Transcriptomic and lipid profiling analysis reveals a functional interplay between testosterone and growth hormone in hypothyroid liver.

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that hypothyroidism might cause hepatic endocrine and metabolic disturbances with features that mimic deficiencies of testosterone and/or GH. The absence of physiological interactions between testosterone and GH can be linked to male differentiated liver diseases. Testosterone plays relevant physiological effects on somatotropic-liver axis and liver composition and the liver is a primary organ of interactions between testosterone and GH. However, testosterone exerts many effects on liver through complex and poorly understood mechanisms. Testosterone impacts liver functions by binding to the Androgen Receptor, and, indirectly, through its conversion to estradiol, and cooperation with GH. However, the role of testosterone, and its interaction with GH, in the hypothyroid liver, remains unclear. In the present work, the effects of testosterone, and how they impact on GH-regulated whole transcriptome and lipid composition in the liver, were studied in the context of adult hypothyroid-orchiectomized rats. Testosterone replacement positively modulated somatotropic-liver axis and impacted liver transcriptome involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition, testosterone enhanced the effects of GH on the transcriptome linked to lipid biosynthesis, oxidation-reduction, and metabolism of unsaturated and long-chain fatty acids (FA). However, testosterone decreased the hepatic content of cholesterol esters and triacylglycerols and increased fatty acids whereas GH increased neutral lipids and decreased polar lipids. Biological network analysis of the effects of testosterone on GH-regulated transcriptome confirmed a close connection with crucial proteins involved in steroid and fatty acid metabolism. Taken together, this comprehensive analysis of gene expression and lipid profiling in hypothyroid male liver reveals a functional interplay between testosterone and pulsed GH administration.

Chemical-proteomics Identify Peroxiredoxin-1 as an Actionable Target in Triple-negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat; therefore, the development of drugs directed against its oncogenic vulnerabilities is a desirable goal. Herein, we report the antitumor effects of CM728, a novel quinone-fused oxazepine, against this malignancy. CM728 potently inhibited TNBC cell viability and decreased the growth of MDA-MB-231-induced orthotopic tumors. Furthermore, CM728 exerted a strong synergistic antiproliferative effect with docetaxel in vitro and this combination was more effective than the individual treatments in vivo. Chemical proteomic approaches revealed that CM728 bound to peroxiredoxin-1 (Prdx1), thereby inducing its oxidation. Molecular docking corroborated these findings. CM728 induced oxidative stress and a multi-signal response, including JNK/p38 MAPK activation and STAT3 inhibition. Interestingly, Prdx1 downregulation mimicked these effects. Finally, CM728 led to DNA damage, cell cycle blockage at the S and G2/M phases, and the activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Taken together, our results identify a novel compound with antitumoral properties against TNBC. In addition, we describe the mechanism of action of this drug and provide a rationale for the use of Prdx1 inhibitors, such as CM728, alone or in combination with other drugs, for the treatment of TNBC.

SOCS2 protects against chemical-induced hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating inflammation and cell proliferation in the liver.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide, but the precise intracellular mechanisms underlying the progression of this inflammation associated cancer are not well established. SOCS2 protein plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of different tumors by regulating cytokine signalling through the JAK/STAT axis. However, its role in HCC is unclear. Here, we investigate the role of SOCS2 in HCC progression and its potential as HCC biomarker. The effects of SOCS2 in HCC progression were evaluated in an experimental model of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC in C57BL/6 and SOCS2 deficient mice, in cultured hepatic cells, and in liver samples from HCC patients. Mice lacking SOCS2 showed higher liver tumor burden with increased malignancy grade, inflammation, fibrosis, and proliferation than their controls. Protein and gene expression analysis reported higher pSTAT5 and pSTAT3 activation, upregulation of different proteins involved in survival and proliferation, and increased levels of proinflammatory and pro-tumoral mediators in the absence of SOCS2. Clinically relevant, downregulated expression of SOCS2 was found in neoplasia from HCC patients compared to healthy liver tissue, correlating with the malignancy grade. In summary, our data show that lack of SOCS2 increases susceptibility to chemical-induced HCC and suggest the tumor suppressor role of this protein by regulating the oncogenic and inflammatory responses mediated by STAT5 and STAT3 in the liver. Hence, SOCS2 emerges as an attractive target molecule and potential biomarker to deepen in the study of HCC treatment.

Discovery of Highly Functionalized 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-ones That Exhibit Antiestrogenic Effects in Breast and Endometrial Cancer Cells and Potentiate the Antitumoral Effect of Tamoxifen.

Tamoxifen improves the overall survival rate in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients. However, despite the fact that it exerts antagonistic effects on the ERα, it can act as a partial agonist, resulting in tumor growth in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In this study, highly functionalized 5-hydroxy-2H-pyrrol-2-ones were synthesized and evaluated by using ERα- and phenotype-based screening assays. Compounds 32 and 35 inhibited 17ß-estradiol (E2)-stimulated ERα-mediated transcription of the luciferase reporter gene in breast cancer cells without inhibition of the transcriptional activity mediated by androgen or glucocorticoid receptors. Compound 32 regulated E2-stimulated ERα-mediated transcription by partial antagonism, whereas compound 35 caused rapid and non-competitive inhibition. Monitoring of 2D and 3D cell growth confirmed potent antitumoral effects of both compounds on ER-positive breast cancer cells. Furthermore, compounds 32 and 35 caused apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle of ER-positive breast cancer cells in the sub-G1 and G0/G1 phases. Interestingly, compound 35 suppressed the functional activity of ERα in the uterus, as demonstrated by the inhibition of E2-stimulated transcription of estrogen and progesterone receptors and alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity. Compound 35 showed a relatively low binding affinity with ERα. However, its antiestrogenic effect was associated with an increased polyubiquitination and a reduced protein expression of ERα. Clinically relevant, a possible combinatory therapy with compound 35 may enhance the antitumoral efficacy of 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen in ER-positive breast cancer cells. In silico ADME predictions indicated that these compounds exhibit good drug-likeness, which, together with their potential antitumoral effects and their lack of estrogenic activity, offers a pharmacological opportunity to deepen the study of ER-positive breast cancer treatment.

Design, Semisynthesis, and Estrogenic Activity of Lignan Derivatives from Natural Dibenzylbutyrolactones.

Based on molecular docking studies on the ERα, a series of lignan derivatives (3-16) were designed and semisynthesized from the natural dibenzylbutyrolactones bursehernin (1) and matairesinol dimethyl ether (2). To examine their estrogenic and antiestrogenic potencies, the effects of these compounds on estrogen receptor element (ERE)-driven reporter gene expression and viability in human ER+ breast cancer cells were evaluated. Lignan compounds induced ERE-driven reporter gene expression with very low potency as compared with the pure agonist E2. However, coincubation of 5 µM of lignan derivatives 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, and 14 with increasing concentrations of E2 (from 0.01 pM to 1 nM) reduced both the potency and efficacy of pure agonists. The binding to the rhERα-LBD was validated by TR-FRET competitive binding assay and lignans bound to the rhERα with IC50 values from 0.16 µM (compound 14) to 6 µM (compound 4). Induced fit docking (IFD) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for compound 14 were carried out to further investigate the binding mode interactions. Finally, the in silico ADME predictions indicated that the most potent lignan derivatives exhibited good drug-likeness.

Modular Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of New Dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[1,3-b]pyridine Embelin Derivatives.

A set of new dihydro-1H-pyrazolo[1,3-b]pyridine and pyrazolo[1,3-b]pyridine embelin derivatives was synthesized through a multicomponent reaction from natural embelin, 3-substituted-5-aminopyrazoles and aldehydes. The synthesized compounds were evaluated against three hematologic tumor cell lines, HEL (acute erythroid leukemia), K-562 (chronic myeloid leukemia) and HL-60 (acute myeloid leukemia), and five breast cancer cell lines (SKBR3, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT-549, HS-578T). The primate non-malignant kidney Vero cell line was used as the control of cytotoxicity. From the obtained results, some structure-activity relationships were outlined. Furthermore, in silico prediction of physicochemical properties and ADME parameters were determined for the derivatives with the best antiproliferative values.

JKST6, a novel multikinase modulator of the BCR-ABL1/STAT5 signaling pathway that potentiates direct BCR-ABL1 inhibition and overcomes imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a hematological malignancy that highly depends on the BCR-ABL1/STAT5 signaling pathway for cell survival. First-line treatments for CML consist of tyrosine kinase inhibitors that efficiently target BCR-ABL1 activity. However, drug resistance and intolerance are still therapeutic limitations in Ph+ cells. Therefore, the development of new anti-CML drugs that exhibit alternative mechanisms to overcome these limitations is a desirable goal. In this work, the antitumoral activity of JKST6, a naphthoquinone-pyrone hybrid, was assessed in imatinib-sensitive and imatinib-resistant human CML cells. Live-cell imaging analysis revealed JKST6 potent antiproliferative activity in 2D and 3D CML cultures. JKST6 provoked cell increase in the subG1 phase along with a reduction in the G0/G1 phase and altered the expression of key proteins involved in the control of mitosis and DNA damage. Rapid increases in Annexin V staining and activation/cleavage of caspases 8, 9 and 3 were observed after JKST6 treatment in CML cells. Of interest, JKST6 inhibited BCR-ABL1/STAT5 signaling through oncokinase downregulation that was preceded by rapid polyubiquitination. In addition, JKST6 caused a transient increase in JNK and AKT phosphorylation, whereas the phosphorylation of P38-MAPK and Src was reduced. Combinatory treatment unveiled synergistic effects between imatinib and JKST6. Notably, JKST6 maintained its antitumor efficacy in BCR-ABL1-T315I-positive cells and CML cells that overexpress BCR-ABL and even restored imatinib efficacy after a short exposure time. These findings, together with the observed low toxicity of JKST6, reveal a novel multikinase modulator that might overcome the limitations of BCR-ABL1 inhibitors in CML therapy.

The Mevalonate Pathway, a Metabolic Target in Cancer Therapy.

A hallmark of cancer cells includes a metabolic reprograming that provides energy, the essential building blocks, and signaling required to maintain survival, rapid growth, metastasis, and drug resistance of many cancers. The influence of tumor microenviroment on cancer cells also results an essential driving force for cancer progression and drug resistance. Lipid-related enzymes, lipid-derived metabolites and/or signaling pathways linked to critical regulators of lipid metabolism can influence gene expression and chromatin remodeling, cellular differentiation, stress response pathways, or tumor microenviroment, and, collectively, drive tumor development. Reprograming of lipid metabolism includes a deregulated activity of mevalonate (MVA)/cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in specific cancer cells which, in comparison with normal cell counterparts, are dependent of the continuous availability of MVA/cholesterol-derived metabolites (i.e., sterols and non-sterol intermediates) for tumor development. Accordingly, there are increasing amount of data, from preclinical and epidemiological studies, that support an inverse association between the use of statins, potent inhibitors of MVA biosynthetic pathway, and mortality rate in specific cancers (e.g., colon, prostate, liver, breast, hematological malignances). In contrast, despite the tolerance and therapeutic efficacy shown by statins in cardiovascular disease, cancer treatment demands the use of relatively high doses of single statins for a prolonged period, thereby limiting this therapeutic strategy due to adverse effects. Clinically relevant, synergistic effects of tolerable doses of statins with conventional chemotherapy might enhance efficacy with lower doses of each drug and, probably, reduce adverse effects and resistance. In spite of that, clinical trials to identify combinatory therapies that improve therapeutic window are still a challenge. In the present review, we revisit molecular evidences showing that deregulated activity of MVA biosynthetic pathway has an essential role in oncogenesis and drug resistance, and the potential use of MVA pathway inhibitors to improve therapeutic window in cancer.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-5: an opportunity for drug development in oncohematology.

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) are transcription factors that work via JAK/STAT pathway regulating the expression of genes involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, development, immune response, and, among other essential biological functions, hematopoiesis. JAK/STAT signaling is strictly regulated under normal physiological conditions. However, a large group of diverse diseases has been associated to an aberrant regulation of STAT factors. Erroneous modulation of the pathway leads to constitutive STAT activation, thereby driving proliferation, inflammation, and an uncontrolled immune response. Deregulated STAT5 activation has been found in the development of many hematopoietic tumors, including chronic and acute leukemias, polycythemia vera, and lymphoma. Mutations in the kinases that phosphorylate STAT5, and/or overexpression of the upstream receptor-associated tyrosine kinases have been suggested as the main drivers of constitutive STAT5 activation. Hyper-activated STAT5 leads to the aberrant expression of its target genes including antiapoptotic, proliferative, and pro-inflammatory genes, favouring tumorigenesis. In this review, we intent to discuss the biology of JAK/STAT pathway, with particular focus on STAT5 and its crucial role in the development and progression of hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, we provide a synopsis of potential therapeutic strategies based on STAT5 activity inhibition that may represent an excellent opportunity for drug development in oncohematology.

Correction: CM363, a novel naphthoquinone derivative which acts as multikinase modulator and overcomes imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11425.].

Skeletal Muscle Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Phosphorylation and Lactate Accumulation During Sprint Exercise in Normoxia and Severe Acute Hypoxia: Effects of Antioxidants.

Compared to normoxia, during sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia the glycolytic rate is increased leading to greater lactate accumulation, acidification, and oxidative stress. To determine the role played by pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activation and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) in muscle lactate accumulation, nine volunteers performed a single 30-s sprint (Wingate test) on four occasions: two after the ingestion of placebo and another two following the intake of antioxidants, while breathing either hypoxic gas (PIO2 = 75 mmHg) or room air (PIO2 = 143 mmHg). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained before, immediately after, 30 and 120 min post-sprint. Antioxidants reduced the glycolytic rate without altering performance or VO2. Immediately after the sprints, Ser293- and Ser300-PDH-E1α phosphorylations were reduced to similar levels in all conditions (~66 and 91%, respectively). However, 30 min into recovery Ser293-PDH-E1α phosphorylation reached pre-exercise values while Ser300-PDH-E1α was still reduced by 44%. Thirty minutes after the sprint Ser293-PDH-E1α phosphorylation was greater with antioxidants, resulting in 74% higher muscle lactate concentration. Changes in Ser293 and Ser300-PDH-E1α phosphorylation from pre to immediately after the sprints were linearly related after placebo (r = 0.74, P < 0.001; n = 18), but not after antioxidants ingestion (r = 0.35, P = 0.15). In summary, lactate accumulation during sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia is not caused by a reduced activation of the PDH. The ingestion of antioxidants is associated with increased PDH re-phosphorylation and slower elimination of muscle lactate during the recovery period. Ser293 re-phosphorylates at a faster rate than Ser300-PDH-E1α during the recovery period, suggesting slightly different regulatory mechanisms.

A Novel Naphthoquinone-Coumarin Hybrid That Inhibits BCR-ABL1-STAT5 Oncogenic Pathway and Reduces Survival in Imatinib-Resistant Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Cells.

BCR-ABL1-STAT5 is an oncogenic signaling pathway in human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and it represents a valid target for anti-CML drug design. Resistance to direct BCR-ABL1 inhibitors is a common clinical issue, so STAT5 inhibition has become an interesting alternative target. In this study, the effects of NPQ-C6, a novel naphtoquinone-coumarin conjugate, were evaluated on human CML-derived K562 cells. Live-Cell Imaging analysis revealed that NPQ-C6 inhibited 2D (IC50AUC = 1.4 ± 0.6 µM) growth of CML cells. NPQ-C6 increased sub-G1 and reduced G0/G1 cell cycle phases in a dose- and time-dependent manner. This effect on cell cycle was related to increased levels of apoptotic nuclei, cleavage of caspase-3, -9, and PARP and annexin V-positive cells. NPQ-C6 increased γH2AX, a double-strand DNA break marker. NPQ-C6 showed a wide range of modulatory effects on cell signaling through an early increased phosphorylation of JNK, P38-MAPK and AKT, and decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, BCR-ABL1, and STAT5. NPQ-C6 inhibited expression of c-MYC and PYM-1, two target gene products of BCR-ABL1/STAT5 signaling pathway. Cytokine-induced activation of STAT5/STAT3-dependent transcriptional and DNA binding activities were also inhibited by NPQ-C6. Notably, NPQ-C6 maintained its activity on BCR-ABL1/STAT5/c-MYC/PIM-1 oncogenic pathway in imatinib-resistant cells. Molecular modeling suggested BCR-ABL1 and JAK2 proteins as NPQ-C6 targets. In summary, our data show a novel multikinase modulator that might be therapeutically effective in BCR-ABL1-STAT5-related malignancies.

Skeletal muscle signaling, metabolism, and performance during sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia after the ingestion of antioxidants.

The aim of this study was to determine if reactive oxygen species (ROS) could play a role in blunting Thr172-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-α phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle after sprint exercise in hypoxia and to elucidate the potential signaling mechanisms responsible for this response. Nine volunteers performed a single 30-s sprint (Wingate test) in two occasions while breathing hypoxic gas ([Formula: see text] = 75 mmHg): one after the ingestion of placebo and another following the intake of antioxidants (α-lipoic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E), with a randomized double-blind design. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained before, immediately after, and 30- and 120-min postsprint. Compared with the control condition, the ingestion of antioxidants resulted in lower plasma carbonylated proteins, attenuated elevation of the AMP-to-ATP molar ratio, and reduced glycolytic rate (P < 0.05) without significant effects on performance or V̇o2 The ingestion of antioxidants did not alter the basal muscle signaling. Thr172-AMPKα and Thr184/187-transforming growth factor-ß-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation were not increased after the sprint regardless of the ingestion of antioxidants. Thr286-CaMKII phosphorylation was increased after the sprint, but this response was blunted by the antioxidants. Ser485-AMPKα1/Ser491-AMPKα2 phosphorylation increased immediately after the sprints coincident with increased Akt phosphorylation. In summary, antioxidants attenuate the glycolytic response to sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia and modify the muscle signaling response to exercise. Ser485-AMPKα1/Ser491-AMPKα2 phosphorylation, a known mechanism of Thr172-AMPKα phosphorylation inhibition, is increased immediately after sprint exercise in hypoxia, probably by a mechanism independent of ROS.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The glycolytic rate is increased during sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia. This study showed that the ingestion of antioxidants before sprint exercise in severe acute hypoxia reduced the glycolytic rate and attenuated the increases of the AMP-to-ATP and the reduction of the NAD+-to-NADH.H+ ratios. This resulted in a modified muscle signaling response with a blunted Thr286-CaMKII but similar AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation responses in the sprints preceded by the ingestion of antioxidants.

CM363, a novel naphthoquinone derivative which acts as multikinase modulator and overcomes imatinib resistance in chronic myelogenous leukemia.

Human Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is a hematological stem cell disorder which is associated with activation of Bcr-Abl-Stat5 oncogenic pathway. Direct Bcr-Abl inhibitors are initially successful for the treatment of CML but over time many patients develop drug resistance. In the present study, the effects of CM363, a novel naphthoquinone (NPQ) derivative, were evaluated on human CML-derived K562 cells. CM363 revealed an effective cell growth inhibition (IC50 = 0.7 ± 0.5 µM) by inducing cancer cells to undergo cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. CM363 caused a dose- and time-dependent reduction of cells in G0/G1 and G2/M phases. This cell cycle arrest was associated with increased levels of cyclin E, pChk1 and pChk2 whereas CM363 downregulated cyclin B, cyclin D3, p27, pRB, Wee1, and BUBR1. CM363 increased the double-strand DNA break marker γH2AX. CM363 caused a time-dependent increase of annexin V-positive cells, DNA fragmentation and increased number of apoptotic nuclei. CM363 triggered the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway as reflected by a release of cytochrome C from mitochondria and induction of the cleavage of caspase-3 and -9, and PARP. CM363 showed multikinase modulatory effects through an early increased JNK phosphorylation followed by inhibition of pY-Bcrl-Abl and pY-Stat5. CM363 worked synergistically with imatinib to inhibit cell viability and maintained its activity in imatinib-resistant cells. Finally, CM363 (10 mg/Kg) suppressed the growth of K562 xenograft tumors in athymic mice. In summary, CM363 is a novel multikinase modulator that offers advantages to circumvent imanitib resistance and might be therapeutically effective in Bcrl-Abl-Stat5 related malignancies.

Sex steroids and growth hormone interactions.

GH and sex hormones are critical regulators of body growth and composition, somatic development, intermediate metabolism, and sexual dimorphism. Deficiencies in GH- or sex hormone-dependent signaling and the influence of sex hormones on GH biology may have a dramatic impact on liver physiology during somatic development and in adulthood. Effects of sex hormones on the liver may be direct, through hepatic receptors, or indirect by modulating endocrine, metabolic, and gender-differentiated functions of GH. Sex hormones can modulate GH actions by acting centrally, regulating pituitary GH secretion, and peripherally, by modulating GH signaling pathways. The endocrine and/or metabolic consequences of long-term exposure to sex hormone-related compounds and their influence on the GH-liver axis are largely unknown. A better understanding of these interactions in physiological and pathological states will contribute to preserve health and to improve clinical management of patients with growth, developmental, and metabolic disorders.

Effect of regional muscle location but not adiposity on mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating proteins.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine if the expression of the mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating proteins SIRT1, SIRT3 and PGC-1alpha in human skeletal muscle is influenced by adiposity. METHOD: Twenty-nine male subjects were recruited into three groups: control (n = 10), obese (n = 10) and post-obese (n = 9). Intentionally, groups were matched by age, aerobic capacity and in addition the control and post-obese groups also by BMI. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the m. deltoid and vastus lateralis. PGC-1alpha, SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein expression was analyzed by Western blot. RESULT: PGC-1alpha, SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein expression was similar regardless of the level of adiposity. Only a main effect of group on SIRT1 protein showed a trend toward higher expression in post-obese than control and obese (P = 0.09). Despite similar muscle fiber-type composition (previously reported), PGC-1alpha, SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein expression was higher in leg compared to arm muscle in all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that PGC-1alpha, SIRT1 and SIRT3 protein expression in basal conditions was not altered in humans with different levels of adiposity but similar aerobic capacity. The expression of PGC-1alpha, SIRT1 and SIRT3 was higher in vastus lateralis than in deltoid muscle, indicating that local rather than systemic factors prevail in regulating the level of expression of these proteins.

Physical fitness, adiposity and testosterone concentrations are associated to playing position in professional basketballers.

UNLABELLED: The effects of basketball on basal concentrations of testosterone and cortisol and its associations to body composition and physical performance remain to be determined. AIM: The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of playing position on physical fitness, percentage of body fat and hormonal profile in professional basketball players (BP). METHOD: Jump performance (SJ, CMJ and ABK), 30 m running speed and treadmill VO2max tests were conducted in 12 male BP (24.1 years) from the first division league of Spain (ACB). The percentage of body fat was determined from anthropometry, and hemoglobin, glucose, testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured from fasting blood samples. BP were divided into 3 groups depending on playing positions: guards (GU), forwards (FW) and centers (CE) (n = 4 in each group). RESULTS: GU had greater percentage of body fat (%BF) than CE (p < 0.05). CE developed greater positive mechanical impulse than GU in all jump types (p < 0.05) and achieved higher maximal instantaneous power than GU and FW in the SJ and ABK (p < 0.05). Centers had more plasma testosterone than guards (p < 0.05). All groups a similar relative VO2max. CONCLUSION: Center position was associated to lower adiposity and higher jumping performance than playing as guards. All playing positions induced a similar effect on aerobic power.

Los efectos de jugar al baloncesto sobre las concentraciones basales de testosterona y cortisol, así como su asociación a la composición corporal y el rendimiento físico aún están por determinarse. Objetivo: el principal objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los efectos de la posición de juego sobre la condición física, el porcentaje de grasa coporal y el perfil hormonal en jugadores de baloncesto profesionales (BP). Metodología: la capacidad de salto (SJ, CMJ y ABK), la velocidad en 30 m y el VO2max en tapiz rodante se midió en 12 varones BP (24,1 años) pertenecientes a la primera división de la liga de España (ACB). El porcentaje de grasa corporal se determinó a partir de la antropometría, y las concentraciones de hemoglobina, glucosa, testosterona y cortisol se midieron a partir de muestras de sangre en ayunas. Los baloncestistas se dividieron en tres grupos en función de las posiciones de juego: bases (GU), aleros (FW) y pivots (CE). Resultados: GU tuvo mayor porcentaje de grasa corporal (% GC) que CE (p < 0,05). CE desarrolló mayor impulso positivo mecánico que GU en todos los tipos de saltos (p < 0,05) y logró mayor potencia instantánea máxima que GU y FW en el SJ y ABK (p < 0,05). Los pivots tenían más testosterona plasmática que los bases (p < 0,05). Todos los grupos mostraron similar VO2 máx. Conclusión: la posición de pivots fue asociada a una menor adiposidad y a una mayor capacidad de salto en comparación con los bases. Todas las posiciones de juego indujeron un efecto similar sobre la potencia aeróbica.

Lipid profiling and transcriptomic analysis reveals a functional interplay between estradiol and growth hormone in liver.

17ß-estradiol (E2) may interfere with endocrine, metabolic, and gender-differentiated functions in liver in both females and males. Indirect mechanisms play a crucial role because of the E2 influence on the pituitary GH secretion and the GHR-JAK2-STAT5 signaling pathway in the target tissues. E2, through its interaction with the estrogen receptor, exerts direct effects on liver. Hypothyroidism also affects endocrine and metabolic functions of the liver, rendering a metabolic phenotype with features that mimic deficiencies in E2 or GH. In this work, we combined the lipid and transcriptomic analysis to obtain comprehensive information on the molecular mechanisms of E2 effects, alone and in combination with GH, to regulate liver functions in males. We used the adult hypothyroid-orchidectomized rat model to minimize the influence of internal hormones on E2 treatment and to explore its role in male-differentiated functions. E2 influenced genes involved in metabolism of lipids and endo-xenobiotics, and the GH-regulated endocrine, metabolic, immune, and male-specific responses. E2 induced a female-pattern of gene expression and inhibited GH-regulated STAT5b targeted genes. E2 did not prevent the inhibitory effects of GH on urea and amino acid metabolism-related genes. The combination of E2 and GH decreased transcriptional immune responses. E2 decreased the hepatic content of saturated fatty acids and induced a transcriptional program that seems to be mediated by the activation of PPARα. In contrast, GH inhibited fatty acid oxidation. Both E2 and GH replacements reduced hepatic CHO levels and increased the formation of cholesterol esters and triacylglycerols. Notably, the hepatic lipid profiles were endowed with singular fingerprints that may be used to segregate the effects of different hormonal replacements. In summary, we provide in vivo evidence that E2 has a significant impact on lipid content and transcriptome in male liver and that E2 exerts a marked influence on GH physiology, with implications in human therapy.

Simvastatin impairs growth hormone-activated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in UMR-106 osteosarcoma cells.

Recent studies have demonstrated that statins reduce cell viability and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. The JAK/STAT pathway plays an important role in the regulation of proliferation and apoptosis in many tissues, and its deregulation is believed to be involved in tumorigenesis and cancer. The physiological activation of STAT proteins by GH is rapid but transient in nature and its inactivation is regulated mainly by the expression of SOCS proteins. UMR-106 osteosarcoma cells express a GH-responsive JAK2/STAT5 signaling pathway, providing an experimental model to study the influence of statins on this system. In this study we investigated the actions of simvastatin on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion on UMR-106 cells and examined whether alterations in GH-stimulated JAK/STAT/SOCS signaling may be observed. Results showed that treatment of osteosarcoma cells with simvastatin at 3 to 10 µM doses decreases cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in a time- and dose-dependent manner. At the molecular level, although the mechanisms used by simvastatin are not entirely clear, the effect of the statin on the reduction of JAK2 and STAT5 phosphorylation levels may partially explain the decrease in the GH-stimulated STAT5 transcriptional activity. This effect correlated with a time- and dose-dependent increase of SOCS-3 expression levels in cells treated with simvastatin, a regulatory role that has not been previously described. Furthermore, the finding that simvastatin is capable of inducing SOCS-3 and CIS genes expression shows the potential of the JAK/STAT pathway as a therapeutic target, reinforcing the efficacy of simvastatin as chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of osteosarcoma.