Modulation of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase functions by the cloud of endogenous metabolites in a local microenvironment: The glycyrrhetinic acid-like factor (GALF) hypothesis.

11ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11ß-HSD)-dependent conversion of cortisol to cortisone and corticosterone to 11-dehydrocorticosterone are essential in regulating transcriptional activities of mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Inhibition of 11ß-HSD by glycyrrhetinic acid metabolites, bioactive components of licorice, causes sodium retention and potassium loss, with hypertension characterized by low renin and aldosterone. Essential hypertension is a major disease, mostly with unknown underlying mechanisms. Here, we discuss a putative mechanism for essential hypertension, the concept that endogenous steroidal compounds acting as glycyrrhetinic acid-like factors (GALFs) inhibit 11ß-HSD dehydrogenase, and allow for glucocorticoid-induced MR and GR activation with resulting hypertension. Initially, several metabolites of adrenally produced glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids were shown to be potent 11ß-HSD inhibitors. Such GALFs include modifications in the A-ring and/or at positions 3, 7 and 21 of the steroid backbone. These metabolites may be formed in peripheral tissues or by gut microbiota. More recently, metabolites of 11ß-hydroxy-Δ4androstene-3,17-dione and 7-oxygenated oxysterols have been identified as potent 11ß-HSD inhibitors. In a living system, 11ß-HSD isoforms are not exposed to a single substrate but to several substrates, cofactors, and various inhibitors simultaneously, all at different concentrations depending on physical state, tissue and cell type. We propose that this "cloud" of steroids and steroid-like substances in the microenvironment determines the 11ß-HSD-dependent control of MR and GR activity. A dysregulated composition of this cloud of metabolites in the respective microenvironment needs to be taken into account when investigating disease mechanisms, for forms of low renin, low aldosterone hypertension.

16α-Bromoepiandrosterone as a new candidate for experimental diabetes-tuberculosis co-morbidity treatment.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from a single bacterial infectious agent and is one of the most relevant issues of public health. Another pandemic disease is type II diabetes mellitus (T2D) that is estimated to affect half a billion people in the world. T2D is directly associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle and is frequently associated with immunosuppression. Immune dysfunction induced by hyperglycemia increases infection frequency and severity. Thus, in developing countries the T2D/TB co-morbidity is frequent and represents one of the most significant challenges for the health-care systems. Several immunoendocrine abnormalities are occurring during the chronic phase of both diseases, such as high extra-adrenal production of active glucocorticoids (GCs) by the activity of 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-ßHSD1). 11-ßHSD1 catalyzes the conversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol or corticosterone in lungs and liver, while 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11-ßHSD2) has the opposite effect. Active GCs have been related to insulin resistance and suppression of Th1 responses, which are deleterious factors in both T2D and TB. The anabolic adrenal hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) exerts antagonistic effects on GC signaling in immune cells and metabolic tissues; however, its anabolic effects prohibit its use to treat immunoendocrine diseases. 16α-bromoepiandrosterone (BEA) is a water miscible synthetic sterol related to DHEA that lacks an anabolic effect while amplifying the immune and metabolic properties with important potential therapeutic uses. In this work, we compared the expression of 11-ßHSD1 and the therapeutic efficacy of BEA in diabetic mice infected with tuberculosis (TB) (T2D/TB) with respect to non-diabetic TB-infected mice (TB). T2D was induced by feeding mice with a high-fat diet and administering a single low-dose of streptozotocin. After 4 weeks of T2D establishment, mice were infected intratracheally with a high-dose of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv. Then, mice were treated with BEA three times a week by subcutaneous and intratracheal routes. Infection with TB increased the expression of 11-ßHSD1 and corticosterone in the lungs and liver of both T2D/TB and TB mice; however, T2D/TB mice developed a more severe lung disease than TB mice. In comparison with untreated animals, BEA decreased GC and 11-ßHSD1 expression while increasing 11-ßHSD2 expression. These molecular effects of BEA were associated with a reduction in hyperglycemia and liver steatosis, lower lung bacillary loads and pneumonia. These results uphold BEA as a promising effective therapy for the T2D/TB co-morbidity.

Organophosphorus pesticide triazophos: A new endocrine disruptor chemical of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis.

The organophosphorus pesticide, triazophos (TAP) was banned to use in agriculture in several countries due to its high toxicity. However, TAP was still widely used and frequently detected in foods. Recently, many studies reported the endocrine-disrupting effect of pesticides, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this study, adult male Wistar rats were exposed to TAP at the dose of 0.164 and 1.64 mg/kg bodyweight (~1/500th and 1/50th of LD50) for 24 weeks and serum contents of hormones were measured. TAP exposure significantly reduced serum contents of adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and epinephrine in rats (p < .05), leading to the delay in glucose homeostasis during the insulin tolerance test and decrease in serum contents of total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein. Molecular docking results suggested TAP may be an antagonist of glucocorticoid receptor which decreased significantly in the liver of rats, resulting in the decreased expression of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and PEPCK1. This study revealed that TAP is a potential endocrine disruptor, especially in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal system and may disturb the metabolism by affecting glucocorticoid receptor. This study provided new evidence about the toxicity of TAP and it was necessary to strictly control the usage of TAP in food.

Protostane-Type Triterpenoids from Alisma orientale.

Twenty-eight protostane triterpenoids, including a new degraded one (1), nine new ones (2 - 10), and two new natural ones (11 and 12), have been isolated from the dried rhizomes of Alisma orientale. Alisol R (1) was the first 20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27-octanorprotostane triterpenoid. The absolute configurations of 25-methoxyalisol F (2) and 16ß-hydroperoxyalisol B 23-acetate (3) were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. In addition, alismaketone-B 23-acetate (28) showed potent vasorelaxant activity on endothelium-intact thoracic aorta rings precontracted with KCl.

Toxicological Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice): A Review.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been considered as an herbal drug since ancient time. Nowadays, it is a well-known spice that possesses worth pharmacological effects. However, some relevant articles have revealed negative impacts of licorice in health. By considering the great wishes in using herbal medicine, it is important to show adverse effects of herbal medicine in health. At present, there are misunderstandings toward the safety of herbal medicines. Herein, we gathered scientific research projects on the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin to highlight their safety. In this regards, we categorized our findings about the toxicity effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin in acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic, and chronic states. Besides, we discussed on the cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity of licorice and glycyrrhizin as well as their developmental toxicity. This review disclosed that G. glabra and glycyrrhizin salts are moderately toxic. They need to be used with caution during pregnancy. G. glabra and glycyrrhizin possess selective cytotoxic effects on cancerous cells. The most important side effects of licorice and glycyrrhizin are hypertension and hypokalemic-induced secondary disorders. Licorice side effects are increased by hypokalemia, prolonged gastrointestinal transient time, decreased type 2 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities, hypertension, anorexia nervosa, old age, and female sex. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) extract ameliorates ovarian damage induced by subchronic cadmium exposure in mice: Potential δ-ALA-D involvement.

Females are born with a finite number of oocyte-containing follicles and ovary damage results in reduced fertility. Cadmium accumulates in the reproductive system, damaging it, and the cigarette smoke is a potential exposure route. Natural therapies are relevant to health benefits and disease prevention. This study verified the effect of cadmium exposure on the ovaries of mice and the blueberry extract as a potential therapy. Blueberry therapy was effective in restoring reactive species levels and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activity, and partially improved the viability of cadmium-disrupted follicles. This therapy was not able to restore the 17 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity. Extract HPLC evaluation indicated the presence of quercetin, quercitrin, isoquercetin, and ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid was the major substance and its concentration was 620.24 µg/mL. Thus, cadmium accumulates in the ovaries of mice after subchronic exposure, inducing cellular damage, and the blueberry extract possesses antioxidant properties that could protect, at least in part, the ovarian tissue from cadmium toxicity. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 188-196, 2017.

Ceramicine B, a limonoid with anti-lipid droplets accumulation activity from Chisocheton ceramicus.

The Meliaceae family of plants has been shown to contain a vast number of compounds with the potential to be developed for medicinal purposes. We have previously reported the isolation of limonoids from a plant in the Meliaceae family named Chisocheton ceramicus. Ceramicine B was identified as an active compound in inhibiting lipid droplets accumulation (LDA) in the mouse preadipocyte cell line MC3T3-G2/PA6. The presence of ceramicine B was found to inhibit the expression of glucose transporter type 4, lipoprotein lipase, and 11-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA, and also adipogenic master regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, and CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) mRNA. However, for early adipogenic regulators, such as C/EBPß and C/EBPδ, and intermediary adipogenic regulators, Krüppel-like factors were unaffected. Western blot analysis showed that ceramicine B was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of Forkhead box O1 (Foxo1), a key process in the insulin signaling pathway. This suggested that the mechanism of anti-LDA activity of ceramicine B was partly via the inhibition of Foxo1 phosphorylation.

Rooibos influences glucocorticoid levels and steroid ratios in vivo and in vitro: a natural approach in the management of stress and metabolic disorders?

SCOPE: To determine the effect of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on glucocorticoid biosynthesis and inactivation in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analyses of in vivo studies showed that human Rooibos consumption increased cortisone plasma levels in males (p = 0.0465) and reduced cortisol:cortisone ratios in males and females (p = 0.0486) at risk for cardiovascular disease. In rats, corticosterone (CORT) (p = 0.0275) and deoxycorticosterone (p = 0.0298) levels as well as the CORT:testosterone ratio (p = 0.0009) decreased following Rooibos consumption. The inactivation of cortisol was investigated in vitro by expressing 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ßHSD1) and type 2 (11ßHSD2) in CHO-K1 cells. Rooibos inhibited 11ßHSD1, which resulted in a significant reduction in the cortisol:cortisone ratio (p < 0.01). No significant effect was detected on 11ßHSD2. In vitro studies in adrenal H295R cells showed that Rooibos and rutin, one of the more stable flavonoid compounds present in Rooibos, significantly reduced the levels of cortisol and CORT in cells stimulated with forskolin to mimic a stress response. CONCLUSION: In vivo studies demonstrate that Rooibos significantly decreased glucocorticoid levels in rats and steroid metabolite ratios linked to metabolic disorders--cortisol:cortisone in humans and CORT:testosterone in rats. Results obtained at cellular level elucidate possible mechanisms by which these effects were achieved.

A new triterpenoid from Teucrium viscidum.

A new ursane-type triterpenoid, 3ß-hydroxy-urs-30-p-Z-hydroxycinnamoyloxy-12-en-28-oic-acid (1), together with three known triterpenoids, 3ß-hydroxy-urs-30-p-E-hydroxycinnamoyloxy-12-en-28-oic-acid (2), 2α,3ß,19α-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic-acid (3), and ursolic acid (4), four known lignans, pinoresinol (5), 9α-hydroxypinoresinol (6), (+)-medioresinol (7), and (+)-kobusin (8), and two steroids, ß-sitosterol (9), and daucosterol (10), were isolated from the whole parts of Teucrium viscidum. Their structures were established by a combination of spectroscopic data analysis, besides comparison with literature data. Compounds 1-4 were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11ß-HSD1).

Glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) as 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor exerts protective effect against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Rapid onset of bone loss is a frequent complication of systemic glucocorticoid therapy which may lead to fragility fractures. Glucocorticoid action in bone depends upon the activity of 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 enzyme (11ß-HSD1). Regulations of 11ß-HSD1 activity may protect the bone against bone loss due to excess glucocorticoids. Glycyrrhizic acid (GCA) is a potent inhibitor of 11ß-HSD. Treatment with GCA led to significant reduction in bone resorption markers. In this study we determined the effect of GCA on 11ß-HSD1 activity in bones of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporotic rats. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 3 months and weighing 250-300 g) were divided randomly into groups of ten. (1) G1, sham operated group; (2) G2, adrenalectomized rats administered with intramuscular dexamethasone 120 µg/kg/day and oral vehicle normal saline vehicle; and (3) G3, adrenalectomized rats administered with intramuscular dexamethasone 120 µg/kg/day and oral GCA 120 mg/kg/day The results showed that GCA reduced plasma corticosterone concentration. GCA also reduced serum concentration of the bone resorption marker, pyridinoline and induced 11ß-HSD1 dehydrogenase activity in the bone. GCA improved bone structure, which contributed to stronger bone. Therefore, GCA has the potential to be used as an agent to protect the bone against glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.

High and low protein∶ carbohydrate dietary ratios during gestation alter maternal-fetal cortisol regulation in pigs.

Imbalanced maternal nutrition during gestation can cause alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system in offspring. The present study investigated the effects of maternal low- and high-protein diets during gestation in pigs on the maternal-fetal HPA regulation and expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (11ß-HSD1 and 11ß-HSD2) and c-fos mRNAs in the placenta and fetal brain. Twenty-seven German Landrace sows were fed diets with high (HP, 30%), low (LP, 6.5%) or adequate (AP, 12.1%) protein levels made isoenergetic by varying the carbohydrate levels. On gestational day 94, fetuses were recovered under general anesthesia for the collection of blood, brain and placenta samples. The LP diet in sows increased salivary cortisol levels during gestation compared to the HP and AP sows and caused an increase of placental GR and c-fos mRNA expression. However, the diurnal rhythm of plasma cortisol was disturbed in both LP and HP sows. Total plasma cortisol concentrations in the umbilical cord vessels were elevated in fetuses from HP sows, whereas corticosteroid-binding globulin levels were decreased in LP fetuses. In the hypothalamus, LP fetuses displayed an enhanced mRNA expression of 11ß-HSD1 and a reduced expression of c-fos. Additionally, the 11ß-HSD2 mRNA expression was decreased in both LP and HP fetuses. The present results suggest that both low and high protein∶carbohydrate dietary ratios during gestation may alter the expression of genes encoding key determinants of glucocorticoid hormone action in the fetus with potential long-lasting consequences for stress adaptation and health.

Effects of glycyrrhizic acid on 11 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 ßHSD1 and 2) activities and HOMA-IR in rats at different treatment periods.

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) has been reported to inhibit postprandial blood glucose rise and 11 ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11 ßHSD1) activity. As not much work has been done on GA effects on 11 ßHSD1 and 2 and HOMA-IR at different treatment periods, this work was conducted. 60 male Sprague Dawley rats fed AD LIBITUM were assigned into six groups of control and treated that were given GA at different duration namely 12, 24 and 48 h. Treated and control groups were intraperitoneally administered with GA (50 mgkg (-1)) and saline respectively. Blood and subcutaneous (ATS) and visceral adipose tissue (ATV), abdominal (MA) and quadriceps femoris muscle (MT), liver (L) and kidney (K) were examined. HOMA-IR in GA-treated rats decreased in all groups (P<0.05). In the 12-h and 24-h treated rats, 11 ßHSD1 activities decreased in all tissues (P<0.05) except MA and MT (P>0.05) in the former and ATV (P>0.05) in the latter. However, 11 ßHSD1 activities decreased significantly in all tissues ( P<0.05) in the 48-h treated rats. Significant decrease in 11 ßHSD2 (P>0.05) activities were observed in the L of all treatment groups and K in the 24-h and 48-h treated rats (P<0.05). Histological analysis on ATS showed increase in the number of small-size adipocytes while ATV adipocytes showed shrinkage after GA administration. Increased glycogen deposition in the L was observed in the GA-administered rats in all the treatment periods. In conclusion, GA treatment showed a decrease in the HOMA-IR and both 11 ßHSD1 and 2 activities in all tissues, with more profound decrease in the 48-h treated rats.

Glucocorticoids and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in adipose tissue.

The highly prevalent metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, along with abdominal obesity) resembles Cushing's syndrome. However, in simple obesity, plasma cortisol levels are not elevated. 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1), at least in mature adipocytes and hepatocytes, converts inactive circulating 11-keto steroids into active glucocorticoids, amplifying local glucocorticoid action. 11beta-HSD1 is elevated in adipose tissue in obese humans and rodents, suggesting that adipose tissue glucocorticoid excess may explain the conundrum. Indeed, transgenic mice overexpressing 11beta-HSD1 in adipose tissue faithfully replicate the metabolic syndrome. Conversely, 11beta-HSD1(-/-) mice resist the metabolic consequences of stress and high-fat feeding via insulin sensitisation and other advantageous effects in the liver and adipose tissue. Adipose 11beta-HSD1 deficiency contributes to a protective metabolic phenotype, supporting its role as a therapeutic target for the metabolic syndrome.

Glucocorticoid metabolism and reproduction: a tale of two enzymes.

Within potential target cells, the actions of physiological glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) are modulated by isoforms of the enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta HSD). To date, two isoforms of 11 beta HSD have been cloned: 11 beta HSD1 acts predominantly as an NADP(H)-dependent reductase to generate active cortisol or corticosterone, and 11 beta HSD2 is a high affinity NAD(+)-dependent enzyme that catalyses the enzymatic inactivation of glucocorticoids. Whereas the regeneration of active glucocorticoids by 11 beta HSD1 has been implicated in the cellular mechanisms of pituitary function, ovulation and parturition, the enzymatic inactivation of cortisol and corticosterone by 11 beta HSD enzymes appears to be central to the protection of gonadal steroidogenesis, prevention of intra-uterine growth retardation, and lactation. Recent evidence indicates that follicular fluid contains endogenous modulators of cortisol metabolism by 11 beta HSD1, the concentrations of which are associated with the clinical outcome of assisted conception cycles and are altered in cystic ovarian disease. In conclusion, the two cloned isoforms of 11 beta HSD fulfil diverse roles in a wide range of reproductive processes from conception to lactation.