR signaling is essential for maintaining bone mass in vivo. Our results suggest that widely used pharmacological PKG activators, such as sildenafil, could be beneficial for male and estrogen-deficient female patients with osteoporosis but detrimental in patients with prostate cancer.

Alcohol does not influence trust in others or oxytocin, but increases positive affect and risk-taking: a randomized, controlled, within-subject trial.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption to facilitate social interaction is an important drinking motive. Here, we tested whether alcohol influences trust in others via modulation of oxytocin and/or androgens. We also aimed at confirming previously shown alcohol effects on positive affect and risk-taking, because of their role in facilitating social interaction. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, within-subject, parallel group, alcohol-challenge experiment investigated the effects of alcohol (versus water, both mixed with orange juice) on perceived trustworthiness via salivary oxytocin (primary and secondary endpoint) as well as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, positive affect, and risk-taking (additional endpoints). We compared 56 male participants in the alcohol condition (1.07 ± 0.18 per mille blood alcohol concentration) with 20 in the control condition. RESULTS: The group (alcohol versus control condition) × time (before [versus during] versus after drinking) interactions were not significantly associated with perceived trustworthiness (η2 < 0.001) or oxytocin (η2 = 0.003). Bayes factors provided also substantial evidence for the absence of these effects (BF01 = 3.65; BF01 = 7.53). The group × time interactions were related to dihydrotestosterone (η2 = 0.018 with an increase in the control condition) as well as positive affect and risk-taking (η2 = 0.027 and 0.007 with increases in the alcohol condition), but not significantly to testosterone. DISCUSSION: The results do not verify alcohol effects on perceived trustworthiness or oxytocin in male individuals. However, they indicate that alcohol (versus control) might inhibit an increase in dihydrotestosterone and confirm that alcohol amplifies positive affect and risk-taking. This provides novel mechanistic insight into social facilitation as an alcohol-drinking motive.

Incubation as a driver of maternal effects: Temperature influences levels of yolk maternally derived 5α-dihydrotestosterone.

In birds, maternal hormones deposited into eggs in response to environmental stimuli can impact offspring phenotype. Although less studied, environmental conditions can also influence females' incubation behavior, which might play a role in regulating embryo exposure to maternal hormones through changes in incubation temperature that affect the activity of the enzymes responsible for converting testosterone (T) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the initial T content of the yolk and incubation temperature determine exposure to T metabolites during early embryo development. In the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), we experimentally manipulated yolk T and incubation temperature (38° C versus 36° C) and analyzed DHT and estradiol titers on day four of incubation. We found that eggs with experimentally increased T and those incubated at 36° C showed higher DHT concentration in egg yolk (with no synergistic effect of the two treatments). Estradiol titers were not affected by T manipulation or incubation temperature. Our study suggests that incubation temperature influences DHT titers and may act as an understudied source of maternal influence on offspring phenotype.

In vitro hair growth-promoting effect of Lgr5-binding octapeptide in human primary hair cells.

BACKGROUND: Hair loss occurs due to various biological and environmental causes, which can have psychosocial consequences. The Wnt/ß-catenin signaling is well-known for its role in hair growth and regeneration, as it induces the proliferation and differentiation of hair cells. When the leucine-rich G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) interacts with the R-spondins, the frizzled receptor (FZD), a Wnt receptor, becomes stabilized, resulting in an increased ß-catenin activity. AIM: We investigated whether the octapeptide that binds to Lgr5 enhances proliferation and differentiation of human primary hair cells through the activation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. METHODS: The binding affinity of the octapeptide to Lgr5 was evaluated using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We confirmed changes in proliferation and related factors like ß-catenin activation and growth factors (GFs) expression in human hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HHFDPCs). Additionally, we observed the proliferation and the expression of differentiation markers in human hair follicle outer root sheath cells (HHFORSCs), human hair follicle germinal matrix cells (HHFGMCs), and human hair follicle stem cells (HHFSCs). We used three-dimensional HHFDPC spheroid culture treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to create in vitro conditions that mimic androgenetic alopecia, and we studied the effects of octapeptide on Wnt expression and HHFSC differentiation. RESULTS: The binding of the octapeptide to Lgr5 was confirmed using SPR analysis. In HHFDPCs, treatment with octapeptide resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in proliferation. We also observed increased nuclear translocation of ß-catenin and increased expression of its downstream targets. HHFDPCs treated with octapeptide exhibited increased expression of growth factors and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK. In addition, we confirmed that octapeptide increased proliferation and induced differentiation in HHFORSCs, HHFGMCs, and HHFSCs. Under the HHFDPC spheroid culture conditions, we found that octapeptide restored the inhibition of Wnt-5a and Wnt-10b expressions by DHT. In HHFSCs treated with HHFDPC spheroid culture media, we observed that octapeptide recovered the inhibition of differentiation by DHT. CONCLUSION: We found that octapeptides activated the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and induced the proliferation and differentiation of human primary hair cells by acting as an exogenous ligand for Lgr5. In addition, octapeptides recovered inhibited hair regeneration characters by DHT in androgenetic alopecia-mimic in vitro model. These findings suggest that octapeptides may be a promising therapeutic option for treating hair loss.

Selenium reduces acrylamide-induced testicular toxicity in rats by regulating HSD17B1, StAR, and CYP17A1 expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage.

This study investigated the effects of Selenium (Se) on testis toxicity induced by Acrylamide (ACR) in rats. In our study, 50 male adult rats were used, and the rats were divided into five groups; control, ACR, Se0.5 + ACR, Se1 + ACR, and Se1. Se and ACR treatments were applied for 10 days. On the 11th day of the experimental study, intracardiac blood samples from the rats were taken under anesthesia and euthanized. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated. Dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH levels in sera were analyzed with commercial ELISA kits. MDA, GSH, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels and SOD, GPx, and CAT, activities were measured to detect the level of oxidative stress and inflammation in rat testis tissues. Expression analysis of HSD17B1, StAR, CYP17A1, MAPk14, and P-53 as target mRNA levels were performed with Real Time-PCR System technology for each cDNA sample synthesized from rat testis RNA. Testicular tissues were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent examinations. Serum dihydrotestosterone and FSH levels decreased significantly in the ACR group compared to the control group, while LH levels increased and a high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. A high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. ACR-induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, changes in the expression of reproductive enzymes, some changes in sperm motility and morphology, DNA, and tissue damage, and Se administration prevented these pathologies caused by ACR. As a result of this study, it was determined that Se prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and DNA damage in testicular toxicity induced by ACR in rats.

Prostate cancer androgen biosynthesis relies solely on CYP17A1 downstream metabolites.

Prostate cancer (PC) is dependent on androgen receptor (AR) activation by testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Intratumoral androgen accumulation and activation despite systemic androgen deprivation therapy underlies the development of castration-resistant PC (CRPC), but the precise pathways involved remain controversial. Here we investigated the differential contributions of de novo androgen biosynthesis and androgen precursor conversion to androgen accumulation. Steroid flux analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed on (CR)PC cell lines and fresh patient PC tissue slices after incubation with classic and alternative biosynthesis intermediates, alongside quantitative PCR analysis for steroidogenic enzyme expression. Activity of CYP17A1 was undetectable in all PC cell lines and patient PC tissue slices. Instead, steroid flux analysis confirmed the generation of testosterone and DHT from adrenal precursors and reactivation of androgen metabolites. Precursor steroids upstream of DHEA were converted down the first steps of the alternative DHT biosynthesis pathway, but did not proceed through to active androgen generation. Comprehensive steroid flux analysis of (CR)PC cells provides strong evidence against intratumoral de novo androgen biosynthesis and demonstrates that androgen precursor steroids downstream of CYP17A1 activities constitute the major source of intracrine androgen generation.

N6-methyladenosine demethylase FTO related to hyperandrogenism in PCOS via AKT pathway.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) was known as the common endocrine disease in women, featured as hyperandrogenism, ovulation disorders, etc. Fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), a m6A demethylase, is abnormal in the occurrence of ovarian diseases. However, the mechanism of FTO in the pathogenesis of PCOS is still unclear. METHODS: The level of FTO in clinical samples, PCOS rat with hyperandrogenism and granulosa cells (GCs) lines effected by DHT were investigated by ELISA, qRT-PCR, WB, and IHC, while m6A RNA methylation level was studied by m6A Colorimetric and androgen level was tested through ELISA. Changes in steroid hormone synthetase and androgen receptor (AR)/prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in vitro were visualized by WB after transient transfection silenced FTO. The effect of DHT combined with FTO inhibitor meclofenamic acid (MA) on FTO, AR/PSA, and AKT phosphorylation were also demonstrated by WB. The co-localization of FTO and AR in KGN cells was analyzed by confocal microscopy, and the physiological interaction between FTO and AR was studied by Co-IP assay. The effect of FTO-specific inhibitor MA, AKT phosphorylation inhibitor LY294002, and the combined them on GCs proliferation and cell cycle were evaluated by drug combination index, EDU assay, and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: FTO expression was upregulated in follicular fluid and GCs in PCOS patients clinically. The high FTO expression in patients was negative with the level of m6A, but positive with the level of androgen. The upregulation of FTO was accompanied with a decrease in the level of m6A in PCOS rat with hyperandrogenism. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) promoted the FTO expression and inhibited m6A content as a dose-dependent way in vitro. In contrast, suppression of FTO with siRNA attenuated the expression of steroid hormone synthetase such as CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD11B1, HSD3B2 except CYP19A1 synthetase, ultimately inducing the decrease of androgen level. Suppression of FTO also decreased the biological activity of androgen through downregulation AR/PSA. MA treatment as the specific FTO antagonist decreased cell survival in time- and dose-dependent way in GCs lines. Correspondingly, MA treatment decreased the expression of FTO, AR/PSA expression, and AKT phosphorylation in the presence of DHT stimulation. Additionally, we also speculate there is a potential relation between FTO and AR according to FTO was co-localized and interacted with AR in KGN cells. Compared with AKT phosphorylation inhibitor LY294002 or MA alone, LY294002 combined with MA synergistically inhibited cell survival and increased G2/M phase arrest in GC line. CONCLUSIONS: We first evaluated the correlation of FTO and m6A in PCOS clinically, and further explored the mechanism between FTO and hyperandrogenism in PCOS animal and cell models. These findings contributed the potential therapy by targeting the FTO for hyperandrogenism in PCOS.

Cloning, computational analysis and expression profiling of steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 (SRD5A1) gene during reproductive phases and ovatide stimulation in endangered catfish, Clarias magur.

The cloning and characterization of the complete coding sequence of the Clarias magur SRD5A1 (CmSRD5A1) gene, which encodes an enzyme responsible for regulating steroid levels by converting testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), have been successfully achieved. DHT plays a vital role in enabling the complete expression of testosterone's actions in neuroendocrine tissues. The ORF of the full-length cDNA sequence of SRD5A1 was 795 bp, translating into 265 amino acids, with a total length of 836 bp including UTRs. Like other vertebrates, the signal peptide analysis revealed that SRD5A1 is a non-secretory protein, and hydropathy profiles indicated that it is hydrophobic in nature. The 3D structure of CmSRD5A1 sequence generated above was predicted using highly accurate AlphaFold 2 in Google Colab online platform. CmSRD5A1 contains seven transmembrane helices connected by six loops, with the N-termini located on the periplasmic side and C-termini on the cytosolic side. Structural superimposition with known bacterial and human SRD5As showed very high structural similarity. The electrostatic potential calculation and surface analysis of CmSRD5A1 revealed the presence of a large cavity with two openings one highly electropositive towards the cytosolic side and another relatively neutral towards the transmembrane region. The structural comparison revealed that the electropositive side of the cavity should bind to NADPH and the steroid hormone in the hydrophobic environment. Polar residues binding to NADPH are highly conserved and the same as known strictures. The conserved residues involved in hydrogen bonding with the ketone group at C-3 in the steroids hence fevering Δ4 double-bond reduction are identified as E66 and Y101. Our findings showed that SRD5A1 expression was lower during the spawning phase than the preparatory phase in female fish, while the administration of Ovatide (a GnRH analogue) resulted in up-regulation of expression after 6 h of injection in the ovary. In males, the lowest expression was observed during the preparatory phase and peaked at 16 h post- Ovatide injection in the testis. The expression of SRD5A1 in the brain of female fish was slightly higher during the Ovatide stimulation phase than the spawning phase. This study represents the first report on the cloning and characterization of the full-length cDNA of SRD5A1 in Indian catfish.

Bacterial expression, purification, and reconstitution of human steroid 5α-reductases in phospholipid liposomes and nanodiscs.

The two human steroid 5α-reductase (5αR) enzymes catalyze the conversion 3-keto-Δ4-steroids to their 5α-reduced congeners. In the genital skin and prostate, the type 2 isoenzyme converts testosterone (T) to the more potent androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and intracellular DHT is essential for the morphogenesis of the undifferentiated external genitalia to the male phenotype. Both isoenzymes also metabolize other 19- and 21-carbon 3-keto-Δ4-steroids, both endogenous compounds and some steroid-based drugs. Rigorous biochemical studies have been limited due to the extremely hydrophobic nature of these proteins. We have described the heterologous expression of these enzymes in bacteria, their purification with affinity chromatography, and the reconstitution of activity in liposomes. This article details these procedures, as well as reconstitution in phospholipid nanodiscs and enzyme assay.

Detection and quantification of UV-transparent keto-androgens by dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization for discontinuous kinetic assays.

Kinetic assays with recombinant enzymes are critical to determine the steady state kinetic parameters for androgen conversion to understand their role in androgen biosynthesis and metabolism. Detection and quantification of 5α-reduced androgens remain difficult to assay because they are UV-transparent compounds. Therefore, radioactive isotopic versions of these compounds are often required to conduct steady-state kinetics. Here we developed a derivatization protocol with dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) to form hydrazones on the ketones of androgens enabling them to be detected by UV-reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). We determined the kinetic parameters for the conversion of 5α-androstane-3,17-dione (5AD) to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 11-keto-5α-androstane-3,17-dione (11K-5AD) to 11-keto-5α-dihydrotestosterone (11K-DHT), and 11ß-hydroxy-5α-androstane-3,17-dione (11ß-OH-5AD) to 11ß-hydroxy-5α-dihydrotestosterone (11ß-OH-DHT) catalyzed by recombinant aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) as measured by product formation post DNPH derivatization.

Tomato lipidic extract plus selenium decrease prostatic hyperplasia, dihydrotestosterone and androgen receptor expression versus finasteride in rats.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the therapeutic effect of a tomato lipidic extract (STE) in combination with selenium (Se) on rats with prostatic hyperplasia (PH) and to observe its possible mechanisms of action and synergism versus finasteride. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 54 male Wistar rats of nine weeks old were divided in Control (C), PH, Finasteride (F), STE, Se, F + STE, F + Se, STE + Se and F + STE + Se with testosterone enanthate (except C). After 4 weeks of treatment administration, prostate weight, bladder weight, diuresis, prooxidant and antioxidant activity, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), androgen receptor (AR) expression and anatomopathological analysis were determined. RESULTS: STE + Se decreased prostate weight 53.8% versus 28% in F group, also STE + Se decreased significatively glandular hyperplasia, prooxidant activity, DHT and AR expression and increased diuresis and antioxidant activity versus finasteride which increased MDA in prostate. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a greater therapeutic and beneficial effect of tomato lipidic extract in combination with Se in young rats with PH with respect to finasteride without increase prooxidant activity.

Defective Uterine Spiral Artery Remodeling and Placental Senescence in a Pregnant Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Pregnancy-related problems have been linked to impairments in maternal uterine spiral artery (SpA) remodeling. The mechanisms underlying this association are still unclear. It is also unclear whether hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, the two common manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome, affect uterine SpA remodeling. We verified previous work in which exposure to 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) in rats during pregnancy resulted in hyperandrogenism, insulin intolerance, and higher fetal mortality. Exposure to DHT and INS dysregulated the expression of angiogenesis-related genes in the uterus and placenta and also decreased expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and matrix metallopeptidases 2 and 9, increased fibrotic collagen deposits in the uterus, and reduced expression of marker genes for SpA-associated trophoblast giant cells. These changes were related to a greater proportion of unremodeled uterine SpAs and a smaller proportion of highly remodeled arteries in DHT + INS-exposed rats. Placentas from DHT + INS-exposed rats exhibited decreased basal and labyrinth zone regions, reduced maternal blood spaces, diminished labyrinth vascularity, and an imbalance in the abundance of vascular and smooth muscle proteins. Furthermore, placentas from DHT + INS-exposed rats showed expression of placental insufficiency markers and a significant increase in cell senescence-associated protein levels. Altogether, this work demonstrates that increased pregnancy complications in polycystic ovary syndrome may be mediated by problems with uterine SpA remodeling, placental functionality, and placental senescence.

Occurrence and conversion of progestogens and androgens are conserved in land plants.

Progestogens and androgens have been found in many plants, but little is known about their biosynthesis and the evolution of steroidogenesis in these organisms. Here, we show that the occurrence and biosynthesis of progestogens and androgens are conserved across the viridiplantae lineage. An UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method allowed high-throughput analysis of the occurrence and chemical conversion of progestogens and androgens in 41 species across the green plant lineage. Dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone are plants' most abundant mammalian-like steroids. Progestogens are converted into 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 5α-pregnane-3,20-dione. Androgens are converted into testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. 17,20-Lyases, essential for converting progestogens to androgens, seem to be most effective in monocot species. Our data suggest that the occurrence of progestogens and androgens is highly conserved in plants, and their biosynthesis might favor a route using the Δ4 pathway.

Trapa bispinosa Roxb. Pericarp Extract Exerts 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activity in Castrated Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Model Mice.

Trapa bispinosa Roxb. pericarp extract (TBE) has a polyphenol-rich composition and exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-glycation activities in vitro. In the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of TBE on 5α-reductase in vitro using LNCaP cells and in vivo using a mouse model of castrated benign prostatic hyperplasia. TBE showed concentration-dependent inhibitory effects in the 5α-reductase (5αR) activity assay. In a reporter assay using AR-Luc/LNCaP cells, TBE inhibited the activity induced by testosterone, but not that induced by dihydrotestosterone. TBE also suppressed prostate cell proliferation, prostate-specific antigens, and transmembrane protease serine 2 expression in a castrated benign prostatic hyperplasia mouse model. In addition, ellagic acid, but not gallic acid, decreased 5αR and AR-Luc activities. Together, these results suggest a potential role for TBE in benign prostatic hyperplasia through inhibition of 5αR.

Effects of photobiomodulation at various irradiances on normal and dihydrotestosterone-treated human hair dermal papilla cells in vitro.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to androgen receptors in dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising treatment for AGA but suffers from inconsistent outcomes and inconsistent effective light parameters. This study investigated the impact of red light at various irradiances on normal and DHT-treated DPCs. Our results suggested that red light at 8 mW/cm2 was most effective in promoting DPCs growth. Furthermore, a range of irradiances from 2 to 64 mW/cm2 modulated key signaling pathways, including Wnt, FGF, and TGF, in normal and DHT-treated DPCs. Interestingly, 8 mW/cm2 had a greater impact on these pathways in DHT-treated DPCs and altered the Shh pathway, suggesting that the effect of PBM varies with the cellular environment. This study highlights specific factors that influence PBM effectiveness and provides insight into the need for personalized PBM treatment approaches.