A pre-vertebrate endodermal origin of calcitonin-producing neuroendocrine cells.

Vertebrate calcitonin-producing cells (C-cells) are neuroendocrine cells that secrete the small peptide hormone calcitonin in response to elevated blood calcium levels. Whereas mouse C-cells reside within the thyroid gland and derive from pharyngeal endoderm, avian C-cells are located within ultimobranchial glands and have been reported to derive from the neural crest. We use a comparative cell lineage tracing approach in a range of vertebrate model systems to resolve the ancestral embryonic origin of vertebrate C-cells. We find, contrary to previous studies, that chick C-cells derive from pharyngeal endoderm, with neural crest-derived cells instead contributing to connective tissue intimately associated with C-cells in the ultimobranchial gland. This endodermal origin of C-cells is conserved in a ray-finned bony fish (zebrafish) and a cartilaginous fish (the little skate, Leucoraja erinacea). Furthermore, we discover putative C-cell homologs within the endodermally-derived pharyngeal epithelium of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis and the amphioxus Branchiostoma lanceolatum, two invertebrate chordates that lack neural crest cells. Our findings point to a conserved endodermal origin of C-cells across vertebrates and to a pre-vertebrate origin of this cell type along the chordate stem.

Critically evaluated key points on hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) accounts for only 3% of all thyroid carcinomas: 75% as sporadic MTC (sMTC) and 25% as hereditary MTC (hMTC) in the context of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Early diagnosis is possible by determining the tumour marker calcitonin (Ctn) when clarifying nodular goitre and by detecting the mutation in the proto-oncogene RET in the MEN2 families. If the Ctn level is only slightly elevated, up to 30 pg/ml in women and up to 60 pg/ml in men, follow-up checks are advisable. At higher levels, surgery should be considered; at a level of > 100 pg/ml, surgery is always advisable. The treatment of choice is total thyroidectomy, possibly with central lymphadenectomy. In the early stage, cure is possible with adequate surgery; in the late stage, treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is an option. RET A mutation analysis should be performed on all patients with MTC. During follow-up, a biochemical distinction is made between: healed (Ctn not measurably low), biochemically incomplete (Ctn increased without tumour detection) and structural tumour detection (metastases on imaging). After MTC surgery, the following results should be available for classification in follow-up care: (i) histology, Ctn immunohistology if necessary, (ii) classification according to the pTNM scheme, (iii) the result of the RET analysis for categorisation into the hereditary or sporadic variant and (iiii) the postoperative Ctn value. Tumour progression is determined by assessing the Ctn doubling time and the RECIST criteria on imaging. In most cases, "active surveillance" is possible. In the case of progression and symptoms, the following applies: local (palliative surgery, radiotherapy) before systemic (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).

Tuning the double lipidation of salmon calcitonin to introduce a pore-like membrane translocation mechanism.

A widespread strategy to increase the transport of therapeutic peptides across cellular membranes has been to attach lipid moieties to the peptide backbone (lipidation) to enhance their intrinsic membrane interaction. Efforts in vitro and in vivo investigating the correlation between lipidation characteristics and peptide membrane translocation efficiency have traditionally relied on end-point read-out assays and trial-and-error-based optimization strategies. Consequently, the molecular details of how therapeutic peptide lipidation affects it's membrane permeation and translocation mechanisms remain unresolved. Here we employed salmon calcitonin as a model therapeutic peptide and synthesized nine double lipidated analogs with varying lipid chain lengths. We used single giant unilamellar vesicle (GUV) calcein influx time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to determine how tuning the lipidation length can lead to an All-or-None GUV filling mechanism, indicative of a peptide mediated pore formation. Finally, we used a GUVs-containing-inner-GUVs assay to demonstrate that only peptide analogs capable of inducing pore formation show efficient membrane translocation. Our data provided the first mechanistic details on how therapeutic peptide lipidation affects their membrane perturbation mechanism and demonstrated that fine-tuning lipidation parameters could induce an intrinsic pore-forming capability. These insights and the microscopy based workflow introduced for investigating structure-function relations could be pivotal for optimizing future peptide design strategies.

Molecular Insights into the Effects of F16L and F19L Substitutions on the Conformation and Aggregation Dynamics of Human Calcitonin.

Human calcitonin (hCT) regulates calcium-phosphorus metabolism, but its amyloid aggregation disrupts physiological activity, increases thyroid carcinoma risk, and hampers its clinical use for bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and Paget's disease. Improving hCT with targeted modifications to mitigate amyloid formation while maintaining its function holds promise as a strategy. Understanding how each residue in hCT's amyloidogenic core affects its structure and aggregation dynamics is crucial for designing effective analogues. Mutants F16L-hCT and F19L-hCT, where Phe residues in the core are replaced with Leu as in nonamyloidogenic salmon calcitonin, showed different aggregation kinetics. However, the molecular effects of these substitutions in hCT are still unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the folding and self-assembly conformational dynamics of hCT, F16L-hCT, and F19L-hCT through multiple long-time scale independent atomistic discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations. Our results indicated that the hCT monomer primarily assumed unstructured conformations with dynamic helices around residues 4-12 and 14-21. During self-assembly, the amyloidogenic core of hCT14-21 converted from dynamic helices to ß-sheets. However, substituting F16L did not induce significant conformational changes, as F16L-hCT exhibited characteristics similar to those of wild-type hCT in both monomeric and oligomeric states. In contrast, F19L-hCT exhibited substantially more helices and fewer ß-sheets than did hCT, irrespective of their monomers or oligomers. The substitution of F19L significantly enhanced the stability of the helical conformation for hCT14-21, thereby suppressing the helix-to-ß-sheet conformational conversion. Overall, our findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying hCT aggregation and the effects of F16L and F19L substitutions on the conformational dynamics of hCT, highlighting the critical role of F19 as an important target in the design of amyloid-resistant hCT analogs for future clinical applications.

Unraveling the underlying mechanisms of reduced amyloidogenic properties in human calcitonin via double mutations.

The therapeutic efficacy of peptide-based drugs is commonly hampered by the intrinsic propensity to aggregation. A notable example is human calcitonin (hCT), a peptide hormone comprising 32 amino acids, which is synthesized and secreted by thyroid gland parafollicular cells (C cells). This hormone plays a vital role in regulating blood calcium levels and upholding bone integrity. Despite its physiological importance, utilizing hCT as a drug is hampered by its inclination to form amyloid. To address this limitation, an alternative is provided by salmon calcitonin (sCT), which possesses a lower aggregation propensity. Although sharing the same disulfide bond at the N terminus as hCT, sCT differs from hCT at a total of 16 amino acid positions. However, due to the dissimilarity in sequences, using sCT as a clinical replacement occasionally results in adverse side effects in patients. Earlier investigations have highlighted the significant roles of Tyr-12 and Asn-17 in inducing the formation of amyloid fibrils. By introducing double mutations at these sites, the ability to hinder aggregation can be significantly augmented. This study delves into the oligomerization and helical structure formation of the hCT double mutant (Y12LN17H hCT, noted as DM hCT), as well as two single mutants (Y12L and N17H), aiming to elucidate the mechanism behind hCT fibrillization. In addition, computational prediction tools were employed again to identify potential substitutes. Although the results yielded were not entirely satisfactory, a comparison between the newly examined and previously found hCT double mutants provides insights into the reduced aggregation propensity of the latter. This research endeavor holds the promise of informing the design of more effective therapeutic peptide drugs in the future.

Protectin D1 ameliorates non-compressive lumbar disc herniation through SIRT1-mediated CGRP signaling.

Background. Neuro-inflammatory response promotes the initiation and sustenance of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Protectin D1 (PD1), as a new type of specialized pro-resolving mediator (SPM), can improve the prognosis of various inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have shown that over representation of calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRP) may activate nociceptive signaling following nerve injury. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is ubiquitously expressed in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and plays a role in the pathogenesis of LDH. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effects of PD1 and elucidated the impact of neurogenic inflammation in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain induced by non-compressive lumbar disc herniation (NCLDH) in a rat model. Methods. NCLDH models were established by applying protruding autologous nucleus pulposus to the L5 Dorsal root ganglion (DRG). PD1, SIRT1 antagonist or agonist, CGRP or antagonist were administered as daily intrathecal injections for three consecutive days postoperatively. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. The ipsilateral lumbar (L4-6) segment of the spinal dorsal horn was isolated for further analysis. Alterations in the release of SIRT1 and CGRP were explored using western blot and immunofluorescence. Results. Application of protruded nucleus (NP) materials to the DRG induced mechanical and thermal allodynia symptoms, and deregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in rats. Intrathecal delivery of PD1 significantly reversed the NCLDH-induced imbalance in neuro-inflammatory response and alleviated the symptoms of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, NP application to the DGRs resulted the spinal upregulation of CGRP and SIRT1 expression, which was almost restored by intrathecal injection of PD1 in a dose-dependent manner. SIRT1 antagonist or agonist and CGRP or antagonist treatment further confirmed the result. Conclusion. Our findings indicate PD1 has a potent analgesic effect, and can modulate neuro-inflammation by regulating SIRT1-mediated CGRP signaling in NCLDH.

Diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento do carcinoma medular de tireoide: recomendações do Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia / Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma: recommendations by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

Introdução O carcinoma medular de tireoide (CMT) origina-se das células parafoliculares da tireoide e corresponde a 3-4% das neoplasias malignas da glândula. Aproximadamente 25% dos casos de CMT são hereditários e decorrentes de mutações ativadoras no proto-oncogene RET (REarranged during Transfection). O CMT é uma neoplasia de curso indolente, com taxas de sobrevida dependentes do estádio tumoral ao diagnóstico. Este artigo descreve diretrizes baseadas em evidências clínicas para o diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento do CMT. Objetivo O presente consenso, elaborado por especialistas brasileiros e patrocinado pelo Departamento de Tireoide da Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, visa abordar o diagnóstico, tratamento e seguimento dos pacientes com CMT, de acordo com as evidências mais recentes da literatura. Materiais e métodos: Após estruturação das questões clínicas, foi realizada busca das evidências disponíveis na literatura, inicialmente na base de dados do MedLine-PubMed e posteriormente nas bases Embase e SciELO – Lilacs. A força das evidências, avaliada pelo sistema de classificação de Oxford, foi estabelecida a partir do desenho de estudo utilizado, considerando-se a melhor evidência disponível para cada questão. Resultados Foram definidas 11 questões sobre o diagnóstico, 8 sobre o tratamento cirúrgico e 13 questões abordando o seguimento do CMT, totalizando 32 recomendações. Como um todo, o artigo aborda o diagnóstico clínico e molecular, o tratamento cirúrgico inicial, o manejo pós-operatório e as opções terapêuticas para a doença metastática. Conclusões O diagnóstico de CMT deve ser suspeitado na presença de nódulo tireoidiano e história ...

Introduction Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) originates in the thyroid parafollicular cells and represents 3-4% of the malignant neoplasms that affect this gland. Approximately 25% of these cases are hereditary due to activating mutations in the REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene. The course of MTC is indolent, and survival rates depend on the tumor stage at diagnosis. The present article describes clinical evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of MTC. Objective The aim of the consensus described herein, which was elaborated by Brazilian experts and sponsored by the Thyroid Department of the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism, was to discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of individuals with MTC in accordance with the latest evidence reported in the literature. Materials and methods: After clinical questions were elaborated, the available literature was initially surveyed for evidence in the MedLine-PubMed database, followed by the Embase and Scientific Electronic Library Online/Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature (SciELO/Lilacs) databases. The strength of evidence was assessed according to the Oxford classification of evidence levels, which is based on study design, and the best evidence available for each question was selected. Results Eleven questions corresponded to MTC diagnosis, 8 corresponded to its surgical treatment, and 13 corresponded to follow-up, for a total of 32 recommendations. The present article discusses the clinical and molecular diagnosis, initial surgical treatment, and postoperative management of MTC, as well as the therapeutic options for metastatic disease. Conclusions 7 .

Niveles de procalcitonina en sepsis: ¿marcador discriminante? / Procalcitonin levels in sepsis: it is discriminative marker?

El diagnóstico de sepsis es un reto constante para el intensivista, siendo motivo de debate permanente en la literatura y al lado de la cama del paciente. La procalcitonina (PCT) es una proteína, de origen incierto, reportada como marcador diferencial en situaciones clínicas de inflamación sistémica secundaria a infecciones. La mayoría de los estudios acumulados son pequeños y observacionales. Son pocos los que han enfrentado la pregunta de diferenciar entre sepsis y SRIS de manera prospectiva y metodológicamente adecuada. Los resultados no son concluyentes. En Chile no hay trabajos publicados al respecto. Por lo antes expuesto, decidimos realizar un trabajo de investigación cuyo objetivo fue definir el valor de las concentraciones plasmáticas de PCT en el diagnóstico de sepsis y al mismo tiempo poder discriminar mejor pacientes con SRIS. La metodología fue a través de un estudio prospectivo, reclutando a treinta y tres pacientes admitidos en forma consecutiva a la Unidad de Pacientes Críticos de la Clínica Santa María entre agosto y octubre de 2002. Los criterios de inclusión fueron estadía esperada de más de 24 horas y criterios de Síndrome de Respuesta Inflamatoria Sistémica (SRIS) según el American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Criteria. Se midieron las concentraciones plasmáticas de PCT y proteína C reactiva (PCR) durante su estadía en la unidad. Cada paciente fue evaluado diariamente buscando signos de infección localizada o sistémica, estableciéndose 2 grupos: SRIS (17 pacientes) y sepsis (16 pacientes). Las medianas de concentraciones plasmáticas de PCR para pacientes con SRIS y sepsis fueron de 94 (IC 95 por ciento 64, 10-151,78) y 141,5 (IC 95 por ciento 118,59-185,69) mg/L respectivamente (p =0,084); las medianas de concentraciones plasmáticas de PCT en SRIS y sepsis fueron de 0,41 (IC 95 por ciento 0,37-0,55) y 7,47 (IC 95 por ciento 2,59-37,30) ng/L respectivamente (p = 0,0001). A través de un modelo de regresión logística se encontró que PCT es un factor que discrimina significativamente (p =0,003) entre sepsis y SRIS. Se encontró que un punto de corte de PCT _>1,44 arroja una sensibilidad y especificidad de 87,5 por ciento y 94,1 por ciento respectivamente. No se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa con PCR.

1, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates growth and inhibits calcitonin secretion in a human C cell carcinoma cell line

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), calcitonin (CT) and parathyroid hormone are the major calcium-regulating hormones. In addition, 1,25D3 has been reported to be a modulator of cell growth and differentiation in many tissues. recently, a suppressive effect of 1,25D3 on CT secretion and synthesis in C cells was demonstrated in vivo and also in vitro, but there are no data about in effects on thyroid C cell growth. We investigated the effects of [3H]-1,25D3 on basal and stimulated CT secretion and on [3H]-thymidine incorporation, using a human medullary thyroid carcinoma cell line (TT cells). After a 4-day expossure to 1,25D3, TT cells showed a dose-dependent inhibition of basal CT secretion (64 per cento of value for the control group at 100 nM 1,25D3). calcium (3mM) plus K+ (50mM) greatly increased CT secretion in both the control and vitamin D-treated groups. However, in the cells preincubated with 1,25D3 the stimulated CT levels less than observed in controls. A dose-dependent increase in [3H]-thymidine incorporation (200 per cent of the value for the at 100 nM 1,25D3) and in cell number (150 per cent of the value for the control group at 100 nM 1,25D3 after 72h) was observed in the groups treated with 1,25D3. 24,25D3 had no effect on CT secretion or cell growth compared to the control group. These data show that 1,25D3 decreased basal and Ca2+-stimulated CT secretion, a specialized function of these cells, and stimulated their growth. Hence, in contrast to its effects on other cell lines, 1,25D3 appears to induce a dedifferentiation on TT cell

Açöes do 17B-estradiol sobre a secreçäo de calcitonina "in vitro" / Action of 17B-estradiol on calcitonin secretion \"in vitro\"

Em doses farmacológicas a Calcitonina (CT) é tida como um hormônio poupador de cálcio (Ca) e protetor da massa óssea. Devido a isto, tem sido utilizada como alternativa terapêutica das osteoporose pós-menopáusica, doença de grande prevalência entre as mulheres. O papel da CT no desenvolvimento desta forma de osteoporose, entretanto, apesar do grande número de trabalhos respeito, ainda permanece controverso na literatura, assim como a existência de um efeito direto dos estrógenos sobre a secreçao e síntese de CT. Nossa proposta foi avaliar a açao do 17B-estradiol (E2) sobre a secreçao basal e estimulada de CT "in-vitro". Para isso utilizamos uma linhagem de células de carcinoma medular de tireóide humano (TT), na qual já havia sido descrita a presença de receptores estrogênicos. Estudamos o efeito de diferentes concentraçoes de E2 (1 e 100nM) sobre a secreçao basal de CT após períodos de incubaçao que variaram de 6 horas a 6 dias, além do efeito sobre a estimulaçao das células com TPA+Forskolina após 6 dias de pré-incubaçao com E2. A incubaçao das células TT com E2 nao resultou em nenhum incremento na secreçao basal ou estimulada de CT em comparaçao aos grupos controles, em nenhum dos períodos de tempo estudados. O efeito observado, ao contrário, foi de inibiçao transitória da secreçao de CT, de forma dose-dependente (80,5 porcento e 59,1 porcento do controle para 1 a 100 nM respectivamente), cujo nadir apresentou-se após 24h de incubaçao, retornando aos níveis dos grupos controles após 72h. Somado a isto, E2 levou a um efeito estimulatório dose-dependente sonre o conteúdo celular protéico, mas sem qualquer efeito sobre a incorporaçao de timidina triciada, indicando induzir a uma hipertrofia ao invés de uma hiperplasia das células TT. Os dados obtidos demonstraram ausência de qualquer efeito estimulatório direto do E2 sobre a secreçao basal ou estimulada de CT, revelando adicionalmente em efeito de inibiçao transitória na secreçao de CT. (Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab 1994; 38/1:23-28).

Dinâmica da secreçäo de calcitonina em cultura de tecido de carcinoma medular de tireóide / Dynamics od calcitomin secretion in tissue culture of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Estudou-se a dinâmica da secreçäo in vitro da calcitonina produzida por um carcinoma medular de tireóide. Quatorze dias após cultivo do carcinoma medular de tireóide, adicionou-se cloreto de cálcio (20 mM), cloreto de magnésio (20mM), glucagon (6 x 10-6 M) e pentagastrina (3 x 10-6 M). O cloreto de sódio (20mM) foi usado como controle. A calcitonina foi dosada por radioimunoensaio, usando duplo anticorpo. A relaçäo concentraçäo de calcitonina do meio: conteúdo de proteína de cada frasco foi considerada. Notaram-se acréscimos evidentes na secreçäo decalcitonina, em relaçäo ao ensaio controle, 4 horas após a adiçäo de todos produtos testados. Os delta% em relaçäo ao experimento controle foram de 60, 264, 50 e 48, após acréscimo de magnésio, cálcio, pentagastrina e glucagon, respectivamente. O sistema montado pode ser útil no futuro para testar qumioterápicos que atuem sobre o carcinoma medular de tireóide

Metabolismo fósforo-cálcio en el niño / Calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the child

Se estudia el metabolismo fósforo-cálcico en el niño. Se insiste en su regulación hormonal, así como en la interrelación que las diferentes hormonas tienen entre sí

Níveis de calcitonina em cultura de tecido de carcinoma medular de tireóide / Calcitonin levels in tissue culture of medullary thyroid carcinoma

Uma amostra de carcinoma medular de tireóide foi cultivada por 29 dias, tendo-se dosado a CT secretada para o meio de cultura a cada 24-48 h. Os níveis iniciais de CT (> 1000 pg/ml) demonstraram queda gradativa até o 20§ dia (110 pg/ml). Entre os dias 20 e 29, os níveis de CT secretada para o meio se mantiveram constantes. Esta abordagem abre uma nova oportunidade em nosso meio no estudo deste tumor e na sua confirmaçäo diagnóstica