RESUMO
Recently we reported expressional alterations in 219 genes and their transcripts in Leydig cell tumors but nowadays there is still a lack of full basic biochemical characteristics of these tumors. The discovery of potential biochemical markers for tumor management from early detection, treatments, and control of therapy results may markedly supplement genetic data. Leydig cell micronodules were obtained from patients with azoospermia who were qualified for testicular biopsy. The biochemistry of Leydig cell tumors was analyzed using histological staining and spectrophotometric measurements of total proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. In addition, the levels of calcium (Ca2 +), copper (Cu2 +), zinc (Zn2 +), and selenium (Se2 +) ions were measured. When compared to healthy testis we revealed, for the first time, that in the interstitial tissue with Leydig cell tumors, great amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and acids were dislocated from the seminiferous tubules. Measurements of organic compounds showed a decrease (P < 0.05) only in the Cu2 + content in Leydig cell tumors which may be related to their altered biochemical structure. This specific result may be promising for designing further approaches to manage this tumor based on combining morphological and molecular data.
Assuntos
Tumor de Células de Leydig , Neoplasias Testiculares , Humanos , Masculino , Tumor de Células de Leydig/patologia , Tumor de Células de Leydig/metabolismo , Neoplasias Testiculares/patologia , Neoplasias Testiculares/metabolismo , Adulto , Cobre/metabolismo , Testículo/patologia , Testículo/metabolismo , Zinco/metabolismo , Selênio , Cálcio/metabolismo , Azoospermia/metabolismo , Azoospermia/patologia , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/patologiaRESUMO
Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide. Moreover, if not optimally treated, bladder cancer is a significant burden on healthcare systems due to multiple recurrences which often require more aggressive therapies. Therefore, targeted anti-cancer therapies, developed based on an in-depth understanding of specific proteins and molecular mechanisms, are promising in cancer treatment. Here, for the first time, we presented the new approaches indicating that intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) may play a potential role in enhancing therapeutic effectiveness for bladder cancer. In the present study, we presented that ICAM-1 expression as well as its regulation in bladder cancer is strongly correlated with the high expression of N-cadherin. Importantly, the presence of N-cadherin and its regulator-TWIST-1 was abolished when ICAM-1 was silenced. We identified also that ICAM-1 is capable of regulating cellular migration, proliferation, and EMT progression in bladder cancer cells via the N-cadherin/SRC/AKT/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling axis. Therefore, we propose ICAM-1 as a novel metastatic marker for EMT progression, which may also be used as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.
Assuntos
Molécula 1 de Adesão Intercelular , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária , Humanos , Molécula 1 de Adesão Intercelular/genética , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Glicogênio Sintase Quinase 3 beta , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/genética , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/terapia , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/metabolismo , Caderinas/genética , Caderinas/metabolismo , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Movimento Celular/genéticaRESUMO
S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) is a sulfur compound present in fresh garlic. The reference literature describes its anticancer, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. Breast cancer is infamously known as one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among women worldwide. Its morbidity and mortality make it reasonable to complete and expand knowledge on this cancer's characteristics. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its naturally occurring donors are well-known investigation subjects for diverse therapeutic purposes. This study was conducted to investigate the SAC antiproliferative potential and effect on three enzymes involved in H2S metabolism: 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MPST), cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH), and cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS). We chose the in vitro cellular model of human breast adenocarcinomas: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The expression of enzymes after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 h incubation with 2.24 mM, 3.37 mM, and 4.50 mM SAC concentrations was examined. The number of living cells was determined by the MTS assay. Changes in cellular plasma membrane integrity were measured by the LDH test. Expression changes at the protein level were analyzed using Western blot. A significant decrease in viable cells was registered for MCF-7 cells after all incubation times upon 4.50 mM SAC exposure, and after 6 and 24 h only in MDA-MB-231 upon 4.50 mM SAC. In both cell lines, the MPST gene expression significantly increased after the 24 h incubation with 4.50 mM SAC. S-allyl-L-cysteine had opposite effects on changes in CTH and CBS expression in both cell lines. In our research model, we confirmed the antiproliferative potential of SAC and concluded that our studies provided current information about the increase in MPST gene expression mediated by S-allyl-L-cysteine in the adenocarcinoma in vitro cellular model for the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Further investigation of this in vitro model can bring useful information regarding sulfur enzyme metabolism of breast adenocarcinoma and regulating its activity and expression (gene silencing) in anticancer therapy.
Assuntos
Adenocarcinoma , Neoplasias da Mama , Cisteína/análogos & derivados , Humanos , Feminino , Cisteína/farmacologia , Cisteína/metabolismo , Células MCF-7 , Células MDA-MB-231 , Cistationina beta-Sintase/metabolismo , Proliferação de Células , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
Despite the development of modern drugs, drug resistance in oncology remains the main factor limiting the curability of patients. This paper shows the use of a group of hydrophobic statins to inhibit drug resistance (Pgp protein). In a chemoresistance melanoma cell model, viability, necroptosis with DNA damage, the absorption of the applied pharmaceuticals, and the functional activity of the ABCB1 drug transporter after administration of docetaxel or docetaxel with a selected hydrophobic statin were studied. Taxol-resistant human melanoma cells from three stages of development were used as a model: both A375P and WM239A metastatic lines and radial growth phase WM35 cells. An animal model (Mus musculus SCID) was developed for the A375P cell line. The results show that hydrophobic statins administered with docetaxel increase the accumulation of the drug in the tumor cell a.o. by blocking the ABCB1 channel. They reduce taxol-induced drug resistance. The tumor size reduction was observed after the drug combination was administrated. It was shown that the structural similarity of statins is of secondary importance, e.g., pravastatin and simvastatin. Using cytostatics in the presence of hydrophobic statins increases their effectiveness while reducing their overall toxicity.
Assuntos
Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases , Melanoma , Animais , Camundongos , Humanos , Inibidores de Hidroximetilglutaril-CoA Redutases/farmacologia , Docetaxel/farmacologia , Melanoma/tratamento farmacológico , Resistencia a Medicamentos Antineoplásicos , Paclitaxel/farmacologia , Linhagem Celular TumoralRESUMO
Melanoma is relatively resistant to chemotherapy, and no targeted therapies are fully effective. The most common mutations in melanoma result in hyperactivation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K/AKT/ mTOR pathways responsible for initiating and controlling oncogenic protein translation. This makes both the signaling pathways potentially important therapeutic targets in melanoma. Our studies were carried out on human melanoma cell lines WM793 and 1205 LU with similar genomic alteration (BRAFV600E and PTEN loss). We used a highly specific PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, dactolisib (NVP-BEZ235), and Mnk inhibitor - CGP57380 alone and in combination. Here, we explore the mechanism of action of these drugs alone and in combination, as well as their effect on the viability and invasiveness of melanoma cells. Although when used independently, both drugs suppressed cell proliferation and migration, their combination has additional antitumor effects. We demonstrate that simultaneous inhibition of both pathways may prevent possible drug resistance.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos , Melanoma , Quinolinas , Humanos , Inibidores de MTOR , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinases/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Antineoplásicos/uso terapêutico , Fator de Iniciação 4E em Eucariotos/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismo , Melanoma/tratamento farmacológico , Melanoma/metabolismo , Inibidores de Fosfoinositídeo-3 Quinase/farmacologia , Quinolinas/farmacologia , Proliferação de CélulasRESUMO
Many signaling pathways are involved in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and this serine/threonine kinase regulates the most important cellular processes such as cell proliferation, autophagy, and apoptosis. The subject of this research was the effect of protein kinase inhibitors involved in the AKT, MEK, and mTOR kinase signaling pathways on the expression of pro-survival proteins, activity of caspase-3, proliferation, and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells. The following inhibitors were used: protein kinase inhibitors such as AKT-MK-2206, MEK-AS-703026, mTOR-everolimus and Torkinib, as well as dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor-BEZ-235 and Omipalisib, and mTOR1/2-OSI-027 inhibitor in single-mode and their combinations with MEK1/2 kinase inhibitor AS-703026. The obtained results confirm the synergistic effect of nanomolar concentrations of mTOR inhibitors, especially the dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitors (Omipalisib, BEZ-235) in combination with the MAP kinase inhibitor (AS-703026) in the activation of caspase 3, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation in melanoma cell lines. Our previous and current studies confirm the importance of the mTOR signal transduction pathway in the neoplastic transformation process. Melanoma is a case of a very heterogeneous neoplasm, which causes great difficulties in treating this neoplasm in an advanced stage, and the standard approach to this topic does not bring the expected results. There is a need for research on the search for new therapeutic strategies aimed at particular groups of patients. Effect of three generations of mTOR kinase inhibitors on caspase-3 activity, apoptosis and proliferation in melanoma cell lines.
RESUMO
The twofold role of autophagy in cancer is often the therapeutic target. Numerous regulatory pathways are shared between autophagy and other molecular processes needed in tumorigenesis, such as translation or survival signaling. Thus, we have assumed that ILK knockdown should promote autophagy, and used together with chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, it could generate a better anticancer effect by dysregulation of common signaling pathways. Expression at the protein level was analyzed using Western Blot; siRNA transfection was done for ILK. Analysis of cell signaling pathways was monitored with phospho-specific antibodies. Melanoma cell proliferation was assessed with the crystal violet test, and migration was evaluated by scratch wound healing assays. Autophagy was monitored by the accumulation of its marker, LC3-II. Our data show that ILK knockdown by siRNA suppresses melanoma cell growth by inducing autophagy through AMPK activation, and simultaneously initiates apoptosis. We demonstrated that combinatorial treatment of melanoma cells with CQ and siILK has a stronger antitumor effect than monotherapy with either of these. It generates the synergistic antitumor effects by the decrease of translation of both global and oncogenic proteins synthesis. In our work, we point to the crosstalk between translation and autophagy regulation.
Assuntos
Autofagia/efeitos dos fármacos , Cloroquina/uso terapêutico , Melanoma Experimental/tratamento farmacológico , Biossíntese de Proteínas/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/antagonistas & inibidores , Animais , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica , Proteína Homóloga à Proteína-1 Relacionada à Autofagia/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Cloroquina/farmacologia , Ensaios de Seleção de Medicamentos Antitumorais , Humanos , Melanoma Experimental/metabolismo , Camundongos , RNA Interferente Pequeno/farmacologia , RNA Interferente Pequeno/uso terapêutico , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/metabolismoRESUMO
Malignant transformation is characterized by a phenotype "switch" from E- to N-cadherin - a major hallmark of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). The increased expression of N-cadherin is commonly followed by a growing capacity for migration as well as resistance to apoptosis. Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK) is a key molecule involved in EMT and progression of cancer cells. ILK is known as a major signaling mediator involved in cadherin switch, but the specific mechanism through which ILK modulates N-cadherin expression is still not clear. Studies were carried out on human melanoma WM793 and 1205Lu cell lines. Expression of proteins was analyzed using PCR and Western Blot; siRNA transfection was done for ILK. Analysis of cell signaling pathways was monitored with phospho-specific antibodies. Subcellular localization of protein was studied using the ProteoExtract Subcellular Kit and Western blot analysis. Our data show that ILK knockdown by siRNA did suppress N-cadherin expression in melanoma, but only at the protein level. The ILK silencing-induced decrease of N-cadherin membranous expression in melanoma highlights the likely crucial role of ILK in the coordination of membrane trafficking through alteration of Rab expression. It is essential to understand the molecular mechanism of increased N-cadherin expression in cancer to possibly use it in the search of new therapeutic targets.
Assuntos
Caderinas/metabolismo , Endocitose , Endossomos/metabolismo , Melanoma/metabolismo , Melanoma/patologia , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Membrana Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Membrana Celular/metabolismo , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Cloroquina/farmacologia , Endocitose/efeitos dos fármacos , Endossomos/efeitos dos fármacos , Humanos , Modelos Biológicos , Invasividade Neoplásica , RNA Interferente Pequeno/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Migração Transendotelial e Transepitelial/efeitos dos fármacos , Proteínas rab de Ligação ao GTP/metabolismoRESUMO
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a key role in several cellular processes: proliferation, survival, invasion, and angiogenesis, and therefore, controls cell behavior both in health and in disease. Dysregulation of the mTOR signaling is involved in some of the cancer hallmarks, and thus the mTOR pathway is an important target for the development of a new anticancer therapy. The object of this study is recognition of the possible role of mTOR kinase inhibitors-everolimus single and in combination with selected downstream protein kinases inhibitors: LY294002 (PI3 K), U0126 (ERK1/2), GDC-0879 (B-RAF), AS-703026 (MEK), MK-2206 (AKT), PLX-4032 (B-RRAF) in cell invasion in malignant melanoma. Treatment of melanoma cells with everolimus led to a significant decrease in the level of both phosphorylated: mTOR (Ser2448) and mTOR (Ser2481) as well as their downstream effectors. The use of protein kinase inhibitors produced a significant decrease in metalloproteinases (MMPs) activity, as well as diminished invasion, especially when used in combination. The best results in the inhibition of both MMPs and cell invasiveness were obtained for the combination of an mTOR inhibitor- everolimus with a B-RAF inhibitor-PLX-4032. Slightly less profound reduction of invasiveness was obtained for the combinations of an mTOR inhibitor-everolimus with ERK1/2 inhibitor-U126 or MEK inhibitor-AS-703026 and in the case of MMPs activity decrease for PI3 K inhibitor-LY294002 and AKT inhibitor-MK-2206. The simultaneous use of everolimus or another new generation rapalog with selected inhibitors of crucial signaling kinases seems to be a promising concept in cancer treatment.
Assuntos
Everolimo/farmacologia , Melanoma/patologia , Serina-Treonina Quinases TOR/antagonistas & inibidores , Humanos , Invasividade NeoplásicaRESUMO
Men are at a higher risk of developing bladder cancer than women. Although the urinary bladder is not regarded as an sex organ, it has the potential to respond to androgen signals. The mechanisms responsible for the gender differences remain unexplained. Androgen receptor (AR) after binding with 5α-dihydrotestosteron (DHT) undergoes a conformational change and translocates to nucleus to induce transcriptional regulation of target genes. However androgen/AR signaling can also be activated by interacting with several signaling molecules and exert its non-genomic function. The aim of present study was to explain whether the progression of bladder cancer in men is dependent on androgen/AR signaling. Studies were carried out on human bladder cancer cell lines: HCV29, T24, HT1376 and HTB9. Bladder cancer cells were treated for 48 h with 10 nM DHT or not, with replacement after 24 h. Expression of cell signaling proteins, was analyzed using Western Blot and RT-PCR. Subcellular localization of protein was studied using the ProteoExtract Subcellular Proteome Extraction Kit and Western blot analysis. We showed that DHT treatment significantly increased AR expression in bladder cell line HCV29. We also observed DHT-mediated activation of Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway which plays a central role in cancer progression. Presented results also show that androgen/AR signaling is implicated in phosphorylation of eIF4E which can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We indicate that AR plays an essential role in bladder cancer progression in male patients. Therefore, androgen-activated AR signaling is an attractive regulatory target for the inhibition or prevention of bladder cancer incidence in men.
Assuntos
Di-Hidrotestosterona/metabolismo , Di-Hidrotestosterona/farmacologia , Glicogênio Sintase Quinase 3 beta/metabolismo , Receptores Androgênicos/genética , Receptores Androgênicos/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/etiologia , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/genética , Células Cultivadas , Progressão da Doença , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal/genética , Fator de Iniciação 4E em Eucariotos/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Terapia de Alvo Molecular , Fosforilação , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-akt/metabolismo , Risco , Caracteres Sexuais , Transdução de Sinais/genética , Células Tumorais Cultivadas , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Bexiga Urinária/terapiaRESUMO
Melanoma is the most aggressive, therapy-resistant skin cancer. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the serine/threonine kinase which integrates both intracellular and extracellular signals, plays a crucial role in coordinating the balance between the growth and death of cells. The object of this study is a comparison of the influence of mTOR inhibitor everolimus in the concentration range between 20 nM and 10 µM, used individually and in combination with selected downstream protein kinases inhibitors: LY294002 (PI3K), U0126 (ERK1/2), AS-703026 (MEK) and MK-2206 (AKT) on the expression of pro-survival proteins: p-Bcl-2 (S70), p-Bcl-2 (T56), Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, activity of caspase-3, proliferation and induction of apoptosis in melanoma cells. Current results clearly show that the nanomolar concentration of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus in combination with the inhibitor of MAP kinase (AS-703026) or AKT kinase (MK-2206) is effective in inducing apoptosis and reducing proliferation of melanoma cells. The herein research results confirm the hypothesis on the important role of mTOR signaling in cancer progression, and gives hope that implementation of successful combination of its inhibitors will find recognition and application in cancer treatment in the near future.
RESUMO
In this study, we demonstrate, for the first time, estrogen-related receptor (ERR) regulation of the physiological and biochemical status of testicular tumor Leydig cells. In a mouse tumor Leydig cells, ERRs (α, ß, and γ) were silenced via siRNA. Cell morphology and cell physiology (proliferation and observation of monolayer formation) were performed by inverted phase-contrast microscope. Leydig cell functional markers (steroid receptors and signaling molecules) were examined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Additionally, progesterone secretion was assessed. Mitochondrial mass and membrane potential were analyzed by flow-cytometry while cGMP and Ca2+ concentrations were analyzed using immunoenzymatic and colorimetric assays, respectively. These results revealed, ERRs indirectly regulate Leydig cell proliferation while ERRα and ß affect cell monolayer formation. ERRs interact with canonical and membrane estrogen receptors (ERα, ERß, and GPER), androgen receptor, metalloproteinase (MMP 9), protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 2 (Notch2). Depending on the type of ERR knocked down, coupled with estradiol treatment, changes in progesterone concentration and cGMP and Ca2+ concentrations constitute a microenvironment that may effect tumor Leydig cell characteristics. ERRs should be considered important factors in developing of innovating approaches that target pathological processes of testicular Leydig cells.
Assuntos
Tumor de Células de Leydig/metabolismo , Células Intersticiais do Testículo/metabolismo , Receptores de Estrogênio/metabolismo , Neoplasias Testiculares/metabolismo , Animais , Masculino , CamundongosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Present study was designed to establish a causal connection between changes in the cell-cell junction protein expression at the blood-testis barrier and alterations in the adult rat testis histology following an anti-androgen flutamide exposure. Particular emphasis was placed on the basal ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the seminiferous epithelium and expression of gap junction protein, connexin 43 (Cx43). METHODS: Flutamide (50 mg/kg body weight) was administered to male rats daily from 82 to 88 postnatal day. Testes from 90-day-old control and flutamide-exposed rats were used for all analyses. Testis morphology was analyzed using light and electron microscopy. Gene and protein expressions were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively, protein distribution by immunohistochemistry, and steroid hormone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Seminiferous epithelium of both groups of rats displayed normal histology without any loss of germ cells. In accord, no difference in the apoptosis and proliferation level was found between control and treated groups. As shown by examination of semi-thin and ultrathin sections, cell surface occupied by the basal ES connecting neighboring Sertoli cells and the number of gap and tight junctions coexisting with the basal ES were apparently reduced in flutamide-treated rats. Moreover, the appearance of unconventional circular ES suggests enhanced internalization and degradation of the basal ES. These changes were accompanied by decreased Cx43 and ZO-1 expression (p < 0.01) and a loss of linear distribution of these proteins at the region of the blood-testis barrier. On the other hand, Cx43 expression in the interstitial tissue of flutamide-treated rats increased (p < 0.01), which could be associated with Leydig cell hypertrophy. Concomitantly, both intratesticular testosterone and estradiol concentrations were elevated (p < 0.01), but testosterone to estradiol ratio decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in flutamide-treated rats compared to the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term treatment with flutamide applied to adult rats exerts its primary effect on the basal ES, coexisting junctional complexes and their constituent proteins Cx43 and ZO-1, without any apparent morphological alterations in the seminiferous epithelium. In the interstitial compartment, however, short-term exposure leads to both histological and functional changes of the Leydig cells.
Assuntos
Antagonistas de Androgênios/farmacologia , Conexina 43/metabolismo , Flutamida/farmacologia , Junções Intercelulares/efeitos dos fármacos , Túbulos Seminíferos/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Conexina 43/análise , Conexina 43/genética , Estradiol/metabolismo , Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Imuno-Histoquímica , Marcação In Situ das Extremidades Cortadas , Junções Intercelulares/ultraestrutura , Masculino , RNA Mensageiro/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Túbulos Seminíferos/patologia , Testículo/metabolismo , Testosterona/metabolismoRESUMO
Within the reproductive system both aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) contribute to estrogen signaling and controlling of reproductive physiology. The specific question is whether and how AHR and GPR30 are involved in regulation of testis function in seasonally breeding rodents. Bank vole testes were obtained from animals reared under 18 hours light:6 hours dark (LD) and 6 hours light:18 hours dark (SD) conditions. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and GPR30 expression were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescent staining. In addition, the activity of enzymes involved in the intracellular signal transduction; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), protein kinase (PKA), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) and the concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and calcium (Ca(2+)) were examined by immunohistochemical, immunoenzymatic, and colorimetric assays, respectively. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor and GPR30 were expressed in testes of actively reproducing voles and regressed ones although their expression at the messenger RNA and AHR also at protein level appeared to be photoperiod-dependent. A specific cellular localization and expression of AHR and GPR30 correlated with the expression of ERK, PKA, and MMP 9. Moreover, we found robust differences in the levels of cAMP, cGMP, and Ca(2+) in testicular homogenates between LD and SD voles. In the testes of LD voles, the levels of second messengers were always higher compared to SD. In vole testis, AHR and GPR30 can induce signaling pathways that involve ERK, PKA, MMP 9 and cAMP, cGMP, Ca(2+). In addition, in AHR, signaling the engagement of both photoperiod and estrogens, whereas in GPR30, signaling only estrogens is reported. It is likely that in vole, because of a differential activity of signaling molecules, signal transduction via AHR rather than through GPR30 plays a role in regulation of seasonal changes of testis physiology.
Assuntos
Arvicolinae/fisiologia , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/fisiologia , Receptores de Hidrocarboneto Arílico/metabolismo , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/metabolismo , Estações do Ano , Testículo/fisiologia , Animais , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/genética , Proteínas Quinases Dependentes de AMP Cíclico/metabolismo , MAP Quinases Reguladas por Sinal Extracelular/genética , MAP Quinases Reguladas por Sinal Extracelular/metabolismo , Masculino , Metaloproteinase 9 da Matriz/genética , Metaloproteinase 9 da Matriz/metabolismo , Fotoperíodo , Receptores de Hidrocarboneto Arílico/genética , Receptores Acoplados a Proteínas G/genética , Reprodução/fisiologiaRESUMO
Our previous studies revealed that in bank vole testicular cells octylphenol (OP) action is related either to its binding to estrogen receptors or increasing cAMP level that modulates spermatozoa motility and acrosome reaction (AR), (Kotula-Balak et al., 2011, 2014). To better understand the mechanisms underlying these changes, in the present study we aimed at evaluating the glycosylation pattern, calcium (Ca(2+)) level and ultrastructure of OP-treated vole spermatozoa. Glycans were recognized by lectins and localized for the first time on the surface of acrosomal cap and tail of vole spermatozoa. Expression and localization of glycans were determined histochemically and analyzed quantitatively. Following OP the expression of glycans markedly changed with concomitant increase of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Altered Ca(2+) signaling pathway and ultrastructural changes in sperm acrosome region were revealed by immunoenzymatic assay and electron microscope analysis together with hypo-osmotic swelling test, respectively. In detail, AR advancement reflected by the presence of small vesicles in the close vicinity to the sperm head was observed, while tail membrane integrity remained intact. Our study provides a new insight on OP direct effects on precocious AR of vole spermatozoa through modulation of the glycan expression and its distribution concomitantly with changes in Ca(2+) signaling pathway and acrosome ultrastructure in vitro.
Assuntos
Arvicolinae/fisiologia , Cálcio/metabolismo , Glicosilação/efeitos dos fármacos , Fenóis/farmacologia , Espermatozoides/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/ultraestrutura , Animais , Membrana Celular , Técnicas In Vitro , Lectinas/metabolismo , Masculino , Pressão Osmótica , Cauda do Espermatozoide/efeitos dos fármacos , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
In the present study we evaluated in vivo and in vitro effects of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) on the expression and distribution of adherens and gap junction proteins, N-cadherin, ß -catenin, and connexin 43 (Cx43), in testes of seasonally breeding rodents, bank voles. We found that in bank vole testes expression and distribution of N-cadherin, ß -catenin, and Cx43 were photoperiod dependent. Long-term treatment with OP (200 mg/kg b.w.) resulted in the reduction of junction proteins expressions (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and their delocalization in the testes of males kept in long photoperiod, whereas in short-day animals slight increase of Cx43 (P < 0.05), N-cadherin, and ß -catenin (statistically nonsignificant) levels was observed. Effects of OP appeared to be independent of FSH and were maintained during in vitro organ culture, indicating that OP acts directly on adherens and gap junction proteins in the testes. An experiment performed using an antiestrogen ICI 182,780 demonstrated that the biological effects of OP on ß -catenin and Cx43 involve an estrogen receptor-mediated response. Taken together, in bank vole organization of adherens and gap junctions and their susceptibility to OP are related to the length of photoperiod. Alterations in cadherin/catenin and Cx43-based junction may partially result from activation of estrogen receptor α and/or ß signaling pathway.